"This is a long-term investment. I’m certain no one will object. Besides, it's about time for your research to go public," Luke whispered in her ear. He was a little emotional.Luca's research was well-received after several clinical trials.The company's marketing department conducted a survey and found that if they priced it right, most medical institutions expressed interest in purchasing the drug in bulk for their patients.As such, they did not have to worry that it would not sell.Luca hummed softly. Her mind went blank as Luke approached her. "Mr. Crawford, are you sure you want to do this?""Mm, this decision is right for the company's future." Luke pressed his lips on her neck.Luca followed his movements and fell onto the bed. She went soft as she felt his tender and fiery kisses.As they rolled in the hay, no one noticed that Luca's phone lit up and then dimmed again.The night was dark, and the fiery heat that went on in their room was in stark juxtaposition with th
Luca took the elevator to her floor and walked into the assistants’ office after she clocked in.It was the first day of work after the New Year, so both Zoey and Rhett arrived at the office earlier."Dr. Craw, good morning." When Zoey saw Luca walk in, she stood up and greeted her with a slight smile."Good morning. How was your New Year?" Luca chatted with them."It's all good. It’s just for everyone to have a break. How about you, Dr. Craw?" Zoey asked. During the New Year, everyone posted on social media, even those who did not usually like to do so.Luca was the only one that Zoey did not see posting anything about the New Year on social media."It was great." Luca smiled. The past few days were her happiest days in the past three or four years."Ms. Davis, please help to inform the others that we’ll have a meeting in the conference room in about an hour." Since she was back in the office, she wanted to push forward the process of launching the drug.Luca had to launch the
Mandy walked into the apartment with a puzzled look. She saw Leia sitting on the sofa and strolled toward her, asking, "Why is your housemaid being extra careful?"“Blame those reporters who are fanning the flames!” Leia gritted her teeth angrily when she mentioned those reporters who would not stop pestering her. “Reporters? You’ve retired for quite some time, right? Why are the reporters still hounding you?” Mandy seldom read the news on the internet. That was why she did not know the news about Leia kicking Dexter. She wondered why there were reporters still trying to hound Leia when she did not have any great shows or impressive acting skills. Could it be that it was simply because she was Jack Norman’s daughter?“Don’t mention it. What an unlucky day.” Leia did not expect that kicking Dexter out of anxiety would affect her so much. Someone told her that some teachers even used her incident with Dexter as an example in educating their students, explaining that it was wrong
Leia knew that Mandy was merely Luca’s substitute.Someone like Matysh who always had women around him would not make himself feel lonely before he had Luca.Hence, Mandy became a replacement.However, she would always be a replacement. Mandy could never truly replace Luca to satisfy Matysh’s desires.After all, men who were smart enough would choose Luca. Women like Mandy were not the ones who could be good wives.In the end, if any of those wealthy men married Mandy, it must be because he was blinded by her. “If he has already put it behind him, I wouldn’t have had to send your maid away.” Mandy rolled her eyes. Leia knew exactly what she wanted to say, but she deliberately mentioned it.Was she not mocking her for not being able to win a man’s heart?"It's been quite some time since I received any messages from you. I thought he had given up on that woman. Didn't you go on a vacation with him last time? I saw that you were enjoying yourself and having fun when I saw your S
A cunning look appeared in Leia’s eyes. She could not help but wonder what Mandy had in mind, so she asked, “What is it?”Mandy smiled. She leaned closer to her and whispered in Leia’s ears. Leia's eyes lit up, and she replied, "If we're going to do it this way, I can help." “I’ll take that as a yes, then. Don’t go back on your word this time,” said Mandy. She picked up her phone, pretending to search for something, but she was actually keeping evidence. “If I don’t have to show my face but I can help him get Luca, that won’t be a problem.” Leia paused for a moment. “But will I still receive the same amount of money?”"Of course. That amount of money is just a drop in the ocean for Mr. Matysh." Mandy tapped the save button on her phone screen satisfyingly. When Mandy found out Luke was not someone who could be messed with, she was extra careful. Mandy took the evidence to prevent Leia from slandering her if their plot got exposed. It was also to prove that Leia had agreed to
The maid noticed that Leia was feeling weak. She came forward to help her up and said, “Ms. Norman, don’t be mad. I don’t intend to have the steak…”Leia pushed the maid’s hand away and snatched the packaging that contained the steak in her hands.“Ms. Leia!” The maid let out a cry as Leia stepped on her foot when she was snatching the food from her.Leia sneered at her and threw the steak into the trash bin. “You refuse to let me have it, huh?! Don’t even think of having it for yourself. Is that something people like you can afford?”The maid’s face turned pale as her foot hurt.The maid felt grievously wronged for what Leia said to her. The steak was initially for her guest. The guest had left, but she was not planning on having it. However, Leia was not allowed to have it either, and that was why she stopped her.Still, not only was Leia humiliating her, but she even intentionally stepped on her foot. The maid felt hard done by her. Leia let out a sneer when she saw the maid
T Corporation.Luca and the research team had a meeting for a few hours. They even had lunch in the meeting room.The meeting lasted until four in the afternoon. That was when they finally finished arranging everything. Luca’s voice was already a little hoarse. She could not stand talking for such a long time.Luca took a sip of the water and looked at the researchers who were discussing with each other, waiting for them to give her a final answer.After a while, one of the researchers represented the others and said, “Dr. Craw, we believe that the plan and price are just right. We can submit the price to them when the employees are dealing with the Food and Drug Administration.” "Okay. It's settled then since there are no other problems. Other than that, I have good news for everyone." Luca paused for a moment. "Mr. Crawford is planning to open a laboratory in Watson Biopharmaceuticals for everyone. Every researcher and assistant is allowed to do experiments there. There's no
Although the woman in front of her was skinny, she was tall. She was a foot taller than Luca, and she did not seem like the type who one would fall easily.The woman shook her head and replied, “No, thanks. I was in a hurry. It’s not your fault.”After that, she headed straight and kept going.She was slightly limping after she fell just now. Luca felt sorry for her and came forward to help her up. "It's my fault. Where are you going? Let me help you."“I’m going home. It’s not far away from here. Young lady, go ahead. I’ll be fine.” The woman did not intend to blame Luca for it. It was not a big deal.“Since it’s not far away, let me send you home. You don’t want to head to the hospital for a check-up, so at least let me send you home. That way, I won’t worry about you,” Luca insisted.“Okay. Thank you.” The woman did not insist on walking back herself. She let Luca help her home.Fortunately, the weather was cold but she wore enough layers to keep herself warm. Hence, it only
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,
Hera let out a cold sneer, feeling that Gerald's apology was not sincere.Hera did not want to press the issue at the moment. She gave him a sharp look. “Come with me.”Gerald knew that Hera was up to something again. If it were a normal order, she would have just said it in the living room. Whenever she called him aside, it meant whatever she had to say could not be overheard by others.Reluctantly, Gerald followed her out.It was midday, and as soon as Hera stepped out of the living room, a wave of heat hit her face.The intense warmth made her feel uncomfortable.Hera got straight to the point, turning to Gerald. “What did Luca say to you just now?”“She just asked me to help keep an eye on the volunteer,” Gerald answered honestly. This was not something that needed to be kept secret.Hera frowned. “Is she going out”Gerald hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to say anything.“I’m talking to you, not the wall. Are you mute?” Hera threatened. “If you lie to me, I’ll te
Gordan was puzzled. At most, it was just brotherly camaraderie. After all, they had been through thick and thin together. Their bond might be stronger than usual, but falling in love? That was a bit of a stretch.Luke said, “The way you acted just now, doesn't really seem 'straight' to me. Also, if you're into women, maybe you should consider finding one. Otherwise, if you're always single, people might start misinterpreting your feelings for me.”“Luke, actually, you're not bad at all. In fact, you're probably better than a lot of women,” Gordan replied with a sly grin.As a man himself, he honestly thought Luke was a great guy. If he were a woman, he would be utterly captivated by him.“Shut up!” Luke knew he was joking, but he still felt a chill run down his spine. He seriously worried that Gordan might do something inappropriate when he turned his back on him.Shivering from the thought, Luke put down his glass and headed upstairs.Gordan let out a deep sigh.The night w