Oh, no… Marcus, you're filthy rich, so why are you eating such a common brand of hamburger?
"Miss Jessica, eat your hamburger!" Mr. Marcus said calmly, as if nothing had happened.
To Jessica's ears, it was like nails on a chalkboard, and she had to restrain herself from attacking him.
His expression seemed to say, "Enjoy your hamburger!"
"Mr. Marcus, you stole my bento."
"As a qualified secretary, you have to consider your boss's stomach." Mr. Marcus confidently took a second chicken wing.
Jessica was salivating with envy.
"A normal boss wouldn't steal their subordinate's bento." Jessica smiled graciously, but internally, she wanted to knock him down and trample on him.
Implicitly, "You're not normal, are you?"
"You didn't know I'm not normal?" Mr. Marcus calmly retorted, raising an eyebrow and a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "I have a history of mental illness. Do you want to see it and confirm?"
Jessica choked on her breath after hearing this shameless lie.
One day, I will crush you!
In the face of the situation, Jessica had to lower her head and leave. Hamburgers were just that; she had eaten them before.
"Miss Jessica, check the expiration date. It should still be good."
Jessica's footsteps stumbled. Damn, this deceitful man must have done it on purpose, intentionally!
If she ever ended up killing him accidentally, he probably deserved it, and the judge should not find her guilty.
Jessica took hold of the hamburger, her composure nowhere to be seen.
Marcus felt no guilt as he enjoyed the bento, feeling satisfied and full. It had been so long since he had eaten such delicious home-cooked food.
How long had it been?
It had been so long that he couldn't even remember.
Throughout the afternoon, Marcus was unpredictable. His handsome features were as icy as can be. If the usual Marcus was elegant and cold, today's Marcus was dark and chilling.
For no reason at all, Jessica had been scolded by him several times, making the atmosphere in the secretary's office as chilly as midwinter, with everyone on edge. Anyone summoned by him would emerge after being reprimanded.
Jessica could sense that Marcus was very agitated.
As the end of the workday approached, Marcus asked Jessica to make him a cup of coffee. When she brought it in, Marcus stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his tall and imposing figure exuding an overwhelming pressure.
With the setting sun casting its warm light, the entire office was filled with a comforting warmth.
Gently placing the coffee on his desk, Jessica gave him a reminder.
"Miss Jessica, rearrange my evening schedule," Mr. Marcus did not turn around, his voice slightly hoarse.
In the president's office bathed in the twilight glow, his tone exuded a deep sense of melancholy.
"Yes!"
As she slowly exited the president's office and closed the door, Jessica couldn't help glancing back at him.
This man possessed a powerful charisma that naturally drew people's gazes. He was elegant, cold, and ruthless... possessing all the qualifications of a ladies' man.
In her eyes, Mr. Marcus was always formidable, to the point of seeming nearly invincible.
But today, Mr. Marcus was filled with a sense of sadness, mixed with the sorrow of longing. It was as if he was reminiscing about someone. The warmth of the twilight, which seemed unrelated to him, unable to blend with his thoughts and sadness.
Jessica felt a slight pain in her heart. The more powerful a person was, the more they concealed their own weaknesses. They couldn't cry, couldn't show weakness—yet they were often the most fragile and tender inside.
Damn, under this specific light, with that specific person, and that specific silhouette, it felt like something straight out of a melodramatic soap opera with its tragic male lead.
Mr. Marcus, are you going for the tragic route?
That's just... too kitschy!
******
This area was a wealthy district, with fashionable villas in various styles such as American, British, and Gothic nestled on the mountainside. The scene was luxurious and spectacular.
A silver Rolls-Royce stopped in front of an American-style villa, and Marcus opened the car door, gracefully walking into the villa. He seemed even more distant than usual.
"Mr. Marcus, you're back. The master is waiting for you." The elderly butler respectfully ushered Marcus inside.
The villa was decorated extravagantly, with the touch of a renowned designer, almost bordering on opulence. The glittering gold nearly dazzled Marcus's eyes.
A hint of hidden mockery flashed through Marcus' eyes.
The villa gave him the feeling of nothing but coldness, piercing to the bone.
Alston Smith sat in a dignified manner at the head of the table, with white temples and a cane. This man, who had once dominated the business world, exuded an air of dignity. Although his eyes were cloudy, they still had a sharpness to them.
His third wife, Monica Collins, who was not yet thirty, sat on the side with a cold smile. Her seven-year-old son, Leonard Smith, sat quietly, with a timid expression that was quite endearing.
His second brother, Dennis Smith, was also present, and his upright face could not conceal the greed in his eyes.
"Dad, I'm back!" Marcus called out in a flat tone. It was the Old Mr. Alston's rule to come back for a meal once a week.
"Our busy man has finally returned, with such a grandiose manner that keeps us all waiting," Monica said coldly.
"He's the president of Noblefull Group, of course, he's grand. Hmph!" Dennis said snidely.
Marcus remained expressionless, "Dad, the company has been busy lately. I apologize."
Although he said that, there was no hint of apology in his tone, and his expression remained indifferent.
"Dinner is served!" Old Mr. Alston's sharp gaze swept across everyone, and he uttered these words, silencing everyone.
Marcus sneered inwardly.
Leonard timidly called him "Brother Marcus", and Marcus glanced at him and nodded. Leonard then smiled, but Monica pulled her son's clothes, making him lower his head timidly.
"Marcus, Dennis is going to open a jewelry store. Allocate some funds to him and help him network," Old Mr. Alston commanded sternly.
"Yes, Dad."
Every time he stepped in here, it felt like stepping into an ice cellar, suffocatingly cold. In the eyes of Old Mr. Alston, he was nothing but a tool. This old man who once dominated the world was accustomed to controlling everything.
The true master of the Smith family was Old Mr. Alston, and the true heir was Dennis Smith. Old Mr. Alston's most beloved son was Leonard.
As for him...
He was nothing more than the illegitimate offspring produced in a moment of passion.
A clandestine son.
The inadvertent murderer of Old Mr. Alston's most beloved son.
Marcus sneered inwardly, knowing that one day, he would make Old Mr. Alston see how a man could fight back against emotional abuse!
******
In an apartment, Jessica collapsed on the sofa as soon as she got home. Her little son had not returned today, and she furrowed her brows.
Hmm, at this time, should Henry be cooking?
She had already become accustomed to the smell of food upon returning home.
Worry was just a passing thought. Jessica sprawled out on the sofa, feigning death. Her son was a pure genius, absolutely incapable of such a ridiculous farce.
She lay there, feeling at ease, waiting for her son to come back and cook for her.
Not having eaten Henry's cooking for a day made her feel unwell. In the afternoon, being scolded harshly by Mr. Marcus and then suddenly having to rearrange his schedule, she was too tired to even move a finger.
Unconsciously, she thought of Mr. Marcus standing in front of the window, impeccably dressed, full of loneliness as if the whole world had abandoned him.
The Mr. Marcus she knew was cold, elegant, cunning, and psychologically dark... but could that person have anything to do with sorrow?
What happened to him?
"Oh, snap out of it," Jessica thought, shaking herself, "Jessica, have you been abused by him and developed a masochistic tendency?"
Maybe it's better to think about the face of her precious son than Mr. Marcus's?
Turning her thoughts about the two faces of Henry and Mr. Marcus, which were the same except for their sizes, Jessica calmed down.
"Mommy, it's not you who has a masochistic tendency, it's your son who does." A child's tender voice floated in.
Henry closed the door and came in with two bags of vegetables and meat, giving her a disdainful look.
"Henry, you're finally back, mommy's starving to death!" Jessica shamelessly complained to her son that he hadn't fed her in time.
Henry took off his backpack, threw it at her, and smiled, "Mommy, you should eat something to fill your stomach first, I'll cook right away."
Henry was a genius, hardly paying attention in class. His schoolbag was always lightweight, but today it was unexpectedly heavy. Curiously, Jessica pulled it open, and there was a pile of snacks pouring out.
Chocolate, cream puffs, candy... apples, bananas... and bread?
So many things filled a large backpack. Jessica's immediate reaction was, "Henry, when you find money, you should use it to honor mommy. Buying things haphazardly is wasteful."
Henry arranged the vegetables and meat, then washed the pot and turned on the rice cooker before coming out. He had an extremely elegant smile on his face as he blinked and said solemnly, "Who said I found money? These are gifts from the girls at our school."
"What did you do to receive so many gifts from them?"
What's wrong with my son? Why does he inherit this playboy personality from his father? Is it possible that being a playboy is also hereditary?
"I'm also puzzled!" Henry said innocently. "They all say that I have a charming smile, and they give gifts to express their interest in me."
These kids nowadays, falling in love at such a young age?
"Didn't I tell you not to smile for no reason? I will make you go out and sell your smile when we can't survive one day."
Henry, "…"
"Moreover, is your smile only worth this much? It's too cheap," Jessica tilted her head and thought about it. "Let's make a blank check one day, then it will be worth it. Understand?"
"What if the check bounces?"
"Don't you investigate the details first?
Henry nodded seriously after thinking for a moment, "Makes sense. I'll try it next time."
"You're such a good boy!" Jessica calmly patted his head, not feeling like she was destroying a little boy's future.
"Henry, mommy has a question for you, um…" Jessica's face turned a little red, she approached her son, hugged his little body, and asked, "Aren't you curious about your father at all?"
Henry's beautiful face was full of smiles, "Mommy, didn't you say that my dad died? You even said that the grass on his grave is taller than me." Mr. Marcus, who was coldly dining at his villa on the mountaintop, suddenly sneezed. Jessica, "…" Since Henry was old enough to understand, he had asked once why he didn’t have a father. At that time, Henry was three years old and attending kindergarten in France. There was a boy in his class who lived next door to them, and he often insulted Henry at school, calling him a wild child without a father. One time, Henry got into a fight with him and lost. He returned home in tears with a large bruise on his arm. He asked Jessica why he didn't have a father. At that time, Jessica felt as if her heart was being torn apart. Henry was the best gift she had ever received in her life. He was her precious baby, and Jessica wouldn't allow anyone to harm even a single hair on him. But what hurt him the most was her, his mother. She clearly rememb
"Crystal, if I ever get married one day, I would choose you to be my wife!" Marcus stated, his refined features emanating a cold and calm determination, without hesitation. Crystal nodded with a gentle smile. Was this enough? Wasn't it? Marcus's lips were off-limits, just like they were specially reserved for someone. Just like his heart. But at least, Marcus was willing to marry her, and that was enough. Wasn't it? "Thank you!" Crystal smiled gently. Marcus suddenly became a bit restless. His emotions had been tense and out of control all day, making him feel a bit exhausted when faced with Crystal's tenderness. Glancing at his tie nearby, he said while fastening it, "I have to go now, goodnight!" Without waiting for Crystal to respond, he opened the door and left. The silver Rolls-Royce raced through the streets, the lights of the underground tunnel flickering between brightness and darkness, reflecting a dangerous edge on Marcus's refined face. Suddenly stepping on the brak
Marcus's face was gloomy. Damn it, how many men does she have? One Quincy, one Raymond, and now another pretty boy? But she looks so innocent, is it an illusion? Compared to Marcus's jealousy, Jessica's mind was captivated by the bar in front of her. She could never forget, eight years ago, it was here that she and him had the most absurd night of their lives. "Mr. Marcus, why did you bring me to the bar so late?" Jessica couldn't help but ask, feeling tense. Memories of eight years ago played in her mind like a slow-motion film. To her surprise, Jessica remembered all the details between them eight years ago. Her recklessness, his coldness, her impudence, his arrogance... People from two different worlds, but they sparked a flame for one night. Jessica's heart was pounding, nervously sweating in her palms, and her face growing hotter with each passing moment. She couldn't figure out Mr. Marcus's thoughts at all. What does he mean? Does he recognize her? Seeing her flushed
When three of them left the bar, Jessica found herself in a dilemma again. "I'll take you back!" Marcus and Quincy said simultaneously, their eyes meeting and both focused on Jessica. Marcus's coldness and Quincy's warmth both expressed unwavering determination. Compared to Quincy's smoothness inside the bar, he appeared much more relaxed now, calmly saying, "Mr. Marcus, there's no need for you to trouble yourself with such a trivial matter. What do you say, Jessica?" Quincy whispered something in her ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe. To outsiders, it seemed like Quincy was kissing her earlobe, indicating an intimate relationship. Jessica was shocked, her body stiffening, her face flushing and paling interchangeably. She felt like a child who had done something wrong, completely at a loss... What did Quincy say? Henry? What did he mean? Marcus narrowed his eyes, displaying a trace of cunningness. He couldn't insert himself into the familiarity and intimacy bet
When Quincy called her, Jessica was getting ready to have lunch with her colleagues. Henry had slept late last night and woke up late, so he didn't have time to make her lunch. She declined her colleagues' invitations and headed downstairs. A black Lamborghini was parked in front of the Noblefull Group Building, with Quincy holding a large bouquet of roses and leaning on the car with a gentle smile, looking warm and charming. Jessica hurriedly walked over, feeling embarrassed, "Quincy, why are you here?" Still holding the bouquet of roses?! She felt awkward. It was lunchtime, and many employees entering and leaving the Noblefull Group Building. Their gazes were filled with astonishment and ambiguity. She could bet that rumors would be flying around. The rivalry between Gootal Group and Noblefull Group had been going on for many years, and it was no secret. Usually, the competition was behind the scenes, but recently, Mr. Quincy and Mr. Marcus had brought the rivalry to the foref
"You're my woman, dress you up a bit nicer so that I won't be embarrassed!" Mr. Marcus whispered in her ear with a wicked tone, and then pushed her away, saying, "Miss Jessica, let's go!" Jessica lowered her head to look at the necklace on her chest. Her heart skipped a beat once again. It wasn't her imagination - this necklace was a limited-edition treasure from Noblefull Group called Angel's Tears. The jewelry company under Noblefull Group was one of its main industries, together with real estate and media, making them the three pillars of Noblefull Group. This Angel's Tears necklace was launched five years ago at the Milan Jewelry Exhibition and caused a sensation in the entire jewelry industry, sweeping the globe. It attracted countless celebrities and big names. Jessica had learned about this when she studied the exhibition history of Noblefull Group, paying particular attention to a certain person - and that person was the designer of this necklace, Marcus Smith! Jessica sile
Florence's face turned red, completely devastated by Marcus's remarks. The disdainful gazes of others fell upon her, making her feel so embarrassed that she wished she could find a hole to hide in. She had originally wanted to witness Jessica's humiliation, but unexpectedly, it was Marcus who mercilessly mocked her, making others laugh at her instead. Florence regretted it deeply. Marcus's powerful presence silenced her completely. "Jessica, are you an idiot?" Marcus suddenly turned his head, his deep gaze brushing with a hint of anger. "Do you have no brains to stand here and let someone like her insult you? Where's that sharp tongue of yours?" Jessica remained silent. Truly ruthless! With just a few words, he insulted both of them. It wasn't that she didn't fight back, but Quincy spoke up for her and his sharp tongue left her no room to perform! "Mr. Marcus, if it weren't for you abandoning her, she wouldn't have to endure this embarrassment!" Quincy calmly remarked, sarcasti
Old Mr. Lee stumbled upstairs, dismissing the butler and looking as if he had aged ten years. He knelt on the ground in pain, clutching his head, and sobbed softly. "Diana..." The curtains in the study were pulled back, allowing moonlight to pour in and cast a layer of melancholic light upon the old man's figure, filled with despair and desolation. The low sobbing sound was heart-wrenching to anyone who heard it. After a while, Old Mr. Lee regained his composure and opened the safe in the study, carefully retrieving an exquisitely carved box from inside. Trembling, he opened the box, revealing an Angel's Tears necklace. The age of the necklace was quite distant, the chain had turned yellow, and the color of the gemstones was also uneven. It was made of synthetic gemstones and was not valuable. It was apparent that the materials used were rough. Its design was the same as the Angel's Tears necklace designed by Marcus, even down to the rose on the gemstone. "Diana..." Old Mr. Lee