Everyone turned to look at Kai. He chuckled and said, “Quinn doesn’t have a boyfriend anyway. If Mr. Bucham defeats Coach Will, I’ll bring them together without anyone asking me.”To the children, Quinn and Julian were a match made in heaven; both were very good-looking individuals.It was Kai’s first time seeing such a handsome man. Julian looked better than those idols that the girls in his class admired. He also had a noble charisma. Essentially, Kai thought Julian was great. His impression of Julian would improve if he could beat Coach Will and let him split ten thousand dollars between himself and Quinn. Mark said, “This kid. You should work harder, Julian. Kai said he’d help to get you and Quinn together for free if he could win the bet.”“Don’t add on to Kai’s nonsense, Mark.”Quinn was about to die from laughter. She kicked Kai lightly and scolded, “You made me laugh so hard.”Kai giggled and even Will smiled. He asked Julian, “Should I lose on purpose?”“You’ll
Mark and all the other coaches knew that Julian narrowly won with that trick move of his. A narrow victory was still a win. Will did not lose to Julian on purpose. Julian had defeated Will with his own abilities. Julian pulled Will up and bowed slightly. “It was a great match.”Will smiled. “I didn’t go easy on you. You found my weakness and caught me off guard. I admit my defeat, Julian.”Julian returned with humble remarks. The venue was silent, save for their post-match exchange. It snapped everyone back to their senses. “Ahhh!”Kai jumped in excitement. He patted Quinn’s shoulder and shouted, “We won, Quinn! Mr. Bucham defeated Coach Will. We won! The ten thousand dollars are ours. It’ll be enough to pay for my supper for half a year.”All the other students turned to look at him simultaneously. Their gazes were filled with envy as they listened to his cheers. Quinn was stunned too. She briefly saw Julian’s moves that one time and discovered he was trained in martia
Will grinned and said, “If I lose, I lose, no excuses. Don’t be sore losers alright? In the past, you guys have always won the bets, so have a taste of defeat for once. Gambling always involves winning and losing. If you can’t handle losing, then maybe you should quit.”Mark did not utter a word.Quinn went to the side, sat down, and started counting the money. When she was done, she handed half of the money to the boy, saying, “Kai, this is your share.”Kai took the money but quickly returned half of it. He said, “Quinn, I only contributed a hundred bucks. I can’t take half. This is more than enough to cover my late-night snacks for half a year.”“It’s for you. Just keep it. Save it for yourself and don’t let your stepmother find out.”Kai had a tough childhood. His parents divorced when he was very young and he ended up with his father, who was a quiet and reserved man. The divorce made his father even more distant, and Kai was largely left to be raised by his grandparents.Lat
“I’ll help myself then.”Quinn put the money in her pocket. She then took out her phone and ordered stir-fried noodles from a Chinese takeout shop to treat everyone at Power Fitness.“We’ll have it later.”Julian smiled. “I usually don’t eat late-night supper.”“In that case, we can skip it. Sometimes I skip it too. But maybe because we do a lot of physical activities, skipping late-night snacks makes me feel hungry, and I can’t sleep when I’m hungry. Most of the time though, I have them at home. My mom makes them for us.”After ordering the food, Quinn got up and said to Julian, “Let’s go. We shouldn’t disturb them while they’re in class.”Julian had just won a competition against Will. It left the students in shock, doubting if it was a dream.“Alright.”Julian followed Quinn as she told her brothers, “Will, Mark, I’m taking Julian out for a walk. You guys don’t need to wait for us when you guys go home later.”Will replied, “Got it. Take Julian for a stroll, and you can hel
Julian laughed. “Quinn, if you look at me like that, I might get ahead of myself. Haha.”“You have every reason to be proud.”Ring, ring, ring…Quinn’s phone started to ring.Seeing that it was a call from her mother, she said to Julian, “When my mom calls me at this time, it’s definitely to tell me that tomorrow’s blind date is canceled.”As expected, once she answered, her mother scolded, “What kind of ‘high-quality’ man did Felicia introduce? No backbone and believes anything anyone says. I haven’t even minded that he’s pudgy, like a grease bag, but he dares to call my daughter a violent maniac.“He’s the maniac! His whole family is filled with maniacs. Does he think my daughter can only marry him? Does he think there’s no other man in this world besides that blockhead? I’m so angry! Quinn, you better bring me some good news—find yourself a young, handsome, and capable boyfriend, and prove them wrong!”“Mom, please calm down. I knew it would turn out this way a long time ago.
Julian smiled. “That’s true. We shouldn’t compromise when it comes to marriage. I’ve noticed that your mom is worried about your future and your brothers’ life affairs, so I thought I’d help.”Now, Julian was certain that he needed to approach Quinn’s heart carefully, much like walking on a tightrope.He had to gradually integrate himself into her life, making her accustomed to his presence and his absence unbearable. When that time came, it would mean Quinn realized it was love.He had locked onto her, and he had to take it slow; hurrying would not help here.“Quinn, actually, I have a medical condition.”Quinn paused for a moment and then asked with concern, “What condition? I can’t tell. You look healthier than anyone.”“I have hypoactive sexual desire disorder.”“Hypoactive sexual desire disorder? I’ve never heard of such an illness.”Julian explained briefly to Quinn.Quinn responded, “So basically… you can’t get married. No wonder you are so outstanding yet never had a g
Callum coaxed her nervously, “Honey, you go back to sleep. I’ll go downstairs later to prepare breakfast for you, and then I’ll wake you up. Once you’ve had a good meal, you can catch up on your sleep.”Camryn stared at him and said, “Trenton is back today, and we’re going to visit our parents at the prison.”“It’s mainly for Trenton’s sake. You can choose whether to go or not. Stay at home, get more sleep. I promise I won’t bother you tonight and let you rest for a day.”With a shy smile, Callum added, “I’m already thirty, and I’ve only just married my wife. I got a bit too excited last night and went a bit crazy.”It was mainly because he finished prematurely, which left him feeling down for a while, thinking there was something wrong with him.She reassured him that they could see a doctor together but that only made him feel even more depressed.Thinking about himself who was tall, handsome, and accomplished, but having problems in that department, he felt deeply troubled. He
“You’re an adult, a responsible grown-up, and you need the courage to face everything and shoulder the responsibilities that are yours.“I know that you and Camryn are in complete agreement. However, she has never wanted to take advantage of you. Don’t worry; what’s rightfully yours will always be yours. If it’s not meant for you, don’t even think about it, don’t be like Carrie.”Trenton nodded. “Callum, I understand. Camryn and I just want to safeguard everything in the Newman family. Carrie has already started looking for a lawyer, preparing to sue Camryn.”That was the reason he took leave and returned.He wanted to stand by Camryn's side. Even if Carrie won the lawsuit, she would not get much of the family assets.He questioned Carrie’s action of taking Camryn to court while their parents were still alive.Though, by transferring all the family assets to himself with his parents’ consent, would Carrie be able to claim a share via a lawsuit? Apart from Abel’s share, the rest of
Zachary was also worried that Serenity would go into premature labor out of shock. He also persuaded her to go for her checkup in a gentle voice. They could not do anything but wait anyway.Serenity finally decided to conduct her prenatal checkup first. Zachary accompanied her. Just moments after they left, the door to the delivery suite opened. A nurse stood there and shouted, “Is Jasmine Sox’s husband here?”“Yes. I’m her husband,” replied Josh quickly. He dashed to the nurse. “You must save Jas, doctor. Save the mother no matter what.”His family members behind him also echoed, “That’s right. No matter what happens, you have to save Jasmine.”The nurse said, “The mother is fine. It’s just that she wants her husband to accompany her as she’s in a lot of pain.”Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.Josh was about to rush inside but was stopped by the nurse.She asked him to change his clothes before taking him inside the delivery suite.Jasmine was wailing in pain. When
With advanced medical technology, a premature baby could still be healthy if taken good care of in the incubator. Serenity said, “Jasmine should be at thirty-five weeks. I just don’t understand why she would suddenly go into labor. Did she fall at home?“Or did she eat something that made her go into labor?”Zachary said, “That’s most likely not the case. Josh’s cousin is Jasmine’s dietician and keeps an eye on her food every day. There’s no way Jasmine would’ve eaten something bad unless she ate it secretly.”Serenity and Zachary suddenly went silent. Pregnant women had weird appetites. Once they had a craving, they could not go unsatisfied. Sometimes, they would even crave fruits that were not in season. Serenity herself was one of them. Once, she woke up in the middle of the night craving mac and cheese. Of course, Zachary, the ever-doting husband, had to satisfy her request. However, where could he find mac and cheese at that hour?Ultimately, he had to drive to the
People would reap what they had sown. They would have to bear the consequences of their actions. Sometimes, interfering in another person’s fate would backfire. After chatting for some time, Serenity said, “I have to go for my checkup now, Liberty. Let’s talk again when you’re free another day.“By the way, I’ll get someone to bring Sonny to you this weekend. He misses you.”“Okay,” said Liberty. After the call ended, Serenity put her phone into her bag and stood up. She told the man behind the office desk, “It’s almost time, babe. Let’s go.”“Okay. I’m almost done.”Zachary quickly signed and stamped a document before closing it. He walked over with the document in hand. Serenity and Zachary left the office together. He handed the document to his secretary. The secretary did not expect him to pass the document to him personally. He had thought of entering Zachary’s office to request it later. The secretary watched Zachary and Serenity leave. He could not believe
Lilian often messed with the medicinal herbs her master cultivated, which led to her being chased and scolded by him.It seemed her son had inherited her restless nature.“How’s Sonny been lately?”Liberty had been on edge these past few days because Caroline had been preparing to lure her three brothers into a trap and had not had time to call her son.“Same as usual, but it seems like things have soured again with the Browns.”Serenity added, “Sonny still answers when Hank calls him, but he doesn’t seem happy when his grandparents visit. He doesn’t like going to the Browns’ place, and he doesn’t want to take their calls either.“Hank’s mother and sister are truly incorrigible. They must have been badmouthing you and Duncan in front of Sonny again, which is why he’s upset with them.”During the holidays, Sonny had stayed with the Browns for a few days and started to warm up to them.However, who would have thought that the mother and daughter would start spouting nonsense in f
Once the baby was born, he would apply the knowledge he had learned over the past few months to care for the baby. He was determined to be a competent and responsible father.Serenity released her arms from around him and shifted to her side.Zachary let go, too, allowing her to turn.Then, she planted countless gentle kisses on his face.“Babe, with you here, the baby and I will be just fine. Don’t worry too much,” Serenity comforted softly after kissing him.“You are my rock. If even you are nervous, I’ll start feeling anxious too, and that won’t be good.”Hearing this, Zachary immediately said, “Seren, don’t worry. I’ll protect both of you. Alright, I won’t be so nervous anymore.”He gently touched her rounded belly again. “Lil’ Bun should be a calm kid. He’s not that mischievous.”He felt that the baby’s movements were not too intense.Serenity wanted to tell him that there were times when the baby kicked more vigorously, but she decided against it, knowing it would only m
“Just hit the gym a few more times. Lately, you’ve been spending less time there.”Every day after work, he would come home and orbit around her. As a result, he had less time to work out.It was normal to gain a few pounds eating well and exercising less. Did he really think he could eat anything without gaining weight?The reason he could maintain a model-like physique before was that he exercised daily.“Ow.” Serenity suddenly cried out in pain.This startled Zachary so much that he nearly jumped up, asking anxiously, “Is it stomach pain? Are you going into labor? Let’s go to the hospital right away.”He was about to pick her up, but Serenity stopped him by pressing his hand.“Don’t be so nervous, Zachary. It's not time yet. It’s not happening so soon. It’s just the baby kicking again. His kicks are getting stronger.”As she entered the later stages of pregnancy, the little one inside her was growing stronger. Sometimes, a couple of kicks from the baby could actually hurt.
Zachary, afraid that his wife might refuse to spend time with him at his office in the future, emphasized that he was not busy today.He had already cleared his morning schedule because he needed to accompany his beloved wife for her prenatal checkup.His secretary was well aware of Serenity’s checkup dates. Whenever he saw Serenity turn up at the office with his boss, his secretary would quietly adjust his schedule.Sometimes, on the day of the Serenity’s checkup, his secretary would not schedule any appointments for Zachary at all.Even if appointments were scheduled, Zachary would request they be canceled or rescheduled.Now, in Zachary’s eyes, his wife’s matters were the most important.With Alex now able to share the workload, Zachary felt that he, as the eldest of his generation who had shouldered the bulk of the burden for so many years, deserved a break.Plus, there was the elite team the company had trained; if not now, then when would they be put to use?Everyone was
Tony turned around and left.Only after hearing the door close did Carrie dare to open her eyes.She had woken up while Tony and his son were on the phone, but she did not dare move, fearing that Tony might suspect her of eavesdropping.Just now, when that old lecher stood by the bed looking at her, there was definitely a murderous glint in his eyes. She could feel it.Sooner or later, he would kill her.Carrie was filled with panic. She wanted to escape but was afraid she would not succeed. No one was there to help her.For a moment, Carrie even considered running to Camryn to confess everything, but she quickly dismissed the thought. The reason she ended up in this situation was entirely due to Camryn.She and Camryn were sworn enemies. Their conflict would not end until one of them was dead. However, even if she died, she would drag Camryn down with her.-Meanwhile, in the CEO's office at York Corporation, Zachary, seated at his desk, kept glancing up at his pregnant wife.
“You should have gotten rid of them all back then and cultivated a network of people loyal only to you.” Manny felt that his father should not have spared those people in the first place.Tony said, “There were too many of them, all relatives and friends with the same goal as us. We couldn’t eliminate them all at once.”Back then, he had incited everyone to join him in wiping out the entire main family, sparing neither the elderly nor the children.It was because they were all from the collateral branches, jealous of the main family’s long-standing control, and shared a common goal that his conspiracy succeeded.He had also spent over a decade waiting for the right opportunity.Who would have thought that even after wiping out the main family, he still could not obtain the family seal, token, or totem? Without these, he could not become the true head of the family and could only act as a proxy. Many of the connections loyal to the head remained inaccessible.Moreover, much of the