Despite having finished his report, Kallan did not intend to leave just yet. He looked like he still had something to say. Abel gave him a look. “If you have something to say, say it.”Kallan gave a serious suggestion. “Eternal Corporation has a pretty bad opinion about Lockton Entertainment after losing one of their leaders. They might cause trouble to the madam if they’re going to negotiate a partnership. Should you…”“She can handle it. She doesn’t need my help.”Kallan said nothing. For some reason, he could hear traces of resentment in Abel’s voice. He had been working for years beside Abel and understood him better than the Blakewell family. Abel was an all-powerful figure in the business field, but he was dense when it came to emotions. He did not help Ruth when he should, and, when he did, he did not publicize his deeds. How could he make the madam happy like this?At the risk of having his bonus deducted, Kallan gave an earnest suggestion. “If the madam can take ca
He did as he promised. Ruth saw all that he did to make it up to her. All the things he did to get into her good graces made her feel ashamed to ask him for parking fees. She could only secretly offset it for him in her heart. “You’ve already given me enough. I’m honored to receive the treatment of the richest man’s wife,” Ruth said coolly and put her arm on his chest to maintain a distance. Abel looked down and stared at her for a long time before he sighed softly and kissed her forehead. “I’m going on a business trip tomorrow. If you need any help, go to Joseph.”Ruth was really averse to his affection, but her eyes lit up when she heard that he was leaving. “How long will you be away?”“For around five days,” Abel said gently.She was slightly disappointed. “Five?”“Yes. I’ll try my best to finish work as soon as possible so that I can—”“You don’t have to!” Ruth waved her hand. “There’s no hurry. Besides, it’s better to be more meticulous at work. Once you’re done, you c
He made it up to her by giving her things, and she helped keep his secret. Their marriage could now be maintained in this manner. Wasn’t that enough?There was no need for him to pretend to be kind and considerate to throw her heart into confusion. “Me? Acting? What exactly am I doing that you think is unnecessary? And how exactly am I acting?” Abel narrowed his eyes. “Those things you said just now. They’re not necessary.” Ruth grew stern. “We only got married to get what we need, and thus, we just need to live in harmony. Your fake concern and deliberate acts of intimacy are not within the contract. I’m not in the mood nor have the duty to act with you.”As she spoke, she wiped her forehead, as if she wanted to wipe off the mark he left on her. Her words and actions reminded Abel of the kiss he gave. The helplessness he felt toward Ruth giving him the cold-shoulder had turned into him trying to appease her and showing that he would miss her when he left. He tried to convi
Ruth’s mind was in clouds, and she only belatedly realized this was what he meant when he said that she would know once she tried. Abel did not do anything else. He only buried his head in the crook of her neck as his chest heaved. “You said that we got to know each other after living together all this time, didn’t you? Did you actually think that I would waste my time putting on an act before someone who is of no importance to me?“You never even asked me whether I liked men and just decided that I did based on rumors and the image you cooked up of me based on those same rumors.“I must say, it must have been really hard for you to maintain the marriage with that belief, considering the fact that you’d have to endure great humiliation to do so.”Once he said that, he pulled back, got up, and headed to the washroom. The sound of flowing water rose. Ruth laid on the bed in the same position as before while she stared at the ceiling. All she could think of were his words just now.
The apology came abruptly, but Abel understood what she was trying to convey. When she woke up after she got drunk, he apologized to her. After his explanation, he asked what she had to say. She apologized reluctantly, threw a tantrum, and left after slamming the door shut. This time, she was as aloof and indifferent as ever, as if it was a casual remark on her part, but her rapidly fluttering eyelashes betrayed her nervousness. Since she had just woken up, her voice was a little lethargic and soft, which made her sound like she was acting cute. Her long hair spilled over her shoulders, and the straps of her nightgown slid off her shoulders. Abel had no resistance against how defenseless she looked. He grabbed her hand. Ruth instinctively looked up and saw his deep-set, black eyes. “For being a good girl who acknowledges her mistakes and takes responsibility for them, you should be rewarded,” he said. “Rewarded?” Ruth was puzzled. Abel nodded and fixed his eyes on her
“Something would, actually, but to you only, because you wouldn’t be paying your parking fees.”Pearl was rendered speechless. “If you have nothing else to say, I’m hanging up. I’m busy, you know?” Ruth said and wanted to hang up. “Wait! I have something else to say!” Pearl hurriedly stopped her. She did not call Ruth just to complain and check whether she had called her dad. There was something else more important. “We’re now kind-of friends, right?”Ruth did not reply and just waited for Pearl to continue. “My birthday is the day after tomorrow, and I’m throwing a party. Remember to come!”Ruth said nothing. ……Lockton Entertainment released news that they were fortunate enough to form a long-term partnership with Harper Williams. The industry burst into a ruckus. Harper Williams was the most mysterious independent investor in the entertainment industry and never worked with any company. She had also never attended any of Sommerset’s events. But Lockton Entertainm
It was 7 p.m..The Harlem family mansion was brightly lit up. The garden was filled with all sorts of champagne, food, fruits, and desserts. All sorts of colorful lights hung on the trees, and the melodious sound of violins rang in the air. Pearl was Albert’s only daughter, and he doted on her, which was why he organized a party for her birthday every year. This year, she was twenty-four, and her birthday party was even more special. Not only did the Harlem family invite her friends, they also invited quite a number of famous people from within the entertainment industry. There were also quite a number of rich men who were of marrying age. Clearly, this party was meant to find a suitable marriage partner for Pearl. But Pearl did not notice it nor did she care about finding a partner. She wore a purple Lolita dress and a few bracelets on her wrists. When she moved, they made clinking sounds. She held a champagne flute in one hand and a phone in the other. Meanwhile, her e
Luna politely answered the questions from the people around her before she said to Pearl, “Don’t listen to Serena. I’m just good friends with Nicholas. After learning that you’re celebrating your birthday, he even asked me to bring you a gift.”She took out the gift she had prepared and handed it to Pearl in a cordial manner. To the others, there was nothing wrong with her actions, but Pearl could see the boastful look in her eyes. Pearl absolutely hated Luna’s fake behavior…She glared and intended to be rude and unreasonable to the end by throwing her gift to the ground when the sound of a car engine entered the courtyard. A black Maybach came in, and with a beautiful drift, it stopped in the parking lot. Luxury cars and amazing driving skills easily caught people’s attention. Serena was the first to speak. “Luna, Mr. Nicholas picked you up with a Maybach last time. Is that him?”Luna was stunned, and she appeared confused. “I didn’t see the license plate number clearly, b