"Sure. Whatever amount is fine," Ryan agreed readily.It was good enough that they were served food. There was no need to be greedy for more. Given Daniel's behavior, the fact that he hadn't been immediately thrown out by the Johnson family was already a show of good faith. If it were him, he probably wouldn't even let Daniel into his home.It was also because they chose a shameless person who led them in before the others noticed them.Ryan had mixed feelings about Mary. This lady was used to having her way in Riverwood. If it weren't because Daniel didn't have many family members in Rookfort, they never would have sought her help.Remembering that she was related to Rebecca, Ryan couldn't help but give her a warning. "By the way, Becca, try to avoid the lady who came with us today."If they grew too close, Mary might cause trouble for her in the future.Rebecca also knew this. She was aware of the awkward relationship between Mary and her family, especially after what had hap
"Your apology means nothing to her. She'll appreciate your absence more than your presence." Every word felt like a knife that pierced Daniel's heart. Daniel remained silent and watched as Ryan arranged the food.There was a slice of cake on the top layer. It was a plain cake base that looked less refined on the ceramic plate. But when he picked it up, a faint sweetness wafted from it. Underneath was the meal, similar to what Ryan had eaten in the kitchen. However, the leftovers were not very warm anymore.In conjunction with Daniel's current demeanor, it made him appear even more pitiful and desolate.Ryan helped him arrange the food and patted his shoulder. "Try to look on the bright side. You got beaten up today. Take that as a punishment. Wasn't that your purpose in coming to Rookfort? You've paid for your mistakes. You've seen her. Why don't we head back?"Though Ryan knew that Daniel didn't think of it this way, he insisted on speaking his mind.Paid for his mistakes? What
Daniel suddenly coughed in pain. He felt as if needles were stabbing his chest over and over again. His eyes watered from the pain, and the wounds he received from Sam were starting to ache because of the coughing fit. However, none of it compared to the pain in his chest. It felt like someone was using a knife to cut his heart into a million pieces. Even thinking about it made him wince.Ryan was startled by this and stopped playing with his phone. He jumped up from his chair and went to check on Daniel. "What's wrong, Daniel? Where does it hurt? Should I take you to the hospital?"Daniel held his forehead, and his expression was slightly dazed and bordering on madness. He shrugged away from Ryan as if he were possessed.Ryan was extremely worried, and he didn't know what to do. "If Becca doesn't want to see you, she doesn't have to. You don't need to react like this. Are you sure there's nothing wrong with you? Your health is important. In any case, we should go to the hospital
Tabitha only did hard labor, so she was more fit than most youngsters in society. Although she was panting, her speed and footwork remained steady as she advanced.Daniel and Ryan had nothing more to say after seeing that. They followed her out of the area in silence. When they passed by the grapevines in the garden, Daniel noticed a stunning figure in his peripheral vision. He couldn't help but stop and turn to get a better look.Rebecca beamed as she stood under the grape vines. She was carrying a child that seemed only a few years old. She hoisted him high enough to reach the more vibrant and sizable grapes.Beside the woman were another two beauties who were seated on wicker garden chairs. They donned modernized traditional wear. The older woman had a kind smile, while the younger one shared a similar grin. They watched as Josephine and Oliver played around."Didn't you say you were leaving, Mr. Winston?" asked Tabitha, who turned around and noticed Daniel staring at Rebecca. A
"There's a lot you can do." Rebecca held Oliver's hand and led him to the side. She patiently explained ways Oliver could get Albert and Wendy together. She could tell Wendy adored Oliver and was willing to stay at the Johnson family's residence because of it.Rebecca figured she could use Oliver as an excuse to invite Wendy for meals often. That could make Wendy like Oliver more. Plus, Rebecca could also ask Albert to join. That way, the couple could get closer. Although Wendy worked by Albert's side all these years, having a meal together in private was different. Albert and Wendy had a formal relationship at work. Yet, outside of work, they could start as friends and let their feelings develop over time.Besides, Rebecca could tell that Wendy had a crush on Albert. Perhaps she rejected Albert because she felt insecure about her family background. Even so, Rebecca was confident Wendy would change her mind after a few days at the Johnson residence and after spending time with the
"How about this? We could stay for another two days. You may not have spoken to her, but we can still have fun in this new city. Oh, right. You saw the old guy named Markus from Four Seasons, right? I hear there's a cooking competition taking place in Rookfort over these two days. I bet Markus came here for that. Bex might even take part." Without waiting for Daniel's reply, Ryan decided on his behalf. He continued, "Why don't we go and join in on the fun? Bex may not want to talk to you, but you'll get to see her a little longer." Besides, Rebecca was still on talking terms with him. Plus, staying for another two days was his personal wish. Yet, it was unlikely to come true since Daniel was in a glum state. To his surprise, Daniel let out a gentle hum of approval."Let's stay for two more days, then," said Daniel."Do you mean it?" Ryan was so excited that he slammed on the accelerator instead of the brakes. The sudden acceleration made Daniel's back crash into the seat. He sh
Back at Rookfort, the guests had gotten escorted out. The atmosphere in the Johnson residence's garden resumed its usual peace. On top of that, Sam didn't get into another argument with Kenneth, nor did he whine about wanting to leave. He even played a game of chess with Kenneth. Sam initially played against Caleb, but his intelligence was no match for Caleb, who studied algorithms daily. He refused to play with Caleb after losing several rounds. That was when Caleb had to leave for work, so his matches against Kenneth got canceled.Kenneth had always given Sam the cold shoulder, but he surprised everyone then. He was patient and softened his tone while asking if Sam wanted to play a round or two against him.It shocked Sam and the women who had joined them for afternoon tea and cakes. They couldn't believe the stern Kenneth would use that tone with Sam. Kenneth had always held his sons to high and strict standards. Even his conversations at home often sounded like lectures. Be
"Who's afraid of him?" Sam scoffed with a subdued voice. He didn't want to waste time on Kenneth since he had nothing to say to him. Still, Rebecca's taunts worked. Although Sam complained, he still got up and looked at Kenneth. His actions made it clear he was willing to have a conversation with him.Kenneth sighed in relief upon seeing that. Sam's willingness to chat meant there was hope for a reconciliation. So, he and Sam headed to the study. Then, he cut to the chase and took an agreement from his drawer. "These are my shares in the MRC Group. I plan to divide them among you three. Take a look and see if you're okay with this. If you are, sign the papers."He handed the agreement and a pen to Sam. At the same time, he explained the ratio of shares. "Your little sister suffered a lot alone, so your mom and I want to give half of the shares to her. We'll split the remaining half between you and Albert. If you disagree with this, you can tell me now, and I'll think of another ratio