The design meeting started. Luke was seated in the leading position. He wore a black business suit and sat straight and tall, a formidable presence in the crowd. His gaze was profound, and his lips were tightly pressed together, which gave him a dependable and authoritative air. He made a brief speech, after which he listened attentively to the reports by the leaders of various departments. The main topic of the meeting was "increasing design productivity." The designers discussed the latest trends in design and exchanged their experiences. Everyone might be from a different department, but there were still some things that they could learn from each other. They shared design resources and had a lively discussion about the Finishing Touch Workshop and the Divine Inspiration Showcase, two world-renowned design studios. The two studios had only started a few years ago, but they had gathered a wealth of design talent and started several worldwide trends. T Corporation was a
On the screen was a magnificent skyscraper under a starry sky. Its design was bold and exquisite, and it looked more like an alien construct in a sci-fi movie. Its outer walls had mysterious and mesmerizing carvings. More shockingly, each segment of the skyscraper could resolve independently. The exterior glass panels could reflect the entire city. It was an impeccable work of art. The designers were incredibly excited when they saw the design, and they started chattering, endless praising its originality. Luke knocked on the table, and the tumultuous conference room slowly quietened down. The man shone a laser pointer on the screen, and his seductive voice could be heard over the speakers. "I designed this fantasy-like skyscraper myself, based on future design trends. Can anyone give an opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of this design? Who'll be the first?" The designer admired their boss even more when they heard that he had designed the skyscraper himself. As
Luke nodded, satisfied. As expected, Bianca did not disappoint him. He had deliberately included several flaws into the skyscraper's design which could not be spotted by a cursory glance. Someone with advanced design skills could see that it was a flawed design. Bianca was right. The biggest flaw of the design was that it was too perfect. By exaggerating all realistic elements in the design, it had become something surreal. Human technology would not be able to realize that design in the next hundred years. The other flaws that Bianca had pointed out were also very accurate. Luke clapped his hands and said, "That's right. Ms. Rayne has pointed out the flaws of my design which I have deliberately included. All of you should learn from Bianca. Don't be afraid to point out my flaws, even if I'm the CEO of this company. Understand?" Bianca was shocked, but a smile soon appeared on her face. Luke was not only the CEO of T Corporation, but he was also a world-class designer. He
Jack was stunned when he saw the beautiful and exquisite design of the new house. When Jack saw the signature of the designer, a certain "B. Rayne," he said, "I'm glad that you like the design, Father. If you are satisfied by this designer, then we'll get them to furnish the rooms after the house is built." "Mm. I've never been so satisfied by a designer before. I like what this boy does!" Old Mr. Norman said happily. He seemed to be at the peak of his health because of his mood. Jack smiled at his mischievous father. "I believe B. Rayne is female." Old Mr. Norman glared at him. "No, I'm sure that he's a boy." Queenie smiled when she saw how the father and son were quibbling over a name. "Why don't we wait until the designer comes over to survey the place? By then, you'd know if they're male or female." Queenie felt that the designer was female. Only a woman would submit such a meticulous and romantic design. 'B. Rayne…' Queenie memorized that name. She suddenly felt
Monday, 10 am, in front of the Civil Registry Office. Bianca did not expect that Xavier gave her a call, telling her to wait at the entrance of the Civil Registry Office. He would proceed with the divorce. At first, she did not believe it. She thought that there would be a long and arduous legal battle before she could end that marriage. She did not expect that Xavier would change his mind that easily. Bianca knew that her workplace attendance was sporadic, and she knew that people would be talking behind her if she was absent from work again. However, she was anxious to be free from that marriage, and she braced herself before she requested another day of leave from the department lead. Then, she rushed to the Civil Registry Office. Standing at the crossroads, she anxiously glanced at the time on her phone. It was getting close to the appointed time. Was Xavier going to change his mind? Just when she was about to give Xavier a call, she saw him walking over toward the bu
The second couple in line looked young. They should be in their twenties. The man looked somewhat handsome, though his neon-green hair was extremely eye-catching. The thick gold chain that he wore around his neck was dazzlingly shiny, and his lanky legs were covered by a pair of hole-filled jeans. He stuck his hands into his jeans pockets, and he looked like a hooligan. The woman next to him had the face of an Internet celebrity. She wore a pair of cosmetic contact lenses that made her irises shockingly big. Her sharp chin had obviously undergone plastic surgery, and her face was slathered in thick make-up. She held a cigarette in between her fingers and casually took a drag from it, which seemed at odds with the rest of her personality. "Reason for divorce?" The female staff member frowned and said angrily to the woman, "Smoking is prohibited here. Please leave the building if you want to smoke!" "Why are you so nosy? Am I disturbing you by smoking? Enough nonsense and get t
Outside of the Civil Registry Office. Xavier looked intently at Bianca's pure and delicate face as though intending to imprint her face in his eyes. Her jet-black hair was tied up in a bun behind her, and her scarf was folded into a pretty shape by her dexterous hands. She did not wear any make-up on her face except for a thin coat of pink lipstick. She looked sweet and beautiful. Her eyes were sparkling with joy… What should he do? He did not want to let her go. "Bianca, I know that I've used unethical means to obtain our previous marriage. If I can change myself and try to pursue you again with a new personality, would you accept me then?" Xavier suddenly asked. "What?" Bianca was wholly immersed in her joy of being single again. She was not listening to what he was saying. Xavier's tall body cast a shadow on her face. "I said, would you consider it if we start over again?" He looked at her expectantly. He knew what Bianca was going to say, but his heart was never
"The outcome is within expectations. If Xavier doesn't proceed with the divorce, not only will his family go bankrupt, but he will be sent back to prison." Luke gently kissed the tip of Bianca's nose as he lay his gentle gaze on her. "Prison? Why would that be the case?" Bianca did not understand. She did not know that Luke had gathered a mountain of incriminating evidence of Xavier's crimes to force the divorce. Luke did not want her to know anyway. He felt that she would be happier that way. He would be the one to shelter her from trouble. The man's profound gaze seemed magical. It had made Bianca's heart thump faster uncontrollably. She instinctively covered her eyes. The man was a menace. Just by looking at her, he could make her heart go wild. Luke pulled away her hands that covered her eyes and leaned closer to her. "Why are you still shy, hmm?" The man's impeccable face was filled with a mysterious charm, which made Bianca's throat dry. Before she could react
Luke stood still, waiting as Hera had instructed.Hera, on the other hand, walked toward the door with a look of eager anticipation on her face.Gerald stepped forward. “Are you crazy? She told you to wait, and you’re just standing there? Hurry up and go upstairs.”"Isn't she trying to cause trouble? Do you think I can just walk away from that?" Luke suddenly asked.Gerald was rendered speechless. What Luke said made sense, so he patted his shoulder. “I heard everything Hera said to you in the garden. Pal, I respect you for being a man, but this time, you’re on your own.”Luke remained expressionless. His gaze was fixed on Hera, who was now smiling brightly as she linked arms with Abel. Even so, his face betrayed no emotion.Hera noticed that Luke, just as she had instructed, was standing there without moving. Her irritation flared up.If he was too stubborn to bow his head and beg for mercy, then she would not hold back!“Darling, I’ve been so upset today without you around."
Sensing the looming danger fading away, Hera furiously demanded, “What is wrong with that man?”Gerald let out a sigh of relief. He had been truly worried that Shanks might take a few swipes at Hera.It was common knowledge that medical professionals could be terrifyingly skilled. They could cut with precision, avoiding vital organs, leaving you in excruciating pain but far from death.Gerald had witnessed Luca’s expertise in this field and knew Shanks likely had the same skills. That was why he would not dare provoke him.If Hera ended up hurt and miserable, Abel would hold them accountable for failing to protect her. Shanks, however, would walk away unscathed. The blame would fall squarely on them.“Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Shanks doesn’t like people entering his lab without permission. Everything in there is extremely valuable to him.” Even though Gerald did not understand why, it was what the others told him, and he dutifully passed on the message.“I knocked, and he told me to come
Not only did Luke not give in, but he wasn't intimidated by Hera's threats either. Instead, he turned the tables and intimidated her right back.Gerald could not help but feel a sense of admiration for Luke. If it had been him in that situation, he would not have had the guts to refuse Hera outright. Even if he did not want to comply, who would dare offend the boss’ future wife?Even though her position was not set in stone, for now, Hera’s status remained unshakable. Yet Luke did not try to curry favor with her. Faced with threats and temptation, he stood his ground, even flipping the situation to intimidate her instead.Gerald quietly gave a thumbs-up.“This guy’s the real deal,” he muttered to himself.After venting her frustration on the tree, Hera stormed back. Her eyes were red and swollen.When she came to the second floor, she caught sight of Luca stepping out of the lab with a tray in hand. She quickly approached.“Stop right there!” Hera snapped sharply.Luca frow
A flash of disgust flickered in Luke's eyes. He was completely fed up with Hera's relentless pestering.“If you have something to say, just say it here.” Unlike other men, he did not address her politely as 'Ms. Sanchez'.His tone was so indifferent, and he did not even bother to call her by name.Hera’s smile did not falter. She thought he was only acting this distance because there were so many people around, and he could not openly show his affection for her.Hera replied in a soft voice, “It’s something important, and they won’t be able to help. Come with me.”Luke frowned and remained motionless.People around them grew envious.Even if Luke did not actually have a romantic interest in her, just helping Hera would be enough to earn points in their boss’ eyes. Their jealousy turned into playful teasing.“The boss’ girlfriend’s asking for help. Just go already. What’s with the cold act? It’s no fun,” teased one of them.Others chimed in, “Yeah, seriously. Just go. Who are y
“I know you’re not interested in her, but still, we should be cautious,” Luca joked, trying to lighten the mood.She was actually worried that Hera’s feelings for Luke might interfere with their plans.Luca looked at him with concern. “You weren’t in your room last night. If she really went to your room, she must've noticed your absence. How will you explain that?”“There are plenty of reasons I could give.” Luke already had an explanation in mind.However, if Hera really had feelings for him and stayed here, it would definitely cause him some trouble.“Just be careful.” Luca felt helpless. Abel’s sudden appearance had already messed up a lot of their plans.There was no way for her to leave this little villa now.With Abel bringing Hera here and her developing feelings for Luke, it was bound to cause more trouble for him later.Luca felt frustrated. She had enough trouble on her own. She did not want Luke to get caught up in trouble too. She had never intended for him to be
The man remained cautious. When he heard Hera was looking for Luke’s room, he immediately asked, “What do you need with Lucius?”Hera felt like her intentions had been seen through, and a sense of unease washed over her. However, when she thought about her status and position, she confidently replied, “Your boss said that Lucius is to serve me from now on. I'm hungry now, so I need him to go get me some late-night snacks. What's the matter? Is that not allowed?”The man remained silent, thinking that Hera could just order delivery.Why go to another man's room in the middle of the night?He thought about a possible reason and could not help feeling a little jealous, thinking that he was definitely more handsome than Luke. His feelings of imbalance grew. Why go to Lucius and not him?Hera, noticing his hesitation, snapped, “What are you zoning out for? Are you going to go for him?”If it had been any other task, the man would have been happy to step in. Still, something like g
“Alright, I'm really tired. How about we rest for a bit?” After kissing him, Luca snuggled against his waist and playfully whined. “The medication I took has some strong side effects. I've been feeling drowsy for hours. Can we sleep now?”A flash of concern appeared in Luke's deep eyes. His voice was hoarse as he replied, “Okay.”After lying down, Luca suddenly remembered Hera. She asked, “Have you met Hera?”“Hera? That woman?” Luke pulled her closer into his embrace.“Yeah.” Luca could tell from his tone that he did not remember who Hera was, so she explained, “Hera was a classmate of ours in high school, the popular girl. She was interested in you back then. We even ran into her once when we were abroad.”Her memory was sharp, and she remembered clearly all the details about people and events that did not seem important.Luke only caught one detail—she was a former classmate.“I don’t remember,” replied Luke.Luca continued, “Back then, Hera had a crush on you, but... I didn
“It's nothing. I just think you and our boss make a perfect match.” Luca decided not to say anything more. She was unwilling to risk causing trouble for herself.Hera felt that there was something mocking in her tone. It was meant to be a compliment, yet it felt like mockery, leaving her with the sense that something was off.Hera let out a cold snort. “Of course, we’re a perfect match. No need for you to say it.”Even though she knew there was an undertone of sarcasm, she still acknowledged it. She sized Luca up with a look of disdain. “You’re a doctor, right?”Luca shook her head. “Not exactly.”Gerald explained, “Ms. Sanchez, she’s skilled in medicine, but she wouldn’t call herself a doctor.”Hera shot him an annoyed glance and then turned back to Luca. “It’s fine as long as you know medicine. I’m not feeling well. Come help me with some treatment.”Gerald had no choice but to awkwardly suggest, “Ms. Sanchez, if you're not feeling unwell, perhaps I could ask Mr. Shanks to che
The volunteer was attended to in shifts, and he asked the person in the current shift, “Did that person leave?”“Yes.” The man attending him let out a sigh of relief. He had been so nervous when Abel was here that he could barely breathe.“Who was that person?” the volunteer asked curiously. He could not see, but he could still sense the heavy, oppressive aura. It was as though the person might take his life at any moment.“Don’t ask about things you shouldn’t know. Just focus on your recovery,” replied the man.The volunteer heaved a sigh and gently turned around. Lying here, he had no idea when it would end. However, ever since the nerves had started reacting, he felt that his legs were getting better day by day.After a while, Luca entered, carrying a tray of dry needling tools. She glanced at the attendant, noticing that it was another man today.Luca asked, “Did the boss come by earlier?”“Yes.” The man nodded.Luca’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at the volunteer, wh