There were two doors at her house, but Carissa still left easily.She closed the wooden door first, and then resolutely shut the iron door, which left no room for second thoughts. The lights in the corridor were turned on by sensors due to the movement. Carissa stayed in front of the door for a while, but there was no response from the room.She took a deep breath and walked slowly downstairs. Moonlight seeped through the corridor window. The dim light went out and didn't turn back on due to her footsteps. She didn't know that the door on the sixth floor was pushed open again after she went down two flights of stairs; only a spot on the floor shone by the moonlight was there.When Carissa reached the second floor, she took out her cell phone. She clicked on an app and planned to hail an e-hailing taxi back to the hotel. At the same time, some embarrassing things were already on her mind. If she were to go back to the hotel, she would bump into Alex. Explaining things to
Carissa released her emotions in Alex's arms for quite some time before pulling away. The pent-up frustration seemed to flow out along with her tears, and when she noticed the large wet spot on Alex's chest due to her tears, embarrassment replaced the previous emotions. It felt like she hadn't cried much since elementary school. Crying didn't seem to change anything. No matter how loud she cried, the food snatched away and thrown on the ground wouldn't miraculously return to her hands. No matter how hard she cried, she still had to go downstairs to prepare dinner alone and wipe away tears while eating. Her parents were always busy, and crying only brought them more trouble. They would look at her with impatience, threaten to take her to the detention center, and scold her for being a crybaby who didn't understand anything. Consequently, when she later sought help from the police, her heart was filled with mixed emotions.It was ironic that those who were there to help her
Carissa felt somewhat discouraged when she thought about it.She went back home due to impulse after listening to what Gina had said.Before that, she had already mentally prepared herself for a long time.Otherwise, she wouldn't have stayed on the other side of the river that night and encountered Rebecca and the others, which had been dramatically captured, posted online and used as so-called evidence of the deals between the two clubs. Carissa didn't know when she would be mentally prepared next time. So, she couldn't figure out which day would be the right time."The right time could be when you lead the team to win a championship, or during the next important holiday, or even … When you are ready to take me back to meet your parents. If all else fails, you can wait until you're ready to marry me." Alex said this very seriously, with a hint of a smile in his eyes.Although he wore his usual easygoing smile, his eyes were extremely earnest as he looked at her. The tone of h
Carissa didn't know, and she couldn't give herself an answer now.Since it was already dark, she decided to go back and have a good night's sleep.She would then think about her concerns tomorrow.After spending some time by the roadside and taking a detour along the riverbank, the traffic on the street had lessened. Alex silently accelerated and quickly returned to the hotel.The official accommodation provided by the event was on the same floor, so Alex conveniently escorted Carissa to her room. He stopped at the door and said, "Get some rest in your room. Don't overthink things. Tomorrow is a day off. If you plan to return to the base early, go with the others. If you don't want to go back so soon and have no plans, how about joining me?""Sure." Carissa, having already calmed down, seriously considered Alex's suggestion. "I'll give you an answer tomorrow morning, okay?"Although she didn't know Alex's holiday plans, the idea of going out with him to unwind and get to know e
Still in shock, Rebecca looked at the time now in Seardale.The time difference was seven hours. It was 11 at night at her place while it was nearly evening in Seardale.Based on Ellen's lifestyle, he might take a nap at noon and start to have fun in the afternoon until night time.Also, there was nothing much in Seardale. Ellen would usually be handling matters with David or scrolling through his social media in boredom.It would be impossible for him to not reply, unless he was busy.If he had to go back to Seardale with injuries …Rebecca had a bad feeling.She immediately video-called David instead.However, he did not answer.Rebecca then put her phone by the side and convinced herself not to overthink.Perhaps Ellen's return involved handling some matters in a straightforward manner. After being away from Seardale for so long, and considering the chaos there, having a central figure to take charge might have been crucial.And Ellen might have ignored her calls because
After a while, David reacted.He looked at Rebecca on the screen and asked, "So, did you call to ask about Ellen?"Rebecca nodded. "Yeah. I called him, but he didn't answer. Isn't he still in the hospital? I saw that he's suddenly back in Seardale, so I got worried for a bit. Just wanted to make sure he's fine."David was silent for a moment before asking, "What about me?""What about you?" Rebecca was confused.David looked down and said in an aggrieved tone. "I am also back in Seardale."He even put behind the Winston Group to rush back here.Did Rebecca not care about him?Rebecca looked at his expression for a moment before realizing what he meant.Then, she chuckled and thought about how childish David was.Was he really jealous of Ellen now?After some thought, Rebecca said respectfully, "Mr. Winston, you're capable and powerful, so I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine. Also, I thought you were still in Fairport, and being in your home country must be safe, right? But sin
He didn't rest at all and just made sure that his wounds were fine before handling the documents and email.Taking over the Winston Group had become more complicated with his sudden departure. There were numerous troubles to deal with. David needed to quickly wrap up matters in Seardale and then return to his home country with that troublesome doctor.As he thought about the root cause of his injury, which led to both his and Ellen's hospitalization, David's gaze darkened. He couldn't concentrate on the documents on his desk, and the pain from the wound on his waist and abdomen was intense.After leaning against the chair for some time, he got up and put on a night robe before walking out of the study.If Rebecca was here, she would be surprised to find a secret room on the top floor.The top floor of the villa had a semi-rooftop terrace. When Rebecca was around, she had purchased tempered glass to create a sunroom. In the long Seardale winter, enjoying the sunlight in this
Rebecca parted ways with Alex and Carissa early the next day. She refused to third-wheel their date. So, she firmly turned down Carissa's offer to join, even if the latter insisted. She then dragged her suitcase toward Caleb's car under Alex's satisfied gaze.As for Daniel, he joined Rebecca. The only difference was he had driven here. Naturally, he couldn't be shameless and hitch a ride in Caleb's car.The two cars drove in a single file as they sped to Fairport. They arrived around noon, which was also lunchtime.Rebecca didn't rush Caleb into parking the car. While he casually drove around the city center, she looked up nearby restaurants to have lunch in.She ultimately decided on a restaurant specializing in northern cuisine. The reviews claimed the food was authentic, and Rebecca wanted to try lobster rolls. So, she wanted to get a table there.They soon found a spot and parked. The car behind them did the same. Rebecca's ex-husband, who looked ever so familiar yet forei
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