“Mr. Nigel, within a mere few days her ex-husband was able to win her heart over. I’m sure if this continues, they would be filing for a re-marriage within a year. You’re able to win difficult court cases but you can't win in this game of love.“It’s not because you’re not good enough, it’s just that you’re not as powerful as him. If you want Maia, you’ll have to beat Cedric. How are you going to beat HL corporation on your own?”“Ms. Lauren, what exactly are you trying to say? Just tell it to me straight.”“I’m sure you know that only the Fox family can go up against the Larkins. You could even say that we’re above the Larkins if you trace our family lineage. Why don’t you take up my offer and work with me to take out Cedric?” Lauren moved closer to Nigel as she spoke. “You want to take Cedric down? I don’t mean to offend you, but even with the Fox family lineage and the power you hold in society, you’re only an equal to Cedric. Taking him down is a pipe dream!”“You think so?
“I don’t want to cause harm to anyone’s personal safety, and I don’t want to be involved in anything unethical.”She looked at Nigel and gave him a cold smile. “I don’t need you to do that, you just have to play the good husband role to Maia.” “Thank you, Ms. Lauren.” Lauren placed her name card on the conference table. It was no ordinary name card as it was custom made out of 24k gold. It was a symbol of her status and a gesture to show that she earnestly wanted to work with Nigel.As Nigel took the name card off the table, Lauren was already walking toward the entrance. She left by simply saying goodbye and got into her fancy car.With her oppressing presence gone, Nigel was finally able to catch his breath. He continued to stare at the name card in his hand as he clenched it tightly. …When Lauren got into the car, she threw her branded bag aside and sneered, “It really does take all kinds, I suppose. No matter how good he thinks he is, he’s just another faker. “He prete
Maia shook her head. “Not yet.” “We’ll be home soon. You can go back to sleep when we get there.”Home? “Where are we going now?” Maia asked in confusion.“I’m sending you back to Cloud Nine Residences.” Maia was surprised by Cedric’s reply. Moments later, she turned her head toward the window and noticed that they were already on the way to her place. She glanced back at him and nodded. Maia continued to remain silent. Even though she looked like she was not fully awake, her mind was actually crystal clear. She knew that something was not right, but she could not really put her finger on it. Maia kept stealing glances at Cedric as she wanted to ask him what was going on but did not know where to start.When they finally got to Cloud Nine Residences, he sent her up to her home and told her to rest well, pinching her cheeks lightly before leaving. When he turned to leave, Maia called after him as she ran and hugged him from the back. For some reason, she kept feeling a sens
Cedric was faster. He grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her into his embrace. How could he possibly just let her leave?He hugged her tightly, as if there were no one else present. He whispered into her ear. “Why did you come all the way here in such weather?” “You know very well why I’m here. What’s wrong with you?” Maia’s anger turned into worry as her voice was trembling. Even when she was in Cedric’s embrace, she did not feel secure. She was worried sick about his health and safety. When she overheard their conversation at the moment she entered the villa, she could feel her heart drop. She felt hopeless and she did not like that feeling. Cedric did not know whether to feel happy or sad that Maia was so sharp. She could tell that something was not right the moment he chose to send her back home. There was no need to hide anymore, so he decided to just tell her.“The drug yesterday had a bad effect on my body, but I’m fine now.” Although it was something so severe, he made
Rebecca's tone was gentle as she explained to Maia. "Dr. Lyles has been researching many drugs that have appeared on the black market over the years. This is one of them. The corresponding antidote has been developed, so the man you love will be fine. However, if he had come a couple of hours later, it would have been risky. So, later on, make sure to settle the score with him!""It's a slow-acting poison?" Maia was stunned for a few seconds. "How can such a drug exist?"Rebecca explained, "The drug development team has been hidden in the shadows for a long time. I was once kidnapped by a mad scientist named Erwin. He was crazy, but he was also a genius. He specialized in developing this kind of drug to make a fortune or trade with others."After he died, those under him disappeared as well. I suspect these are the ones who got away. After many years, they reappeared, using the results of Dr. Erwin's research to make money in the black market and do immoral things.""Oh, I see." Ma
"I'll buy you new clothes tomorrow."Maia exclaimed again. "Cedric, where are your hands going?""Resting on my wife, of course," he replied so matter-of-factly.Maia gritted her teeth, even more furious. "Who are you calling your wife? Let go of me! I've only just forgiven you and you're taking advantage of me already! If I had known, I might as well have...""Might as well have what?" His actions froze at her words."Married a young and handsome guy.""Is that a threat?"Next, there was only a slight sound, and her last piece of protection fell to the ground."My wife, the medicine is taking effect. I'm addicted to you, so you have to help me through this."With one hand, he loosened his tie. With his other hand, he clasped her wrists, placing her hands above her head. Then, he gently bound them with the tie. The action was careful, the force light, just serving to restrain her without causing any harm.Feeling her hands bound, Maia's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She l
"That won’t be necessary.""That’s an order, not a request." Maia’s safety came first. She nodded in agreement. After all, she did not know the situation at the scene, and Buck and the others must not have brought many people for the finalization. They were probably already surrounded by the artists. Indeed, additional manpower was needed now.Maia rushed downstairs quickly, heading to the scene at Mykonos Studio. She knew that with every minute she delayed, Buck and the others would be surrounded for another minute. No one knew what might happen next.As soon as Maia reached the lobby, a well-dressed man was already waiting by her car. When he saw Maia, he respectfully said, "Miss, hello. I am Fischer, the squad leader of the security team's second squad. Mr. Cedric sent me to escort you to Mykonos Studio and provide full protection. Our second team won't appear in public like Mr. Baz and we won't attract attention. Mr. Cedric has already considered your safety comprehensively, M
"Hey... hey..." The man's face turned slightly pale, and he began to step back. But Maia continued to advance, one step at a time."I can see it clearly, timid people don't dare to cause scenes. If I really had a notorious reputation and you were genuinely scared of me, you'd be even more reluctant."Maia spoke slowly, calmly, and each word hit the mark. Upon hearing Maia's words, the man was completely stunned, unable to utter a single word."Speak up. Who is behind all this?" Maia's tone was extremely certain. She was convinced that there was someone backing this man, and that person had considerable influence.This statement made the man almost lose his footing due to fear. Everyone knew about Starlight Entertainment's current status in the entertainment industry, especially with HL Corporation firmly supporting Starlight Entertainment.Considering Cedric's intention to remarry, the man became even more terrified.However, he had not forgotten the warning from his backer."Th
Amanda came to sit next to Maia as she said, “I’m glad you’ve noticed this as well. Lauren is usually quite into the drama that she’s watching on TV. Today’s episode was a sad one, so I was wondering why she was still so happy watching it.” Lauren smiled back at them and replied, “I’m just really happy. I’ve never thought that I’d be able to see my eldest son again and that he has such a kind and beautiful wife by his side. “Eddie was also able to find his loved one, and I was lucky enough to be a grandmother. I never thought that I’d be able to go on a family trip with all my sons.” She started to tear up.“Lauren, don’t cry,” Maia said as she handed Lauren a handkerchief to dry her tears. Lauren wiped her tears as she smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry about me. I’m just being dramatic.” She looked around and asked, “Where’s Cedric? Is he with Eddie?”Maia nodded. “Yeah. This new project is a bit of a hassle, so he went over to try to help.” Lauren sighed, “Eddie’s father an
Cedric just smiled when he saw Maia’s worried reaction. “You sure you’ll keep your promise?” Maia tugged the blanket closer to herself and nodded. Maia would not dare to say no. If Cedric decided to do as he had said, she would just end up in bed the whole morning. “We can register our marriage anytime. You mean it?” She knew that Cedric was just baiting her, but she had no choice. She did not know what he would do next. When she glanced at his handsome face, her heart could not help but skip a beat. Just then, Cedric took out two pieces of paper from the bedside drawer. Maia was taken aback as she saw the document. They were marriage registration forms, and they were already filled in. “T-This was a setup! You’ve already had this all planned out from the beginning!” Maia scanned through the forms and was surprised to see that the only section left empty was the signature. Maia did not know when Cedric had started to prepare all this, but it looked like it had been a whil
Cedric glanced at Baz and asked, “How does it feel to miss someone so much?”Baz’s smile froze as he shook his head quickly. “Now, I can finally understand why you hate being separated from Ms. Maia.”Cedric just looked at Baz coldly. Baz quickly added when he noticed Cedric’s glare, “I’m just saying that you love your wife very much, and that man who’s like you would definitely understand.”“That’s a fact,” Cedric replied as he turned around and walked back into the bedroom. Baz immediately stopped him as he asked. “Mr. Cedric, why don’t you tell Ms. Maia the real reason why you’re so against calling Ms. Lauren your mother? Why didn’t you tell her the scars on your back were inflicted by Ms. Rita?” It was a horrible and unimaginable part of his childhood. “I don’t want to frighten her.”“But it’s difficult for you as well, Mr. Cedric. Calling Ms. Lauren your mother brings back horrible memories for you too.” “It doesn’t matter. I’ll do anything for her.” Cedric replied as he
“Is that true?” Gigi asked her grandmother.Lauren nodded and said, “Of course it is. Has grandma ever lied to you?”“Wow! Grandma, what was Daddy like when he was a kid?” Gigi was excited. She was not sleepy anymore as she pestered Lauren to tell her more. “Whenever I brought him to attend events, he would always cry. I still remember he had wet his pants once in kindergarten.” Gigi covered her mouth and giggled happily. Amanda laughed and looked at Eddie. “Did you really wet your pants?”Eddie palmed his forehead and told his mother, “Stop embarrassing me in front of my daughter, Mom.” Lauren just smiled happily back at her son. At the same time, Maia tugged on the hem of Cedric’s shirt and questioned cheekily, “Did you wet your pants when you were a kid?” Cedric drew her into his arms in response and threatened, “Maia, it seems like you won’t be able to go to bed tonight.” “I’m not afraid of your empty threats,” Maia replied. “Are you sure about that?”Maia nod
It was hard to believe he’d change his mind out of nowhere. She blinked and gawked at him. She almost forgot to breathe because of the sheer shock. Her face turned red from it, too. “Hey, breathe.” Cedric frowned. He realized her eyes were widening and her cheeks were completely reddened. Then, her lungs worked, and she started drawing breath again. She gripped the hem of his shirt instinctively. “Hmm?” Cocking his brow, he looked at her casually while taking her hands in his. “Do you want to know why I changed my mind?”She nodded immediately. Needless to say, she wanted to spring that question on him, but she wondered if she should. On the other hand, he merely chuckled and didn’t say anything. All he did was fix a deep, passionate stare at her. His eyes were filled with love and affection when he did it. Realizing that he wasn’t going to talk, she was bewildered. “W-Why aren’t you saying anything?”His grin widened at what she said. Reaching out, he pinched her fair ch
Taking his hands, she rested her fair cheeks on his palm.“Is there another reason you did it?” She asked. “I had someone plant something in the painting.”“What do you mean?” She pressed.“A wire.”Then, it hit her. “D-Does this mean you knew Fidelia would buy the painting at all costs?”“Mm-hmm.” He nodded.Pursing her lips, she said, “I guess it tracks. After all, Fidelia will surely buy anything you donate to Nordic College. She loves you so much that she peeled an entire bowl of prawns for you.”“Do peeling prawns mean she loves me?” He cocked his brow.She nodded instinctively.“Well, then. Do you know how much I love you now?”Maia was initially pondering something, but she was scattered the moment she heard what he said!Her face turned red. She couldn’t decide if she should nod or shake her head now. The only thing she could do now was change the topic. “Wait a minute. I just asked Gigi to bid on it. Did I almost mess up your plan?” Her brows were furrowed. She
“Maia!” Amanda called out to her and hastened over. “D-Did you just say I was already on trending search?”“Mm-hmm.” Nodding, she handed her phone to Amanda. Amanda saw the search topic ‘Amanda Tate Burst Out Laughing.’ and was rooted to the spot.“H-How’s this already up there?”Maia chuckled. “There are so many people in the dining hall. There’s no way you can keep it from spreading on the internet for long. Even Gigi and Eddie got on the trending search. They were right behind you. “Valentines Group has also started working on the public relations angle. I browsed the internet and didn’t find any overly vicious remarks either. None of the marketing accounts were trying to stir up trouble either. All of Gigi’s pictures were censored as well. So, there’s nothing to be worried about here.”Amanda let out a sigh of relief at what she said. “It’s a good thing that no one attacked Gigi on the internet. Otherwise, I’m going to start chasing them with a machete that’s one foot long!
“Why, you!” Fidelia took the glass of fruit juice from the table and spilled it all over him!The sticky juices clung to his cheeks for a second before rolling down them.“Listen up, plastic face! It doesn’t matter if I can’t lay a finger on Maia because Cedric loves and protects her. It isn’t your place to make fun of me! Who do you think you are, Neilson? “You’re nothing more than my family’s lap dog. Look at how stiff your face is. You’ve wasted a perfectly good glass of fruit juice!”Staring at him angrily, Fidelia warned him nastily. She was so gripped with rage that her chest was rising and falling hastily. Then, she gritted her teeth and threw the empty glass at him.Catching the glass midair, he lowered his head. “You make a fine point, Ms. Fidelia.” Wiping the fruit juice from his cheeks, he apologized again. “Please calm down, Ms. Fidelia. You have to look at where we are now. It’d be wise not to make Mr. Thomas mad again.”“Are you seriously warning me again? Who do
Maia made up a reason so Amanda could take Gigi away. Amanda nodded, carried her daughter, and left the scene. All Gigi did was speak the truth, but Fidelia’s face grew grim and shot the three-year-old girl a terrible look. It was clear that Fidelia might do something outrageous to Gigi again if she didn’t divert her attention from the little girl. After all, Fidelia didn’t care about the consequences of her actions at all!So, she looked at Fidelia and said, “I’m not sure why you kept trying to win my husband’s heart, but I’ve been sitting here the whole time. Are you ignoring me on purpose? Or, are you so arrogant that you care only about Cedric and nobody else?”Fidelia immediately shifted her gaze to Maia. Glaring at her, she directed all of her anger and frustration at Maia. “What are you trying to say, Maia? My dad saved Cedric’s life. So, is there anything wrong with me peeling the shrimp for him? What’s the problem if I try to win his heart? What does it have to do with