As compared to Nate, Rebecca was much closer to Sam and more comfortable in confiding in Sam. That explained why she felt safe telling Sam that she was going to see David.Moreover, there was nothing to hide about the nature of her visit. After hearing what Rebecca said, Sam gave his point of view.He calmly said, "Becca, I, as well as all your brothers, understand that you want to settle it once and for all with David. However, we still think it will be good if you let Cal accompany you while you do it. There is no need to go to Seabound Mansion either. You can meet with him at the mall, a cafe, or a restaurant. It will be good if you don't visit him at his mansion."For Sam, the mansion was a privately owned property.Entering the mansion would be like entering others' territories.If the purpose of visiting David was just to clear any misunderstanding, it was unnecessary to take the risk of entering his territory."But … I've already told him. Won't it be bad if I change m
Oliver was 9 years old. Compared to four years ago, he had grown much taller. Rebecca had been the shorter one among the Johnson brothers, which explained why she felt good when being hugged by a 9-year-old little boy.She was finally not the shortest!But wait until she found out that Oliver was only nine years old! Then, she would start wondering what these little kids had been fed. How could someone be that tall before they graduated from primary school? How unreasonable it was!She remembered she was never that tall when she was still studying. However, it was not the time to talk about height. The ward was suddenly full of people. Fortunately, the VIP ward was more spacious than usual, or else it would feel more crowded.The mood in the ward had also lightened up, which was always good to see.Zelda, who was resting on the bed, had also cheered up, "Thankfully, you guys didn't arrive at Fairport together. If Felicia and all were here, there wouldn't be enough seats fo
Rebecca didn't stay in Ellen's ward for too long.One of the reasons was that they tended to quarrel a lot whenever they talked to each other. Ellen was in the hospital because of her, so it meant she couldn't quarrel with him since she was in the wrong, and there was nothing else left to say.Since they couldn't talk the way they usually talk, Ellen started complaining about his pain to Rebecca. Rebecca thought, "What a boring conversation."Ellen hadn't seen Rebecca act this patient before. Initially, he was simply trying to ask for her sympathy.Now he started to feel guilty about it.The conversation ended quickly.Moreover, lunchtime was approaching. He was afraid that he was holding Rebecca from having lunch. After a while, he started to urge her to leave. When they were leaving, David, who had been quiet this whole time, finally said something in support of Rebecca.He said that Ellen couldn't blame Rebecca for his injury, it was only because he was not being careful
Rebecca didn't understand why Caleb would suddenly ask about her cooking. She didn't hide anything from Caleb and briefly told him about her life in Seardale. She did try to cook when she was overseas, but only when David was not around. If David found out she was cooking, he would surely think she would mess it up and even burn down the kitchen. After a while, even Rebecca started to believe that she would mess it up.Caleb was even more speechless now.Rebecca wasn't aware of Caleb's annoyance, and she kept on saying, "Cal, I actually thought my cooking was not bad." Caleb kept quiet.Rebecca said confidently, "I've never learned how to cook but I can cook pretty well. Am I not a genius? I will cook for you guys when I'm back home. What do you think?"Caleb looked at David who was now cooking in the kitchen. Then, he looked back at Rebecca and nodded. "Sure …"Unlike Rebecca, David wasn't a genius. His cooking skills were a result of practice.In the beginning, his co
After a while, Caleb couldn't help himself but ask Rebecca what she thought about David.He heard from Sam that Maxwell had told Rebecca everything about David.However, looking at their interaction earlier, it was clear that there wasn't any awkwardness between them.If Rebecca had feelings for David … Merely thinking about the possibility of it made Caleb cringe.For now, the Johnson family thought that it would be better for Rebecca to go back to Daniel than for her to be together with this two-faced madman.He was quite a bad character before. Who knew if he had really changed or if he was just hiding his true intentions?That was why Caleb took the risk and asked Rebecca that question to clear any of his doubts.If Rebecca had feelings for David, he would have to think of a way to get her to forget that thought.If she had no feelings toward him at all, then that was the best-case scenario.As for Caleb's question, Rebecca had made it clear before.When Caleb asked again
However, how could a coat compensate for their four years of friendship?David didn't care about the competition with Caleb at all.Rebecca simply wanted to move back to her own place. There was nothing wrong with that.The news just came too suddenly, but he would be able to accept it eventually. Moreover, when he thought about some other aspects, it made a lot of sense for Rebecca to move back.They weren't officially a married couple. It wouldn't reflect well on them if they kept living together.So, the matter was settled.Rebecca didn't expect it to go so smoothly.She thought it would create distance between her and David once she told him about it.At this moment, her good impression of David became even better. In the video, David was said to be a sinister guy. Now, it seemed like the information came from a rather dubious source. It was either that or that people really could change.Whichever Rebecca chose to believe, David would remain a good guy in her perspect
Caleb had never come across someone quite like this in all his years. Individuals who were ruthless and heartless weren't an uncommon sight. After all, there were many psychologically disturbed people, whether in prison or occasionally portrayed in gripping documentaries or films. However, this was his first encounter with someone so theatrical and dramatic. In the past, if someone had questioned whether stumbling upon a jackal feigning pity and playing the victim was conceivable, Caleb would have emphatically asserted that such a situation was utterly impossible. Now, as he grasped that it was not only possible, but unfolding right before his eyes, all he could articulate was a sense of nausea. He could even understand why Sam often wore perplexed expressions. David truly left them at a loss for words. If Caleb hadn't been naturally courteous and reserved, combined with the fact that he wasn't much of a talker, the scenario might have escalated into a complete spectacle, w
While Daniel playfully teased Rebecca on his phone, a bombshell dropped within the Winston Group. The news spread like wildfire and sent shockwaves throughout the entire Fairport community. Daniel wasn't the last to catch wind of it, but he certainly wasn't the most surprised either. In stark contrast, the key personnel, who had been nurtured by the Winston Group over the past four years, felt a deep sense of injustice on Daniel's behalf upon learning of the new directives issued by Mr. Winston Senior. "What's going through Mr. Winston Senior's mind? We've been under your leadership for so many years. Now, just because the person he ousted years ago is back, he's just handing over all his shares to him. On what basis? What about your hard work? Have you been toiling away for nothing?" "Even those with regular jobs receive a decent salary. But you? A symbolic one-dollar salary each month. Isn't that an egregious injustice?" "Exactly! What does Mr. Winston Senior think of you
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