"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
"No, this isn't genuine. I bought a bootleg." Bianca took a few steps backward. She was not too fond of being so close to strangers. She did not expect that her scarf was a luxury brand. Luke had given her a scarf when she was cold. The woolen scarf was light and warm, and the material was gentle on the skin. Her neck was protected from the cold when she wore the scarf, and she had accepted it. If she had known that the scarf was so expensive, she would not have accepted it. Xavier's cousin pouted. "I thought so. Look, all your other clothes are so cheap, so how could you afford a genuine item? Hermes is the king in the kingdom of fashion. Even I, a frequent shopper in luxury fashion stores, could not even buy it, so how could you?" "Watch your words, Melissa!" Xavier's tone of voice instantly became stern. The short-haired woman sheepishly shut her mouth, though she mumbled, "Hmph, stupid cousin. How dare you bully me? I'll tell Uncle and Auntie when I get home later…" X
"Wow! Isn't that Leia Norman? I didn't expect to meet her here!" Sue whispered excitedly next to Bianca's ear. Sue was a fan of television dramas, and she occasionally followed entertainment news. Naturally, she knew who Leia was. Leia wore light make-up, and her hair was tied in a ponytail. She was dressed in luxury brand casual clothes that accentuated all her body curves and made her look elegant. Bianca was not familiar with Leia. As far as she knew, Leia Norman was a celebrity. Leia seemed a lot more beautiful in the movies. Both of them had met in real life, but they had never interacted with each other. When Bianca saw that Leia was choosing the same gown, she smiled politely and let go. "I'll go look at the other designs," Bianca said. To her, she did not mind relinquishing her choice to Leia. After all, there were so many other designs in the store. However, Bianca did not expect that her act of courtesy was interpreted as an act of provocation. Leia wore hig
Leia wanted to retort, but at that time, Sue picked a purple evening gown and brought it to Bianca. "You're here to pick a gown and not a fight with crazy women, Bianca. Let's go and try this on…" Sue pushed Bianca to the dressing room. Then, she sat down and flipped through a magazine. The luxury brand fashion store had top-notch service. Not only were the furnishings extravagant, but the customers could also get a variety of hot drinks for free. Sue enjoyed her time there. Her experience would have been perfect if not for that materialistic sales clerk and that arrogant Leia Norman! Soon, the dressing room door opened, and Bianca stepped out. Sue gasped when she saw Bianca, who seemed like a different person when she was dressed in the gown. Bianca was a beautiful woman, but she was always dressed in plain clothes and no makeup. She was unremarkable, and she looked more like a college student than a working adult. Now that she was dressed in a luxurious evening gown, she
After Sue saw that Bianca was done purchasing her gown, she said, "Now that our business is done here, we'd better go. There are several skunks here stinking up the air." She waved her hand in front of her nose as though there was really something in the air. Leia and Melissa's expressions turned unpleasant. Was that woman talking about them? "Hey, watch your mouth! Who are you calling a skunk?" Melissa was furious. Bianca held Sue's hand and answered coldly, "Whoever that replies." Melissa angrily kicked the thick-browed young woman's shin. "Go and beat up those two for me!" Yancy was loyal like a dog. She put down the shopping bags in her hands and started to pounce at Bianca and Sue. Before she could lay a finger on the two women, Sue stretched out her leg and tripped the woman! Then, she grabbed Yancy's body and easily performed an over-the-shoulder toss. The tall and bulky woman lay face-up on the ground and could not get up for a long time. "Is that all you have
"Get your manager here," Luke said. One of the sales clerks frantically went to the manager's office. Soon, the manager arrived on the scene. He was shocked when he saw Luke. Then, he bowed and said fawningly, "It's rare that you visit my little store, Mr. Crawford. Can I help you with anything? I'll get someone to wrap up anything that you want." Luke did not say anything. He opened his wallet. The selection of gold cards inside was dazzling. He picked out one and handed it to the manager. "Everything in the store." Sue's eyes opened wide. She wanted to applaud Luke. 'Wow, our boss is so cool! 'Not only is he incredibly generous, but he is also very protective. That'll show those despicable people!' "Alright, very well. Now, everything in the store belongs to you. You can do whatever you wish," the manager said excitedly. Then, the manager took the credit card away to process the transaction. "…" The sales clerks were speechless. Leia was silently seething. Why
Night fell, and a sky of stars shone over the earth. The outdoors might be thick with snow, but Millennia Hotel was brightly lit. Old Mr. Norman's 70th birthday party was held there. All the important figures from the business, political, and military circles were there. The hotel was decorated grandly with a gigantic crystal chandelier, a warm fireplace, and an extravagant mural. Old Mr. Norman sat straight, dressed in a classic suit. He carried the authority of a politician in each of his movements. He remained spirited even though he was old. Currently, the guests were offering their birthday wishes to him. Every guest in attendance was a socialite. Old Mr. Norman might have retired, but he was nonetheless influential in the political circle. Furthermore, his son Jack was also an important figure, and the guests were eager to suck up to him. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Norman were in the lobby greeting the guests. Queenie was in her element, while Jack was not very fond of suc
The woman who stood next to Luke was beautiful. Bianca was dressed in a purple evening gown. When she moved, she was as graceful as a flower. The shape of her eyes was like crescent moons whenever she smiled, and those eyes were sparkling like stars. Queenie had seen many outstanding young women, but the young woman in front of her felt somewhat familiar. What made Queenie most surprised was that the young woman's facial features looked similar to her when she was young… When Bianca saw Queenie, she also thought that the elegant middle-aged woman seemed somewhat familiar too. Queenie had gentle features. At the dinner party, her makeup and clothes hid her true age. Everyone thought that she was noble and friendly. "Welcome to Old Mr. Norman's 70th birthday party. This way, please…" Queenie greeted the young couple. Queenie was fond of Bianca because she thought that the young woman looked familiar. However, when her eyes fell on Luke, she was entirely captivated. The
Abel did not have much of an impression of Lucius. However, he believed he would not lie to him. If Lucius had actually done something to betray him, he would not have been foolish enough to admit that Hera had tried to seduce him.Abel studied his face. Lucius was not handsome, and his physique was not any different from the other people in the organization. His gaze then shifted to Hera. “You didn’t do anything?” Hera could feel the chilling intensity in his eyes, and she could not help but shiver.“A man had to step forward to file a complaint because you were harassing him, Hera. Have I been too lenient with you?” Abel continued, his voice light, almost indifferent. Still, the underlying menace was unmistakable. Despair filled Hera as she shot a resentful look at Luke. How could he be so ruthless, pushing her toward the brink of destruction?“Hera, look at me,” Abel commanded coldly, his hand suddenly gripping her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.Hera knew she had no
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