Semua Bab Opening My Eyes to Reality: Bab 711 - Bab 720

"Not everyone has a conscience." Natalie's gaze was gentle but firm. "And not everyone is as kind as you, Rowan. This is their mistake and their shame to bear."Rowan stared at her with red-rimmed eyes. It was only with her that he could fearlessly wear his heart on his sleeve.Because the case had happened so many years ago, the investigation became a long and arduous process. Getting to the bottom of it was a challenge in and of itself, especially considering that the person in charge of Ravenhold Tower—Neil, Rowan's older half-brother—had died. However, the incident had been left to stew and eventually led to the demise of Mattel Group. The company suffered badly on the stock market, and within a few days, the once-glorious behemoth became history.Rowan picked out a nice plot for Tony and buried him on a warm, balmy day. Just as he thought the chapter to this incident had closed for good, Lucius showed up at Tony's funeral.Lucius' hair had turned gray, and he looked ten year

The silence on the way home was even more deafening than when they'd been on their way to the cemetery. The tension and anger in the car was so thick that it made breathing difficult.Landon wisely kept his mouth shut the entire drive home, and Natalie didn't say a word as she sat beside Rowan. Perhaps what Rowan needed now, more than anything else, was to be alone with his own thoughts.When Landon stopped the car, Rowan got out, the silvery moonlight bringing out the arch of his eyebrows and the planes of his face. He glanced at Landon and bit out, "Look into it."Landon knew what Rowan wanted him to look into. He didn't hesitate to reply, "Yes, Mr. Mattel."…The night sky was an unending stretch of black velvet hanging over the cityscape.After Natalie and Rowan got home, the sensor lights by the threshold came on. The foyer was awash with a warm, yellow glow that didn't chase away the grim, dark look in his eyes.That look was borne of the storm that had been brewing in his

Jane added, "I figure since I have enough money to last me several lifetimes and certainly plenty to raise a child, I may as well have the baby. Surely it can't be that different from having a pet."Natalie had forgotten how clever and practical Jane was. The woman had been willing to pay any price to hold on to Jason after she made up her mind about him, and she showed the same foresight when she sought out Rowan to offer her assistance in his cause.Jane didn't love Jason. She loved herself. It was how she'd been able to keep a level head about everything and make ruthless yet effective decisions. At her core, she knew what to do to best take care of her needs.The flight spanned several hours, and Natalie slept well with Rowan beside her. When she opened her eyes again, they were already closing in on the airport.Rowan took her hand and led her through the airport lobby. They hadn't even gone out of the arrival hall when they heard Rowley's and Wanda's voices, the latter's high

It didn't take long for Cheryl to answer the phone. A trace of exhaustion colored her voice, which was as crisp and cool as always. Such was the grounded tone of a woman who'd worked and trained under intense pressure."Cheryl, how did you secure the deal with Grendale Publishing House? The contract's ending soon, and they don't intend to renew it. I need a plan," Lucille cut to the chase, sounding entitled.There was silence on the other line, and then two seconds later, Cheryl replied calmly but emphatically, "Let the contract end. Whether or not they renew the contract has no bearing on the law firm's business."Her answer was like a bucket of icy water that put out Lucille's flickering flame of hope. Frowning, the latter snapped, "What are you saying, Cheryl? Are you putting me down so you can feel superior? I don't understand how you could be so disgustingly arrogant, and to think I was going to ask you for advice!"Cheryl nearly snorted. She doubted Lucille wanted any real ad

Cheryl frowned. Nadine would only ever call her for one thing—money. To Nadine, Cheryl was no different from a walking ATM."Did you go gambling again?" Cheryl asked snarkily.Nadine snapped, "Don't waste my time with your stupid questions, and give me the money! It's your duty to take care of your parents, you know? I raised you, and it's only right that you give me money when I ask for it. I want it in my account now, and hurry up because it's an emergency."Cheryl had already grown numb to Nadine's unreasonable solicitations. Her heart had already developed an armor against such shameless demands, making her impervious to Nadine's entitlement.Ten thousand dollars wasn't a lot of money to Cheryl, and if giving Nadine the money could earn her a peace of mind, she was happy to relent. "It should be in your account now."Nadine heard a chime from her phone, confirming the transfer. She glanced at the notification and saw that ten thousand dollars had, indeed, been wired to her ban