Nina could not help but shoot her a grateful look. It was a silent expression of thanks.Staying in Luke’s villa meant Karen would not come over, and she could spend the next few days in peace.Luca held the ice pack and walked into the bathroom. After she placed it in the trash can, she said, "Let's go. Mr. Crawford will be working late tonight and won't be back for dinner. Let's have dinner first.""Isn't it still early?" Nina had been living here for a while. She knew the usual dinner time for them was later than this."The kids are unusually hungry today, so we're eating a bit earlier," explained Luca as she led her downstairs.It was not really that the kids were hungry. Luca considered that Nina might not have had lunch, especially after being slapped by Karen. She probably had no appetite."Aunt Neile made some soup today. Have a bit more later," added Luca as they made their way down the stairs."Okay." Even though Nina could not smile, she felt grateful. She knew that L
"Yes, but do you really need that money?" Luca laughed and shook her head. Nina was still the same as before. Her way of talking and her thoughts were just like they used to be.She had a wild imagination, which was incredibly adorable. No wonder Percy liked her. He was drawn to Nina's unique qualities, which he himself did not possess.Luca suddenly thought of Luke. Even though he had feelings for her since high school, what specific trait of hers did he like?It suddenly crossed her mind—innocence…Bianca, before the events of the past few years, was very innocent—especially during her school days...Meanwhile, Luke was abandoned when he was born. Life's grind must have stripped away his innocence, and even the people around him would not be untouched by simplicity."Well, I don't need that money. The point is, those young fans won't spend that much money." Nina helplessly shook her head. How did she end up thinking about such things?! She was not short of money either.Ba
Such dreams were a constant reminder of the hatred that Rain carried with her. Her hatred was magnified countless times. Even though she had personally taken down her enemies, the lingering unease in her heart continued to spread.Perhaps it was not enough for her.Hence, when she learned that there was a chance to launch another attack on the Island of Despair, Rain had been patiently waiting for this opportunity.This was despite the change in the ownership of the Island of Despair.The mastermind behind it was someone from the organization back then, someone who had a connection with her in that space. Rain knew that those who were supporting the Island of Despair now had significant influence. They were definitely not just small fries.While Rain was immersed in her internal hatred, Luke was meticulously going through the document delivered by Ray’s men.After a while, he handed the document to Gale and Rain, who were sitting nearby. Gale and Rain, having undergone trai
The situation was different now. They were no longer involved with the Island of Despair. They were constantly investigating the organization. Moreover, the Island of Despair was an underground organization, making it difficult for them to gather intelligence. That was why there was a need for extensive pre-preparation. Otherwise, the later rescue efforts would be challenging.After Rain left, Luke picked up the document again. Having already memorized it, he found it unnecessary and tore it into pieces. Then, he tossed the shreds into the ashtray, watching them succumb to the flames until they were all but ashes.Only destroyed information was truly secure.Luke took the matter of the Island of Despair seriously because it affected him and Luca. Therefore, he was meticulous in every detail.A message notification came from his phone. Luke checked his phone and realized it was a message from Luca. It was a simple text explaining that Nina would be staying with them, along w
Aaron walked over and unceremoniously asked, “Who are you, and why have you been following Ms. Vivian?”When the man saw Aaron coming over, he was going to leave, but Aaron was quick to block his way. If Ray had not told him that A City was governed by laws stricter than in Russia, he would have taken matters into his own hands instead of just standing in the man's way. Ray had told him to not act rashly as Luke might take it up with him.The person he stopped then asked in a hoarse voice, “What proof do you have for your claims?”Only then did Aaron realize that he had just asked the question in Russian, and the man replied in fluent Russian too.In A City, English was more commonly understood than Russian, so was this person sent here to protect Ms. Vivian too?However, Aaron immediately retracted that thought. If Ray had really sent this guy over, as one of Ray’s subordinates, it was impossible for him to not know.If he knew Russian and was following Vivian, could he be som
”Gordan, don’t go too far…” There was a cracking sound when Aaron clenched his fists.He could not hold in his anger when he ridiculed Ms. Vivian. He just wanted to punch him in the face.So what if he delayed carrying out his orders? So what if he could not return to Russia on time?It was worth beating up someone like Gordan without thinking of the consequences. If he told Ray, he would definitely understand. He may even send more people over to beat Gordan up again.Besides, Ray was more protective over Vivian than anyone else.“You want to beat me up, huh? Bring it on!” Just as Aaron was about to hit Gordan, he heard Vivian’s voice coming from the elevator. “Aaron, who are you talking to?”Aaron was stunned. Then, he gave Gordan a warning look, knowing that Vivian should not see him.Although Vivian had gotten over the divorce, everyone knew the effect Gordan had on her. If she saw him, she might be sad again.“No one, Ms. Vivian.” Aaron decided to let Gordan go this time a
Since the shop was not too crowded now, they handed the waiter the menu after placing their order. Before they knew it, they brought out the pasta and all the other foods.Vivian noticed Aaron kept glancing outside. She was curious, and she could not help but ask, 'What are you looking at?'Aaron shifted his gaze back and awkwardly chuckled. “Oh, nothing. I’m just curious about the surroundings here. It's a university town. No wonder it's nice and safe. It’s not as chaotic as overseas.”He casually made it up, not wanting to admit that he was keeping an eye out for Gordan, that troublemaker.“Yes, it's pretty safe. Plus, all the universities here have security measures, so once it hits curfew, it gets real quiet. Since it's surrounded by universities, there are many people around as long as it's before curfew, and they're all students. "There aren't any of those complicated people from the outside world. That’s why it’s safe here,” explained Vivian. She thought he was checking up
The cashier, seeing such a handsome customer flashing his cash so generously, was caught off guard for a moment. After she came back to her senses, the man had already left.Vivian and Aaron were strolling on the other side of the street. As they walked, Vivian was pointing out the local attractions. Meanwhile, Gordan strode menacingly along the opposite side of the road.The streetlights were dim, but the brilliant lights emanating from the quaint shops lining both sides of the road painted a contrasting brilliance. It gave him a clear view of the actions of the two people across the street. A man with a basketball was walking toward Vivian and Aaron. After he was bumped by his buddy, he teetered dangerously, seemingly on the verge of falling toward Vivian's direction.Aaron, sharp as ever, immediately put his arm around Vivian's shoulder. He shielded her to his other side. With fluid grace, Aaron effortlessly lifted Vivian and cradled her with one hand on her shoulder. It ca
When Gerald heard this, his face fell. “Huh? Ms. Craw, you're not cooking anymore?”Luca said nothing. Luke had already left with the others. She turned her gaze back before walking inside.Gerald realized that Luca had only been cooking breakfast because of Lucius. The thought puzzled him. Had they taken a liking to each other from the very start? That did not seem right.In this fast-paced modern world, even if they had, using something as old-fashioned as cooking to win someone over did not add up.Still, the timing was too coincidental to ignore. Luca started cooking for everyone when Lucius arrived, and she stopped as soon as he left. That realization gave Gerald an eerie feeling.Thinking they might have known each other back on the island, it all suddenly made sense. Of course! They must have met before. How else could this all line up so perfectly?With that thought, Gerald quickly caught up with Luca. “Ms. Craw, my cooking is terrible. Why don’t you keep doing it?”
Kassy’s eye donor was Hera, the one Abel had brought over.Even though Hera’s eyes resembled Kassy’s, they did not meet the criteria for a transplant. However, Hera’s blood type matched Kassy’s exactly.Hence, Abel decided to use Hera’s eyes. His belief was that her eyes were specifically meant for Kassy.Shanks knew he would not be able to change Abel’s mind, so he did not try. Abel’s stubbornness was something even Kassy herself could not sway.Luca remained silent for a while, not saying anything further. She understood that using a cadaver was the best option as it would not harm anyone.However, the eyes Abel wanted for Kassy were not from a cadaver. He intended to take them from Hera.Luca certainly would not participate in such a surgery. It was too cruel.“What are you thinking?” Shanks suddenly asked.Luca shook her head. “I’m just thinking about the volunteer’s situation.”“You’re wondering if this solution will be marketed, aren’t you?” Shanks suddenly asked.L
“I’m still a bit worried. Let me take a look in your room and change the dressing while I’m at it.” Luca knew Luke would not want her to worry. Therefore, she needed to see for herself that everything was fine before she could feel at ease.“Alright.” Luke knew she was worried about him, so the two of them headed into the room.He took off his shirt, revealing the bandage wrapped around his torso.Luca could not help but chuckle at the sight. The wrapping was done by Gerald, and it was hilariously sloppy. It was haphazardly bound—overly tight in some places and entirely uneven. It looked like it was just meant to cover the wounds, with no thought for neatness.“Stop laughing.” Luke was clearly rendered speechless by Gerald’s lackluster bandaging skills as well.If it were not for the fact that it was difficult to bandage himself, he would never have let Gerald do it.“With it wrapped like this, how are you supposed to sleep at night?” Luca asked as she began unwrapping the ba
Abel chuckled. His voice was low and gravelly.“Hera, let’s agree on something. Don’t use threats of leaving to manipulate me anymore, or I won’t be happy,” said Abel in a low voice.What might have sounded like a plea or a compromise came across to Hera as a veiled threat.The cool sensation of his fingers brushed against her eyelids, and she could not help but shiver. His touch felt as cold as death itself. She could not feel a trace of warmth.Her hands clenched tightly together. The tension in her grip was the only thing keeping her from trembling further.“Alright,” Hera murmured obediently.Abel withdrew his hand. Hera opened her eyes. A strange unease stirred within her. For reasons she could not quite explain, Abel’s behavior filled her with an unsettling dread…“Will you stay at the hospital with me tonight?” Hera could not help but crave some semblance of comfort.Abel frowned slightly. “Stay here with you? And what about Luca?”“You could just send her home. I onl
Luca's expression was serious, and Hera realized she was not just trying to scare her. Ignoring her warnings had already caused her to suffer once.Unwillingly, Hera sipped on the cereal. Her resentment was evident in every movement.Luca noticed it was not difficult for her to handle. She quietly sat down and ate her own bowl of cereal.Hera did not have much of an appetite.Hera took a couple of bites before growing bored. She glanced at Luca and asked, “How did you end up working for Abel?”Luca did not respond. She calmly blew on her cereal and ate in silence, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.“I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?” snapped Hera.Luca lifted her gaze briefly and replied, “You should finish your cereal before it gets cold.”“I’m not even hungry.” Hera really had no appetite and was not planning to eat the cereal.“It’s still better if you eat something. Otherwise, when hunger strikes later, don’t expect me to help you,” said Luca, “I’m only he
Luke had never taken the medicine that could speed up healing, so his recovery was nowhere near as fast as the others from the Island of Despair.Luca did not respond to Gerald’s comment. Her gaze fixed on him with intensity.“No stitches,” said Luke, “I trust you.”Luca bit her lower lip.“But if you don’t stitch it, it might tear open,” insisted Gerald, staring at Luke’s wounds.Luke glanced at his injuries and shrugged, seemingly unconcerned, as though the wounds had nothing to do with Luca.“Stitches will leave scars.”“Are you afraid of scars? What kind of man doesn’t have a few scars on him? Scars are a symbol of manhood,” teased Gerald with a playful tone, “Scars show you’re reliable, that you can protect a woman.”Luke gave him a look as though he were an idiot, then his gaze shifted to Luca. “I don’t want too many scars. I’m worried my future wife might dislike them.”Luca’s heart sank at his words, but his lighthearted remark eased her sadness. Despite the severity
Luca could not help but tremble with heartache. She fought hard to resist the urge to rush forward.Everyone in the room had survived brutal training to make it out of the Island of Despair, and they could not help but shudder when they saw the scene. The sound of the whip felt like it was landing on their own bodies.Gerald closed his eyes, unable to watch any longer. It was too cruel for him to watch.The ten lashes felt like an eternity, stretching on for what seemed like a century.Luca looked at the drenched clothes on Luke. His eyes were red, and his shirt was so soaked that you could wring out the blood from it. Her hands were clenched so tightly into fists that the veins were bulging.Abel tossed the whip aside, looking at Luke’s disheveled state with satisfaction. He enjoyed the thrill of this bloody scene.He turned to Luca, noticing her reddened eyes, and smiled even more devilishly. “Hera is in the hospital now. You’ll go take care of her for the next few da
Luca instantly understood the situation. It was about Hera.Hera was someone Abel valued, possibly as a future corneal donor for Kassy. While Abel might not love Hera now, he certainly took her health seriously.In a calm tone, Luca explained, “She was hospitalized due to inflammation that caused a fever.”Abel furiously flung his half-smoked cigar at her. The glowing embers singed her clothes, leaving a small burn mark.She instinctively stepped aside.Abel roared, “What kind of care is this?! I told you to look after her! Is this how you handle things?”Luca was perplexed. When did he ever tell her to look after Hera?Besides, she did take care of her.”When Ms. Sanchez fainted last night, she already had a low-grade fever. I diagnosed her condition as inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing medication. I also emphasized that she needed to take oral anti-inflammatory drugs. She didn’t trust me and threw out Mr. Shanks’ medication, which led to her con
Luca placed her hand on Hera’s other wrist, checking her pulse. “Her condition is worsening. The inflammation in her body has intensified.“I prescribed her medication. Those are Mr. Shanks’ formulations, and they're highly effective for reducing inflammation. It shouldn’t be getting worse.” Gerald pursed his lips before finally speaking up. “Luca, when I was cleaning yesterday, I saw that Ms. Sanchez had thrown all the medication you prescribed into the trash. She didn’t take any of it.”Luca was speechless.She had been questioning whether the medicine was ineffective or if she had made an error in diagnosis. It turned out that it was Hera herself who had sabotaged her treatment.“What should we do now?” asked Gerald.“There’s no other option. She needs to go to a hospital,” Luca decided firmly. “Her condition is serious, and since she doesn’t trust my treatment, the hospital is her best choice.”“Can’t you help her just this once?” pleaded Gerald, “I mean, she looks really b