After the kids washed their hands, they followed Luca into the dining room.Everyone else was already seated. Luca sat next to Luke, and after the three kids took their seats, Mr. Griffin and the maids brought out the food.By the time dinner was over, it was getting late. Just as Luke was thinking about taking the kids home, Susan spoke up, “Luke, I didn’t want to ask you during dinner, but now that we’ve eaten, there’s something I need to ask.”“Yes?” Luke sat back down on the couch, his gaze fixed on her.The air around him was so intense that Susan almost wanted to flee. However, as his elder, she could not back down now. Since she had something to say, she forced herself to withstand the pressure and spoke up, “I’ve been hearing rumors that your mother hurt someone in Seoul and now plans to return to A City. Is that true?”Luke raised an eyebrow and glanced around the room. He had only just learned about this, yet Susan already knew? It seemed like she had people keepin
Susan, undeterred by the warning, shot back, “Isn't all his money from T Corporation? Father, what you said was pointless.”Old Master Crawford glared at her fiercely. “If you were given a chance to work at the company, do you think you could earn that much money?”Susan’s family background was quite wealthy. She was raised as a pampered young lady, so she never learned how to make money. Once she realized this, she chose to become a housewife in the Crawford family and stopped considering working at the company. She focused on raising Louis, planning for him to work at the company once he grew up. Little did she expect that after Louis worked at T Corporation for a few years, he would start his own business, leading to a conflict between them. It felt like a slap in the face!Susan’s face turned slightly pale as she muttered, “I...”“Enough! You can’t make money yourself, so why are you even talking? Luke's the one bringing in the cash, and in the end, aren’t you the one benef
Luca glanced at Luke, silently asking for his input. He gave a slight nod, signaling his approval.Luca replied, “Alright, we’ll be there. What time is it in the evening? Where’s the venue?”“I’ll send you the exact time and location later. Don’t worry, Dr. Craw. It won’t run too late,” Gale reassured her, knowing they had kids to take care of. Since Luca was out, Aunt Neile would probably have to stay late at home to help.“Great, we’ll definitely be there.” Luca smiled as she hung up the phone.“What’s he planning?” asked Luke. From what he overheard, it almost sounded like Gale was about to confess his feelings to Luca. However, Gale was not that type of person, so Luke was curious about who had caught Gale’s interest.“You don't know?” Luca was surprised. Luke always seemed to know everything, like when Percy started liking Nina, but he missed Gale’s feelings for Rain?Luke shook his head, indicating he had no idea. He had spoken to Gale earlier today, but he seemed bus
Luke was startled for a moment, feeling as though history was repeating itself.Luca covered her mouth, laughing so hard she could barely catch her breath. Everything felt too coincidental. Suddenly, Luca recalled that there was this saying, a son could be a father’s nemesis.Tommy had interrupted them twice today.Luke’s expression turned dark as he turned around to look at his son. “Why aren’t you in bed? What are you doing out here?”“Daddy, I just finished washing up. I really want a glass of water.” Tommy then added, “The food at Crawford Manor was a bit salty this time, and I’m really thirsty.”“I’ll get you some water,” said Luca as she headed downstairs.Luke approached Tommy, looking down at him from above.Realizing he had spoiled his parents’ moment, Tommy gave a sheepish smile. “Daddy, I didn’t mean to.”“From now on, make sure to get yourself a glass of water before bed and keep it in the bedroom. No more running out for water all the time,” Luke said to his son wi
“Amazing, this scene is beautiful! Can you do some more intimate poses?” asked the photographer.“Of course.” Percy and Nina struck a few close poses together.They had been together for several years, which meant they had forged a deep bond that made them perfectly in sync. Whenever Nina struck a pose, Percy instinctively knew how to complement it.After the shoot, the photographer asked for their email address, promising to send the photos as a thank-you once they were ready.Once the photographer left, Percy and Nina returned to their hotel. As soon as they stepped in, Nina’s phone automatically powered on after plugging it in. In an instant, several notifications popped up.“Sue has called me multiple times.” Nina glanced at Percy. “Is it something urgent? Did she contact you?”She had forgotten to charge her phone before going to bed last night, so it remained off while she was out.Percy shook his head. “She didn’t call me. You should call her back and see what’s up.”“
A video of Nina and Percy's wedding was playing. Leaning against Percy, Nina nibbled on the fruit the hotel had sent up while watching the video and reliving the joy of their wedding day.“Percy, we'll be happy together forever,” muttered Nina just as the video showed Percy reciting his vows.“Yes, we'll be happy forever,” replied Percy as he laced his fingers through hers.Nina smiled sweetly. As she watched their two figures on screen, she suddenly asked, “Would you prefer a boy or a girl for our first child?”Without hesitation, Percy replied, “Either one. I'll love them just because they're ours.”“In that case, let's have a boy first, and a girl second. That way, we'll have both a son and a daughter, and the older brother can look out for his little sister.” Nina had it all planned. Even though they knew the gender was not something they could decide, it was a lovely wish they shared.“Then, my love, shouldn’t we start working on our son right now?” Percy’s voice took on
A couple of days ago, Gale told him that they were brothers who would stick together through thick and thin. Whoever started dating first would be a dog.Now, Gale was willing to be that dog!Luke took a sip of the lemon water Luca had been drinking. “Feeling a bit jealous?”“He didn’t stick to the promise of being single together,” Gordan vented to them both.“He dragged me out for drinks a few days ago, talking about how we were in this together, and now, he’s getting ready to confess his feelings? Who says women are the only ones who are fickle? Men can be just as unpredictable!” added Gordan, still grumbling.Luke shot him a cold glance. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you had a crush on Gale.”“Ugh, come on!” exclaimed Gordan, spitting out in disgust. “I’m not into guys.”“Mr. Norton, if you don’t feel that way about Mr. Gale, then why the long face? Could it be…” Even though Luca thought it was unlikely, she decided to tease him and deliberately changed her express
“Rain, I’m someone who has always been slow to understand my own feelings. After all these years, I’ve finally realized how special my feelings for you are. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and for always being there for me. I’m so grateful you came into my life. "Today, I’d like us to take the next step forward. I hope you’ll give me this chance. Rain, I like you. I don’t even know when it started, but I’m deeply in love with you now. Will you be my girlfriend?”Gale gripped the champagne roses tightly in his hands. His heart was pounding, thumping like crazy as he waited for her answer.Rain did not keep him waiting long.She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, then let out a little laugh and smiled brightly. Taking the champagne roses from his hand, she nodded and replied, “Yes, I will.”“Hurray!” Applause erupted from everyone around them.Luke and Luca also stood up, joining in the applause to celebrate the happy couple.Music soon began to flow fro
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