Lauren rubbed her nose. "Uh, so, you guys are… done?"Wilson smirked. "We never even started."Lauren glanced away, looking a little guilty. So… was he blaming her for interrupting?Wilson draped his jacket over his arm and gave Serena a look. "I'm heading back to the office.""Alright," Serena replied. The moment he left, Lauren rushed forward, grabbing Serena with an excited gleam in her eyes.Serena's eyes widened in shock. "Laurie, what are you doing?""Be honest. How was Wilson's kissing skill?" Lauren asked."Stop being crazy…" Serena shoved her away, her face turning slightly uncomfortable."Oh, come on. Spill! It's way better than that Scumstin, right?" Lauren asked again."Can we not bring up mood-killing topics?" Just thinking about Justin made her skin crawl."Forget it. Judging by your love-struck expression, I already know Wilson's skills must be top-notch," Lauren teased.Serena sipped her water without a word. Lauren thought she got it right. He was good, re
Justin sat in his car for a while before unlocking his phone.There were several messages and over a dozen missed calls. A few were from Damian, while the rest, aside from a couple of work-related ones, were all from Jenna.He quickly replied to Damian and was about to set his phone aside when Jenna called again.Pressing his fingers to his temple, he answered. "What now?""Justin, I need to ask you something important," Jenna said seriously."If it's about Candice again, save it," Justin said."When exactly did you and Candice sleep together?" Jenna asked.His expression shifted. "What are you getting at?" After a brief pause, he gave her the time frame.Jenna then asked if Candice had been with anyone else during that period.Justin immediately understood. "Are you saying the baby might not be mine?""I was just asking. Nothing more." Jenna tried to brush it off."I don't care if it is or isn't. I told you from the beginning I wanted nothing to do with this, but you insist
As Wilson walked over, he casually wrapped an arm around her waist. "Why didn't you come in?""I was just chatting with Elena…" Serena said shyly."Are you done?" Wilson asked casually."Pretty much," Serena said.Elena's eyes widened in shock, but Wilson acted as if he didn't notice. He held Serena close and led her into the office.Behind them, Elena's expression shifted from disbelief to calm understanding. Honestly, it wasn't all that surprising. The way Wilson had treated her from the start had been unusual.The moment they stepped inside, Wilson pressed Serena against the door and kissed her. It was as if he could never get enough, his arm tightening around her waist as he kissed her breathless. It wasn't until the sound of a ringing phone interrupted them that she managed to push him away. "Your phone…""Ignore it." Wilson's voice was low and husky as he leaned in for another kiss.She pushed him away. "No, work comes first."With no other choice, Wilson picked up the
Serena quickly pulled her hand out from under his shirt, her ears turning slightly red.Wilson calmly adjusted his shirt, not in a hurry at all. "Ever heard of knocking?" His tone wasn't harsh, but there was an unmistakable chill to it."Sorry, I'll come back later." Gwen immediately shut the door and left.A moment later, a cautious knock sounded. After getting permission, she stepped inside. "Mr. Quade, Serena… we meet again.""Hello." Serena gave her a soft smile. Gwen finally turned her attention to Wilson. "Mr. Quade, Captain Ziegler wants to invite you to lunch. Do you have time at noon?"Wilson was about to refuse, but Serena spoke first. "He does." She looked at him. "It's probably about everything that happened. He must have something important to say. You should go.""Okay…" His girlfriend had spoken. What else could he do but listen?Wilson originally wanted to drive Serena home, but she had plans to stop by the patisserie. Since Gwen was heading in the same direc
"Why?" The moment the question left her lips, Serena realized it was unnecessary. Wilson was with her now, which meant she would be seeing him often. Who could put up with watching the man you had feelings for being affectionate with someone else?Serena rubbed her nose awkwardly. "You're good at what you do. Why don't you let Mr. Quade recommend you for another position?""That could work." Gwen smiled faintly. "If I can't have love, I might as well focus on my career."A few days later, Serena's patisserie opened with a bang. The place was packed. Not only did Willow and Lauren send flower arrangements, but even Mollie, Jacob, and the Collinsworth brothers also sent gifts. Though Jillian didn't show up, she did send something. Several wealthy socialites who had mingled with her before also arrived with flowers to show their support.Wilson was abroad on a business trip and couldn't make it back in time, but his gifts arrived right on schedule. Along with fruit baskets and flo
"I don't have any business experience. I'd inevitably make mistakes," Candice said."You knew you had no experience, and you still opened a shop? Are you just messing around?" Mollie snapped."I opened it when Justin and I were together. He set it up for me. If he has no complaints, why do you?" Candice retorted.Mollie was instantly annoyed. "Why are you getting all defensive? You're useless at everything except spending money. Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have a free pass. My mom might spoil you, but I sure as hell won't!"Candice bit her lip. "If you're just here to mock me, you can leave.""Relax. I'm just here to tell you one thing. My mom told me to keep an eye on you. She wants you to go back to the villa and focus on your pregnancy. Stop running around!" Mollie said."Fine. I'll go back." Though reluctant, Candice still got up and followed Mollie out.She was just about to get in the car when she noticed Mollie standing still, staring ahead. She pointed
Under pressure from Jenna, Mollie had no choice but to drop Candice off at the villa where she was temporarily staying."If there's nothing else, you should leave. I need to rest," Candice said.Mollie had been about to leave, but the moment she heard that, her rebellious streak kicked in. This was the Farrow family's villa, and Candice was just living here temporarily. Yet, now Candice had the nerve to kick her out? Ridiculous! "I'm not leaving. I like Maisie's mushroom soup. Maisie, make more food tonight. I'll be staying for dinner," Mollie said."Of course!" Maisie replied enthusiastically. Finally! She wouldn't have to deal with Candice alone tonight.Candice shot her a look. "Suit yourself." She turned and headed upstairs. Mollie thought for a moment and decided to follow.Annoyed, Candice stopped in her tracks. "What are you doing? I already said I'm going to rest. Are you planning to stand guard and monitor me?""Didn't my mom say she had surveillance installed here?
When the driver arrived, Maisie helped him carefully carry Mollie into the car and rushed her to the hospital.Standing on the second floor, Candice watched them leave, her mind slowly clearing. Mollie wasn't dead. Now that her memory was back, the moment she woke up would be the moment Candice's life was over.She didn't hesitate. She immediately called Lara and George, telling them to leave Nocturna and go abroad. Then she grabbed the designer bags and jewelry in the villa, stuffing them into a suitcase before running outside. Jumping into her car, she sped off.By the time Mollie woke up in the hospital, Candice figured she would already be on a plane out of the country. There was still time.Meanwhile, Serena's store was officially opening. Today was just for show, a way to build some buzz. The real business would start tomorrow.As the guests slowly left, Lauren mentioned that Wilson had prepared a gift for her and insisted on taking her to get it.Serena was confused. "What
Jillian's answer was savage. "I, for one, am relieved that I did not invest in Desiree's studio. She has blood on her hands and has committed so many unspeakable crimes. If I'd been affiliated with her studio, it would have shaved years off my life!"Desiree argued angrily, "Those are rumors, Grandma! Serena was trying to launch a smear campaign against me!""I can judge whether it was a smear campaign or not! Now, you will stop the damage you've done to Serena's patisserie, and that's final!" Jillian snapped."No way!" Desiree refused outright. "I want nothing more than to see that bitch dead! I will never help her clear her name!"Looking thunderous, Jillian stood up and slapped Desiree hard across the face. An angry hand imprint formed on Desiree's snow-white cheek, and she fell into a daze.Gary was apoplectic. "Mom! What are you doing? You just hit your granddaughter!""I have no granddaughter as wicked and vile as her!" Jillian seethed."You've crossed the line! I'll—"Be
Jillian initially believed Desiree would not be as ruthless as Gary, who did not draw the line at hurting family.However, after Desiree's bullying scandal that led to someone's death and the incident today, Jillian came to realize that Desiree and Gary were both scoundrels.…Gary had a villa in Nocturna as well. Following her recent scandal, Desiree had confined herself within the villa. While nursing her bruised ego, she plotted against Serena.The media outlets she'd hired to write vicious articles about Serena were silenced. It wasn't hard to figure out Wilson was behind the gag order. Did he truly care about Serena that much? Desiree frowned. She was trying to devise new ways to torment Serena when she heard the maid say they had a guest."What guest?" No one had bothered coming to see Desiree since her fall from grace. Puzzled, she got up to see a silver-haired old lady approaching her with a steady gait, followed by her entourage.Desiree was surprised. "Grandma?"She
Serena uttered, "Wilson?""Do you need help?" Wilson asked.Serena admitted reluctantly, "Yes."She thought she heard him chuckle on the other end of the line. "Send me the address."She sent him the address of the fruit shop. Within 20 minutes, the rumbling sound of the car engine came from outside the shop.Wilson led his men into the establishment, rolling up the sleeves of his black shirt to reveal his expensive watch. His gaze swept over the people in the room before falling on the deliveryman."Is that the guy?" Wilson asked.Serena nodded. "Yes, but we can't get anything out of him. He insists that it's a personal grudge against the shopowner.""Leave the interrogating to the professionals, Serena," Wilson drawled as he gave Kayden a look. The latter got the hint and immediately dragged the deliveryman to the other side of the room.Serena asked in hushed tones, "You're not going to kill him or anything, are you?""Am I that cruel?" Wilson quipped.Serena eyed him spe
Joanna had only just made the announcement when a few uniformed officers entered the kitchen. After presenting their warrant, they informed Serena they had come to investigate her patisserie.Serena had no grounds to obstruct the officers' work, so she agreed. The officers took a few ingredient samples and looked into the hygiene conditions of the patisserie."The results should be out soon, Ms. Judd. Wait for our notice," one of the officers said."Alright."When Serena had seen the officers out the door, she stopped all business sales in the patisserie. She also took a few ingredient samples to have them tested.Joanna was distressed. "Our ingredients are fine, Serena. What are you worried about?""We can't be too certain," Serena pointed out.Whoever was behind this wouldn't have stirred up this much trouble without laying the groundwork. Serena figured she was better off safe than sorry.She didn't have any connections to ensure a rapid testing of the ingredients, so she we
Jessica waited until Justin left before turning to Lila. "What's your relationship with Mr. Farrow?""I'm indebted to him," Lila said."Look, I don't care how you managed to bewitch Mr. Farrow, but I expect you to do a good job as my assistant. I won't go easy on you just because you're involved with Mr. Farrow, got it?" Jessica warned."Yes. Uh, Ms. Hayes, is there any work you'd like me to do now?" Lila asked."You can start with tidying up my workdesk.""Alright." Lila immediately went over to the desk and got to work.A smile curved Jessica's lips. She might not have been able to boss Serena around, but she doubted Lila was a tough opponent. "When you're done with the workdesk, get me a cup of coffee.""Got it," Lila replied dutifully.Jessica was pleased by Lila's obedience and turned to walk away.While tidying up Jessica's desk, Lila spotted the docket set on one side. It contained a thick tender proposal. She stared at the proposal for a few seconds, then looked away.
After leaving the restaurant, Justin gave Lila a ride back to her place, which she rented. Upon entering the residential area, he remarked, "This neighborhood looks old and run-down. You should move someplace nicer."Lila replied slowly, "I should, but first, I need a new job."When Justin heard this, he was suddenly reminded of something. "Your manager mentioned you were in college, but then you quit halfway and started working at the club because you were in dire straits. Which college did you go to?""I was a student at Nocturna University, the local campus," Lila answered."That's a pretty good university." Justin was a little stunned. This was the first time he'd asked about her private life, and her answer surprised him. After some thought, he offered, "You should go back to college. I'll continue to sponsor you.""Really?" Lila's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Farrow—""Stop thanking me. You were supposed to have a brilliant life full of experiences, and you shouldn't waste
Justin was seated at a table in a high-end restaurant in Nocturna as he stared at the phone in his hand. The news about Ronald was displayed on the screen.Surprised that Ronald had been imprisoned, Justin read the article carefully, then closed the page. The Quades' affairs were none of his concern. With his company recently gearing up to bid on a large project, he'd painstakingly drafted the tender proposal and planned to submit it for the bidding."Aren't you going to eat, Mr. Farrow?" Lila asked softly from across the table."I was checking the news," Justin said, pocketing his phone.Lila poked at the steak on her plate. "Mr. Farrow, this is my first time dining at such a fancy restaurant… I never had a chance to come to such places before.""I gave you money, didn't I? You can eat whatever and wherever you want.""You've been incredibly kind to me, Mr. Farrow… I must have saved the universe in my past life to meet you in this one," Lila said.Justin fell into a momentary d
Willow's voice trembled slightly, followed by a bitter smile. "Arthur, what do you think she was trying to do? I'd already given up on our relationship. And now, she dies right in front of me. Do you know what her last words to me were? She said she's sorry."She lowered her head, hands digging into her hair. She looked completely drained, both physically and emotionally. "I don't understand. Did she love me or not? If she did, why was she always siding with Ronald? Why didn't she ever stand up for me? But then, there were so many times I felt like she did love me."Tears slid down her cheeks. "I remember when I was little and had a fever. She stayed up the whole night with me, didn't sleep a second. When I got beaten, she'd secretly put medication on me. When I went overseas, she used to call and ask how I was doing. But after a few minutes, she'd start scolding me, saying I never called Ronald."If she really loved me, why didn't she protect me when he hit me? Why did she want me
Willow rushed forward and caught Carmen just before she collapsed.A nearby officer tackled Ronald to the ground.Carmen fell into her arms, tears streaming down her face. Her hand trembled as she reached up and gently touched Willow's cheek. There was sorrow and guilt in her eyes.Her vision blurred as her consciousness faded, but in that haze, she saw a memory—Willow as a child. Back when she first gave birth to her, Ronald and his mother, Sarah Pattinson, were furious that it was a girl. They didn't even bother to visit.For those first few years, it was just her and Willow getting through one sleepless night after another. It was Willow who filled the emptiness and pain in her heart.She used to hold that tiny child in the dark, press kisses onto her soft little face, and dream that one day her daughter would grow up to be poised and happy, with a good life ahead.However, the moment Ronald came back into their lives, fear returned with him. She feared him and ultimately ga