Lizzie turned her head, glancing at him. Her lips barely curved upward, but the faint smile was there. Jacob knew that this was her way of telling him that she was okay. She was doing just fine.As he watched her white figure move into the elevator, he knew she was anything but okay. Why did she always have to be like this, protecting others before herself? It was the same a year ago, and it was no different now. When he wasn't there for her, how much pain had she endured? How much humiliation had she swallowed?Regret gnawed at him. He should not have left her behind at his mother's request. But could he still change things now?She was avoiding him, always maintaining a distance. How could he make it right again?After apologizing to Manager Chen, Lizzie left the luxurious hotel. The night wind was surprisingly cold, and she realized that she had left her jacket in the banquet hall. Rubbing her arms to warm herself, she began to walk down the dimly lit street.She trudged along for
"Have you finally learned some sense?" Bruno looked at her indifferent gaze and nonchalant tone, and deep down, he found it disturbing.Lizzie responded with a faint smile, "I've seen and understood, is this not what you've always wanted?"Bruno sat down by the bed, reached out and caressed her face, her enchanting facade was still cold as ice.Lizzie tried to dodge, but he held her chin tightly, leaving her with no room to escape, "Let go!""You just mentioned your enlightenment, and now you are disobeying again." Bruno showed no intention of releasing her."What do you want?" Lizzie looked into his unfathomable dark eyes, but saw nothing.Bruno caressed her face once more, lightly and tenderly, "Don't you have anything to say to me? Or anything to clarify?""Clarify what? The earring? Don't you all already know? Have you not already made a conclusion? What else is there for me to say?" Lizzie didn't feel the need to explain anything further, let people think whatever they want!"I'm
Suddenly a chill enveloped her, Lizzie pushed him away forcefully, wrapping her arms around her chest. However, she couldn't ward off his penetrating gaze. Bruno's large hand held her slightly trembling one, using just a bit of strength, she had already fallen into his arms."Unbutton," he placed her hand on his chest.Lizzie pursed her lips, glanced up at him. Now, she wished she could find a hole to crawl into. In this brightly lit room, she was almost bare; his scorching gaze never left her.Her hand shaking, she unbuttoned his shirt. The sight of his bronzed skin entered her vision, she managed to unfasten all the buttons of his shirt.Just as Lizzie withdrew her hand, he grabbed it again, "Unprofessional," he said blandly, gripping her small hand forcefully."I..." she looked up at him.Bruno had already pulled her closer, "Who told you to leave work half-done, hmm?" His warm breath caressed her neck.She understood his meaning, but she couldn't follow through."Why silent?" He l
Yufenly nodded, "Good, that's settled. By the way, about what happened at the banquet last night, Ruoya told me. How could you make such a scene? It's fortunate that no scandalous news has come out, otherwise, it would not only disgrace the Jiang family but also undermine the Kolo family's dignity. And you, would be thrown out of the Kolo family." When Ruoya told Yufenly about the banquet last night, she was worried. If Lizzie really gets kicked out by the Kolo family, the consequences would be severe!Lizzie, however, remained silent, head down, offering no explanation."If that happens, would you have the face to come back? You know about your father's temper. I haven't mentioned this to him, nor will I. You should know what to do, right? Also, don't tell your dad about the money, it will only upset him," Yufenly admonished, reminding her not to tell Jianmin Jiang about the fifty thousand dollars.Lizzie nodded, "Mom, I understand. I have class this afternoon. I'll head back now.""
Ruoya was deeply in love with Jacob, a fact Lizzie was well aware of. Lizzie had known ever since they returned home together, back to their mansion."But how could he treat you like this? He doesn't care about you at all! Why do you still stay by his side?" Jacob touched her face, his voice filled with anguish, "You've lost weight.""Jacob, don't be so kind to me. I don't deserve your kindness anymore." Lizzie shook her head.Time changes everything, and some people, some things, could never go back to the way they were."No, you are always worth it!" Jacob held her tightly, "Lizzie, I've missed you terribly this past year. I know I was wrong. I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"Lizzie struggled, "Jacob, don't..." Her beautiful eyes shimmered with unshed tears.Jacob held her even tighter, allowing her to lean on him, "Lizzie, why do you insist on torturing yourself? Why must you endure so much pain?" He understood her; he always did.At that moment, Lizzie couldn't hold back her tears anymore. H
Bruno cast him a glance, "How's the investigation going?""Turns out, it's true. Yufenly lost quite a bit of money gambling." As soon as the conversation turned serious, Jepan straightened up. "Boss, you're incredible! How'd you guess it?”"It's not guesswork, some things are just obvious." Bruno snorted coldly. Jianmin Jiang lacked the talent to run a company. A small firm like his only stabilized after the Kolo family's investment. How could it withstand such turmoil?Jepan sat, legs casually crossed. "Boss, are you going to let Jianmin Jiang continue to climb up by relying on the Leng Corporation?" He couldn't understand why Bruno would let Jianmin Jiang leverage the name of the Leng Group, and even land quite a few projects."The higher they climb, the harder they fall. Let them have their fun!" Bruno's eyes hardened. What did it matter if he let him enjoy some temporary delight?"But boss, Lizzie is innocent. Shouldn't you treat her better?" Jepan asked while watching Bruno, but
As Lizzie stepped into the hotel, Manager Chen rushed up to her. "Lizzie.""Manager Chen, what's up?" Lizzie smiled."The boss has made arrangements. Your part-time hours are now down to two. It's still early, so why don't you head to the dining room and have dinner?" Manager Chen suggested, leading Lizzie towards the dining room.Unlike before, Lizzie usually dined with the restaurant staff in the cafeteria. But today, Manager Chen brought Lizzie to a spacious private room. "Manager Chen, what is this about?""Lizzie, I'm just following the boss's orders. From now on, you'll be having your dinner here." Manager Chen smiled.Looking around the luxurious dining room, Lizzie said, "Manager Chen, you really don't have to go through all this trouble. A simple meal in the cafeteria will do.""Lizzie, since the boss personally called and instructed, I can't just change things on a whim." As Manager Chen finished, the waitstaff brought in the prepared dishes."But I feel..." Lizzie hesitated
Jacob glared at Bruno, "A family matter? Impossible! As long as it involves Lizzie, it's never just a family matter. I won't let Lizzie suffer the slightest insult!" His eyes were burning with rage at him."What do you want to do then?" Bruno's brows furrowed."Bruno, he's drunk, let's not pay him any mind. Let's go," Adeline said, her gaze on the intoxicated Jacob before her. She felt triumphant. As long as Jacob still loved Lizzie, as long as he kept chasing after her, let him see how much faith he had to win Lizzie back. As long as Lizzie left Bruno's side, she wouldn't have any worries.In fact, Adeline was scared. She was scared that one day, Bruno would fall in love with Lizzie. On that day, the one to stay by Bruno's side will always be Lizzie, and she would lose everything.With a casual glance, Bruno prepared to turn and leave."Stay where you are!" Jacob strode forward in two large steps, catching Bruno by the arm. His hand balled into a fist, he swung at Bruno.Bruno dodged