“If Abel finds out that Hera's body isn't suitable for organ donation to Kassy, what do you think he'll do?” asked Shanks.He already knew the answer, but he still wanted to hear Luca’s thoughts.“He has invested a lot of time and money in Hera. If he gets nothing out of it, he won’t let her off easily,” Luca said bluntly.Luca and Shanks were on the same page.They did not have a good relationship with Hera, but they had no intention of ruining her either.Hera’s personality was unpleasant, but that was not enough for them to hate her so much that they wanted to see her suffer.“What methods do you think he’ll use?” Shanks asked again.Luca was silent for a long moment.Shanks already knew the answer, yet he still wanted her to say it out loud.After thinking it over, she finally said, “There are plenty of ways he could go about it, but no matter what he chooses, Hera’s fate is sealed. She’s as good as dead…”She lowered her gaze, her tone firm and certain.Shanks nodded.
Hera was startled by Luca's words.The refusal that had been on the tip of her tongue suddenly got stuck in her throat.“I…” Hera hesitated, feeling conflicted. Leaving Abel might not be such a bad idea. At least she would not have to live in constant fear.She was finally realizing how unpredictable his moods were. At first, she thought it did not matter as she could still look at other men. She just had to ensure there was no physical contact. In reality, even if she so much as glanced at someone, Abel's expression would darken with anger.It was frustrating. Now, the only person she was allowed to look at was Gerald. Still, what was the point of just looking at Gerald?At that thought, she lifted her gaze to Luca.Luca added, “I’ll give you five minutes. If you refuse treatment after that, I’ll take the medicine back to Mr. Shanks and won’t try to convince you again.”Hera's heart tightened. She did not even need five minutes. She had made her decision within 30 seconds.“I’
It was late at night. A black full-size Lincoln SUV is driving into an extravagant mansion in A City’s most expensive suburb.Inside the mansion.Bianca Rayne’s eyes were covered with a silk blindfold.He did not want her to know who he was.“Don’t be afraid. Take deep breaths.“You can do it, Bianca. There’s nothing more important than getting Dad a liver transplant so he can live. It’s fine to sacrifice a little for Dad.”She could not ignore the sound of the car entering the mansion.Now that it had come to this, all she could do was keep talking to herself, to persuade and comfort herself.When Luke Crawford walked in, his body tall and his spine straight, he immediately saw Bianca, who was standing in his room. She was young, in the prime of her youth—“H-Hello…” She could sense his body approaching, so she instinctively took a step back despite the blindfold, stuttering as she greeted him stiffly.She had thought that the past few days of mental preparation had left her
Once he was done, the man left.Bianca was exhausted to the point of passing out. She stayed curled up on the bed for a long, long time.The doctors said it was easier for her to conceive this way.…This continued for more nights than she could keep track of. Luke Crawford would come to the mansion every night, no matter how late his work kept him. He never failed to show up.The middle-aged driver who followed Luke around, Charles Finn, was Faye’s husband. Both of them were experienced in these things, so they really wanted to give their young master a word of advice. These things should be taken slowly! Rushing it would only be unhealthy!However, their haughty and aloof young master was also known for being a harsh employer with the cold face of a devil. He was famous for being hard to handle!The couple had no choice but to keep their mouths shut!They could only watch as that young girl was rendered limp and listless every day thanks to their young master’s energetic dema
“Hear me out, Kevin. We only have two daughters, right? I know, Marie isn’t your daughter by birth, but she’s called you her father all her life…”Before Jennifer finished that sentence, Kevin interrupted her. He had been recuperating in bed for many months now, and he was already feeling much better. “What are you trying to say? Just tell me straight. After all, I’m your loving husband.”“I know you love me and our Marie..” Jennifer held Kevin’s hand, so thin that it was practically skin over bone, and said softly, “You mentioned that you’d send Bianca overseas to study after she graduates from high school right? Our Marie is only two years older than Bianca, and all she does these days is hang around bars. She’s not going to class properly at all, and I’m worried sick. After all, she is my only biological child! Kevin, I want Marie to study overseas with Bianca!”Bianca stood outside the door, frowning slightly.Marie was twenty years old this year, and she had somehow learned ho
Bianca shook her head and forced herself to not think about the mother whose name and face she did not know. That woman was a stranger to her.After a while, her phone rang.The caller was Bianca’s best friend, Nina Langdon.Bianca picked up.“Hi! It’s been a long time since we video-called. Why are you trying to avoid me?” Nina complained into the phone. She rested her cheek on her hand dejectedly, saying, “Are you sure you wanna go to the UK, Bea? What if someone bullies you there? My fists don’t reach that far.“Also! I hear that guys mature early overseas, and loads of school dorms are co-ed! You gotta be really careful about that when you go there! Hey, do you understand what I’m getting at? Forget it, I’ll just be open with you. If you really can’t hold back when you see those foreign hotties! Remember to use protection!”On her screen, Bianca could see that Nina was sitting in a small restaurant. It seemed like she had just ordered her food and was waiting for it to arrive
When Bianca next set foot in the busy A City once more, five years had passed. She had been away for almost two thousand days and nights. It was not a very long time, but it was not nothing either.Back then, she had been pushed about mercilessly by destiny. She had been completely powerless!Now, she just wanted to use her own strength to take control of her life with her own hands.It was morning.“Bea, over here—” Nina wound down her car window and waved at Bianca, who was walking out of her suburb.Time had passed. Five years later, the two of them were no longer clueless girls of eighteen or nineteen.Bianca and Jean had returned to the country together yesterday, and Nina had been the one to pick them up from the airport.That night, Jean had taken Bianca back to the Langdons’ place for dinner.Mr. and Mrs. Langdon were more than happy with Bianca as their future daughter-in-law.That morning, Jean had wanted to go to the interview at the company with Bianca, but someth
Ten minutes later, Jean was done with his interview.He pushed the door open and walked out.Bianca immediately got to his feet. “How was it?”“The interviewers ask some tough questions, but it isn’t anything we can’t handle.” Jean could not help but kiss Bianca on the forehead, saying calmly, “Overall, it’s not bad.”Bianca heaved a sigh of relief.“Next, Bianca Rayne,” the female secretary called out.Bianca hurriedly straightened out her clothing and went inside anxiously.The second she walked into the room, Luke looked at her with a complicated gaze.Bianca sat down properly and raised her head, meeting each interviewer’s eyes, one at a time.After that, she introduced herself briefly. “Good morning, everyone. First of all, thank you for giving me this opportunity to attend this interview. My name is Bianca Rayne.”Since she decided to return to this country and find a job here, she had come up with plenty of interview openers in her mind.It may not be the most creativ
Hera was startled by Luca's words.The refusal that had been on the tip of her tongue suddenly got stuck in her throat.“I…” Hera hesitated, feeling conflicted. Leaving Abel might not be such a bad idea. At least she would not have to live in constant fear.She was finally realizing how unpredictable his moods were. At first, she thought it did not matter as she could still look at other men. She just had to ensure there was no physical contact. In reality, even if she so much as glanced at someone, Abel's expression would darken with anger.It was frustrating. Now, the only person she was allowed to look at was Gerald. Still, what was the point of just looking at Gerald?At that thought, she lifted her gaze to Luca.Luca added, “I’ll give you five minutes. If you refuse treatment after that, I’ll take the medicine back to Mr. Shanks and won’t try to convince you again.”Hera's heart tightened. She did not even need five minutes. She had made her decision within 30 seconds.“I’
“If Abel finds out that Hera's body isn't suitable for organ donation to Kassy, what do you think he'll do?” asked Shanks.He already knew the answer, but he still wanted to hear Luca’s thoughts.“He has invested a lot of time and money in Hera. If he gets nothing out of it, he won’t let her off easily,” Luca said bluntly.Luca and Shanks were on the same page.They did not have a good relationship with Hera, but they had no intention of ruining her either.Hera’s personality was unpleasant, but that was not enough for them to hate her so much that they wanted to see her suffer.“What methods do you think he’ll use?” Shanks asked again.Luca was silent for a long moment.Shanks already knew the answer, yet he still wanted her to say it out loud.After thinking it over, she finally said, “There are plenty of ways he could go about it, but no matter what he chooses, Hera’s fate is sealed. She’s as good as dead…”She lowered her gaze, her tone firm and certain.Shanks nodded.
Hera heard that Luca had returned and immediately went to find Shanks. She narrowed her eyes.That woman went to see Shanks. Could she be talking about her?The thought made Hera uneasy. She had a nagging feeling that something was wrong with her medical report.However, when they left the medical center earlier, Abel asked Luca when the report would be ready, and she said it would be available tomorrow.Hera turned to Gerald and said, “Take these back for me first.”“Alright.” Gerald carried the bags as he walked away. He could not help but wonder what exactly Hera bought. These bags were really heavy!Only after Gerald went upstairs did Hera slowly make her way up as well. Her room was on the third floor, but she stopped when she reached the second floor. She glanced around to make sure no one was watching before heading toward the laboratory.The door was closed.Instead of knocking, Hera pressed her ear against it, trying to eavesdrop.However, the laboratory was special
“This cup of coffee is from that gentleman for this lady.” The waiter smiled as he explained, placing the cup in front of Luca.Hera followed the waiter’s gaze and immediately recognized the man Luca had been looking at earlier.Her eyes darkened. She had noticed the man glancing in their direction. However, she had assumed he was looking at her.After all, she was dressed seductively, had put on makeup, and was undeniably beautiful. Any man who saw her would be attracted. If a man’s eyes lingered on her, it was not surprising at all.Realizing that the man had been watching Luca the whole time instead of her, Hera suddenly felt annoyed.Luca noticed her displeasure, glanced at Gordan, then smiled and said to the waiter, “Please thank the gentleman for me.”“Of course, miss. Enjoy your coffee.” The waiter, sensing the tension between the two women, quickly grabbed his tray and left before Hera’s sour mood could affect him too.“Hmph, feeling proud of yourself?” asked Hera.Luca
Although Luca did not know the exact value of the clothes, she was certain that anything Luke had specially sent over would not be cheap.So, when she caught the sales associate’s skeptical glance, she felt a bit helpless but did not bother to explain. The truth would speak for itself. Besides, she had no intention of justifying herself to a sales associate.Hera, despite her love for luxury goods, did not actually know much about haute couture. So, when she noticed the sales associate still sizing up Luca, she immediately snapped, “What are you looking at?”“N-Nothing.” The sales associate quickly averted her gaze and turned her full attention to Hera, smiling brightly. “Our esteemed guest, what can I help you find today?”Hera thought for a moment before saying in a serious tone, “Show me your new handbags.”The sales associate’s eyes lit up when she heard this. Anyone who could afford so much designer clothing had to have deep pockets. This meant a solid commission for her!
The sales associate nodded and said, “Yes, we do. I’ve already placed them in the fitting room for you. Would you like some assistance?”Hera shook her head and pointed straight at Luca. “No, I want her to do it.”Luca shook her head helplessly. It seemed that Hera was determined to make her play the role of a sales associate today.Luca asked, “Ms. Sanchez, where’s Mr. Abel?”“What does that have to do with you?” Hera shot her a wary look. “Where he goes isn’t important. What matters is that you’re spending the day shopping with me. And if I’m not happy, be prepared to face his punishment.”Then, Hera strutted toward the fitting room like a proud peacock.Luca had no choice but to follow.Inside the fitting room, Hera closed the door behind them and commanded, “Help me unzip the back.”“Alright.” Luca lowered her gaze. Since they were both women and Hera clearly had no reservations, there was no reason for her to feel uncomfortable. She placed her hands on the zipper.Hera re
After Hera got into the car, Abel turned around. His piercing blue eyes locked onto Luca.“When will the test results be ready?” asked Abel. His primary concern was the results.Luca replied, “It won’t be that fast. She did quite a few tests, so it might take until tomorrow or the day after. But the hospital assured me that as soon as the results are in, they’ll give me a detailed report right away.”Abel looked a little unhappy. “Didn’t I tell you to choose the VIP package?”“Mr. Abel, even with the VIP package, the results won’t be immediate. Getting them by tomorrow is already considered fast,” explained Luca.Abel let out a cold snort.Just then, the car window rolled down.“Baby, I’m still upset.” Hera’s voice dripped with sweetness.Abel turned around, his previously cold expression instantly replaced with warmth and tenderness. “What will make you feel better?”Hera thought for a moment. “How about this? Let her follow me around today and carry my shopping bags. That mi
“You!” Hera was clearly caught off guard that the driver had the nerve to talk back to her.She yanked off her sunglasses, just about ready to snap back at him when the driver got a good look at her through the rearview mirror.“Oh, it’s you?” said the driver.“Who the hell are you? Do I know you?” Hera’s tone was arrogant as though she was naturally above him.The driver reminded her, “Remember yesterday? You had me tail a cab and park outside some ancestral hall for half the day, and you refused to leave. I wasted a ton of gas just idling there with the A/C on because of you.”Hera’s face turned red, then pale. She did not expect Luca to randomly call a cab and end up with the same driver from yesterday.Luca also found it a funny coincidence and glanced back. Hera’s expression was awful.The driver, being a straight shooter, did not hold back. “Huh. Funny how you didn’t complain about my car smelling bad yesterday, but today, all of a sudden, it stinks? After I dropped you of
Luca also reminded Luke to tell the kids not to contact her during this period. The device could not be removed. If it was, Abel would definitely notice. Rather than making him suspicious or prompting him to install even better devices, it was better to just leave this one in place.Luke quickly replied: [Got it.]Luca put on a faint smile and began narrowing down the search, trying to figure out where that man had installed the device.If it was just for listening, she did not care. It could stay. However, if it was a surveillance camera, she needed to be more cautious. In the end, she found the device under the bed.She did not bother checking whether it was for listening or monitoring. After all, if it was placed there, the only possibility was that it was an audio bug. A camera in that spot would not capture anything useful.Anyone trained on the Island of Despair would not make such a rookie mistake.After a quick wash-up, Luca went to bed.The next morning, she receive