"You've got it," Lauren said as she took Serena by the hand and led her away from Justin."Serena, are you only avoiding me because you still care about me?" Justin asked icily, assessing Serena shrewdly as if he could see through her. "If you're really over me, you should treat me like any other guest and talk to me openly instead of hiding from me."Lauren rolled her eyes. "Imagine how busy one would be if one had to make small talk with everyone at a party! Mr. Farrow, did you ever think that Rina isn't so much avoiding you as she doesn't think you are worthy of her time? Must I spell that out for you?"Justin's eyes were like chips of ice. "You certainly have a death wish, don't you, Lauren?"Lauren was about to retort when Aaron stopped her. "Just drop it already. He's not someone you can afford to cross.""Not like I haven't crossed him already! I may as well give him a piece of my mind while I'm at it," Lauren snapped.Serena interjected, "Laurie, this isn't the time for y
Serena saw Wilson walking out when she arrived at the entrance. She smiled at him."Mr. Quade, why did you leave?""It's dance time. I'm looking for a dance partner." He reached out to Serena and bowed like a gentleman. "Ms. Judd, may I?"She slowly placed her hand in his. They made their way to the dance floor.Not far away, Justin shot them an icy glare. He was about to approach them when Candice took his arm.Looking eager, she said, "Justin, let's dance."He gave it some thought and went to the dance floor with Candice in tow.The lights in the brightly lit hall dimmed. When music started to fill the air, men danced with their partners.Wilson put his hand on Serena's waist. He could feel the slight burn on his palm.He looked down at her face, focusing on her nose and traveling south toward her rosy lips.Whenever he lowered his head, he smelled a whiff of light fragrance that did not seem to come from a perfume. It was just how she smelled like.The look in his eyes de
Justin had wanted to retort like he previously did, but he changed his mind. "You're single. Stop giving me lectures."The charity gala ended. As a feast was served on the long table, everyone raised their glasses and started to mingle.Wilson sat with a few CEOs to talk business while Serena wandered off to grab her favorite seafood.Her gaze drifted occasionally to the entrance, but Lauren was nowhere to be seen. How odd! Lauren was always the most eager and enthusiastic when it came to networking, but she seemed to be missing.A snarky voice rang in her ears. "Serena Judd, you're something else."Lynn approached Serena, her high heels clicking. "I was surprised when you readily left Justin. Turns out it's because you've snagged yourself a richer man."Without bothering to look at Lynn, Serena replied, "Do you have nothing better to talk about than relationships?""Drop your act! I saw the way you look at Wilson when you were dancing just now." Lynn smiled mockingly. "You'd be
Candice's eyes widened in disbelief. "Me?"She shook her head. "I didn't do anything."Wilson clicked his tongue. "I have no interest in your poor acting. Why don't you apologize to Serena right now?"Color drained from Candice's face. At that moment, a towering figure appeared before her. She immediately latched onto Justin's sleeve as though holding onto her last string of hope. "Justin, I didn't do it…"Tears rolled down her cheek as she whined pitifully.Justin stared at Wilson grimly. "Why are you giving my girlfriend a hard time in front of everyone?""Did I?" Wilson sneered. "I can't be bothered to waste my time on your girlfriend. I would rather spend that time securing a few major business deals. You think too highly of your girlfriend, Justin."Wilson went straight to the point. "There are security cameras everywhere. Well, the one near us is a little tilted, but I'm sure it captured the incident. Why don't we review the footage to confirm if Candice had deliberately
Wilson squinted like a sly fox. "The manager told me this was a blind spot, but it's all good now because Candice has admitted to it."Candice looked like she was struck by lightning. She dug her nails into her palm, feeling like she had been played.Once Wilson left with Serena, Candice had to endure the looks she received. Yet, no one dared criticize her because she was dating Justin. Still, the looks in their eyes made their feelings clear.Even Mollie couldn't take it. She stomped and complained, "How embarrassing!"Then, she left with Lynn.Candice tried her best to regain her composure. Turning to Justin, she began, "Justin…"She was surprised to find him scrutinizing her. "Justin, do you not trust me?"All he said was, "The event's about to end. I'll have someone drive you home."Her face paled. She muttered, "I-I need to use the restroom."…The ragged breathing of a man and the erotic moans of a woman filled the air of a dimly lit lounge on the second floor.Jacob t
Serena checked out her look in the restroom mirror. She carefully dabbed at a tiny wine stain on her dress with a tissue.Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from outside, and Candice walked in."Serena?" Candice's face showed surprise, only to be quickly replaced by anger.She had originally gone to the restroom downstairs, but the judgmental stares from a group of socialites had made her feel so uncomfortable that she came to the second floor instead.To her dismay, she ran into Serena—the person she despised most.Candice walked up to her, her voice low. "Serena, you must be feeling pretty smug right now, huh?""Are you talking about that incident with Lynn?" Serena turned off the faucet, her voice calm. "You brought that on yourself.""You got lucky this time." Candice glared at her. Suddenly, she put on a smug smirk."So what if I bumped into Lynn on purpose? As long as Justin believes me, that's all that matters. Oh, by the way, I've decided to start a bakery. In a few
Justin turned to look at Candice and led her to the door.Zane was already waiting in the Maybach, with Justin's younger siblings, Damian and Mollie, occupying the backseat.Justin gestured toward Candice."You leave first.""Justin, what about you?" Candice asked."I have something to take care of," he replied.Hearing this, Mollie immediately objected, "Why does she get to ride in the same car as us? I don't want to be in the same car as her! Being near a woman who pulled such underhanded tactics is a total embarrassment!"Already annoyed, Justin snapped at Mollie, "Get out of the car, then!"Mollie's face turned pale. She angrily pulled Damian out of the car with her, storming off to hop into Lynn's car instead.Candice widened her eyes in hopeful anticipation after Justin seemingly stood up for her."Justin, you believe me, right?"With a pitiful expression, she pleaded, "I really didn't mean to bump into Lynn earlier. You know how clumsy I am. I was nervous about coming
Wilson asked, "Did she not come downstairs?"Justin answered, "No."Hearing this, Wilson's expression shifted a little. He had waited upstairs for a while, but Serena never showed up, and she wasn't answering her phone. Thinking she might have gone downstairs first, he headed down, only to find no sign of her there either.Justin sensed that something was wrong and quickly stepped forward. "Where did you take Serena?"Wilson ignored him and made a call. Then, he summoned the hall manager. "I'm looking for someone important. Get me all the security footage after 8:40 pm tonight."The manager looked troubled. "Mr. Quade, this is Mr. Cohen's property. I'm afraid—""I've talked to him. Call him to confirm if you don't believe me, but before that, please let me access your control room." Despite sounding cool, Wilson came across as authoritative. "Please lead the way.""Sure."Wilson followed the manager to the control room. At the same time, he sent his men to search the hall.Jus
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
"What the hell is going on?" Ronald's face twisted with anger. He saw the door of the Cullinan swing open.Out stepped Wilson, his every move calm and deliberate.Ronald's expression darkened instantly. Wilson again? The nerve of that bastard, barging right into his house as if he were already dead.Wilson strolled into the room, barely glancing at the others before a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Uncle Ronald, what's all this?""Wilson, shouldn't I be asking you that? You drove straight into my house. That's trespassing. What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ronald snapped.Wilson's eyes turned cold. "You're about to kill someone, and you're worried about trespassing?"Ronald sneered. "Are you here to save Willow? I never expected someone cold and heartless like you to actually care about her.""Of course. I'm just emotionally detached, not a monster like you," Wilson said.Ronald nearly choked on his fury. When it came to words, he couldn't match Wilson i
Willow was shaking with rage. "Ronald, you're disgusting. Hitting a woman? You're nothing but trash!""Hah!" Ronald's face twisted with fury. However, instead of lashing out, he suddenly calmed. "I see. No matter what, you still care about the woman who carried you for ten months, don't you? But do you think she cares about you?""What do you mean?" Willow frowned."She's been lying to you this whole time!" He jabbed a finger at Carmen. "This woman has been weak her whole life. She lives to serve me. I tell her to do something, and she does it. No questions asked!"Ever wonder how I found you in the Mardenes so quickly and easily? Your bracelet. There's a tracker inside! You idiot! Do you really believe she loved you?"Let me make this clear. No one has ever loved you. Not since the day you were born!" His voice thundered through the massive villa, every word like a hammer pounding into Willow's chest.Her face went pale. All the strength drained out of her.That one sentence wa
Arthur didn't say a word. He walked up to the table, picked up the pen, and signed his name on the document without hesitation.Ronald took the papers, and the joy on his face was unmistakable. It actually worked! Just like that?Nine percent of Collinsworth Group's shares would make him the biggest shareholder now. Arthur had lost his mind, giving up Collinsworth Group like it was nothing. What a delightful surprise."Let's go, Willow." Arthur reached for Willow's hand and was ready to go. They made it to the door, only to be blocked by two buff bodyguards.Arthur frowned. "What's this?"Ronald gave him a harmless smile. "You can leave. She stays.""Ronald, you promised to let her go once you got the shares!" Arthur rarely raised his voice, but now his anger flared.Ronald snorted. "Let her go? What the hell are you talking about? This is her home. Isn't it normal for her to stay here?"Willow turned around, eyes burning with fury. "You're a liar, Ronald. You're old enough to