جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 750

"She's strong-willed, quiet, and accomplished. We rarely interact."Anyone Luke described as 'quiet' must barely speak at all."Did Mrs. Walker make her perform in public too?""Never."Clearly, Mrs. Walker played favorites. My grip tightened on my chopsticks. "It wasn't your fault. Some hearts are naturally biased."Since Luke wasn't Mrs. Walker's biological son, making him perform publicly seemed meant to humiliate and degrade him.If he'd been more sensitive or fragile, it could have broken him. Thankfully, he'd survived and escaped her control."It's all in the past. Everything that once confused me is now clear."It took courage to reveal old wounds. Luke opening up showed he was beginning to trust me.Not wanting him to dwell on painful memories, I changed topics. “Hanque could collaborate with Sophie on a special edition - attract younger customers."Sophie's bold style was popular with youth. Partnering with an electric car company could benefit both."Worth exploring

Those words could hurt.Emily's comment caught my attention."Luke and Emma work like machines, no time to breathe. Sophie's the free spirit. I hear she's planning another exhibition - wonder what she'll shock everyone with this time."Sophie was famous for provocative art, including a controversial self-portrait. The nude captured her with innocent eyes but sensual pose, a study in desired beauty. It drew crowds at her exhibition. The likeness was so striking that anyone who knew Sophie could recognize her.As the Walker family's younger daughter, she had quite a following.When photos hit social media, they went viral.Patricia was livid when she saw it. She immediately tried to kill the story and flew overseas to destroy the painting.But Sophie had vanished, leaving a note: "Painting sold, great price. More self-portraits coming next show."Patricia nearly collapsed reading it.She hired private investigators to track Sophie down and bring her home.Having outsmarted Patr

After David left, I stared at the jewelry box for a long time. I wanted to ignore it, but knew I'd need to return it eventually. I picked it up and stored it with Patricia's other gifts in my room.Three days later, the charity gala proceeded as planned. I informed Luke that Patricia and Emily knew he'd be attending. His eyebrows furrowed slightly, his handsome face turning colder."Should I accompany you to the gala?"Usually, Luke took Brian or Zac to such events. I volunteered to go with him."I've already asked Zac. You've been busy - get some rest.""Yes, Mr. Walker."Luke always managed work arrangements well. I acknowledged and left his office, driving home.That evening, I couldn't focus on my book, sensing something was about to happen.Early next morning, before dawn, Wendy appeared at my door.Half-asleep, I opened it. "Wendy, you know my code. Just let yourself in next time."I'd tossed and turned until past midnight. Yawning, I rested my head on her shoulder, eye

That was classic Wendy, always worried I'd get hurt, afraid she wouldn't be there to protect me when needed."I promise I'll take care of myself."I grabbed my coat and left with Wendy.The forecast predicted snow. The sky was gloomy, with a biting wind that cut like knives.I went to get my car from the garage and loaded Wendy's abandoned suitcase into the trunk.Just as I closed it, Luke's car appeared.Wendy waved at the vehicle.Peter stopped and lowered the window, smiling. "Good morning, Ms. Middleton, Miss Smith.”"Morning, Peter.”We replied in unison, looking toward the back seat.The rear windows were tinted, but I could make out a figure.From the height and posture, it was Luke.Peter checked his rearview mirror, but the passenger remained still."Mr. Walker's tired. I'm taking him home."He raised the window.Wendy stared at Luke's car. "He's sleeping?""Probably."Luke was usually a light sleeper - he'd wake when the car stopped.Him not greeting us likely

Was he avoiding questions about the gala?I carefully reviewed the trending news articles again. They only mentioned Luke and Emily leaving the same room. With anyone else, I might assume something inappropriate happened. But Luke was different - he had enough self-control to maintain boundaries.I sat at my desk and started working. Luke didn't come to the office that morning. He called Zac to postpone the day's schedule. Previously, he would have contacted me directly about such changes. After a moment of melancholy, I composed myself.Heading home after work, I saw Emily leaving Luke's house. She recognized my car and waved. Out of politeness, I stopped."Finished work, Ms. Middleton? I bought two cakes - one for Luke, one for you. Yours is in my car." Before I could respond, she walked to her car parked in front of Luke's house, unlocked it, and retrieved a bakery bag. "I followed a local food blogger's recommendation. They're really good.""Thanks." I placed the bag on my pas