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
After that, Vivian turned around to leave. Gordan, who had remained silent all this time, spoke up at this moment, "Vivian, who do you think you are?"Vivian's back stiffened. She knew that once Gordan spoke, he would definitely say such words. Yes, in his eyes, she was just an ugly monster. How could he possibly follow her?She pursed her lips, remaining silent.The moment Gordan spoke, the moment the familiar voice reached her ears, she felt defenseless. If she spoke, he would surely hear the tension in her voice. Hence, Vivian bit her lip tightly, refusing to speak and reveal her emotions.When Gordan saw her standing straight without uttering a word, the fire inside him burned even brighter. He intended to vent his emotions, but he recalled something from the past.Back when they were still married, Vivian used to cling to him all the time. There was one time when he was annoyed by her constant nagging and reluctantly agreed to go out for dinner with her. However, the
"Hmph, you sure as heck want me to be asleep, don't you? As long as I'm out cold, no one will be around to settle scores with you, right?" Old Master Mallory lifted his gaze ever so slightly, peering at her face adorned with an ingratiating smile. His gaze took on a subtle chill."Father, what in the world are you talking about? I can't make heads or tails of it." Karen's smiling face froze for a moment. Even though she claimed not to understand, deep down, she knew what he was talking about."Show her the documents." Old Master Mallory ignored Karen's act of ignorance and spoke to Mr. Bennet.Karen looked at Mr. Bennet, realizing for the first time that he was holding a stack of documents.Mr. Bennet handed the documents to Karen. "Madam, please take a look."Karen furrowed her brows and opened the documents. Just by reading the beginning, she knew what kind of information it contained.These were the documents Luke sent to Old Master Mallory. It was the evidence of Karen, alo
Old Master Mallory heard that Old Master Crawford had long kicked out another daughter-in-law. Now, he was the only one in the big Crawford Manor, but he did not feel lonely. Instead, he was enjoying his time.Old Master Mallory thought that maybe if Karen moved out too, he could be at peace without her bothering him. Hence, he decided to take this opportunity to ask Karen to move out.His idea of living together as a big family had undergone a change over time due to the constant whirlwind of affairs within the family.Karen tightly pursed her lips as she watched Old Master Mallory leave from behind. Even when Mr. Bennet returned, she still stood there with a defiant look.Mr. Bennet sighed and said, "Madam, you should rest early.""How can I rest?" Karen glared at him, thinking about the humiliation she endured at Crawford Manor and the incident with Nina. Even though she slapped that woman’s face, she felt embarrassed to be escorted out of the neighborhood by the security tea
”Okay.” That was all Luke said before he held her even tighter in his arm.Luca was awake now, and she opened her eyes a little. Her vision had adapted to the darkness, so she pressed her face against his chest and asked, “What did Nina say?”“When she was waiting for me downstairs, she asked me if you had another identity.” Luke gently caressed Luca’s back, and shivers went down her spine as his touch got increasingly sensual.Luca was half-asleep, so she did not notice the changes in Luke’s movements. Instead, she frowned and said, “I’ll tell her next time. The fewer the people who know about me, the better.”“Sure,” Luke said absent-mindedly.Luca finally realized what he was doing, so she turned to the side and said, “It’s late.”“We have to hurry, then,” said Luke. Although he would be disrupting her sleep, his desires made it impossible for him to just sleep next to her like a gentleman.As he said that, he leaned forward as things got heated up.…The next day, Luca was
Upon hearing that, Aunt Neile said, “Mrs. Mallory, let me help.”“She’s right, let her do it. That way, she can cover the entire area, and your hands wouldn’t be cold,” said Luca. She found that Nina had put ice on it yesterday, but she did not do it long enough.Her hands got too cold from holding the ice pack, so she did not do it for long.As Luca knew her so well, Nina had no choice but to say, “Alright then.”“Okay, Mrs. Mallory. Enjoy your breakfast. I’ll help you after you’re done,” Aunt Neile responded and went upstairs to deliver Luke’s breakfast.When Luca saw Nina eating breakfast, she said to her, “By the way, Nina, the children are going back to the manor today, so remember to lock the door after Aunt Neile gets off work.”Nina was taken aback. Did that mean that Luca was going to Crawford Manor too?If she was going back with the children, would Old Master Crawford cause her trouble?Nina could not ask too many questions since the children were here, so she just n
"Yes, Mr. Crawford is still busy upstairs," answered Aunt Neile."Then I'll go upstairs for a bit.” Nina rose to her feet and made her way up the stairs.She headed to the bedroom where Luke was. She knocked on the door without going in.Luke lifted the cup of Americano and glanced at the person standing at the door. He spoke in a cold voice, "What's the matter?""There's something I’d like to know. I heard Luca say that she'll go back to Crawford Manor with you tonight, is that true?""Yes." Luke withdrew his gaze and continued to look at the computer screen. After putting down the cup of Americano, he typed on the keyboard for a while."I don't care what you guys have been keeping from me, and I don't care how Old Master Crawford feels about whatever's going on between you two. But with this whole scandal thing, Luca might feel that she’s being treated unfairly if you take her back there. You'd better make sure to protect her,” said Nina.Even though Bianca was Luke's legal wi
Lucius was different.He did not care about getting close to anyone, whether man or woman. Even when Hera’s attempts to seduce him were blatantly obvious, he still remained unmoved and even showed signs of rejection.Gerald could not help but marvel at Luca’s sharp observations and incisive remarks. He could not help but clap his hands lightly, genuinely impressed.“Lucius truly is exceptional,” said Gerald.Luca came downstairs.When she took the last step off the stairs, the men in the living room immediately fell silent.They held their breath as they watched the woman in front of them. Her hair was straight, not like their boss' companion.The men's gazes grew intense.Luca’s expression darkened.Gerald stood beside her and said, “See, I told you—you’re like a piece of meat dropped into a pack of wolves. Be careful.”One of the men heard Gerald and asked unhappily, “Hey, kid, what are you saying? What wolves? We’re gentlemen. We’d never dream of doing anything inappropr
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