Maia reacted fast and flashed a smile at the shareholders. Then, she shook her head lightly and said politely, “You’re too kind, everyone. It’s my duty. We share the same goal and that’s to build up HL Corporation. The moment I gained your trust and became the CEO, I made up my mind I won’t let you guys down. And I intend to keep my word.”Cedric’s lips curled into a smile. Maia did a good job with her speech.Being the cunning men that they were, the shareholders knew she merely gave a speech for formality’s sake. They weren’t being honest with her and she helped keep up their pretense in return. She was doing them a favor.With Cedric around, the shareholders knew that they had to watch where they stepped. Ralph and Virgil were the best examples of how it’d end for those who didn’t. If he could kick his own uncles out of the conference room for her sake, then who was to say that he wouldn’t do the same to them?Watch where they step and they could hold on to their seats on the bo
“Do you think I returned too late, Skyler?”Skyler wasn’t just Marcus’s assistant, he was also his best friend. He was one of the people who had been there from the beginning when Marcus first started to this day, bearing witness to his incredible achievements.“I see how much effort you put in all these years, Marcus. You took over a branch company of the Tate Group in order to get your mother’s approval so that you could return to Prismara as early as possible. To that end, you’ve only slept three to four hours on a daily basis.”“What good did it do? I was too late.” Marcus smiled bitterly, “I started as a low-level employee and climbed my way up to top management. That fateful day, I bought her favorite candy for her. “However, I got the news that she was going to marry Cedric. It crushed me. I was heartbroken, but I thought to myself I have to keep making an effort and return to Prismara, even if it meant all I could do was meet up with her.”His smile grew more bitter.“Th
“Are you calling this crappy bunny an effort?” He said disdainfully.“He made it himself. How’s that not an effort?”“I peeled shrimps. Does that count as an effort?” He was talking about the shrimp he peeled for her.She nodded. Of course, it counted.“Well, then. Why did you tell me you can’t finish them earlier?”She was speechless.Not long after, the entire company knew about Cedric leading Maia to the staff cafeteria. One of the employees was quick to spread the word. She posed as ‘the informant’ and made a post on the internet, attaching a blurry picture.The keyword, “Cedric peeling shrimps” made the trending search and overtook the top place from the search about HL Corporation!The entire internet was having intense discussions about it.“Can this picture be blurrier? Anyway, it did nothing to discount the fact that Cedric and Maia are stunning! Let’s cheer for the warring couple! Hip hip hooray!”“Is the informant still okay? Is she fired? I can’t believe she poste
Maia frowned as she asked, “You’re not in a good mood?”“That’s right.”“Why are you always so easily jealous?”“Who wouldn’t in the face of his wife’s suitors? “Suitor?” Maia laughed and shook her head as she heard him. “How could Marcus be your enemy? He treats me like a younger sister. He’s very good at crafts and knows I love rabbits. That’s why he sent me those rabbit bags. Not every man is an enemy.” Cedric just smiled at Maia for being so sure about her words. Maia continued to explain, “Moreover, Marcus’s mother doesn’t like me. When Marcus brought me home to play one day, I overheard his mother telling their butler that I don’t behave like a lady. “And that I wasn’t good enough for her son. She wouldn’t have allowed Marcus to hang out with me if not for my mom. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I don’t like her either. She’s just overthinking, as Marcus had always thought of me as a sister.“She’s also quite a scary woman. She’s very strict with Marcus as well. I remembe
“Right, I was with him the whole time.” Fernando nodded and started to recall what had happened. “I had eaten breakfast and lunch with Mr. Hans. That’s it! It must be it! It’s the box of cream puffs from Treats Galore! Mr. Hans had been asking to get him some cream puffs.“He had even threatened not to have dinner if we didn’t get him some. I had no choice but to send some men to get a box from Treats Galore.” Treats Galore was a famous confectionery store in Prismara City. They were most known for their delicious cream puffs, which were expensive. A single cream puff costs about 10 dollars and only allows customers to buy at least a box of 5. “Ms. Maia, it has got to be the cream puffs! Aside from that, I ate the same foods Mr. Hans had eaten. The only thing that I did not eat was those cream puffs!” Fernando paused and turned to Cedric.“Mr. Cedric, I’m sure that it’s Treats Galore. We must look into them and find out who poisoned the cream puffs. Mr. Hans cannot face any more
Maia blushed a crimson red as she placed his hands on her waist. “The baby misses you. So, we’re here to see you.” Maia didn’t know what to say so she made up a horrible excuse. Cedric smiled at her shy reaction as he kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Are you here to cheer me up?”Maia nodded and asked, “Did it work?”“It’d be better if you did it like this.” He pulled her toward him and kissed her on the mouth. Maia’s face instantly turned red. When Maia recovered from the kiss, she asked, “Did you manage to find anything?”Cedric frowned as he heard her question. “Why don’t you give it a guess?”Maia was taken aback by his question before asking, “W-Was the Fox family involved?” “Yes.”Maia could finally understand why his mood was down today. If the Fox was involved, it probably meant that Lauren was somewhat involved in this incident too. Even though Cedric had refused to acknowledge her as his mother, he would still feel horrible knowing his birth mother had tried t
“Mom was so sad that she could not even eat. She needed to rely on the hospital’s IV drip to survive. It was my father who had stayed with her and taken care of her. That was why she had chosen to marry him.“From the day I was born, I knew she had never loved my father. She had chosen to marry him because of his power and family background. She had wanted to seek revenge.” Eddie paused and sighed.“When James passed away, I saw my mother crying in secret. I’m not sure if that was because she was relieved that she could take her revenge or because she had loved him. I didn’t realize how much she hated him until she laid her hand on you.“But who would’ve guessed you were the son she had missed dearly. As to how you’ve managed to survive, that’s something that only James or Rosa would know.” Eddie shook his head. Cedric sat on the sofa next to them as he listened to Eddie’s story. He said coldly, “How could I prove you’re telling me the truth?”“I promised you that everything I’ve
“It doesn’t matter if he’s my brother or an important guest. You should’ve gotten someone else to give him an umbrella.” Cedric commanded. “Cedric, stop being childish!” Maia was surprised at how easily jealous he was. “You can only give me an umbrella.”Maia laughed and ruffled his hair. “Cedric, as a sugar baby, you should be the one handing me an umbrella. Besides, now I know what kind of present I should prepare for you.” Maia paused before saying, “A T-shirt with ‘I’m always jealous’ written on it!”Cedric smiled and pinched her nose. “This is how much you mean to me.”Maia’s face turned red again. She was defenseless against him being romantic. “When are you planning to give that to me?”“What? Don’t tell me you would really wear it?” “Of course.” He kissed her on the lips and smirked, “I would also give you a T-shirt with ‘I’ve stolen Cedric’s heart!’ written on it.” Maia was rendered speechless by his comment. Before she could respond, Cedric carried her and wa