Wrenley's expression change was the most obvious. She gazed at Yerick's fearless and radiant smile, her eyes immediately reddening. "What do you mean by that?"Yerick slightly parted his lips, appearing somewhat surprised. "I didn't say anything specific. Why is Ms. Jurado reading into it?"Indeed, he had not specified anything, so why was she jumping to conclusions?Wrenley was seething with anger but could not find the words to retort under these circumstances. All she could manage was an awkward smile. "I may have been overthinking.""Yeah, Ms. Jurado shouldn't have so many conspiracy theories. It's as if everyone is out to get you," Yerick said, his words dripping with sarcasm.Wrenley could not find a response to his remark and turned to Xoan beside her, seeking refuge. However, Xoan seemed not to have heard her and kept his lips sealed."Alright, let's not waste any more time outside. Our purpose today is to discuss our collaboration. Let's head inside," Yaslyn suggested.
Wrenley halted abruptly. She was poised to counter, but Yaslyn's words gave her pause. There was truth to them.She realized the Warren family's wealth was far greater than she initially believed. If Xoan was not willing to part with such an amount for her, did it not put his affection in doubt?She recalled the whispers of Xoan generously spending on Yaslyn without a second thought. With a mixture of determination and vulnerability, Wrenley turned to Xoan, her cheeks tinged with a hint of red. "Xoan, how do you think we should proceed?"Entrusting him with the choice also became a test of his sentiments toward her.Xoan understood the situation and chose not to argue further. He calmly stated, "Forty-two million dollars, you say? The Warren family can certainly afford it."From the sidelines, Yerick clapped and grinned. "Such generosity, just as I'd expect from the elder brother!"Yaslyn watched Yerick, who was like her comedic sidekick, and almost burst out laughing. Of course,
Zyra's jaw tightened. "It involves Linton Group."The name 'Linton Group' carried a certain weight. Yaslyn's mind raced back to when she had been a target, suspecting the Linton family's involvement. She muttered a silent curse.It seemed the Lintons, aware of Zyra and Yaslyn's tight bond, shifted their focus from Yaslyn to the more vulnerable Stewart family."What happened?" Yaslyn inquired."We entered a trade deal with an international firm, but the Linton family wants to buy into it at an exorbitant rate. Naturally, the Stewarts declined. In retaliation, the Lintons bribed a project manager from the company, making false allegations about our product batch. Now, the firm claims we violated our agreement and is threatening a lawsuit. They're demanding an astronomical sum..." Tears brimmed in Zyra's eyes."How much money are they demanding?" Yaslyn asked, concerned. After all, most issues could be resolved with money.Zyra sniffled. "4.2 billion dollars.""That much?" Yaslyn d
The idea of Zyra meeting Tyler was something Yaslyn could not ignore. At Yaslyn's insistence, Zyra took her to Tyler's law firm conveniently located near Zyra's residence.As they stepped inside, Zyra surveyed the expansive office space with only a handful of people working. She raised an eyebrow. "Why is it so empty here?"Yaslyn responded with a hint of sarcasm, "Maybe they don't always have work to do."As she spoke, Tyler appeared with a welcoming smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure of both your company?""I'm here to ensure our little lamb doesn't get devoured by the big bad wolf," Yaslyn remarked, taking a protective posture.The witty analogy did not escape Tyler, whose eyebrows furrowed slightly as he held back a chuckle. "In that case, I welcome you both."He led Yaslyn and Zyra to the nearby couch."Alright, please tell me in detail what's going on," Tyler straightforwardly demanded.Zyra grimaced as she recalled the recent upheavals at her family's company. "My bro
Seeing Xoan in this state, Wrenley's emotions were torn between happiness and sadness. She sensed that Xoan was not ready to end their relationship, but she hesitated to speculate why. She was apprehensive that maybe Xoan's reasons for being with her were...Mustering up some courage, she stepped closer and gently looped her arm around his neck. "Xoan, do you like me?""Yes," came Xoan's unwavering response.Yet, for some reason, Wrenley did not feel the elation she expected. Gathering more courage, she softly asked, "Then, would you kiss me?"They had been together for three months, yet Xoan maintained a respectful distance. This puzzled her. Wrenley, confident in her own allure, was used to men actively courting her. However, Xoan stood out. He behaved with utmost decorum and never showed overt interest.Finally, Xoan made a move. He stepped back. "I think it's a bit too fast."His explanation seemed somewhat forced.Naturally, Wrenley did not want to believe it. Hurt flickere
Seeing Yaslyn's puzzled expression, Skylar quickly regained her composure and smiled sheepishly. "It's nothing, I just dropped something."Santiago, waiting outside the glass door, seemed oblivious to the situation. He strode over to Yaslyn and naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulder affectionately. "Yaslyn, I've been calling you for days, and you barely respond to me."Santiago did not spare a glance at Skylar, who was right there.Yaslyn took a step back, freeing herself from Santiago's grasp, and firmly replied, "I'm busy.""It's okay, I'm just happy as long as you have time. If you don't mind, I can come visit you every day," Santiago said, flashing an adorable smile that left the photographers and crew swooning.Yaslyn, irritated by his intrusion, placed her hand on her forehead. "Alright, please don't disturb our advertising shoot.""How could this be called a disturbance? I just came to see you." Santiago dropped this statement casually and lounged on the nearby couc
Yaslyn looked at the car parked nearby and noted that its engine was running. Thus, she weathered through the rain and said to the driver, "Excuse me! I'm really sorry to bother you, but can I..."Before Yaslyn could finish her sentence, she looked up and saw those deep-set eyes. She froze in her tracks.Being drenched in the rain with tousled hair and looking somewhat disheveled, appearing before Xoan was undoubtedly a humiliation for her.Yaslyn swallowed the words she had just spoken."Go on. What is it?" Xoan was not particularly interested, not bothering to lift his eyelids as he inquired."It's nothing, I got the wrong person," Yaslyn replied hastily.She was unlucky indeed; running into Xoan was the last thing she wanted. Given his personality, he would never agree to give her a ride. It was better to come back later, once the rain stopped.Yaslyn observed the light drizzle outside intensify into a heavy downpour, heightening her sense of urgency.When would the rain eve
"You're getting married so soon?" Yaslyn muttered to herself involuntarily."Yes, we're getting married next month. Will you attend?" Xoan asked.As far as Yaslyn recalled, marriage had always been a distant topic. They had agreed to get engaged first and marry later when they found Yaslyn's mother. Later, when they did find her mother, they had parted ways.Seeing the wedding invitation, she felt a pang of melancholy in her heart."I won't be attending," she replied. Just seconds ago, she had wondered if Xoan had come to care for her, but reality ruthlessly shattered that notion. He was about to get married, and he would not have time for her.She scolded herself for being so naive."That's fine," Xoan concluded, closing the subject.Soon, they arrived at the Lukesh Company building. Xoan had just parked the car when Yaslyn hurriedly opened the car door and rushed out.Her haste troubled Xoan. "It's raining. Take the umbrella.""Thank you, but I don't need it."Yaslyn shook
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