All Chapters of Rivals to Lovers: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The memories halted, and the person in his arms was stiff as a board."You look really ugly when you cry," he said on purpose, though she didn’t look ugly at all right now. Her eyes were red, her nose was red—just like the rabbit she had kept all those years ago.Lena’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t argue back, didn’t scold him. That only made Alaric more nervous. Her once-dry tear ducts were now moist again. The previously empty corner was suddenly filled with people, and to any onlooker, it seemed like he was bullying her.Alaric regretted getting involved. He wondered just what had hit Lena so hard that she was crying like this. Her current behavior didn’t resemble her at all. Even when he kept his arm around her waist, she didn't react or pull away.Carefully, he moved his hand, and a teardrop the size of a bean rolled down her cheek. He froze. Then, his hand returned, patting her back gently as he turned his face away, feeling awkward. After a long moment, he c

"Lena, why didn’t you contact me yesterday? I was worried sick about you all night." Lena stared coldly at Diya’s "late" message, feeling a chill pass over her. She couldn’t help but find Diya’s performance both amusing and pitiful."When did you get involved with Owen?" Lena shot back.The message was read, but there was a long silence. That kind of silence often speaks louder than any excuse. If Diya had just told her from the beginning that she liked her brother Owen—even though Lena thought he was a nearly thirty-year-old slacker—she would have given them her blessing if it made Diya happy.The only reason Diya wouldn't tell her was because she was plotting with Owen or doing something that would harm Lena’s interests. It all made sense now, from the family’s financial troubles to Diya’s excuse of her parents not allowing them to meet. Lena had thought Diya’s usual naivety was genuine, but it turned out everyone around her had hidden motives...Two days passed, a

Alaric took a deep breath, kicking away his wandering thoughts. "Lena, you troublemaker, let go."Lena ignored him, smiling smugly like she'd just won a victory.Alaric was at a loss, silently repeating to himself to stay calm. He tried to put some distance between them and freed one hand to pry her fingers off, but her hands were clasped tightly behind his neck, holding on for dear life.With no other choice, he resorted to his ultimate move—he shifted his hand to her waist. Lena was extremely ticklish, but he didn’t realize this position was even more suggestive. Alaric’s throat tightened as he found her waist and started tickling her lightly. Lena blinked, completely unfazed."..." Why isn’t it working this time? Alaric felt a bit defeated. He didn’t want to drag this out; something felt like it was about to snap in his mind.He stubbornly tickled her waist again, and this time, Lena's grip around his neck loosened slightly. Alaric looked up in surprise, but i

As they made their way back to the main hall, Lena was still caught up in the thrill of being "rescued by a beauty." Elise was just too cool—so young, yet so decisive and straightforward, never wasting a moment.The look on Stellan’s face, furious but unable to act, was absolutely satisfying.Elise, catching Lena’s unfiltered look of admiration, felt a bit uncomfortable. She glanced to the side, trying to play it off. "Just so you know, I didn’t do that for you. I just couldn’t stand what I was seeing.""Well, I helped you once, and now you’ve helped me. I’d say we’re even."Elise gave a haughty look. "I told you, it wasn’t to help you..."Her refusal to admit it was adorable. Lena handed over a phone. "Alright then, leave me your contact. In case I need help in the future, I can reach out to you, right?" With Elise's personality—someone who doesn’t like owing favors—Lena knew she wouldn’t refuse.After saving her number, Elise mumbled, "If you ever want to g

Lena’s new job—her family must have heard about it by now. But she hadn’t received any messages from them. She figured it was because her brother must have told their parents about the frozen 15 million dollar right after meeting her. As Owen had pointed out, she had lost all her "value" in their eyes. Add to that their father being investigated for embezzlement, they were probably lying low to avoid attention. She doubted they’d reach out to her anytime soon.She had a sliver of hope her parents might at least try to explain, but after waiting so long, there was nothing.Before starting her new job, Lena filed a complaint with the corporate registration authorities to revoke her position as a legal representative. After reviewing the relevant documents and facts, the business bureau notified her of the result—the representative change had been annulled.Lena heaved a sigh of relief. The weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter. Her lawyer handling the civil case su