Emily's heart was in turmoil, and her head throbbed in pain. She felt disoriented. It was as if all the years of her perseverance had become a joke.Thankfully, Henry was there to support her from behind, just as she had supported him earlier. She turned her head and felt the reassuring grip of Henry's hand. Suddenly, she felt a wave of warmth and strength surging in her.It helped her regain composure. She stood there calmly. "Mom, if you think Emi and I are outsiders, we'll move out."Henry supported his wife. His emotions were stabilizing, and he calmly addressed his mother. "As for splitting up, we can discuss it when Dad is discharged from the hospital. You can leave all the family assets to Mary. "All we hope for is that we receive the salary we deserve for all these years of hard work."Upon hearing this, Emily didn't make a scene. She held Henry’s hand in return.She didn't mind even if her in-laws gave all their money to Mary and left nothing for them.After al
"Of course I'm fine with it. I had already prepared the gift for Becca as soon as you mentioned her return. Just remember to take it."Emily didn't have any objections.They had some past disagreements on business matters with the Johnsons. But it mainly involved Mrs. Stigg Senior and Mary. The main family had no issues with the Johnsons.Albert had even been helping Henry out in his business for the past few years.Business at Gourmet Haven had declined, and several franchises had to be closed. So they had discussed things with Albert and begun to focus on promoting traditional cuisine as gourmet dining. Although they had reduced the number of branches, the actual revenue had increased compared to previous years.With the decrease in the number of branches, the occupancy rates at Gourmet Haven had improved. They had managed to reduce many unnecessary expenses. Additionally, the collaborative marketing efforts with MRC Group had further boosted business. Henry's concerns m
"For Becca's good?"Henry couldn't help but find it amusing. "Mary, don't you feel ashamed saying that? When Zelda lost her kid, you showed no sympathy and even seemed to take pleasure in her misfortune. "Now that Becca has returned, you suddenly want to act concerned for her?" Emily chimed in, "That's right. Becca just came back. Zelda and her husband haven't even thought about her marriage. But you're in such a hurry to 'help' her? "You have thick skin. You've been kicked out of Johnson Residence a few times. Now our nephew even has to call Henry and ask us to keep an eye on you. We don't want to get involved in your affairs."Seeing Mary's pale face, Emily felt a sense of satisfaction. She had finally gotten the chance to release her years of pent-up frustration. She hadn't known that it could be so satisfying to speak her mind out loud!She wouldn't have kept everything in if she had known earlier. She had endured so much that she had turned herself into a doormat for
"Mom, what are you all talking about? It looks like you're having a great time."Rebecca walked up to Zelda and affectionately put her arm around her mother's shoulder. Her gaze shifted to the couple sitting opposite Zelda.The couple met her gaze, too. Emily said, "This must be Becca. She's grown up to be quite beautiful." Hearing her sister-in-law's compliment for her daughter, Zelda smiled and nodded. "Yes, this is Becca. I wanted to take her to visit Mom and Dad in a few days when Albert and Sammy are free, but I didn't expect you two to visit today."Smiling, she held Rebecca's hand and introduced the couple opposite them."This is your Uncle Henry and Aunt Emily. They just came back from the hospital after visiting your grandfather. Go ahead and say hello.""Uncle Henry, Aunt Emily."Rebecca sweetly greeted them without sparing any compliments. "Speaking of genetics in our family, it's really strong. The men in our family are all handsome. When I first saw Uncle Henry
"That's wonderful to hear."Henry was happy that Rebecca liked the gift.After all, the Johnsons didn't lack anything. He was worried that Rebecca wouldn't like valuable items like these.Serena was the total opposite of Rebecca. But they always turned a blind eye to her behavior. Now, with a clear comparison, Henry thought that Rebecca was way better than Serena.She was beautiful, kind-hearted, and sweet.He wished Rebecca had returned home a couple of years earlier. If she had been in Rookfort all along, he wouldn't have cared much about Serena.It was always a pleasure to exchange genuine affection with someone who appreciated it. Emily was delighted, too.Like her husband, she had been worried that the gift might be seen as too modest for the Johnsons.The Johnsons had helped Gourmet Haven a lot during the past few years. It was worth it to give Rebecca such a valuable gift.Additionally, Rebecca had endured hardships during her years away from home. It was only fair
Rebecca was worried about Zelda's health, too.If Sam hadn't found Zelda the other day, she might have been in the hospital right now. She wouldn't have the energy to chat with them here. Rebecca didn't want Zelda to move around too much before she fully recovered.Zelda found it amusing. "I'm not a porcelain doll. I won't break if I go somewhere. I'm feeling better now after receiving all the treatment for the past two years."Zelda stood up and turned around under the sunlight. She wanted to show them she was fine, like a child who had recovered from an illness."See, I look much better, don't I? I can definitely go to the hospital."Her mindset had improved significantly since Rebecca had returned. She needed to rest more due to her occasional heart palpitations. But she was no longer bedridden like an elderly person with a serious illness. Rebecca was still worried. "Your complexion has improved, but your physical condition hasn't fully recovered yet. I've met Grandpa be
Claude didn't delay either. He shared the recording footage of the security camera at the front door with Zelda. It clearly showed the young man's face as he got out of the car. It was someone unfamiliar, indeed.The young man was wearing glasses. Zelda thought his face looked somewhat familiar, but it was probably not Daniel or Ryan. She was relieved. "Let him come in, then. I suppose he's Becca's friend. Be polite to him.""Alright," Claude answered.Hence, Maxwell was invited to enter Johnson Residence immediately after.Despite having taken over the Jenkins family for years, Maxwell was still amazed by how spectacular Johnson Residence was. Still, he thought it was something expected from the Johnsons. Even though the Jenkins in Amdale and the Winstons in Riverwood were considered on par with the Johnsons, there was still a significant difference between the families.Especially since the Johnson family's sons had been so united in recent years that their companies and p
Rebecca wasn't aware of their glances since she had turned away. Maxwell, on the other hand, had seen everything as he was still sitting in the same spot. He suppressed his emotions in his eyes calmly and took a sip of his tea.He had just moved his lips away from the edge of the teacup when Zelda asked, "From what I've heard, your surname is Jenkins, right? May I know where you are from and where you are working?""Yes, I'm a Jenkins. I'm currently staying at Amdale. I'm not sure if you've heard about Maxwell Jenkins from KL Group," Maxwell replied politely.Zelda didn't actually pay attention to what had been happening in businesses recently. She had been recuperating and resting at Johnson Residence. It was natural that she knew nothing about the Jenkins family from Amdale.However, Henry's reaction answered her doubts. "You're the son of the Jenkins family in Amdale? You're Maxwell Jenkins?"Maxwell pushed his glasses up his nose. "Yes."Henry exclaimed in admiration, "Yo
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