As she walked, the long skirt moved gracefully, creating patterns that resembled flowers. There were no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors in the original text. Even her departing silhouette was captivating.
Torin smiled at them and excused himself, following after Lyra.
Lumi Hawthorne already held grudges against Lyra, and at this moment, Ronan's piercing gaze intensified her aversion, generating a sense of crisis within her.
Leaning into Ronan, Lumi Hawthorne almost hung onto him, her face nuzzling against his chest, her tone delicate, "Ronan, let's eat, I'm a bit hungry."
However, Ronan gripped her waist, pulling her away from him, displaying impatience and coldness, "Enough, stop acting up."
Ronan narrowed his dark eyes, feeling a vague familiarity with the girl beside Torin.
Lyra walked briskly, anger surging within her. She believed she didn't care anymore.
Yet, upon witnessing Ronan and Lumi Hawthorne's public display of affection, her anger couldn't be contained.
Rushing out of the restaurant, she almost collided with someone passing by, stopping abruptly.
Someone lightly tapped her shoulder from behind, and she angrily turned, "What!"
Seeing Torin's handsome face, her expression softened slightly.
Somewhat stiffly, she said, "I'm sorry, I suddenly... I lost my appetite."
Torin understood but didn't reveal anything, showing an understanding expression.
"I've lost mine too. Honestly, everyone knows Ronan is married. Yet, he still keeps a mistress, quite nauseating!" Torin's expression was genuine, sincere, devoid of pretense or falsehood.
This made Lyra feel a warmth inside, spreading from her heart to her limbs.
"Since neither of us has an appetite, let me take you home!" Torin suggested.
Alarmed by his stomachache earlier, Lyra replied hastily, "That won't do, you need to eat something for your stomach!"
Her concern...
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Torin's lips, very faintly.
Suddenly, Lyra blinked and clapped her hands, "I know a good place, let's go there!"
They ended up at a bustling street filled with people and greasy tables in restaurants, a place Torin had never visited!
"Is this the good place you mentioned?" Torin's perfectly chiseled face revealed a crack. He had never been to such a place!
"Yes, come on, take a seat!" Lyra skillfully found a spot and gestured for him to join.
Without showing much reaction, Torin walked over, slightly furrowing his brows. He placed a tissue on the seat before sitting.
"Boss, our order!" Without glancing at the menu, Lyra immediately said, "A salad, pasta, and some grilled meat."
A while later, Lyra pushed the salad toward Torin, inviting him to eat, "Go ahead!"
"Do you often eat here?" Torin asked casually.
"I used to come often. I even worked at this restaurant during high school!" Lyra laughed, not bothered to discuss her past.
Torin picked up his chopsticks, observing her skilled movements, slightly frowning.
She was the wife of Zenith Ventures' CEO! Despite her lack of favoritism, she shouldn't be in this situation, right?
It seemed his information was incomplete, far from the reality of Lyra herself.
Staring at the pasta and grilled meat before her, Lyra's eyes sparkled. She smiled contentedly as she started eating, consoling Torin who was having the salad, "This might cause happiness, you shouldn't eat it."
After saying this, she joyfully savored the grilled meat, expressing satisfaction.
Torin suddenly found the salad tasteless, staring at her slightly reddened lips, "Is the grilled meat delicious?"
"It's fantastic!" Lyra gave him a thumbs up.
"I'd like to try it too." For safety reasons, Torin never ate from such small restaurants. Yet, now he felt an unexpected appetite, lured by Lyra's actions.
"You have a stomachache, can you eat?" Lyra was concerned.
Mirroring Lyra, Torin wrapped a piece of grilled meat and put it in his mouth. Upon tasting it, his brows immediately furrowed. What was this taste? His stomach churned violently, almost making him want to spit it out!
However, sensing Lyra's worried gaze, he quickly maintained a calm expression, and with some effort, he said, "It's not bad."
"Not bad, right?" Lyra smiled instantly, placing two more pieces on his plate, "Have some more!"
After the late-night meal, Lyra insisted on paying the bill.
Torin swiftly took the bill, calmly stating, "I never let women pay."
Having eaten a bit too much, Lyra suggested taking a stroll. They wandered and inadvertently reached the vicinity of Stanley Park.
"Mr. Torin, I appreciate your help today!" Lyra suddenly said.
"Thank me for what?" Torin was puzzled.
Stopping in her tracks, facing the clean and clear Stanley Park, she took a deep breath.
The night air invigorated her, and she turned, sincerely saying, "Just wanted to thank you."
Torin gave a faint smile. His deep, enigmatic eyes swept over her face, and then he slowly spoke, "Such thanks lack sincerity, don't you think? The new spring collection is about to launch. If you truly want to thank me, why not come back to work?"
"But I..." Lyra lowered her gaze, her eyes flickering slightly.
Seeing her struggle, Torin's smile faded a bit, "If it's about Lumi Hawthorne's matter, you shouldn't blame yourself."
He stated firmly, "Lumi Hawthorne gained fame through scandals. Her image doesn't suit Horizon Global Enterprises Inc. Even without your involvement, I would have replaced her."
"But she's backed by Ronan." Lyra's tone was bitter.
"So what? Ronan is already married. His actions are despicable. Marriage is a lifetime commitment and responsibility. My view on love is to wish for a devoted partner, never parting until death." Torin's words were solemn and resolute.
Lyra was briefly stunned, feeling a hint of bitterness, "Your future wife must be very fortunate."
Torin lowered his gaze, carefully observing Lyra. After a while, he suppressed some emotions.
Torin earnestly said, "Come back to work! You work with integrity and dedication, you don't need to compromise with anyone. If you encounter difficulties again, you should stand tall and overcome them!"
...
Lyra saw sincerity and hope through Torin's face.
She raised her gaze and asked seriously, "But what if the difficulty is too great for me to handle?"
"It will depend on your choice." Torin replied swiftly, his tone firm, "Whether you choose to evade or face it bravely. Besides life and death, there's nothing you can't handle."
Lyra fell silent.
Torin was right. She shouldn't linger in this tasteless marriage. She should gather the courage to create a new life for herself.
With a firm resolve, she said cheerfully, "Mr. Torin, thank you. I understand now. I won't evade this time. I'll come back to work tomorrow!"
Lyra declined Torin's offer to take her home and hailed a cab herself.
Torin didn't say much, just closed the taxi's door for her, smiling, "I look forward to your return!"
After the taxi departed, Torin's brows furrowed instantly. He walked to the roadside, looking a bit unsteady on his feet.
Leaning on the wall, he took out his phone, dialed a series of numbers, and gave his location, "I think I need to be hospitalized."
Shortly after, a car rushed toward him, and a handsome young man jumped out, exclaiming, "Torin? My goodness!"
Torin was rushed to a high-end private hospital. After some hustle and bustle, he lay on a VIP hospital bed, a needle inserted in the back of his fair hand, delivering fluids."
"Do you even know what you're doing? How dare you eat at a small roadside eatery? Are you crazy?" The young man was frantic, jumping up and down.
The young man's loud voice made Torin's temples throb painfully. Reluctantly, he said, "Garrick, keep it down."
"Torin... I mean, Your Highness! Weren't you getting close to that woman, Lyra, to deal with Ronan? How could you be so careless as to eat at a street stall? What if the enemy tampers with the food?" Garrick Monroe said, displeased.
Indeed, Torin was the Crown Prince of Country S.
The monarch of Country S had always been indifferent to political affairs, and now Country S was divided into two factions.
One was led by Crown Prince Torin, and the other was led by Uncle Casimir Graves.
Casimir Graves supported the second prince, who lacked the ability and was younger and formed an alliance with Ronan from ZenithVentures in Country A.
They secured support from Country S's internal resources in exchange for financial support from Ronan.
Of course, Torin wouldn't stand idly by. He devised a plan against Ronan.
He pretended to get close to Ronan's wife, Lyra, intending to find an opportunity to severely weaken Ronan's power.
At the thought of that innocent and pure woman, Torin's stern features softened slightly.
Garrick Monroe's questioning halted, and his expression changed, "Torin, you're not serious about that woman, are you?"
Torin lifted his chin slightly, very casually saying, "What if I am?"
Garrick Monroe's mouth twitched as he held his head in his hand, "What on earth are you thinking?"
Torin closed his eyes, leaning back, "My plan won't have any problems."
"But she's Ronan's wife!"
"She's unhappy." Torin lifted his eyelids lightly, "That man treats her poorly and doesn't love her."
"Don't forget, she's just a tool we're using to deal with Ronan!" Garrick Monroe clenched his lips firmly.
Torin gently closed his eyelids without saying more. However, the contours of his tense jawline revealed his tightness.
Garrick Monroe also remained silent, sighing.
Looking at Torin's resolute profile, he knew once Torin made up his mind, no one could change it.
Ronan learned through investigation that Lumi Hawthorne had been arrogant at the new product launch event, demanding employees of Horizon Global Enterprises Inc. kneel and apologize to her. This displeased the CEO, leading to the replacement of the spokesperson.
This made Ronan very angry.
Among his women, Lumi Hawthorne was the fastest climber, and the most eye-catching.
But her character was too arrogant. After climbing up to this high branch, she became even more domineering, arbitrarily scolding the staff.
Ronan had connections with women in the entertainment industry, partly because the old-fashioned forces at ZenithVentures were keeping a close eye on him.
Before he fully controlled ZenithVentures, he had to maintain a facade to make them think he was a worthless playboy.
Secondly, it was for his entertainment company. After all, the fastest way for female celebrities to gain fame was to be associated with him.
But he disliked disobedient and delusional women.
He had no plans for divorce at the moment. Therefore, any woman who coveted the position of "Ronan's wife" would be decisively discarded.
The assistant entered with a pile of photos of newly recruited talents in the entertainment company.
Ronan casually instructed, "I won't take Lumi Hawthorne's calls in the future. Let her behave and focus on filming to earn money for the company."
The assistant was taken aback. Since Lumi Hawthorne joined the CEO's side, she had been extremely arrogant, relying on the CEO's favor, posing like a mistress in front of them.
She thought the CEO treated her differently, but not.
Ronan flipped through the photos one by one, evidently unsatisfied.
"Damn, a fool! Thinking of entering the entertainment industry with this appearance?"
"This appearance can't even pass the village entrance, how can the company promote it?"
"Why is there a sixteen-year-old here? Dreaming of becoming a star? Did the teachers assign too little homework over winter break?"
Ronan's attitude was nasty and venomous, as always.
He unsatisfactorily threw all the photos on the table. Suddenly, an image of a pure and fragrant face with bright eyes and white teeth floated into his mind.
The girl next to Torin was quite good-looking, much better than Lumi Hawthorne.
She looked like a refined young lady, with an aura and appearance that rivaled any of Ronan's rumored partners.
Ronan's slender fingers traced his sharply defined jawline, lost in thought.
"CEO." The assistant coughed softly as if wanting to report something.
Ronan snapped out of his reverie, noticing the assistant was still there. He frowned, "Is there something else?"
"The staff at Majestic Crest Villa said that the madam hasn't been at home recently, seems like... she moved out." The assistant cautiously reported.
Ronan's face showed impatience. Rubbing his slightly tired forehead, he said in a flat tone, "You don't need to report anything about that woman to me in the future."
Ronan's casual decision made him regret it later.
"It's her!" Ronan selected photos for a long time, finally choosing one that bore some resemblance to the woman in his mind, "Inform her to pack up and accompany me to the auction."
"Lyra brought the documents to Torin's office. He was picking up a coat, about to leave, and upon seeing her, he spoke, 'You've come at the right time. There's an auction. Will you accompany me?'"Me?" Lyra hesitated, "But I don't have formal attire."Torin smiled gently, "What are you thinking? This auction doesn't require formal attire. There'll be jewelry from several renowned brands today. You might find inspiration for new season clothing designs."Upon hearing this, Lyra's eyes immediately brightened, and she nodded in agreement.The auction venue was crowded as people entered with enthusiasm. Many had notebooks, skillfully tapping away, answering calls, and creating a lively atmosphere.It was Lyra's first time in such a setting, and she couldn't help but look around excitedly.Suddenly, the reporters near the entrance rushed like they were injected with chicken blood. Cameras and video cameras held high flashes incessantly popped around Ronan as he entered with a woman beautif
"Torin smiled gently, resembling a considerate boss concerned for his subordinate. 'Though work demands effort, your health is equally important.'The busy work quickly made Lyra forget the incident with the flowers.Ring, ring, the phone on Lyra's desk rang."Hello, Design Department," she answered."Miss Lyra?" a woman's voice came from the other end."Yes, speaking. May I know who this is?""I'm the secretary of ZenithVentures' CEO, Mr. Ronan. The CEO would like to invite you for lunch," the secretary politely and skillfully stated, as if arranging such matters had been done countless times for Ronan.Lyra, unapologetically, responded over the phone, "I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with Mr. Ronan. Please tell him not to disturb me anymore. Thank you!"Without waiting for the secretary's response, she hung up.Lyra sneered. Was Ronan still persistent?Ironically, she used to obediently wait for Ronan at the Majestic Crest Villa every day, but he never took her seriously.Now that s
"Why did we come here?" Standing in the vibrant amusement park, Lyra asked, puzzled.Torin smiled gently, tilting his chin slightly. "Look around you."Lyra glanced around and noticed young couples holding hands everywhere in the amusement park, their faces beaming with sweet smiles."I've heard this place is a haven for love. If you're looking for elements of love, this is the best place," Torin explained.Not far away, a boy held a balloon and cheerfully tapped the shoulder of a girl. She turned, surprised at the boy and the balloon."You see, love is the simplest thing," Torin said lightly. "Wanting to see someone, missing them when they're not around, even the time spent missing them feels incredibly sweet."Lyra seemed to catch a glimpse of understanding and immediately took out her paper and pencil, and started to draw.Pointing towards the Ferris wheel ahead, Torin suggested, "Let's go on that. You'll have a clearer view from there."Lyra looked up at the dazzling Ferris wheel
Ronan's eyes were deep and distant. He never expected Lyra to look so... adorable when she was angry. Lyra stood there with her head held high, confidently giving the BMW girl a couple of slaps. Her pretty little chin tilted occasionally, her voice slightly rising, appearing both beautiful, haughty, and arrogant. Wearing a red dress that complemented her black hair and slender figure, she was eye-catching in every way, effortlessly overshadowing the BMW girl. But she deliberately avoided looking at him, cold and indifferent, leaving him feeling rather irritated. The BMW girl was subdued by Lyra's presence, covering her face, dumbfounded, staring at her for a good while before her mind sluggishly caught up. She realized that the woman who just struck her had been standing quietly by the side earlier. Lyra's eyes remained calm as she looked at the BMW girl, her voice devoid of any emotion, "The traffic accident was entirely your fault. Both the traffic police and the insurance comp
Lyra heard that annoying voice and turned to see Lumi Hawthorne standing there with an air of arrogance.As Lumi Hawthorne spoke, instead of getting angry, Lyra showed a hint of pity in her eyes.Used to being arrogant, Lumi Hawthorne immediately squinted her eyes and asked, "What are you looking at?"Lyra smirked and suddenly grinned, "Having a rough time lately, huh? No awards at the film festival, plus getting overshadowed by newcomers, tsk tsk…"Lyra stopped at a certain point, and without saying more, Lumi Hawthorne understood herself.Lumi Hawthorne was momentarily stunned. She saw Lyra, a small company employee, appearing so beautifully dressed at a charity evening.She intended to mock and ridicule her but was taken aback by Lyra's words.Lumi Hawthorne had been highly anticipated to win awards at the film festival recently but ended up not receiving a single one. Moreover, due to her insulting remarks towards Lyra, she lost the endorsement from Horizon Global Enterprises Inc.
"How come you dare not let us search your bag? Is it because the diamond necklace is hidden inside your handbag?" Lumi Hawthorne questioned aggressively.Various discussions arose among the crowd."Could it be that this Miss Lyra is just money-minded?""It's hard to say. After all, she's just an ordinary staff member and can't afford such expensive jewelry."Marisol Sterling's eyes were all teary, mascara smudged, and dark clumps stuck under her eyes. She looked as unattractive as could be.Her mind was in a haze. If the four-million-dollar necklace was lost, she would have to compensate. Being new to the industry and without any substantial work, she hadn't even climbed into Ronan's bed yet. How could she afford such a huge loss?Marisol Sterling ran over, and linked her arm with Ronan's, tears and snot streaming down her face, acting helpless."Ronan, it must be this woman who stole the diamond necklace! You have to help me!" she pleaded.Ronan distanced himself somewhat disgustedly
Torin immediately nodded gently and said, "I'll drive you back."He glanced up, looking towards Ronan as if he were a victor, and calmly uttered, "Mr. Ronan, I take my leave!"Ronan, if you knew that I'm taking away your wife, what expression would you have?Torin drove Lyra back home, but she remained unusually silent throughout the journey, clearly preoccupied with something.While listening to music, Lyra couldn't help but think about Ronan, the man she couldn't understand at all.She began to wonder, can someone you fall for at first sight truly remain in your heart for a long time? But she resolved that she wouldn't like him any more in the future.Torin's handsome face was partially bathed in the dim yellow light coming through the car window. He spoke in an almost casual manner, "Ronan controls ZenithVentures, decisive and ruthless in business, but who would have thought his private life was so unsightly? One lover after another, even being jealous in public."Lyra sneered, "He
Torin fell silent for a moment, struggling to suppress his rage. Then, he started the car and drove back to his apartment. Seeing Lyra in that state, he was determined not to leave her alone, worried that something might happen to her, considering she might have other injuries.Throughout the journey, Lyra buried her face in Torin's suit jacket and curled up tightly in the passenger seat, trying to minimize her presence.Arriving at the underground parking lot of the apartment building, Torin carried Lyra out of the car. Afraid of being seen in her disheveled state, she kept her small face tightly pressed against Torin's chest. Fortunately, they encountered no one along the way.After entering the apartment and hearing the sound of the door locking, Torin settled Lyra on the sofa, but she immediately leaped up. With her head hung low, allowing her long hair to shield her distressed face, she said hesitantly, "I feel uncomfortable. I want to take a shower..."As she spoke, her voice tr