Xoan broke the heavy tension in the room. "Mr. Linton, I sense that you aren't exactly approaching this with a genuine interest to cooperate. Perhaps we should cease negotiations."Xoan made a show of getting up from his chair as he spoke. The weight of the words hung in the air.Mr. Linton, suddenly realizing the risk of losing the deal, quickly stood up. He stammered, "Mr. Xoan Warren, let's talk this over. You initially purchased that land for seventy million dollars, so I'll offer you a hundred and forty million dollars. What do you say?"Though the sum struck a nerve in his pockets, Mr. Linton could not bear to lose the golden opportunity the land represented. He gritted his teeth and made the offer.Yaslyn shook her head disdainfully. "A hundred and forty million dollars? The land's worth far more than that, don't you think?"Mr. Linton sighed, his face a portrait of gloom. "A hundred and forty million is already a stretch. What if you're scamming me? I might suffer a big lo
Yaslyn paused, her eyes widening in confusion as Xoan silently walked away from her.Suddenly, her phone buzzed to life. She glanced at the screen, and the name 'Henry' flashed in bright characters.Henry's playful voice came through when she answered the call. "Yaslyn, are you busy after work? If not, would you like to come to my concert?"Yaslyn nodded. "Sure, I'll be right there."When Yaslyn reached the venue, the place was swarming like a hive. She managed to elbow her way to the front row with considerable effort. A while passed, and Xoan was still missing.Her excitement began to wane, and she propped her head up, leaving her thoughts in the clouds.Henry, however, was putting on a good show, even better than before."To show appreciation for all the love, we'll randomly select a lucky audience member to receive my mysterious gift," Henry announced.The spotlight swung and pinned Yaslyn down as if she was under a microscope. There was no hiding as the crowd’s eyes burned
The conference room had barely emptied when the same man who had mocked Yollanda in the meeting approached Yaslyn."Ms. Lyon, don't you think the president is biased?"Yaslyn raised an eyebrow, already full of tension. "What's the matter?""You should've been the one to write the new project proposal. I don't know what kind of spell Yollanda cast on the president to get this crucial task. It's unfair to you!"Yaslyn shrugged, unflustered. "Whoever writes it can write it as long as it gets done well."The man shook his head as if Yaslyn were a hopeless case. "You're too naïve, Ms. Lyon. Just wait until that cunning girl spins you around."Yaslyn smiled flatly, letting the conversation die. Yollanda was just an eager newbie trying to make her mark—hardly worth the fuss. Then, a wave of dizziness washed over Yaslyn. Her head spun, her vision blurred, and she collapsed on the floor.Xoan, spotting her fall through the glass door, burst into the room, sweeping her into his arms. Her
Yaslyn was abandoned in a sterile, clinical landscape—the hospital.Many things at work were out of reach. Xoan had appointed Yollanda to take over all her tasks. A bitter smile crept across her lips when she heard about the work delegation. Was it not sidelining her to groom Yollanda for the spotlight?Tired of such thoughts, Yaslyn surrendered to the hospital's cold embrace, accepting it as a convalescent retreat.When Steven heard about Yaslyn’s illness and hospitalization, he instructed his five sons to rotate through caretaking duties until her release. Even Sophie, who had oscillated between friend and frenemy, agreed and began fussing over Yaslyn like a doting mother hen.Her first caregiver was Xoan. The moment Yaslyn set eyes on him, her mood darkened as if the very light of the room absorbed her irritation. She could not even bestow the simplest of social niceties upon him—a glance."Mr. Xoan Warren, you're a busy man. No need to waste your precious time in this hospital
Did Yollanda really become that 'special and exceptional' someone in Xoan's heart?Yaslyn's thoughts swirled bitterly. They looked so intimate together. Was that the life Xoan had envisioned with Yollanda?The affection was disgustingly cheap.Yaslyn's eyes strayed to Henry, who had followed her gaze to where Xoan and Yollanda stood on the sidewalk. "Who's that with Xoan?" Henry asked, curiosity coloring his tone."An employee from the company," Yaslyn answered flatly, turning away from the unsettling scene.Henry grinned. "They don't look like a boss and an employee to me.""It doesn't matter," Yaslyn replied.Amused, Henry relished the sight of Xoan cozying up to another woman. If Xoan were out of the picture, Yaslyn would surely fall into his arms."Let's go see the light festival later. They say if you make a wish there, it comes true."Yaslyn stood abruptly. "Let's go home.""The light festival—""I'm tired, Henry. Let's go home."Her eyes were exhausted, and her heart
When Xoan walked into the hospital room to visit Yaslyn, he found the bed empty but still warm.Yaslyn was missing.Xoan was confused. Yaslyn could not be discharged yet, so why was the room vacant? Had she gone to the restroom?Xoan frowned and waited another half an hour, but there was still no sign of Yaslyn. He suddenly felt a sense of impending doom. He called Yerick, instructing him to scour the hospital's security camera for clues.Yerick's heart sank. He still needed Yaslyn for a sham marriage to fulfill his plans. If something unexpected happens to Yaslyn, his whole plan would be ruined.After hastily reviewing the security camera, he noticed two suspicious individuals dragging a suitcase. Their eyes darted nervously as they rushed out of the frame.Yerick sent a screenshot to Xoan."These two are the most suspicious figures in the last three hours of footage. I think they crammed Yaslyn into this suitcase.""How long ago was this?" Xoan asked."About an hour ago. U
"Come on, Waylon, I don't know what you're worried about. Look at her! She's just an ordinary young girl. What tricks could she possibly pull off? You're worrying over nothing."Simon tutted a few times, looking over at Waylon and shaking his head. Seeing that Yaslyn remained silent, the two of them stayed put in the abandoned garage, making small talk while waiting for Zaylee to arrive. As time passed, without Zaylee showing up, they both started to get a little anxious."Do you think something happened to Ms. Ford? Why's she so late?""What are you talking about? Mind your own business," Waylon retorted.Suddenly, a rhythmic knock came from the door. Three long and two short knocks—their agreed-upon code.The two men broke into smiles and eagerly opened the door. Zaylee, wearing a mask and glasses, cautiously slipped in.She glanced at the three people inside, and when her eyes landed on Yaslyn, who was in a disheveled state on the ground, she could not help but let out a sinis
Yaslyn had not expected Henry to go to such lengths for her, and it tugged at her heartstrings. She had always thought that Henry's feelings for her were merely those of adoration—not genuine affection. She started to have doubts upon seeing him there."Henry, get up. You can go. I'll be fine on my own."Henry shook his head, feeling fists raining down on his back like hailstones. "How could I leave you alone? I have to stay with you. I won't abandon you."Zaylee got up and glared at Henry, teeth grinding in anger."So, Henry, you dare to attack me? You knew about Yaslyn and Xoan, and yet you still associate with her? You're disgusting!"Ignoring the pain, Henry mustered enough energy to respond."Zaylee, let Yaslyn go. The Warren family won't let this slide."Zaylee smirked upon hearing Henry's weak voice. "Quite comical, don't you think? Do I look like someone who was afraid to die? Henry, since you've presented yourself to me today, don't fault me for disregarding past friend
Whitey glanced back and forth between them, shaking her head. "You two are a mystery."Suddenly, Doniel stood and waved Whitey over. "Hey, Whitey. Come here for a second."Confused but compliant, Whitey walked over.In a swift move, Doniel took her hand. With a smug look at Matheo, he announced, "I'm taking Whitey off your hands for a bit."Matheo's expression turned steely. "What's your game?""Don't sweat it, she'll be back soon."With that, Doniel led Whitey out.They reached a more secluded spot before Doniel finally released her hand. "Whitey, you're not hurt, right?"Whitey shook her head, twirling in front of him to prove her point. "See? I'm totally fine."Doniel reached out and gently tapped her forehead. "Someone hit you, didn't they? Your face is still swollen, and here you are, telling me it's nothing."Whitey playfully stuck out her tongue. "I just didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm not the one who got seriously hurt. It was Matheo.""I know. Matheo really d
"Don't make that call!" Whitey screamed in a panic.A harsh slap struck her face as the ringleader yelled, "Shut it, woman! Who said you could talk?"The man, not satisfied after hitting her, gave in to his fury and kicked her. However, before he knew it, Matheo, who was standing nearby, had silently moved behind him. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed as Matheo snapped the man's fingers with raw force.Matheo wrapped his arms around Whitey and quickly retreated."I can't take it! I'm done. I don't want anything else. Just do it!"The ringleader was seething with rage, the throbbing in his fingers ruining his will to fight Matheo.A few thugs had been itching for a reason to go after Matheo, and they wasted no time grabbing their weapons and launching an assault.Matheo fought back while dragging Whitey out of harm's way, but as the fight dragged on, he started losing ground.A vicious knife cut to Matheo's leg sent him tumbling down with a grunt."Matheo!"Whitey crouched beside
Whitey shook her head. She did not have a clue, and even if she could guess, she did not know what to do about it."I was actually about to..."Before Matheo could finish, a deafening crash rang out.Startled, Whitey clapped her hands over her ears. Matheo wrapped her in his arms and glanced at the rear window.A random stone had shattered the car's back glass, leaving a gaping hole.The chaos erupted out of nowhere, catching both of them off guard. They had been deep in conversation when suddenly, a line of cars barricaded the road, trapping them.Matheo gently patted her head, a silent plea for calm.Whitey, frantic, nodded and fumbled for her phone, only to find it had mysteriously powered down."Stay put in the car and don't worry," Matheo said, handing her his phone."If things go south, call the cops, call anyone."He was ready to step out and face the unknown threat head-on.Whitey protested. "Matheo, we don't know what we're dealing with. Don't just rush out there."
Whitey was back to her usual routine—classes by day, radio station by night. However, she had a luxury she did not have previously. A private car service, ensuring her safety was never in question.Doniel's lips were sealed, not breathing a word of her injury to anyone. Except for Matheo, who had somehow stumbled upon the secret.That night, after her radio gig, Whitey stepped out expecting to see the familiar pink sports car tucked away in its usual spot. However, it was nowhere in sight.Moreover, he had not even bothered to call her. A knot of worry formed in her stomach. Did something happen to him?Whitey had called his number three, maybe four times, but got nothing.As she was wrestling with her thoughts, a familiar yet unsettling figure approached her.Matheo.Why was he there?Nobody knew about Whitey's job at the radio station except Doniel."Doniel's tied up today, so I'm your ride," Matheo said.Alarm bells rang in Whitey's head. How did Matheo know about Doniel
The nurse nodded, gesturing for Doniel to give them some space.Once the bandaging was complete, Doniel returned with a treat—Whitey's beloved chocolate cupcakes."For you. Why didn't you say it hurt? He was so rough, and yet you asked me not to hold it against him."Whitey, her mouth full of frosting, mumbled a reply. "It's not that bad. Besides, you two are usually on good terms. Why fight over pointless things because of me?"Doniel tapped her head gently. "You're such a goof. What are you even talking about? Meaningless things?""I just thought that you two grew up together, so it'd be a shame to fall out over something so small, right?"Doniel huffed, "I never really cared for him, you know.""Okay, let's figure out a plan B. This mess means I might be stuck in the hospital longer, so I'm counting on you to smooth things over back home."Doniel looked at her with a teasing grin. "Relax, I've got this."Somehow, Whitey could always pick up a strange vibe from his smile, an
Whitey was injured, and Doniel rushed her to the hospital that very night. It was just a slash on her arm, but Doniel was beside himself with worry.Watching Whitey grit her teeth through the stitching, Doniel's face turned a shade of stormy gray. "I'll track down that driver's family if it's the last thing I do!"Whitey winced in pain, but seeing Doniel's fury, she tried to soothe him. "Really, it's not so bad."Doniel looked at her bandaged arm. "Thirteen stitches, Whitey. If you're not in pain, I'm in pain for both of us."Whitey was always the center of attention—a princess who was doted on from the day she was born. She had never experienced an injury as severe as that. As Doniel reached for his phone to call Whitey's parents, she quickly stopped him with a hand gesture, wincing as she accidentally grazed her wound, "Please don't call them. They'll just scold me again if they find out.""I told you to let me drive you home. Now, look at what happened because you didn't li
Whitey gripped the edge of her skirt, a new kind of worry blooming in her chest.'What if Matheo was…'She shuddered at the thought, her mind a garden where fears grew into giant oaks, so tall and dark that they scared her.Looking up again, Whitey's eyes widened as she noticed the taxi had taken a wrong turn, heading into unfamiliar territory.In the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of the driver's unsettling smirk.Taking a cab late at night was proving to be a bad idea, her heart racing with fear. If only she had accepted a ride from Doniel, none of that would happen. Regret washed over her as she scrambled for her phone, desperate to call for help.Sensing her panic, the driver floored it to a secluded spot and then abruptly stopped the car.Whitey's head snapped forward, hitting the seat, and as the world spun, her phone slipped from her grasp. Then, the driver was toying with her phone, his grin wide and wicked."Planning to call the cops or a friend, sweetheart?""
As time swiftly marched on, three years went by.Whitey nailed her entrance exam into the top university in Jefferson City—Jefferson City University.As for the others, Caleb turned 30, tied the knot, had kids, and took control of Sheldon's international ventures. He and his family packed up and moved overseas, while the rest stayed back."Thanks for tuning into 'Moonlit Wishes,' your go-to spot for all things heartfelt. I'm your host, Macie."At the stroke of ten, Macie's soothing voice filled the evening airwaves."Let's hear from our first caller tonight. Hey there, sir, what's on your mind?"Macie's voice was soothing, soft yet strong enough to coax secrets from the most guarded of hearts."Here's the thing, Macie. I've been head over heels for this girl, but she's always kept me at arm's length, saying I haven't done enough. However, today, I caught her in another guy's arms. What gives?"The man's voice quivered with barely concealed tears, slurred slightly by alcohol.M
"So, just because you're into him, you decide to set me up? How does that make any sense?"Whitey could not help but find her logic almost laughable."Because I noticed he always had a soft spot for you, jealousy clouded my judgment, and that's why I..."Jade inhaled deeply, as if bracing herself for what was to come. "Well, you've uncovered the truth, so there's no point in hiding anything. Punish me however you see fit."What was the point in pleading guilty then?Jade stood there, a mix of defiance and dignity, stubborn even in the face of her mistake.Whitey was not looking to lay blame. "I'm not going to take this to the principal, and I won't breathe a word of it to anyone else. However, as of today, our friendship is done. I'll find a new place to sit when we get back."Whitey let out a tired sigh. "There's something else you should know. He's got a girlfriend now."Jade's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, are you two an item now?""No, I'm not the one he's dating."Wi