After the cartoon show ended, Luca urged the three children to go upstairs to wash up and rest. Today, the kids were in high spirits and did not listen to her. They chattered around Luca for more than ten minutes until Luke came downstairs and gave them a look. Only then did they reluctantly go upstairs to wash up."The kids are excited today," explained Luca."Yes, I know," replied Luke. He glanced at the time after he finished work and realized it was late. He noticed that Luca and the kids had not gone upstairs yet. He assumed Louis and Yuri had not left. Therefore, he went downstairs to check on them, only to find out it was the kids' excitement that kept them downstairs.Luca glanced at the time, smiled, and approached him. Grabbing his arm, she said, "Let's go upstairs. We need to keep an eye on the kids tonight. Otherwise, they'll be too excited to sleep.""Sure. Let's go," replied Luke as he held her soft hand. They made their way up the stairs together.Having already
Luca got Luke wrapped around her finger for sure. Before Luca confessed her identity, she used to be a bit cautious when she talked to him. Now, it was all out in the open. She had admitted her true identity, and things were just like before—except Luke felt like there was a slight decline in the position he held in her heart.It seemed that the kids were ahead of him now. As Rainie watched how her mother had his father wrapped around her finger, she grinned from ear to ear. She lay in the middle of the bed, claiming it for the night. Her mother and father would be on her left and right.She wondered if her brothers would envy her once they found out! When Luca saw Rainie lying down on the bed, she sat back in front of the dressing table. She applied skincare products on her face and dried her hair. "Rainie, mind if I finish drying my hair before we go to sleep?""Sure, Ms. Luca. No problem!" Rainie smiled, ready to climb down from the bed. "Ms. Luca, let me help you dry your
Tommy heard it and immediately exclaimed, "Ah!" He sounded a little annoyed."Rainie, why didn't you tell me last night? I want to sleep with Mo—Ms. Luca too!" He almost blurted out the word 'Mom'. He patted his chest and let out a quiet sigh of relief when he saw that no one was around.Fortunately, no one heard him. It seemed that what their mother said yesterday made sense. They needed to be cautious."You almost said it out again." Rainie heard it clearly. "We need to be more careful."Tommy stuck out his tongue and replied, "I got it, Rainie. I'm really jealous of you. You're Daddy’s only biological child, aren’t you?""What nonsense!" Rainie laughed, hugging a pillow as she walked back to her room."Daddy allowed you to sleep with them, but he never lets me sleep with Ms. Luca," grumbled Tommy, following her like a little duckling.Even though he was a boy, he had always been a mama’s boy since he was little.However, their father always told him that he could not keep cl
“I see. Will it be in the same school?” Luca asked as Lanie and Rainie’s current school had elementary, middle, and high schools.“Yes. That way, it’ll be more convenient for Zander to send them and pick them up.” Luke nodded. Although the elementary school was a little far from the middle school, it was closer compared to other schools. Plus, they had good teachers, so Luke had no intention of having Lanie change schools.Although it was a huge leap for Lanie to skip to ninth grade, Luca thought that it would not be that big of a deal for him because of his learning abilities.Thus, she kept quiet as Luke had always wanted the best for the children.Aunt Neile was tidying up the dishes when she said, “Young Master Blanche is a fast learner, and he’s very smart, so it’s good for him to skip to ninth grade. That way, he can graduate college earlier and help Mr. Crawford at work.”Luca nodded as what Aunt Neile said was right.Although she hoped that the children could grow up ca
”It seems like Luke has been treating that piece of trash like a king. How could he let him stay at a five-star hotel…” Karen’s voice sounded bitter as she instantly ordered people to capture him.After what happened, she had someone investigate the man.That guy had a decent education, but because of the Ruiz family, he had trouble building a life of his own as all he could get were low-paying jobs. After he got married, his wife even ran off with another man because of his dead-end job.He led a miserable life. Like an ant on the ground, anyone could step all over him.That was the same person who made her fall from grace!After giving out orders, she quickly got out of bed and freshened up.Did he think that she was the same woman she was before? No one could mess with her now!Karen secretly swore that she would make his life a living hell and make him regret ever messing with her just because of money!Hatred bloomed in her heart as she blamed every inconvenience in her li
Hearing the manager say that, the attendant who initially considered calling the police had second thoughts. After all, guests staying in their rooms had to cough up a hefty deposit, and once their expenses ran dry, they would be notified to replenish the deposit.Therefore, when that guy got taken away, the hotel would not lose any money."If that guy doesn't come back by tomorrow, just go ahead and check him out," instructed the manager."Yes, sir." The attendant nodded, jotting down the manager's words.…After being forcibly placed in the car, Silas was terrified. He was sandwiched between two men in the back seat. There were also people in the driver's and passenger seats, but he did not recognize any of them. Silas was utterly horrified. He never expected his first time riding in a luxury car to turn out like this. He even forgot to scream.Moreover, the car had excellent soundproofing. He knew even if he screamed, no one would come to his rescue. Silas regretted not
He was asking for trouble, but it was none of their business. However, they had to make sure the boss saw them bringing the man back!In the living room, Karen was sitting on the couch. Her face was full of gloom while she waited for her subordinates to bring Silas over.When she heard footsteps coming from the entrance, she knew that person had arrived. Karen lifted her eyes slightly and shot a meaningful look at her subordinate. Upon seeing it, they nodded in acknowledgment. The subordinate walked to the entrance and sent Silas sprawling as he walked in. It was a swift kick that left him on the floor.The two men behind Silas were startled by this action.This man was their boss. He took orders directly from Karen. Even though their investigative skills were not top-notch, their combat abilities were off the charts. A single forceful kick and Silas found himself sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain on the ground."What the hell are you doing?" Silas felt a dizzy spell. H
However, the Karen in front of him was nothing like the old Karen. She narrowed her eyes and smirked coldly, "Silas Gray, you really can do anything for money, huh..."Silas let out a cold shiver. That malicious tone of hers was like an invisible knife held at his throat. He realized Karen no longer had the feelings she once had for him. Not only did she lack any sentiment, but she also seemed inclined to end his life!Pain and fear washed over Silas… He recalled the days when the Ruiz family forced him to stay away from A City. He could not help but shudder. He learned that one should never offend the Ruiz family. That was when he grasped this particular life lesson.During that time, the Ruiz family wielded significant influence and power. It was way beyond the reach of someone like him, a regular civilian.Years had passed, and he truly had no money left. He was so poor that he could not even afford a meal. That was why he did not hesitate and agreed directly when those peop
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,