The conference room suddenly felt much emptier.Dominic looked a little nervous. "Jane, should I continue?"Jane nodded. "Go ahead."Half an hour later, Dominic finished the rest of his presentation.Jane said, "Great job, Dominic. You did well. Just implement your plan as it is."As she finished speaking, her fingertip was pinched sharply.Jane turned and winked at him. "What’s the matter? Are you dissatisfied with your brother-in-law?"Zachary smiled. "Very.""Perfect timing, since everyone’s here. Let me treat him to a meal to thank him for taking care of you."Jane had originally planned to treat them all, so this worked out perfectly.The group headed to the best restaurant in Nelana.It wasn’t the one where Jane had run into Zachary and Annie last time, but a private kitchen."This place isn’t easy to book. Money isn’t enough. You have to know the owner."Dominic said to Jane, "Your fiance is really something."In the end, they still had to thank Westley.Zachary d
"Have I stopped talking to you?"Jane’s words made Zachary want to laugh.Jane wrapped her arms around his neck. "Of course, it’s different with me than with anyone else. You usually don’t talk much outside."Zachary deliberately scoffed. "You get along so naturally and happily with Dominic. It seems he understands you quite well."Jane knew he was pretending to accept Dominic as her “brother-in-law,” but after all, Dominic wasn’t related to her by blood.So, of course, he was feeling a little jealous."After all, we’ve known each other for many years. Isn’t that how friends are?""He knows what you’d like. Even though he’s never been to the restaurant, he can still recommend the dishes that suit your taste. You seemed really happy tonight."Jane pinched his ear. "He’s local. Isn’t that the reason why he’s here tonight?""I know local specialties too. Why didn’t you ask me?"Hearing his slightly envious tone, Jane was both amused and helpless. "Alright, Mr. Collins. He’s a fr
Charlotte thought the term was good. “What’s wrong with that? Clothes aren’t just for celebrities, right?”Jane hugged her. “You set your standards too high, but I understand. Still, with the designs you’ve produced, they’re already perfect. And we can do nationwide customization, but we have to release the celebrity collection first. After seeing the results, we can make adjustments and mass-produce, right? You also said that some of the colors you’ve created aren’t suitable for everyone. We have to make mistakes first, don’t we?”Charlotte had indeed hit a bottleneck.That was why she was thinking of combining intangible cultural heritage with national trends to innovate a new series.Otherwise, with so many clothing brands on the market, without innovation, they would be eliminated sooner or later.But innovation was also a troubling thing.You couldn’t overdo it and kill the market.“I think dopamine is fine. Many dopamine style clothes make people happy right now.”Jane po
Charlotte was confused. “Although Westley assigned Dominic to this project, does Dominic really have that much authority?”Dominic spoke up. “No, Mrs. Smith. The Intangible Cultural Heritage National Trend Festival is supported by the Howard family, but we’re the organizer. Also, bringing you here has nothing to do with the Howard family. This is my own network. I’ve been in this industry for so many years, and it wasn’t for nothing. Don’t worry. We’ll definitely make it to the last day of the event.”Jane also said, “Don’t worry, Charlotte. Dominic is really good at handling things.”She gave a thumbs-up.Charlotte wasn’t very familiar with Dominic, but they were getting to know each other better now.“By the way, don’t forget about the photoshoot,” Dominic said to Jane.This was something Jane was still a bit worried about.“Do you know any other photographers?”Dominic looked puzzled. “What’s wrong? Did Jordan’s schedule clash?”“No...”It wasn’t that.If she showed up th
Jane really liked the little restaurant, and Charlotte wasn’t that particular either.But they both needed to report to their families first.Dominic teased Jane. “Didn’t expect you to be in such a situation before.”After sending the message, Jane said, “You’ll be in the same position sooner or later. But if your gold-digger ex comes back after seeing you’ve made a fortune, promise me, don’t get back together with her.”Dominic rolled his eyes. “Am I really that cheap?”“Aren’t you?”Charlotte smiled and pursed her lips.The two of them were really a funny pair.On the other side, Zachary hid on the small balcony, the tip of his cigarette glowing in the dark.Frank brought two glasses of alcohol, placing one in front of him.“I went to Sharaston. Luthor’s marriage to the eldest daughter of the Joseph family is confirmed.”Zachary flicked the ash from his cigarette. “The eldest daughter is willing to marry him?”Frank flashed a meaningful smile. “They said it’ll be the elde
The girl hooked her arm around Tom’s, looking up at him with innocent, wide eyes. “Tom, is this your wife?”“Don’t disgust me.” Jane spoke before Tom could. “I’m just a concerned citizen.”The girl looked at Tom. “Do you know her?”Tom pulled his arm away. “I have something to do. You go back to school first.”The girl was unwilling, but when Tom’s expression turned cold, she glared at Jane with resentment and turned to leave.Her high heels seemed to hammer into the floor, showing just how angry she was.Jane felt innocent under the glare and regretted getting involved.“Jane...”“No matter what you say, I won’t listen. Please stay away from me. Don’t ruin my appetite.” Jane interrupted coldly.But Tom reached out and grabbed her arm.Jane immediately pulled away. “If you have a problem, go to the police. Try not to disgust me.”“I’m getting a divorce.” Tom pulled out a chair and sat next to Jane. “Jane, I’ve always had you in my heart.”Had her in his heart?He had just
Without saying a word, Zachary turned and led Jane away.Tom, didn’t seem to be afraid at all. He held his stomach and chased after them.“Jane!”Zachary didn’t slow his pace, and since Jane was being pulled along by him, she couldn’t stop either.Tom jogged a couple of steps and blocked their way.When he saw Zachary, he froze.Then his gaze dropped and landed on Zachary’s arm around Jane’s waist.“Your boyfriend is... Mr. Collins?”Jane stood on tiptoe and kissed Zachary’s cheek. “I’ve said it, my boyfriend is way better than you.”Tom’s face darkened. “How could he possibly...”Then he suddenly remembered that there were rumors in the circle that Zachary had someone he liked, but that person didn’t have a strong background and hadn’t been accepted by the Collins family.So he hadn’t paid much attention to it.After all, people in their circle were all like this. In the end, he had done an arranged marriage too.But he never expected it would be Jane.Zachary didn’t say
He said cryptically, “Maybe you two are destined.”Jane frowned, “Don’t disgust me.”Zachary reached out and pinched her chin, his gaze deep and mysterious.“Why didn’t you say that I was your fiance just now?”Jane slapped his hand away and glared at him.As if saying, “You’re crazy.”Zachary’s lips curved into a slight smile, and he pulled her into his arms.“You still haven’t answered my question.”Jane was speechless. “You’re my boyfriend, right? Why emphasize the fiance part? What’s the difference? Let him know our relationship, isn’t that enough?”Zachary disagreed, “A boyfriend could become an ex-boyfriend by tomorrow, but a fiance means marriage is on the horizon. It’s a more stable relationship and also more intimidating to him.”“He’s the one with the problem.” Jane waved her hand. “Look at this huge ring, it’s so obvious, and he can’t even see it. Even if I told him you’re my fiance, he wouldn’t believe it. Because he only broke up with me due to family pressure an
Whitney had nothing to say.Even if Caleb's accusations were unreasonable, even if he was deliberately making things difficult, she still had to go along with it—and endure it."I'll keep that in mind."Caleb didn't feel any joy at her answer, but he still asked, "What exactly will you keep in mind?"Whitney replied obediently, "If the same thing happens again, I'll either send you a text or call you."Beneath his large palm was her small, soft hand. He brushed his thumb slowly across her skin and asked, "If I'm not home by six in the evening, what will you do?"Whitney answered with surprising seriousness, "Does a traffic jam count?"Caleb took a deep breath. "No. Let's say it's a normal day, I should be home on time, but I don't show up.""Oh..." Whitney nodded thoughtfully. "Then I'll call you and ask why you haven't come home."‘Good enough.’This topic could be put to rest.He released her hand and said, "I'm thirsty."Whitney immediately got up to pour him a glass of
"Perfect."Caleb was rendered speechless.Half an hour later, Whitney arrived at the hospital room.It was clear she had rushed over—she was still breathing heavily, chest rising and falling with each gulp of air.Caleb felt a pang of guilt for tricking her like this. He was just about to sit up when his mother pressed him back down.Janet's eyes reddened instantly, tears threatening to fall at will.Business was like war—and in war, sometimes a bit of acting was essential.After all, his mother had spent years navigating the cutthroat world of commerce. Her acting skills were easily on par with half the entertainment industry."Darling..."Whitney still looked confused. She stepped closer and saw Caleb's lips pale and bloodless.He had been perfectly fine just last night—how had it come to this so suddenly?And he hadn't even drunk that much at the Hilton family dinner.Far less than what he had consumed at their wedding, in fact."Mom, please don't cry..." Whitney helped
Since they got married, this had never happened before.Though Caleb was a busy man, his parents hadn't completely stepped back from the family business yet, so he didn't need to clock in every day.He only went in for important matters, or meetings he couldn't avoid.But at night, he was always home.In the morning, he always got up at the same time as her.She had early classes at eight in the morning.Still, she didn't overthink it, assuming something urgent had come up at the last minute.Caleb was indeed at the office that morning.But there was absolutely nothing on the schedule.No one could understand why the he had shown up so early, sitting alone at his desk doing nothing.Philip pushed open the door to his office and found Caleb slouched lazily on the sofa.He raised his hand to stop the secretary from reporting anything.The secretary quickly nodded, stepped out, and shut the door behind her."Had an argument?"Philip didn't think that was likely.After all,
There was no rush.Whitney deeply admired Dianne's way of living—a strong mind, never anxious, never consumed by internal battles.Whatever came her way, she simply found a way to deal with it.She believed there were always more solutions than problems."Are you tired?"Caleb sat down beside her. "Do you want to go back and rest?"They had just flown back from an island.When they got off the plane, Whitney had barely been able to walk on her own.If not for this dinner with the Hilton family—one they truly couldn't skip—she would have preferred to go straight home and sleep.But since no one had left, she couldn't excuse herself either, and had just waited quietly.Now that Caleb asked, she hesitated, then nodded.He took her hand and helped her up, then said to the rest of the family, "We're heading back first. Just got back from out of town, and we're both exhausted."Lia nodded. "Come by more often."Whitney nodded politely.Caleb led her to the entryway to change th
The man who had just sat down was Caleb's younger cousin, Blake Hilton.He was a police officer.His parents had died in the line of duty. The Hilton family had originally not wanted him to follow the same path.But he had chosen it anyway, without hesitation.Whether it was because of his profession, or the fact that his own parents were no longer around — even though the Hilton family was tightly bonded — he remained quiet and reserved.Whitney wasn't much of a talker either, so she had barely exchanged more than a few words with him.Besides, every time the family had a meal, he was always the last to arrive.She had long since gotten used to it, never questioning why.Lately, though, she had heard rumors that he had fallen for someone.She had noticed the slap mark on his face at the last family gathering. And this time, his aunt had used the word "again".Blake said nothing.The others understood without needing to say a word, but Dianne had always been the type to spea
She really hadn't expected that someone could ask their parents for pocket money so brazenly.She had never seen it before.It truly opened her eyes."Are you okay?" Janet quickly patted her back to help her catch her breath, while Caleb pulled out a tissue and gently wiped her mouth.Whitney, embarrassed, said, "I'm sorry, I...""What are you apologizing for?" Caleb casually wiped the table as well. "It's nothing. Everyone chokes on water now and then.""Exactly," Millie chimed in cheerfully. "I choked on water just yesterday.""Alright, enough talking. Bring out the dishes and let's eat!" Lia called out, setting a plate of food in front of Whitney. "Try this and see if you like it."Whitney had always felt that, to the Hilton family, she was an outsider.So every time she came over, she couldn't help but feel nervous and constrained.Especially facing so many elders, she was neither sweet-tongued nor good at small talk.Every time, it was Caleb who managed all the social i
Whitney quickly stood up and called out, "Aunt Stephanie."Stephanie curved her lips into a smile and nodded."Stephanie!" Lia said as she came out of the kitchen. "How come you’re here by yourself? Where's Steve?"Steve Hilton was Lia’s eldest son and also Stephanie’s husband."He had something to take care of and will be a bit late. We can start eating first."She looked at Millie and asked, "Millie, what were you saying about me?"Millie immediately tattled, saying that Gilbert had bullied her.Stephanie didn't even ask for details, she just swung her fist and punched Gilbert.She had trained before, so the punch was solid and strong.But Gilbert had also trained, and he had grown up. Otherwise, if it had been when he was little, he wouldn't have been able to take it.This kind of situation had often happened when Millie was young — as long as the little girl cried and complained, he would get beaten by his own mother."I don’t think she’s your daughter-in-law. I think sh
Whitney wanted to thank Georgina through Millie, but Georgina said there was no need.However, simply having a meal together was acceptable.Up to now, they had only eaten together once.She wasn't very good at interpersonal interactions.On top of that, she had been busy with work early on and had gone on a business trip for a while, and almost all of her remaining time had been taken up by Caleb."Whitney, if you have time, I'd like to ask Georgina out for a meal. Sorry to trouble you.""No problem. Georgina told me that she’s missed you as well."Whitney didn't know what to say, so she could only force a smile.Millie already knew her personality and didn't mind, continuing to talk about amusing things on her own.She even asked how the wedding had gone for her this time.Whitney said, "It was great. I got along really well with Mrs. Howard and her two sisters. They're all wonderful people. I'll introduce them to you sometime.""That's great. I like making friends. The mo
The guard at the door saluted and let Caleb's car pass.As soon as Whitney got out of the car, she saw the Lia waiting at the door."Whitney!"She paused for a moment before being pulled inside.When she had first married Caleb, the Hilton family hadn't been this warm toward her.Caleb rarely took her back to the Hilton family's residence, except for the mandatory monthly family dinners.Sometimes, if a family member hosted a dinner that couldn't be refused, they would eat together.The Hilton family had been polite to her, and it was quite decent.But this time, she felt something was different.She didn't know what to say, so she gave a stiff smile.Caleb followed behind at a slow pace, breaking the awkwardness. "It's so cold outside. Why not wait inside?""The air inside’s quite dry due to the heating," said Lia. "I felt short of breath, so I came out to get some fresh air."Caleb asked in concern, "Did you do your regular checkup?"Lia replied, "I've done it. Stop nagg