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
"Are you fucking cursing me, you brat?" Kenneth questioned Sam so loudly that Sam closed his eyes and almost covered his ears. Kenneth's voice echoed in the study for the longest time. Sam frowned and waited until he no longer heard the echoes of his father's voice before speaking again. "I wasn't trying to! It's just how you spoke sounded like you were—"He refrained from saying, "Giving your final words," to preserve his father's pride. Still, one couldn't blame him for thinking that way. Kenneth always yelled at him and gave him plenty of lectures on the phone for not visiting home. Kenneth always sounded arrogant during their calls. The same happened during their previous meal together. He hadn't returned home in years, so he thought Kenneth would show some concern for him. Yet, the first thing Kenneth did was demand he move his company back to Rookfort. How dare Kenneth?It was a stark difference from today. Kenneth reasoned with Sam patiently and politely. He even offered
With so many people around, Zelda felt extremely embarrassed. She then pushed Kenneth away. "Don't be so cheeky. Stay away from me." "Alright, alright, I'll keep my distance. But my dear, you mustn't cry anymore. The doctor said that if you keep crying like this, you might really go blind." Kenneth was both worried and heartbroken. In her earlier years, Zelda had damaged her eyes from crying too much. Therefore, doctors advised her not to shed tears anymore, as it could potentially lead to blindness.Rebecca stepped in to cheer her mother up. "Mom, Dad is right. Today, we should be happy. You can't shed tears anymore. I've just returned, and you haven't even had a good look at me yet." Rebecca playfully teased her mom. Zelda immediately smiled and replied, "Alright, alright. We're all here to celebrate happily. Go and cut the cake with Sam. Let me taste your culinary masterpiece." Rebecca said with pride, "Of course, the food I make is delicious!" Rebecca had little ce
Penny didn't have much free time over the past three years.As she had envisioned, during the first year, she honed her acting skills amidst criticism while also working as a translator.Later on, she felt that acting didn't hold much appeal anymore. Moreover, realizing that there weren't any roles left for her, she gradually gave up and moved toward working behind the scenes.She had some work during this period.It seemed that a daring reality show, not caring about potential risks, decided to capitalize on her controversial popularity and invited her to participate in one of their programs.The reason Penny agreed to participate was because the show's first season had a good reputation, and the payment offered was reasonable.Continuously doing translations could be quite tiring. After discussing with Cecilia and weighing the pros and cons, she eventually signed up for this TV show.Unfortunately, she had underestimated the darker side of human nature.The show's production
"Really?" Zane blurted out, staring incredulously at Sam, who nodded calmly. His unruly and carefree demeanor was restrained, and his composed attitude showed that he wasn't joking.Zane fell silent again, furrowing his brow as he intently observed Sam.It was as if he thought everything through in an instant, giving up without hesitation. He didn't even remind Zane of the request from years ago to take care of Penny. Instead, he said this would be the last time he would help out.Logically speaking, this should be a satisfactory outcome for Zane. After all, from any perspective, the Lowe family's scion would only be a burden to Sam.Looking again at Sam's attitude, it seemed he didn't want Penny to know he was the one quietly spending money to handle things behind the scenes.Since there was no plan to meet her, he didn't need to worry about anything after that. If that was the case, it would be better to just end it early.That way, if Sam saw Penny falling in love, getting mar
All those old scoundrels from the Lowe family undoubtedly ranked the highest. Then there was Jessica, the entertainment industry's national goddess, who also played a significant role.Besides them, there were a few minor celebrities who didn't really make the cut.However, as Sam's partner and someone who watched him grow up, Zane privately hoped Sam could find a better girl.So, he advised, "There are plenty of socialites in Riverwood, and Amdale has no shortage of beautiful young ladies, either, and Rookfort isn't much different."You and the Lowe family's daughter haven't even officially met…""Who said I haven't met her?" Sam interrupted him without a second thought.He had even seen her twice. How could Zane say they hadn't even met yet?The first time, she gave him all the money she had. The second time, he spoke up to help her get that role.After these interactions, they could be considered acquaintances.Zane choked up and couldn't find the words to refute.He was s
Because Penny declined his offer, Zane didn't insist. After a bit of small talk, he ended the call.He politely mentioned that if she needed any help, she could call this number again. If he could assist in any way, he certainly would.However, Zanw knew very well that, given Penny's temperament, she would rather give up what she had than actively seek help from a stranger.Yes, to Penny, Zane was just a stranger. He was a person she had met once but didn't really know.This time, Penny didn't respond as coldly as she did when she was 18. Instead, she exchanged a couple of polite pleasantries, mentioned that she would reach out if needed, and then hung up the phone.After that, she let out a long sigh of relief and lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, gazing at the view outside the window.There were fluffy white clouds in the azure sky and the greenery visible in the neighborhood. Sparrows were chirping persistently as they darted through the forest, and the cicadas loudly bu
Although the other person said only one word, Penny could still tell he didn't have any ill intentions.Because of that faint sense of familiarity, Penny didn't hang up the phone immediately. "Hello? May I ask what this is about?"The unfamiliar and distant tone probably made the man on the other end of the phone pause for a moment. It was only after a brief silence that he responded."Young lady, don't you remember me? It's Zane Moran."His voice carried a laugh, with a hint of teasing.Only then did Penny remember who he was, but she wasn't happy at all.Zane meant no harm when that incident happened back then. But despite that, over the years that had passed, he became one of the people and things Penny would rather not recall.Whether it was the exam she missed, the incident where Spencer took her to the hotel against her will, or Zane, who gave her 30 dollars for a taxi ride.She just wanted to hide all of them deep in her memories.The recent events had particularly made
"I'm fine. You all don't have to look so worried. You're making it seem as if something bad is going to happen to me."Penny looked at the two people at the door who were showing a range of expressions, feeling speechless.Cecilia was provoked by her words, and her eyes turned red."We're worried about you. You have no idea what you look like right now. You're almost like one of those disheartened protagonists in novels who hated the world."Penny clicked her tongue twice and said, "Aren't you exaggerating?"She didn't believe it. She was just worried about money. It wasn't like she had become disillusioned with life.Besides, she didn't dislike this world at all. On the contrary, she really liked it.Whenever Penny came across posts online suggesting that all humans should just die, she always felt like rolling her eyes. If they wanted to die, they shouldn't drag others with them.When searching for her own role in movies, TV dramas, and novels, Penny particularly preferred re
Penny's way of clarifying things was to simply tell the truth.Sometimes, trying to cover things up would just lead to needing 100 more lies to continue the cover-up. That would often end up making things worse and more ridiculous.It was better to tell the truth about the situation.To answer the question of why she lashed out at the Lowe family, she briefly explained her experiences over the years.Why didn't she attend the final paper of the college entrance examinations? She personally reopened that old wound.As for that man in the hotel, Penny didn't have much of an impression of him anymore. She only remembered not taking his business card and accepting 30 dollars from him.Why did she show up at that man's hotel room? She wrote it down truthfully—it was her father who personally took her and left her at the hotel, wanting to trade her like a commodity.Every single word was carefully considered and written by Penny.She didn't share much of these things with Cecilia. Th
Once the official statements were released, Penny's career being ruined became a certainty.The only surprising thing was probably that after the film crew issued their statement, the largest investor also requested to withdraw.The film crew was completely shocked, but there was nothing they could do. The scion was willing to lose money just to withdraw his investment, so what could they do?The amount of money in the compensation was nothing compared to the amount that the scion planned to invest. The production team would incur a significant loss.With one less investor, the project's status was essentially downgraded. They had much less room to manipulate their gains now, too.One would understand why the scion was doing this if they used their brain a little.However, the protests from the audience couldn't be ignored, and compared to the investors, it was clearly more important to keep the show going.After all, they could always attract more sponsors, even if the amount o
In addition to the widespread backlash caused by the phone recording, Penny's academic credentials were also scrutinized and exposed.Before the college entrance exam, she had always been the top student in her school and had never ranked anything else.However, in the college entrance exam, she barely passed the minimum mark for key institutions, far below her usual performance.Some people speculated that she had been cheating during regular exams and that her actual abilities were much worse.However, the exam results could be checked online, and the fact that Penny scored zero on the last exam was surprising.It was even more shocking that she was admitted to a top-tier university despite missing an exam. It was truly exceptional.But few people paid attention to this information.After all, the achievements attained through hard work couldn't be faked. Even if the results weren't as expected, it was undeniable that she was stronger than many others.Regarding this topic, t