"I love them!" Tommy immediately shook his head. He enjoyed everything Luca made!He did not expect their father to suggest something so ordinary to eat."As long as she makes it, I'll love it," said Luke.Tommy nodded and then heard his brother remind him, "Daddy is just worried about Ms. Luca. He doesn't want her to be too tired."Luke threw him a glance of appreciation.It made sense that the eldest son was the smartest. Luke had not said anything, but Lanie could understand his intentions. Whether it was barbecue or tacos, even if Aunt Neile were to help, Luca would be busy. Hence, Luca suggested having a simple meal, which would make it much easier for Luca."Are we doing something wrong, then..." Tommy thought to himself. There were three meals, and their mother would probably have to prepare for a long time...He did not want to make his mother tired either. The kids began to reflect on whether they should not have been so noisy just now and whether they should not have
"Do we really need this many ingredients?" Luke furrowed his brows. Even though it was Aunt Neile who went shopping, it was Luca who would be doing all the seasoning. Each ingredient required different handling, and Luke was worried that Luca would end up too busy and exhausted."Yes, the more variety there is, the happier the kids will be when they eat," replied Luca. She deeply understood this point. Back when her family was struggling financially, it did not matter how much or little food there was as long as there were a variety of choices. It was a great experience even if the food was just what the grown-ups deemed as junk food. She would always find happiness in it, even if she could not eat to her heart's content.Hence, one should enjoy it to the fullest when enjoying food. The prerequisite for that was having a wide variety.As Luke listened to what Luca said, he chuckled and shook his head. "You'll tire yourself out with so much to do.""If we promise something t
No matter who it was, nobody would dare to offend a doctor.However, Pierre was different. He felt that he did not need Johann's help with treatment now. Moreover, without the help of Luca, he would find it difficult to stand up normally. He just decided to go for it, and he did not care anymore.Johann loosened his clenched fist. If he could, he really wanted to punch him in the face!However, he could not do that because he was a doctor. No matter how capable a doctor he was, if he laid hands on a patient, his career in A City would be over.Johann took a deep breath, pulled a chair over, and sat down. As the rage in his eyes dissipated, he looked at Pierre again. This time, his gaze contained a hint of mockery."Mr. Pierre, how important do you think your reputation is, anyway?" asked Johann.Pierre noticed Johann’s tone had changed, and he could not help but wonder if this was some kind of magic trick? How could his emotions shift so easily?"I just want you to ask Luca, tha
"I get it, Dr. Craw." Rhett nodded. He held the textbooks and the files given by Luca as he stood up. "Dr. Craw, if there's nothing else, I'll head out to work.""Wait, there's one more thing," replied Luca. She picked up her phone and transferred some money to Rhett. "Today's Friday, and everyone's been working hard lately. Can you go ahead and book a restaurant and a karaoke room? After work, gather everyone to grab a bite and sing some songs.”"Alright, Dr. Craw. Will you be joining us?" asked Rhett. Luca was a considerate boss to her subordinates, so it was not surprising for her to fund such activities.If they had time to relax, they would be able to work better the following week."I won't be going. I want you all to have fun. I'll cover the expenses," replied Luca. She knew that if she participated, they would not be able to fully enjoy themselves.Besides, she would rather spend time at home with Luke and the kids.Therefore, she took care of the finances and let them
"Blue Coast Restaurant?" Mo Stone was startled for a moment. She thought she had misheard. "You mean the one that's all over the internet?""Yes." Rhett nodded, observing Mo's reaction with some curiosity. He then asked, "What's the matter?""Nothing, I was just curious. That restaurant is quite expensive. How much did Dr. Craw give you guys?" Mo tested the waters and asked, thinking that even an ordinary meal there would cost several thousand dollars..."Revealing that might not be the best idea,” replied Rhett. There were other research team members in the office, and revealing the amount might make them feel a little sour about it.He understood this aspect of workplace dynamics well. Not every research professor was as generous as Luca. Having a high income was one thing, but being generous was something else.If the other professors could not be as generous as Luca, then Luca would become the exception.Such exceptions were not always welcomed in the workplace. Rhett did n
"Alright, let's head to the living room on the second floor," suggested Luca, inviting Gale upstairs to the living room.Gale carried the bag and followed her upstairs.Aunt Neile watched them from behind and murmured, "Should I bring some refreshments up?"When Lanie heard Aunt Neile muttering, he paused his homework and said, "No need, Aunt Neile. Ms. Luca and Uncle Gale are just going to chat for a bit. There’s no need to bring refreshments up.""Okay, then I'll continue preparing dinner." Aunt Neile nodded. She had just invited Gale to stay for dinner, but when she heard Lanie's words, she did not inquire further. She knew Luca wanted to have a private conversation with Gale upstairs and thought it best to prepare more food just in case he decided to stay.With that in mind, Aunt Neile began preparing dinner.…Upstairs, Gale sat on the couch and started to show Luca the herbs he had collected. "I just thought they looked similar to the pictures, but I'm not familiar with
"Great!" When the three kids returned, Aunt Neile served them some fruits, so they were not hungry now.Suddenly, Luca remembered the cartoons she had downloaded earlier and said, "I'll play the cartoons I downloaded. Didn't you miss some of it the day I came back? I downloaded the episode."Then, Luca played it on the TV screen.Tommy cheered, "Ms. Luca, you're awesome!""I originally planned to let you watch it on the weekend, but since you've finished your homework so early today, you can catch up now." Luca put her phone down and started to check their homework.These days were peaceful. She spent her evenings with the kids while waiting for Luke to come back. She found these days quite fulfilling.However, she also knew that this tranquility could be shattered at any moment by Abel. That was why she cherished these moments even more.Luca's smile faded slightly at the thought of Abel.Who knew how long this peace would last..."Ms. Luca, what's wrong?" Rainie was sitting
Louis and Susan had to meet face-to-face before they could start discussing and ultimately reach a resolution.Only then could this matter be resolved. This issue was caused by Old Master Crawford, and it was not a problem for him to suffer a bit. However, Old Master Crawford has been enduring this for quite some time now, to the point where it was almost unbearable. It was also Luke’s duty to resolve this issue for him. Luca's proposal of a barbecue was indeed a good opportunity. Luke added, "This matter was caused by Grandpa. He had someone pretend to be from another company to negotiate the acquisition with Louis. It just so happened that Mother heard about it and caused a scene. This matter should also come to a resolution now." Luca was slightly surprised that it was Old Master Crawford who caused it! Still, what surprised her even more was that Susan could not reach Louis. Thus, she went to see Old Master Crawford every day... Imagining this scene, Luca could fig
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