โWouldn't it be better to ask me directly if you want to know about these things?โ Old Master Crawford's voice echoed from the staircase.Allison froze for a moment. Her face turned pale before she quickly turned around and forced a smile. โFather.โโWhat are you doing here?โ asked Old Master Crawford as he walked over, leaning on his cane with Mr. Griffin supporting him.โI came to visit you,โ Allison replied sweetly, stepping forward to help support his arm.Old Master Crawford shook his head, signaling her to stop. โLet Mr. Griffin handle that.โLeft with no choice, Allison could only follow beside him, still wearing her forced smile.Mr. Griffin helped Old Master Crawford settle onto the couch. His sharp gaze flicked between Allison and Sophian. He had already heard from Luke that this woman had returned with Allison, and now, seeing her in person...Old Master Crawford studied Sophian carefully. They said a personโs face reflected their inner self, and he had taken a keen
Allison caught the disapproval in Old Master Crawford's gaze and could not help but snap at Sophian, โWhat are you talking about? What does this have to do with you?โSophian met her gaze and suddenly realized that the best thing to do now was to stay quiet and lower her presence. In an instant, she regretted her impulsive words. She was so eager to leave a good impression on Old Master Crawford, but instead, she had made things worse.Now, all she could do was apologize. She pressed her lips together and bowed sincerely to Old Master Crawford, saying, โSorry, Old Master Crawford, I couldn't hold back.โOld Master Crawford, with his strong mental fortitude, did not get angry at the gesture.โYou reallyโฆโ Allison was speechless. What was she even doing? Why was everything Sophian did so laughable?!She turned to Old Master Crawford and said, โFather, this woman hasn't seen much of the world. Please don't blame her.โOld Master Crawford ignored Allisonโs comment and stared at S
โIt looks like you're completely clueless,โ scoffed Old Master Crawford. โIf it werenโt for your return, do you really think Luke would've sent the kids to Crawford Manor?โAllison was not convinced and was about to argue that it was not because of her.However, before she could speak, Old Master Crawford cut her off with a blunt remark that left her speechless. โHave you looked in the mirror? With the way you look right now, just walking around at night would be enough to scare the kids. And you still think you can help take care of them? If my precious great-grandchildren see you like this, theyโll have nightmares. If it werenโt for the kidsโ well-being, Luke wouldnโt have sent them here in the first place.โAllison felt a deep sense of humiliation. Being criticized like this in front of Sophian and Mr. Griffin, she felt as if her dignity had been completely shattered.Yet the worst part was that Old Master Crawford was absolutely right.Her face really was terrifying.โI can
โAs long as what Lanie wants to do isnโt illegal, Iโll support him.โ Old Master Crawford rose to his feet with the help of his cane after saying that.He had known all along Allison would not have come here for anything important.This conversation was so dull.If it were not for her pestering Lanie with questions, Old Master Crawford would have pretended he did not know she was here and let her do whatever she wanted.The three kids had overheard the whole conversation between their great-grandfather and grandmother around the corner of the stairs.Once they sensed that the discussion was wrapping up, Lanie made a hand gesture to his younger siblings.Rainie and Tommy understood the gesture and nodded, following their brother upstairs.Lanie waited until he was sure no one downstairs could hear them before asking, โWhy were you two eavesdropping?โโYou were listening in, so why couldn't we?โ Tommy grinned. He understood most of what they had talked about. What interested him m
โShe's busy, so use something else. Iโve got stuff to do. Iโm hanging up now.โ Luke did not want to hear her rambling.Allison quickly added, โWait, there's one more thing.โLuke frowned in annoyance.โI donโt have any money left. Send me some,โ continued Allison. She was worried he might refuse. โItโs been over a month, and you still havenโt sent me my living expenses.โโDonโt worry, Jason will transfer it to you in a bit,โ replied Luke. It had indeed been a month. However, he had been too busy to remember.โAlright.โ Allison was about to say more when Sophian called out sweetly, โMr. CrawfordโฆโBefore she could finish her sentence, Luke hung up the phone.Allison stared at Sophian. โWhat did you say that for?โSophian was confused. She had only said a word, and the call was already disconnected. Was it her fault?โI just wanted to talk to himโฆโ replied Sophian.โYou didnโt have to say anything. I wasnโt done talking yet, and you made him hang up.โ Allison was furious. She k
โGood evening, Madam Allison.โ Jason quickly answered the phone.Allison wasted no time and demanded, โWhy did you only send me such a small amount of money?โโItโs Mr. Crawfordโs decision,โ replied Jason, โIf you suspect Iโm withholding anything, you may ask him directlyโฆโHe reckoned that Allison might not be able to get in touch with Luke, so he added, โOr I could show you the chat records.โBy now, Allison could not really doubt him anymore.However, with frustration in her voice, Allison asked, โWhy is it so little? How am I supposed to live in A City on this?โโMr. Crawford said that you have no extra expenses. Youโre not shopping, so a hundred thousand dollars should be enough,โ Jason relayed Lukeโs words.A hundred thousand dollars was an amount that the average working family could not even earn in a month.Allison could not go out shopping right now, and she was not making any other extra purchases while staying at home every day. Why would it not be enough?Sophian, who over
โAlright. Ouch, it hurts when you flick me, Lanie!โ Tommy pouted.โDon't cry. You were just saying youโd protect your sister, and now, youโre crying? Whatโs going on?โ Lanie rubbed Tommyโs forehead. โAlright, Iโve rubbed it. Stop crying.โโHeh, Lanie, you're the best to me!โ Tommy immediately beamed with happiness.โThe whole grandma situation is over. From now on, letโs just behave ourselves and wait for Daddy and Ms. Luca to come back,โ Lanie told his younger siblings.Even though their parents were not around, he had taken on the responsibility of being the elder brother. Despite being the same age as Rainie, he was much more mature.โYes, Iโll listen to Great-Grandpa and you, Lanie!โ Tommy nodded eagerly.โฆAfter Jason hung up on Allison, he let out a deep sigh.Sue walked over with a plate of fruits and placed it beside him. โWhatโs with that look? Have some fruits.โJason picked up a toothpick, speared a piece of fruit, and brought it to her mouth.Sue opened her mouth
โOh? What made you so happy? Spill the tea.โ Heraโs curiosity grew. Whatever it was that had Abel smiling like this had to be something big.The last time she was with him, he had closed a billion-dollar deal over the phone, but his expression had remained indifferent. It was like it was just another ordinary day at the office.However, he was currently grinning from ear to ear. Could it be something even bigger than that?Abel set down his unlit cigar. His fingers lightly traced along Heraโs cheek before resting on her eyes.โYour eyesโฆ Theyโre beautiful,โ murmured Abel.It was not the first time he had complimented her eyes.Hera had gone for the perfect foxy-type eyes, and every man she met would gush over how stunning they were.However, Abel was different. Other men would say her eyes were beautiful and then follow it up with praise for her face, her figureโฆ The whole package.Yet Abel? He never mentioned anything else but just her eyes. It was as if her face and other par
โAs long as he stays out of your sight, I wonโt make a move,โ said Ray.If Gordan were not one of Lukeโs pals, he would have been long gone.Anyone who dared to mess with someone Ray cherished would not be let off easily. The only reason Gordan was still breathing was thanks to Luke.โAlright, Ray. Just let it go. Iโve moved on and started a new life. Plus, Iโm studying at Capital University. We have mutual friends, so running into him is inevitable. If that happens, weโll just be strangers. Thereโs no need to step in for me or act impulsively.โ Just as Vivian finished speaking, the doorbell rang.โIs it the clothes delivery?โ asked Ray.โNo, while you were talking with Mr. Crawford, I asked someone to buy some medicinal cream. The ones here work better than the ones in Russia. A little massage with it should help you heal faster,โ Vivian said, grabbing a mask and hat before heading to the door.โMiss, is the boss alright?โ asked one of Rayโs subordinates.โHeโs fine. Did you ge
When Ray heard that there was a 90% chance of success, he could not help but ask, โCan you walk me through your plan?โโThe prison where Kassy is being held actually has an underground passage. Iโve already spoken with the prison officials, and we can use that passage to transport her out. It connects to the sewage system, which leads directly to another detention facility. "The only catch is that this facilityโs underground pipes donโt connect to the outside world, so the remaining 10% risk lies in moving Kassy onto the main road and securing her at the new location.โThis whole operation can be done without anyone noticing, which is why Iโm confident itโll work.โ As Luke explained, he pulled out a detailed map of the sewer system. โHereโs the layout I had someone retrieve. This is the starting point, and this is the destination. If we take this route, we can move Kassy without alerting Abelโs people.โAbelโs men were keeping a constant watch outside the prison now. That was prec
Luke had no idea what kind of mindset the person who poisoned Vivian had. However, he found Gordanโs current behavior quite intriguing.โLuke, whatโs with that look?โ Gordan felt uneasy under his gaze.โYou seem pretty concerned about Vivian,โ Luke leaned back on the couch and said thoughtfully.Gordan froze for a moment before laughing it off. โWhat? No way! Why would I care about her? Come on, Luke, donโt say stuff like that. If she hears it, she might start getting ideas.โLuke could not be bothered to expose his act and got straight to the point. โWhy are you here?โโSpeaking of that, I almost got sidetracked by that woman.โ Gordan quickly pulled out his phone, grimacing. โMan, Ray really didnโt hold back. I need to get some treatment for these bruises later.โLuke took the phone and tried to unlock it. It needed a passcode. He handed it back. โUnlock it.โโAll set, boss.โ Gordan unlocked the phone and went back to pressing an ice pack against his face.Luke scanned the scr
It was the sound of a body slamming onto the ground.Gordanโs furious curses rang out. โDamn it! You're really going all out, huh? Do you think I'm scared of you?โAnother loud thud followed.Vivian frowned. What the hell were they doing? Were they really going to fight until one of them won?Both of them were skilled fighters. If they kept this up, neither would walk away unscathed.โEnough!โ shouted Vivian.The two men locked in the fight froze for a moment.โVivian, stay out of this. Iโm beating him to a pulp today,โ growled Ray, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. He was not in great shape, but neither was Gordan.โRay, I donโt want to see him,โ said Vivian. She did not want Ray fighting him. It was not to protect Gordan but because she did not want Ray getting hurt.Also, she definitely did not want Gordan to see her like this. She could already picture his smug face, his sarcastic remarks and his gloating.โFine. If you donโt want to see him, Iโll just beat
After returning to the hotel from the hospital, Vivian felt much better.To her, the fact that Ray had taken her to the hospital meant there was hope for the future, which lifted her spirits. She picked up an apple from the fruit platter the hotel had provided and took a bite.โRay, this apple is really good. Want to try one?โ asked Vivian.Ray shook his head. โYou go ahead. By the way, can I take a look at the luggage you brought from Russia?โVivian nodded. โI only hung up my clothes. Everything else is still in the suitcase. You can just take the things out.โRay walked into the bedroom, pulled out her suitcase, and opened it. Inside were just books and a few other small items, nothing unusual.โYou didn't bring any food with you?โ asked Ray.โI havenโt really been in the mood, but the food here is way better than Russian food, so I didn't feel the need to bring anything.โ Vivianโs tone was lighthearted now that she was in a better mood.โThat's true.โ Ray agreed, then asked
Ray's tone turned serious. โAlright, I'll make the arrangements immediately. Dr. Craw, once the toxicology report is out, weโll still need your help.โโFor toxicology cases like this, I recommend combining both modern medicine and traditional herbal medicine. Donโt worry, if I can help, I definitely will,โ Luca assured him.โAlright, thank you.โ Ray expressed his gratitude and ended the call before updating Luke on the situation.Luke reassured him, saying, โIf Vivian was really poisoned, donโt worry. Previously, Luca discovered that her biological mother had been poisoned with a slow-acting toxin. She prescribed herbal medicine and used purely traditional herbal medicine to detoxify her. It didnโt take long for all the toxins to be expelled, and her health fully recovered. So, rest assured. If itโs something she can fix, sheโll do everything she can.โBesides, once we identify the exact problem, the doctors will be able to step in and help, right?โโYes. Thank you both in advance
Gerald walked over. โMs. Sanchez, what's wrong?โHe was eager to get back upstairs and stash his cigarettes before someone noticed and took them.Hera yanked open his bag, glanced at the cigarette brand, and scoffed. โI thought it was some expensive brand. But it's just this? And youโre acting all deferential to her over this?โGerald was rendered speechless. โI knew Ms. Craw was going out, so I asked her to bring these back for me. This is the brand Iโm used to. Maybe itโs not expensive to you, but for me, itโs what I can afford.โRealizing she had misspoken, Hera felt a bit awkward. She quickly changed the topic. โStill, is a pack of cigarettes really worth you being so grateful to Luca? How much could it have cost?โโItโs not about the money,โ replied Gerald. โIt's just a nice surprise. I never expected to get anything out of helping Ms. Craw, and this kind of unexpected gift has nothing to do with the price. Besides, I'm not being overly grateful. I'm just happy.โHe was ba
Lucaโs lips were already swollen and flushed from Luke's kisses.That deep shade of red, reflected in Lukeโs eyes, was utterly captivating. It tugged at his nerves, stirring an uncontrollable desire within him.At that moment, he had only one thought, and it was to completely lose himself in her.โฆThe two of them stepped out of the bedroom.Vivian quickly turned her back and greeted Luke when he saw him coming out, โHello, Mr. Crawford.โโVivian, donโt worry. Everything will get better,โ replied Luke.Vivian simply hummed in response.Ray gave them a grateful nod as Luke took Lucaโs hand and led her away.It was only after hearing the door close that Vivian finally turned back around.Ray glanced at her and said, โVivian, theyโre your friends. You donโt have to act this way around them. They wonโt judge you.โโI know they wonโtโฆโ Vivian let out a soft sigh. โI just feel like I look terrifying right now. I didnโt want to scare them, so I avoided facing them directly. But itโ
โI once treated someone who had been slowly poisoned over a long period of time. Their pulse was similar to Vivianโs. Given that your family has good genetics, yet Vivian is different from the rest of you, and her skin improved after leaving her original environment, all of this confirms my suspicion.โCould it be that someone in your family has been poisoning Vivian? That would explain why her skin ended up like this.โโIf she really has been poisoned, then would staying away from that environment or identifying the person responsible help her get better?โ asked Ray.Luca shook her head.โThe poison Iโve encountered before was a slow-acting toxin that kept the victimโs skin dark. I donโt know exactly what it was, but long-term exposure to any poison has an effect on the body. It's just a suspicion now. I need to consult someone I know. And honestly, I canโt be sure whatโs really causing Vivianโs condition.โIs her skin deteriorating so quickly because she was poisoned once more a