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
Daniel: "It hasn't been too busy. It's just that a few things from this afternoon are bothering me. I ended up feeling a bit irritable. So, I made the choice to skip dinner and stay back at the office. "Eventually, I looked up and unexpectedly caught sight of the breathtaking sunset outside the window, which instantly brightened my mood. "Becca, what do you think of this view? Do you think it's beautiful?" Daniel sent another photo. Compared to the previous one, the sky at this moment was even more vibrant. The sunset was filled with reddish hues. It was indeed beautiful. Even just looking at the photo was breathtaking, let alone seeing it in person. However, this photo confirmed Rebecca's suspicion that Daniel wasn't at GN Jewelries. The reflection showed a different office interior than when she signed the contract in Daniel's office. This one seemed larger and more spacious, but the vibe was colder. It was strictly business-oriented. Becca: "It's beautiful." Becc
"What does that mean?" This time, Sam found himself confused and sought clarification. Rebecca didn't withhold anything and openly shared her speculations with Sam. However, the messages on the phone were certainly not meant for others to see. Regardless of whether Daniel made himself clear or not, they contained his personal thoughts. Rebecca was afraid that sharing them would subject Daniel to mockery from Sam. She didn't want to be perceived as someone who was unable to keep a secret. Hence, she meticulously organized the content of Daniel's messages and provided Sam with a brief explanation. As Sam processed the information, his expression underwent a drastic change. Without wasting a moment, he pulled out his phone and began checking the latest news. Given the magnitude of Mr. Winston Senior officially certifying the shares, it was inconceivable that such a significant event would escape the attention of major news platforms. As expected, by dinnertime, announc
If Rebecca hadn't been mindful of etiquette, she might have bluntly retorted, "You should know better." Fortunately, she maintained a thread of rationality. Considering Daniel's delicate emotional state, she merely sighed lightly, and her pitch-black gaze met Daniel on the video call. "Mr. Winston, if I were to send you a text message, you might question its authenticity and think that someone else might be attempting to cheer you up. But I sent you a voice message. Would you still harbor doubt even after hearing my voice?" Rebecca used a comb to tidy her wet and disheveled hair in front of the vanity mirror. Then, she casually wiped the damp ends with a dry towel. Given the weather, delaying the hair-drying process a bit wouldn't hurt. Daniel chuckled and admitted, "You're right. It was my mistake." It wasn't a lie. His surprise upon hearing Rebecca's voice message was genuine. It felt like a dream, considering all the foolish things he had done in the past. Outside
Daniel's eyebrows raised slightly. His initially casual glance turned intense. Rebecca had bought the suit for him. That explained why David was flaunting it like a proud peacock. A hint of disdain flickered in Daniel's eyes but quickly disappeared. "Becca's taste is naturally excellent," Daniel remarked. David didn't miss the subtle change in Daniel's expression and found great satisfaction in it. His already proud and handsome face now displayed an even more triumphant smile. With a deliberate sigh, David's eyes showed a hint of pity. "It's a shame you don't have this privilege anymore." Daniel looked up, and his profound gaze met David's. David raised his hand as if to pat Daniel's shoulder, but Daniel took a step back. David's arm hung in mid-air, yet he remained unfazed. He gave a sheepish smile and nonchalantly withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened. He had said what needed to be said, and the goal had been achieved. There was no need to further provok
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