“Is this for Mr. Crawford? Let me bring it to him for you.” Sophian thought that even though Luke was scary, she wanted to make it up to him. At least she could change the impression she had left on him.Sophian thought she could fight for a chance to explain to him by serving him the soup. She thought of shifting all the responsibility to Allison if she could. The relationship between them was already bad. It did not matter if their relationship got worse.A trace of astonishment flashed across Mr. Griffin's eyes. He grasped the bowl of soup tight, smiled, and said, "How can I trouble a guest with such things? Let me serve him the soup first. Ms. Thomas, just a minute."After that, he walked past Sophian and headed to the study.“Let me follow you there. I have something to discuss with Mr. Crawford.” Sophian kept pace with Mr. Griffin. Sophian was shocked by the aura Luke gave off when she ran into him just now. That was why she dared not to say anything, let alone explain
“Grandma, Daddy’s the one who’s driving. We’re not tired. Daddy’s more tired than us. Besides, if it weren’t for some family matters, Daddy wouldn’t have had to hurry back here,” said Lanie, pretending not to know it was Allison’s matter.Allison’s smile froze. This little kid did not intend to say something like that. Even so, why did it sound so unpleasant to the ears? Allison felt it was inappropriate to criticize Lanie for what he said. After all, it would make her look bad if she really held him accountable for what he said. Besides, she was secretly disgusted after hearing things like Luke had been working hard. She could hardly say a word.Allison had no choice but to look at Tommy with a smile on her face, “Tommy, did you receive the snacks and toys I bought for you?” “Yes, Grandma. The children at the orphanage will be delighted to receive them.” Tommy nodded and said, “I’d like to thank you on behalf of the orphaned children.” “Orphanage…?” That was the word Allis
“What? I’m telling you, you’re getting a second child this year. Thea will be happy to have a younger brother or sister to accompany her,” Susan urged Louis despite being in front of so many people. Old Master Crawford loved having his children and grandchildren around. The old master was thrilled when Luke and Bianca gave birth to three kids.Hence, Susan hoped that Louis and Yuri could put in some effort to get another child.At least they could fight against Allison’s side for the inheritance.“Mom…” Louis was speechless. He had told her that he was not planning to get a second child back then. However, he felt embarrassed when Susan urged him to have another baby in front of so many people.“Stop giving me excuses. You just have to. Thea is all alone by herself.” Susan became overbearing. She shot a glance at Old Master Crawford, hoping that he could speak up for her. After all, he must want Louis and Yuri to have another child too. "Even if you're having another child, the
“No,” replied Luke.The kids were smart. The old master asked to head to the study once they arrived at Crawford Manor. Hence, it was no surprise to know that it had something to do with Allison.“Daddy, what kind of trouble has Grandma gotten herself into?” Tommy tilted his head and asked.Luke fell silent.Tommy added, “Got it. Kids shouldn’t be meddling in the adult’s affairs.”Luke’s phone rang. He put on the wireless earphones and answered the call, “Who is this?” “Good evening, Mr. Crawford. We’re calling from the Federal Trade Commission. You filed a police report this afternoon claiming that a swindler has scammed your mother’s money by asking her to make some investments. Is it true?” A man’s voice came from the other end of the line.“Yes.” Luke raised his brows. They were calling at this hour. Did they manage to arrest the swindler?“According to the lead you’ve provided us, we’ve already arrested the person at the station. Can you please head to the police station
Allison understood what the police officer meant.It was unlikely that she could claim her money back. Even though she was lucky enough to claim it, no one knew when it would happen.Besides, the longer it took, the lower the chances of claiming it back.“Then what can I do now?” Allison asked. She could not wait to urge the police officer in front of her to investigate the case now.“Ms. Tanner, you should go home and wait for our call,” said the police officer. Allison had signed and pressed her fingerprint on the document. That was all she had to do.Now, she had to wait for the police to further investigate it. “Okay…” Allison was unhappy. However, it was useless even if she urged the police to look into her case.Besides, Luke had already told her that he would not help her.After Allison left the police station, she got into the Crawford family’s car and returned to Crawford Manor.It was almost midnight. Sophian was still up. She was waiting for Allison to come back.
The notary immediately understood what was going on once he heard that. He nodded and stopped gossiping about Luke.After all, he had met people like Luke before. Who would truly live like a saint?The notary smiled and forgot about it at the thought of this.He was instructed by his superior to deal with some matters. All he had to do was get his job done. There was no need for him to lose his job for gossip.“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” Luke’s voice rang in their ears. Mr. Zac stood up and looked at the stairs. He smiled and replied, “Happy New Year, Mr. Crawford.”“Mr. Crawford, Happy New Year,” the notary immediately greeted him too."Happy New Year. Do you mind waiting for a while?" Luke asked. He called Mr. Griffin before he headed downstairs. Luke had instructed Mr. Griffin last night. He wanted him to report Allison's whereabouts to him.Allison woke up one and a half an hour ago, and she left Crawford Manor an hour ago.Only after Allison left the house did
“Okay.” Luke nodded.After Mr. Zac got Luke's permission, James and Mr. Zac left in a hurry.After Mr. Zac left, Luke looked up and stared at Allison coldly. “You can go back to the villa now. Don’t go to Crawford Manor anymore.”“Don’t worry. I’ve got my money. I won’t stay even if you ask me to, and I’m not going to Crawford Manor anymore.” Allison planned to book the flight ticket right away after she got the money. She refused to stay here for another second.She did not leave now only because she was afraid Luke would cancel the transaction before she received the money. “It’s not going to be a penny less.” Luke rose to his feet and made his way up the stairs. There was not even a trace of familial love between the mother and son’s conversation.As Allison watched Luke go up the stairs, she gritted her teeth angrily and scolded, “You have such a nice house, yet you still want my villa. You bastard.”Sophian took her eyes off Luke and comforted Allison, saying, “Ms. Allis
Luca was already at a loss. After she heard Allison speak ill of her, her face darkened.What Allison meant was she would drug the kids.Although the kids did not understand the implication of her words, they did not like taking medicine. Allison said that to make the kids dislike her.Luca really wanted to refute what Allison said.However, there was no way she could do so. She was in no position to accuse Allison of saying such things.Tommy turned around and glanced at Luca. Then, he smiled and looked at Allison. “Grandma, Ms. Luca knows we don’t like taking medicine. She won’t add drugs to the food she makes. Besides, even if Ms. Luca gives us medicine, it’s for the sake of our health.”Tommy knew that their mother would never hurt them.Allison’s face turned livid with rage. Luca could not help but mutter to herself. She was moved by Tommy, who spoke up for her. However, his words were pissing Allison off.Tommy rolled his eyes. His gaze was shifting from side to side
Abel's hand paused for a moment before he continued stroking her eyelids.“What’s wrong?” His voice was eerily low, carrying a chilling edge.Hera could not see his expression, but just the sound of his voice was enough to send shivers down her spine.“Thank you.” Hera forced herself to smile, summoning what little courage she had.“No need for thanks. Just be good from now on.” Abel’s fingers continued their slow, deliberate caress. It was like he was handling a priceless treasure.Hera remained still, letting him touch her without protest. More than anything, she did not dare to speak. She was terrified that if she broke the moment and interrupted whatever was going through his mind, he would be displeased.At that moment, Luca brought the food to the table and asked, “Mr. Abel, Ms. Sanchez, lunch is ready. Would you prefer to eat here or in your room?”“I’ll go with whatever my baby wants.” Hera smiled sweetly, masking her fear behind a bright smile. For some reason, she ha
“I’m just making plans with a friend. No need to go into all that, right?” As Luca said, she lifted her gaze to meet Shanks.His eyes were as deep as the ocean, and in that split second of eye contact, she felt like she was being pulled in. She suddenly felt like she had just exposed herself.Awkwardly, she cleared her throat and said, “Mr. Shanks, I’ll head downstairs to make lunch.”Shanks did not call her out on it, nor did he press further. He simply returned to his experiment.Downstairs, Luca saw Abel sitting on the living room couch. Ignoring him was not an option.Luca greeted him politely, “Mr. Abel.”Abel took a slow drag from his cigar, his blue eyes scanning her from head to toe. He was deep in thought.He remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. His dark and brooding expression sent a chill down Luca’s spine. Without saying a word, she turned around and walked straight into the kitchen.Gerald was already inside.When he saw her, he mouthed, “You’re here?”Luc
If Shanks’ prescription could help Hera sleep earlier, that would not be a bad thing.“Then I need to be treat…” Hera paused for a moment, realizing she could not say the word treatment. That would imply she was sick, and she could not let people know that. Instead, she corrected herself and asked, “How long will I need to take this herbal medicine?”“You can stop when your test results are back to normal,” replied Luca as she picked up the medical waste and headed out of the room.Gerald followed closely behind and asked with curiosity, “Ms. Craw, how long is that?”“How long is a standard treatment cycle?” Luca asked in return.Gerald pondered for a moment. “Usually about a month?”“The average endocrine cycle for women is three months, so the minimum duration for proper regulation is three months,” explained Luca.Although Abel could take action at any time, there was no way Hera could endure three full months of treatment. However, until Abel made his move, she would have
Luca’s head was slightly tilted, her cheek burning with pain.Abel had not held back at all. The force of his slap was merciless. A numbness spread across her face at an alarming speed.From the next room, someone peeked out again and asked in a low voice, “You okay?”“I’m fine.” Luca’s expression remained calm. This kind of injury was nothing to her.Back on the Island of Despair, she had endured far worse during training. She survived, did she not?Without another word, Luca pushed open the lab door and stepped inside.The man watching shook his head. Her face was already that swollen, and she still said she was fine… What a tough woman. She took a slap that hard and brushed it off like it was nothing.Shanks lifted his head when he heard the door open. When he saw it was Luca and noticed how swollen the side of her face was, his brows furrowed.“Abel did this?”“Who else?” Luca let out a bitter laugh, only to wince as the movement tugged at the pain. She sucked in a sharp b
“No.” Shanks’ tone was cold and firm with no trace of hesitation.Abel still looked doubtful.Shanks added, “Would you like to see her medical report?”Abel was startled for a moment. How did Shanks know he had been thinking about that report?Now that Shanks brought it up, the idea lost its appeal.Abel shook his head. “Even if you showed it to me, I wouldn’t understand it. Shanks, Kassy’s life is in your hands. If you can give her a second chance, I’ll provide as much research funding as you need."Shanks remained silent. He could save Kassy. In fact, his research had always been for Kassy.However, he did not expect Abel to be so ruthless as to insist on using a living person as a donor for Kassy. That was something he could not accept.Kassy’s condition could be treated with organs from a brain-dead patient. Why destroy a perfectly healthy life?Shanks was not acting out of mercy. He simply refused to go against his medical ethics.He was not someone who had to save lives
“You don’t need to remind me. I was going to check anyway.” Abel shot Luca a chilling look.She took a step back and stayed silent.Abel turned to the pale-faced Hera and said, “If you’ve got low blood sugar, get up and eat something.”“I’ll eat now,” Hera replied, sitting up.Luca handed her the takeout.Abel glanced at the food and then frowned at Luca. “Why didn’t you make breakfast this morning?”“I was busy,” Luca explained with a calm indifference, her expression unwavering. She showed no fear, even under Abel’s questioning.Hera suddenly found herself admiring Luca. Everyone feared this man, yet Luca remained composed even when facing potential punishment. Not just anyone could pull that off.At the thought of this, Hera opened the takeout and kept quiet.Abel narrowed his eyes, glancing between Hera and Luca. His gaze was not exactly gentle as he muttered, “Stop eating this junk. It’s bad for you.”“I know, babe. Just this once. After this, I’ll have what Luca cooks f
Hera panicked the moment she heard that. “I trust her!”Luca and Shanks were both watching her.Hera repeated herself, saying, “I trust her, okay? What kind of treatment does she need? I’ll cooperate with anything. But what about Abel…”“I’ll tell him it’s just to help improve your overall health,” replied Shanks. Then, he turned around, opened the medicine cabinet, and started preparing the prescription.Hera let out a sigh of relief. As long as Abel did not find out about her health condition, that was all that mattered.If he knew she was unwell, he would send her back to A City. Without free medical help and no way to make extra money, she would be in serious trouble.“Thank you,” said Hera.“Wait outside,” instructed Shanks.“Okay.” Hera carefully stepped out.Luca, however, remained where she was, waiting.While preparing the medicine, Shanks asked, “Do you know which acupoints to target for her?”“Yes,” Luca replied confidently. As long as she checked Hera’s pulse, sh
“There are a lot of issues.” Luca did not hide anything and handed Hera the phone.Hera looked at it and frowned.“I can't understand any of this.” Hera felt dizzy just looking at the text, let alone the long list of medical terms. It was giving her a headache.“Look at these summaries and indicators. Compare the values on top with the normal values at the bottom, and you'll see what I mean,” explained Luca.Hera did not trust her. Therefore, Luca decided to let her see for herself. Seeing it with her own eyes would prevent any doubts later.Luca pointed out how to read the test results, and after a moment, Hera managed to understand the report. Her face turned pale. “How can there be so many problems?”She looked at Luca and questioned, “Did you fake this?”“I don’t have the power to make the medical center fake anything. Besides, the report has the medical center’s official stamp. If you don’t believe me, you can go directly to the medical center and ask for the official cop
“I heard from the boss that he's coming because of Vivian.” Gale paused for a moment before adding, “But never mind, you don't seem interested in her affairs anyway. I'm just letting you know he's on his way.”Gordan frowned. Ray was coming for Vivian?What could that ugly woman possibly need?“What do you mean by that?” asked Gordan.Gale smirked. “If you and Ray meet, that’s bound to end in a fight. And since you can't win against him, you might want to mentally prepare yourself, or better yet, find somewhere else to stay. It’d be safer that way.”Gordan's expression darkened. “If you have nothing nice to say, just zip it.”Gale grinned, clearly pleased with himself like he had just hit a sore spot.Gordan exhaled sharply. “Of all times, why is he coming to A City now? He’s just making things worse.”“It can't be helped. Vivian's situation is urgent.” Gale covered his mouth mockingly after he said that. “Oh, right. I forgot you don’t like hearing about her.”Ray wanted to br