"That meant she didn't go on a world tour but instead went away for a few months because her pregnancy was showing?" Maia asked."Yes," he said, nodding. "She gave birth to Zera on Maya Cove. Later, she abandoned her at the welfare home. The cloth used to wrap Zera then was also the best fabric from Maya Cove.""It all matches up,” Maia said. “Later, Rita claimed she didn't have a daughter and adopted a girl from the welfare home—Zera. This wasn't a coincidence! The adoption had caused quite a stir, and everyone in Prismara said she was a kind-hearted lady compared to all the wealthy wives." Then she continued, "In reality, she did it to bring her illegitimate daughter into the Larkin family, allowing Zera to live a worry-free life. She could also gain the reputation of being the kindest-hearted, most wealthy wife in Prismara's upper class. “She adopted a child first, so no matter which wealthy wife followed suit, they were all imitating her! S 0he played this move really well."
"Are you suggesting that she adapt herself first?""Yeah."Maia nodded, her tone cold. "Indeed, she needs to get used to it. After all, she will spend countless years facing the cold walls of prison."She clenched her fists tightly. He reached out and held Maia's hand, gently loosening her slender digits one by one."A person like her isn't worth it," Cedric said, looking at her fair palm. Due to the excessive force from clenching her fist, her well-groomed nails left visible marks.He felt distressed and blew on her hand. "Does it hurt?"Maia shook her head. "Not at all. And you? Does it hurt for you?""With your palm like this, of course it hurts." Cedric knew that wasn't what she was asking.Maia pursed her lips and spoke again, "I mean... Although Rita is not your biological mother, she has been your mother for over twenty years. People have hearts, and even if I send her to prison, you really don't feel anything at all..."Before Maia could finish her sentence, he had a
"Extra merit points are not necessary. How about a little reward?" “Reward? There’s no reward for you!” Maia wanted to step back, but her back was already against the door. Instead of letting him have his way with her pressed against the door, she decided it would be better to make a quick exit. She tiptoed and planted a kiss on the corner of his lips.Cedric was dazed for a few seconds. After all, the feeling of having his crush kiss him voluntarily was quite different. Maia took advantage of this moment to gently push him away, swiftly creating distance between them."The dishwasher is done." Maia quickly left, but instead of heading to the kitchen, she immediately ran to her bedroom. She stood at the bedroom door but had not closed it yet."Cedric, could you please take the dishes out of the dishwasher and put them away? I have already given you the reward, and you should perform better." With a mischievous smile, Maia said again, "The guest room is over there. If you r
“Are you sure?” Buck rolled down the window and waved at Cedric, who was standing nearby, “Howdy, Mr. Cedric.” Maia cast a glance out the window. He was opening the car door. Buck could read the room. So, he rolled down the window at the back.“I’ll take your car today, Maia. Okay?” Maia nodded and rolled up the window quickly. Buck laughed, “Did you hear the tone he called you, Ms. Maia? He exuded masculinity and charm when he talked to you earlier. “His voice was electric and the way he called your name was so seductive. You guys are just meant for each other!” Buck slapped his own thigh, excited. She realized he was making a joke at her expense. She smiled. “Do you still want your bonus for the month?”Buck clammed up at once. After a while, he muttered, “Bet you learned that from Mr. Cedric.”“Buck Harvey!” She heard his mutterings and called him by his full name.Shutting up immediately, he drove the car out of the underground garage. At the same time, Cedric started u
“Your father is the CEO of Dudley Corporation. My company has had multiple collaborations with your family company. Dudley Corporation has sponsored a considerable number of our films and television dramas. Of course I would know who you are.”“If you know who I am, then you should also know that you’ll be sorry to cross the Dudleys. You might be the CEO of Starlight Entertainment, but that doesn’t make you special. I’m not going to let it slide if you pick on Spencer!”“Are you going to fight me even if you know you have no hopes of winning?”“That’s right!” Nancy nodded without any hesitation. Based on their brief conversation, Maia was sure that Nancy loved Spencer very much. Spencer was a nobody and she was worried he was being picked on. Thus, it was understandable for her to speak in such a blunt manner.“I come in peace today. I don’t intend to make Spencer’s life difficult, nor am I questioning him. I’m not here to pick on him.” Maia looked at Nancy and said calmly, “The pa
She was the victim! Her eyes were swollen with tears and her hands trembling, Maia gripped the flash drive tightly when Nancy gave it to her. This was the piece of evidence she had waited for so long. However, she felt no exhilaration that her revenge was soon at hand. Instead, she felt hurt. The pain, despair, and helplessness she felt when Rita pushed her off the building back then washed over and crushed her. She felt so hurt it was difficult to breathe.Cedric saw the tortured look on her face and held her hand. He pried open her fingers carefully, took the flash drive, and tucked it into his pocket. Then, he pulled her to his side and held her slender waist. Lowering his head to her ear, he said softly, “From here on out, I’ll always be with you.” His deep voice was soothing, as though he could read her mind. He knew she was in pain.Maia raised her head and locked eyes with him. She thought she saw a flash of pain in his eyes. Was he in pain too? Was it because of her and
“Are you guys serious? It’s bad enough you’re not letting me leave. Do you have to act all lovey-dovey in front of me? Do you guys get a kick out of it?” Nancy made some cutting remarks and looked like she was about to cry again. Maia saw it and said, “You love Spencer.”“Anyone with eyes can see that. However, he doesn’t love me back. I’ve tried with him for more than three years, but no dice.” Nancy hung her head low in dismay.“Who told you that he doesn’t love you back? He just wasn’t honest about it.” She raised her head and looked at Maia immediately, “Are you making fun of me?”“Not at all. What do I stand to gain from that? I have a way to make him admit the fact that he loves you. I can make it so the two of you become a couple and your parents are going to give their blessing for both of you to get married.”Nancy’s eyes, which were blurry with tears, gleamed at that. She went from sad and miserable to hopeful in a second. “Are you sure you can help me with that, Maia?” She
It only took Rita several seconds to commit the wicked act, but Maia was plunged into an infinite abyss of despair. The video kept playing on a loop. However, she did not dare to watch it anymore.Fighting hard to control her trembling body, she shut the laptop forcefully. She could never forget the pain and sorrow when she was pushed off the building and the video took her right back to that moment of despair.Curse that Rita Larkin!Maia bit her lip so hard the skin broke and blood seeped out, but she showed no sign of letting go.“I told you not to watch it. Why didn’t you listen to me?” Out of nowhere, she heard a deep voice. His tone indicated that he was scolding her, but mostly, he was heartbroken to see her like this. Then, Maia was pulled into his arms.“S-She pushed me off the building.” Maia said with a shaky voice. On the other hand, Cedric’s eyes shifted a little. It was full of menace. He felt her genuine fear and held her tight.“You didn’t know, Cedric. I was so s