When Luca heard Luke mention Mrs. Jackman’s name, she knew that he had looked into her background. "What did the police say?" asked Luca. She could not help but feel a rush of heat through her body as Luke held her tightly in his arms."It’s not a serious situation, so she won't get any severe punishment," Luke told her what the police said. Even though Luke was dissatisfied with the outcome, he had no choice but to let the police handle it since that was how the law worked."Well, this is normal.” Luca understood the laws of A City. If she was willing to reconcile, Margaret would not face any trouble. "Margaret's husband, Lonnie, has a project that he wants to collaborate with T Corporation with. He wants us to provide the design drawings,” Luke continued. "Did it happen?" Luca furrowed her brows as she was worried that Mrs. Jackman's situation would affect their collaboration. "No. The project manager didn’t think highly of that project. Besides, the company has been busy l
“It looks like you’ve taken a turn for the worse after her,” said Luke. The old Gordan was not anything like this. He was always ready to risk it all, yet now he needed help.Gordan jumped and said, “This has nothing to do with that woman!”He paused at the thought of Vivian and ignored the strange feeling in his heart. “It’s because I’m getting older, and they have guns. I even saw them transporting stuff inside. After some thought, it’s possible that it could be things like grenades.”Luke looked at the address on the computer screen and fell silent for quite a while.When Gordan was about to doze off, he heard Luke say, “Have Rain send people to help.”“Rain? Forget it. I’ll just give you a name.” Gordan recalled the person who helped him move last time.“Who?”“Someone called Leroy. He helped you find Pierre last time,” said Gordan. He practically knew every order Luke had given others.Including the fact that Leroy had dropped by Oswald’s place before he went to help him m
“Send the children there?” Luca was surprised as she had never heard him mention this.She looked back and forth between Luke and the computer and started to feel that the phone call last night must not be good news.“It’s just a week, and I’ve already told Mr. Griffin. Mr. Zander has other plans today, so you’re the only person I can ask,” said Luke as he could not leave.He had so much left to do.“Alright, I’ll send the kids over when they wake up,” Luca knew that she could not offer to take care of the children herself, so she complied with his request.“The maids will also work there, so I can have them drive if you don’t want to,” said Luke.“I can.” Luca shook her head slightly. Now that Matysh had been arrested, no one would follow her on the road.Luke looked at her legs.The length of Luca’s pants was up to her ankles, so he could not see how the wound was looking.“How’s your ankle wound?” he asked.Luca looked down at her feet and lifted her pants slightly. “The b
"It’s okay," replied Luca. Luca and the maid proceeded to serve breakfast on the table. She then took her seat where she waited for her kids to finish their morning routine.Upstairs, Aunt Neile had delivered breakfast to Luke’s bedroom and awoken the kids. After, she reminded them that they would be going to Crawford manor today before she then made her way downstairs.“Ms. Craw, the kids are packing their stuff now. They’ll be coming down soon,” reported Aunt Neile. The kids did not say much about their return to Crawford manor, but they made sure to pack their homework, stationery, and textbooks before heading out.Everything else they needed was already available at Crawford manor.Luke had made sure to ready the kids’ uniforms and other essentials at Crawford manor in hopes that it would make their move easier. Therefore, the kids did not have to bring many things along with them."Okay," nodded Luca. She then picked up the newspaper while waiting for the kids to join her fo
Luca's fingers slightly curled. Wanda was currently still in the hospital. She did not tell Old Master Rayne about it.That was why he believed that Wanda was traveling.Meanwhile, Luca was worried that Old Master Rayne would sense something was wrong. She felt guilty for not accompanying him at the Rayne family house.He needed someone to keep him company now. Yet as his granddaughter, she could not even be the one to do that, and she even lied to him…"What's the matter?" asled Old Master Crawford, noticing Luca fall silent. "It's nothing. It just kind of reminded me of Ms. Rayne’s illness. But I heard Dr. Park say that the breast cancer specialist has arrived in A City to consult Ms. Rayne. Her condition currently seems fit for surgery. So, they’re planning to perform the surgery soon in the next few days. She should be able to go home immediately after the surgery,” rambled Luca before snapping out of her thoughts.Luca had been keeping tabs on Wanda's condition, always a
"Yes, sir," nodded Mr. Griffin. He then walked to the video doorbell camera, and opened the door for the two men waiting outside the door.As Old Master Bourne's chauffeur drove into the Crawford family's parking lot, Luca prepared to get into her car. Luca shot a glance at the driving vehicle, and knew immediately who Old Master Bourne was. Although his descendants hardly had any connections with Luke, they were an old friend of the Crawford family. She cooperated with Old Master Bourne's company on two projects when Luke was kidnapped by the Island of Despair back then.Their cooperation went smoothly.However, rumor has it that Old Master Bourne's descendants were not as adept at managing business. That was why Old Master Bourne was still dealing with some of the important tasks in the company even at his age. It was Old Master Bourne who dealt with her when they were discussed their cooperation.Luca remembered her first impression of Old Master Bourne. He was a man who a
Old Master Bourne was not anxious to bring up Lonnie’s matter. He lifted the teacup and took a sip. "How is it?" asked Old Master Crawford. The tea they served was of good quality. Yet, it was not time for the impending topic of conversation just yet."It’s good. It has a clear and refreshing taste that can't be compared to old tea. The flavor of the tea leaves is good. Crawford, which tea house is this from?" complimented Old Master Bourne."It's not from a big tea house. It's from our own tea house." smiled Old Master Crawford.Luke and Louis knew that the old master enjoyed drinking tea. Hence, the brothers bought a tea house in F province. The tea business was profitable and this way, the old master could enjoy some good tea too."Oh, that is really enviable." Old Master Bourne glanced at Lonnie, signaling him to say something.Lonnie noticed Old Master Bourne's gaze. He lifted the teacup and said, "Yes, Old Master Crawford. This tea has a rich and fragrant taste. It’s ref
Old Master Crawford did not bother insisting on their stay. "Alright then. Off you go. I have trouble walking so I’m afraid I can’t send you off.""It’s no trouble. I'll come for our game of chess when I have the time," said Old Master Bourne as he rose to his feet.Lonnie had no choice but to stand up and leave with Old Master Bourne, no matter his reluctance.Mr. Griffin carried the chessboard and walked towards the old master. Upon noting Old Master Bourne and Lonnie’s absence, he was confused. “Where is Old Master Bourne and Mr. Jackman?”""Something came up. They left.” explained Old Master Crawford as he sipped his tea. "Where are the kids?""They saw you greeting the guest so they went upstairs to read," replied Mr. Griffin. He looked down at the chessboard in his hands and asked, "Shall I put the chessboard away?""No. Come and play a few games with me," said Old Master Crawford. He pointed at the sofa next to him, insisting Mr. Griffin take a seat.Mr. Griffin smiled ki
“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,
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