LOGINCatherine's POV
As soon as I returned to Mountaintop Villa, I heard Patricia muttering while holding Noah and Hedwig's school bags, "Nick moved out. I am really worried that he can't take care of himself." I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard that. Nick had finally left. It was such a relief for me. "Patricia, don't worry about him. He will take care of himself." I comforted her in a low voice. "You're right. Nick said that he would stay here for a few more daThough a little awkward, she sat down beside him as if nothing were wrong.Blake naturally raised his arm and gently patted her waist, a gesture of comfort mixed with a very possessive intimacy.The movement was light but carried the innate closeness of a couple, as if using this subtle action to tell everyone present: she belongs to him.Howard saw Rowena sit down with their daughter and immediately put on a smile, asking as if nothing had happened, "Rowena, is Eda ready yet?""Not yet, we have to wait a little longer," Rowena said calmly, handing a small cookie to Ash.Ash blinked her big, black eyes, her tiny mouth working diligently and contentedly. The cookie crumbs on her lips only made her look cuter."You... just arrived, didn't you?" Howard's smile stiffened for a second, but he kept the curve on his lips, though a clear tension showed in his eyes.Even Catherine could tell he was frantically reviewing everything he had just
"I don't think there's any crazy, magical benefit... I guess it's just that when something big happens, you feel like you have a solid person to talk things through with. When you get screwed over or someone gives you a hard time, you have the right to lean on someone, no questions asked.""Yes! That is the whole point."Eda immediately agreed. "Before marriage, you feel a little less sure of yourself. Once you're married, you feel way more confident."Rowena blinked. "That makes sense, both of you. But I really like how things are right now. It still feels like we're just dating.""Rowena, Howard probably scarred you, so that's why you feel that way."Eda sighed. "Ugh, my problem child brother. I still want to punch him sometimes."Rowena paused, then felt a bit reflective. "I guess if I had a sister like you growing up, nobody would have messed with me.""Well, congrats, you do now." Eda's smile was bright. "I've got your back from
Harley raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile. He changed the subject. "So, you're two years younger than me, you must be around twenty-four or twenty-five, right? Why are you still single?"This time, Cassandra was genuinely annoyed by the personal questions.The elevator reached the first floor and dinged open. She stopped dead, turning to face him, her eyes fixed right on his. "Probably because no man is interested in me. Is that the answer you wanted?"Harley was stunned by that last line—"no man is interested in me." His mind went blank. The teasing comments he had ready died in his throat.He followed her out of the lobby and all the way to the building entrance, not daring to ask anything else. He just retreated behind his mask, watching her walk away.Cassandra clearly wasn't taking his car this time. She stepped onto the curb and flagged a cab decisively.By the time Harley reached the edge of the road, the taxi had merged int
Harley snapped back to attention, secretly shocked that he'd been caught staring.Luckily, Cassandra wasn't wearing her glasses, so everything was a blur to her.Otherwise, she probably would have already told him, "That's rude."When the car slowly stopped at the entrance of her building, Harley insisted on going up with her.Cassandra was simply exasperated by his eagerness.Her finger tapped the seatbelt buckle. Before standing up, she said flatly, "If you absolutely have to follow me, put the mask back on. I don't want you bringing a crowd to where I live."She thought about the scene at her office earlier. Her temples throbbed.The image of her star-struck colleagues flashed through her mind. She knew the chaos wouldn't die down anytime soon."Fine." Harley readily opened the car door.He obediently put the mask back on before getting out and tugged his cap down, completely hiding his recognizable face.Insid
"No, thanks. You go do your thing. I'll grab a cab."In her current state, she definitely couldn't drive. A cab was her only option."You are ridiculously stubborn."Harley rubbed his head. "I've never met anyone who hates asking for help this much.""It's just how I handle things."Cassandra grabbed her handbag and walked straight out the door.Her terrible eyesight meant she couldn't tell who was greeting her or passing by her side. She had to navigate by vague shapes.Harley followed right behind her.As they got to the hallway, another group of people started walking up to greet him. He ignored them and followed her into the elevator.Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a large hand slammed between them.The door squeezed his knuckles. He let out a low hiss but forced the doors open, stepping inside.Cassandra squinted, needing a few seconds to recognize him. "How long are you going to follow me? I have actual work to do. Can you just leave me alone?""I'm driving you
Cassandra looked at these women who usually crushed cases with total efficiency. Now they were acting like giggling freshmen, shy and excited, barely daring to raise their voices. It was like she was meeting her office for the first time."Totally."Harley smiled warmly. "You're all Cassandra's coworkers, right?"He deliberately glanced at Cassandra, who was still stiff as a board beside him, feeling a mischievous urge to mess with her.He really wanted to see if she knew just how popular he was."No way, really? Oh my god. Cassandra, what is your deal with him? He acts like he really likes you!"Someone immediately turned to Cassandra, sounding jealous, trying to pry some information from her obviously flustered expression.Cassandra quietly clenched her fists. Her voice was firm. "We have zero relationship.""We're friends, old schoolmates, and kind of neighbors."Harley calmly added, listing several connections.
Catherine's POV I was forced to agree to Blake's terms, and I was about to leave in frustration. But I still felt unwilling. After a few steps, I suddenly turned back and asked, "Blake, tell me, are you seeing someone?" Blake was stunned and frowned slightly. "Who said that?" "No one. I just w
Blake's POV After kissing Catherine this morning, I was in a particularly good mood. A day of tense and busy work passed again, and I went home early to accompany Noah and Hedwig. When Catherine walked into the parlor, I was watching the kids playing and enjoying themselves. "I'm so happy to fi
Catherine's POV I heard Blake laugh behind, so I quickened my pace to catch up with Noah and Hedwig. "Mommy, do you have a fever?" asked Hedwig, looking at me as I ran to them. Noah also cried out in concern, "Mommy, your face is burning. I remember that when stupid Hedwig was having a fever, h
Gina's POV "Really? You can't find it? Fine! Then I will tear this place apart and see if you're telling the truth." I was so furious right now. If I couldn't vent my anger, I would snap. "Gina, let's talk. Don't smash anything, OK? I may have left the necklace at my parents' place







