“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
Even after some time had passed, Pierre could not forget the pain that he suffered.He wanted the pain to end, but it felt like he was stuck in a bottomless pit of suffering. He took so many painkillers that his mouth was bitter and his stomach felt uncomfortable. He did not want to go through that once more."Pierre." Old Master Mallory gave him a way out.Pierre sat down and glared at Luca. He was fuming and swore to find an opportunity to teach this woman a lesson."Ms. Craw, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it. Since the police didn't bother Pierre about it, mind your words." Old Master Mallory knew about it, but he would never admit it in front of Luca. "Mind my words? Mr. Pierre is unwilling to admit what he did in the past, but Nina is innocent. How can you accuse her of being a b*tch?" Her gaze was cold as she stared at the man in front of herIf Percy was not the only one who was nice to Nina, she thought that the entire Mallory family would go to hell because none of
Old Master Crawford, who was on the other end of the call, shook his head. "That won’t work. You’re not disturbing my grandchildren, but you’re bothering my goddaughter.""Your goddaughter?" Old Master Mallory’s eyes were wide. He was unsure what Old Master Crawford was up to. He looked up at Luca and wondered if he was referring to her. ‘Isn’t she involved with Luke? How could he take this woman as his goddaughter? Is it to cover up her and Luke’s shady relationship?’Luca was also stunned. ‘Who’s his goddaughter?’Old Master Crawford said with a smile, "Yeah, my goddaughter… Mallory, you haven’t heard? My goddaughter is Nina, the woman you’re looking for. She became my goddaughter some time ago, but we’ve been busy. Nina is a low-key person, so I didn't tell the media about it. The Crawfords are the only ones that know. I didn't inform others.""Nina is your goddaughter? Are you kidding me?" Old Master Mallory blew on his beard and thought that Old Master Crawford was making a
"Okay, it's getting late. I’ll hang up now. Luca, drop by to have a meal with me when you’re free." Old Master Crawford waved at the camera."Old Master Crawford, rest well." Luca smiled, hung up the phone, and waited for Aunt Neile to return.Aunt Neile immediately returned to the house after she sent the Mallory family out the door. She noticed that Luca was sitting calmly on the sofa. She patted her chest and said, "Ms. Craw, I was almost scared to death! I’m glad that they didn't do anything.""It would’ve been fine even if they tried something. Aunt Neile, if you encounter this situation again, make sure you protect yourself." Luca was touched by how Aunt Neile put herself in front of her when she realized that there was danger. "That won't work, Ms. Craw. I'm stronger than you and can take hits for you." Aunt Neile smiled. After the false alarm, she relaxed a little and cleaned up the cups on the coffee table.Luca stood up and said, "Aunt Neile, you can get off work when y
Luca had not expected Abel and Shanks’ relationship to be like this.It seemed Abel still did not trust Shanks.Shanks continued, “Abel isn’t someone who trusts people easily. He doesn’t trust anyone. You think he’s devoted to Kassy now, right? That’s just his obsession. He's allowing Kassy to receive my treatment, but if it were him… No matter if he were blind or crippled, his safety would always come first. If he were seriously injured, maybe he’d accept treatment, but he definitely wouldn’t do it right away.”Luca stayed silent. Shanks really understood Abel well.Abel did not trust anyone—not even Kassy.Calling him paranoid would not be an exaggeration.Luca felt like they were getting off-topic, but she had never seen this side of Shanks before.In her mind, he was always buried in his work at the lab, only leaving for meals and sleep. Other than that, he was practically never outside.The lab was like his home…“Are you troubled by Hera’s situation?” Luca asked directly
Hera was startled by Luca's words.The refusal that had been on the tip of her tongue suddenly got stuck in her throat.“I…” Hera hesitated, feeling conflicted. Leaving Abel might not be such a bad idea. At least she would not have to live in constant fear.She was finally realizing how unpredictable his moods were. At first, she thought it did not matter as she could still look at other men. She just had to ensure there was no physical contact. In reality, even if she so much as glanced at someone, Abel's expression would darken with anger.It was frustrating. Now, the only person she was allowed to look at was Gerald. Still, what was the point of just looking at Gerald?At that thought, she lifted her gaze to Luca.Luca added, “I’ll give you five minutes. If you refuse treatment after that, I’ll take the medicine back to Mr. Shanks and won’t try to convince you again.”Hera's heart tightened. She did not even need five minutes. She had made her decision within 30 seconds.“I’
“If Abel finds out that Hera's body isn't suitable for organ donation to Kassy, what do you think he'll do?” asked Shanks.He already knew the answer, but he still wanted to hear Luca’s thoughts.“He has invested a lot of time and money in Hera. If he gets nothing out of it, he won’t let her off easily,” Luca said bluntly.Luca and Shanks were on the same page.They did not have a good relationship with Hera, but they had no intention of ruining her either.Hera’s personality was unpleasant, but that was not enough for them to hate her so much that they wanted to see her suffer.“What methods do you think he’ll use?” Shanks asked again.Luca was silent for a long moment.Shanks already knew the answer, yet he still wanted her to say it out loud.After thinking it over, she finally said, “There are plenty of ways he could go about it, but no matter what he chooses, Hera’s fate is sealed. She’s as good as dead…”She lowered her gaze, her tone firm and certain.Shanks nodded.
Hera heard that Luca had returned and immediately went to find Shanks. She narrowed her eyes.That woman went to see Shanks. Could she be talking about her?The thought made Hera uneasy. She had a nagging feeling that something was wrong with her medical report.However, when they left the medical center earlier, Abel asked Luca when the report would be ready, and she said it would be available tomorrow.Hera turned to Gerald and said, “Take these back for me first.”“Alright.” Gerald carried the bags as he walked away. He could not help but wonder what exactly Hera bought. These bags were really heavy!Only after Gerald went upstairs did Hera slowly make her way up as well. Her room was on the third floor, but she stopped when she reached the second floor. She glanced around to make sure no one was watching before heading toward the laboratory.The door was closed.Instead of knocking, Hera pressed her ear against it, trying to eavesdrop.However, the laboratory was special
“This cup of coffee is from that gentleman for this lady.” The waiter smiled as he explained, placing the cup in front of Luca.Hera followed the waiter’s gaze and immediately recognized the man Luca had been looking at earlier.Her eyes darkened. She had noticed the man glancing in their direction. However, she had assumed he was looking at her.After all, she was dressed seductively, had put on makeup, and was undeniably beautiful. Any man who saw her would be attracted. If a man’s eyes lingered on her, it was not surprising at all.Realizing that the man had been watching Luca the whole time instead of her, Hera suddenly felt annoyed.Luca noticed her displeasure, glanced at Gordan, then smiled and said to the waiter, “Please thank the gentleman for me.”“Of course, miss. Enjoy your coffee.” The waiter, sensing the tension between the two women, quickly grabbed his tray and left before Hera’s sour mood could affect him too.“Hmph, feeling proud of yourself?” asked Hera.Luca
Although Luca did not know the exact value of the clothes, she was certain that anything Luke had specially sent over would not be cheap.So, when she caught the sales associate’s skeptical glance, she felt a bit helpless but did not bother to explain. The truth would speak for itself. Besides, she had no intention of justifying herself to a sales associate.Hera, despite her love for luxury goods, did not actually know much about haute couture. So, when she noticed the sales associate still sizing up Luca, she immediately snapped, “What are you looking at?”“N-Nothing.” The sales associate quickly averted her gaze and turned her full attention to Hera, smiling brightly. “Our esteemed guest, what can I help you find today?”Hera thought for a moment before saying in a serious tone, “Show me your new handbags.”The sales associate’s eyes lit up when she heard this. Anyone who could afford so much designer clothing had to have deep pockets. This meant a solid commission for her!
The sales associate nodded and said, “Yes, we do. I’ve already placed them in the fitting room for you. Would you like some assistance?”Hera shook her head and pointed straight at Luca. “No, I want her to do it.”Luca shook her head helplessly. It seemed that Hera was determined to make her play the role of a sales associate today.Luca asked, “Ms. Sanchez, where’s Mr. Abel?”“What does that have to do with you?” Hera shot her a wary look. “Where he goes isn’t important. What matters is that you’re spending the day shopping with me. And if I’m not happy, be prepared to face his punishment.”Then, Hera strutted toward the fitting room like a proud peacock.Luca had no choice but to follow.Inside the fitting room, Hera closed the door behind them and commanded, “Help me unzip the back.”“Alright.” Luca lowered her gaze. Since they were both women and Hera clearly had no reservations, there was no reason for her to feel uncomfortable. She placed her hands on the zipper.Hera re
After Hera got into the car, Abel turned around. His piercing blue eyes locked onto Luca.“When will the test results be ready?” asked Abel. His primary concern was the results.Luca replied, “It won’t be that fast. She did quite a few tests, so it might take until tomorrow or the day after. But the hospital assured me that as soon as the results are in, they’ll give me a detailed report right away.”Abel looked a little unhappy. “Didn’t I tell you to choose the VIP package?”“Mr. Abel, even with the VIP package, the results won’t be immediate. Getting them by tomorrow is already considered fast,” explained Luca.Abel let out a cold snort.Just then, the car window rolled down.“Baby, I’m still upset.” Hera’s voice dripped with sweetness.Abel turned around, his previously cold expression instantly replaced with warmth and tenderness. “What will make you feel better?”Hera thought for a moment. “How about this? Let her follow me around today and carry my shopping bags. That mi
“You!” Hera was clearly caught off guard that the driver had the nerve to talk back to her.She yanked off her sunglasses, just about ready to snap back at him when the driver got a good look at her through the rearview mirror.“Oh, it’s you?” said the driver.“Who the hell are you? Do I know you?” Hera’s tone was arrogant as though she was naturally above him.The driver reminded her, “Remember yesterday? You had me tail a cab and park outside some ancestral hall for half the day, and you refused to leave. I wasted a ton of gas just idling there with the A/C on because of you.”Hera’s face turned red, then pale. She did not expect Luca to randomly call a cab and end up with the same driver from yesterday.Luca also found it a funny coincidence and glanced back. Hera’s expression was awful.The driver, being a straight shooter, did not hold back. “Huh. Funny how you didn’t complain about my car smelling bad yesterday, but today, all of a sudden, it stinks? After I dropped you of