On one side was the Lowe family's precarious situation, on the other side was the rebellious daughter who had left home.Born into a family like theirs and having been under their protection, it was natural for them to contribute to the family.Spencer quickly made a decision.The slight sense of guilt in his heart gradually disappeared as the hotel approached. All he could think about was how the Lowe family's fate would change after this deal was sealed.The family had been declining under his management, but he never thought it was his fault.In recent years, with the economy in a downturn and many companies on the brink of bankruptcy, being able to survive in his social circle was already quite an achievement.Now that he had reached this point, it was just bad luck.Besides, many people in his circle did things like this. As long as the goal could be achieved, what did it matter how extreme the measures were?Everyone was busy pursuing profit every day. Were those who look
The sound of footsteps drew closer and closer to her. Penny, whose eyes were covered, began to feel fearful.Surrounded by darkness, with every sound echoing in her ears, she felt a mysterious chill creeping up her spine.The fear of the unknown lingered in her mind.Penny couldn't help but cry out, her voice choking, "If you do anything to me, I'll call the police after I leave!"Aren't you rich people supposed to care about your reputation the most? Anyway, I have nothing to lose, so let's see who's afraid of whom!"She was still just a young girl, after all. The worst thing she had experienced in this life was her own parents' beatings.All the dark things she knew were from books, novels, or TV dramas.Of course, she was at a loss and visibly frightened when sent into a hotel room with a stranger by her own father.The man standing in front of her chuckled softly. "You're quite a stubborn and cute girl."As his words fell, his perfume's faint scent enveloped her.As the s
The living room was quiet, but the laughter and chatter from the study did not quiet down.When things were almost settled in the meeting, the man in the hotel suddenly spoke up."By the way, is the cooperation with the Lowe family's project really not working out? We've been working on this project for many years."Although changing personnel is feasible, the handover process can be quite troublesome. Have you talked to your brother about it?"Although he had been dissatisfied with the Lowe family's head for a long time, he could distinguish between work and private matters.He had been working on this project with the Lowe family all along. Although the profits in the past two years were not as high as in previous years, they hadn't incurred losses, either.If this scion from the Johnson family hadn't brought it up, he would have probably renewed the contract with the Lowe family and continued the collaboration.After all, finding new partners required researching the other co
Sam suddenly raised his head. "What day is it today?""What day?" The man sat leisurely in his office chair, not understanding why Sam was suddenly so agitated.Sam's face was dark. "Look at today's date."The man tapped on the tablet on the table and glanced at it. "It's the 8th. Why…"Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly remembered something and stopped speaking.He tentatively asked, "Isn't today the day of the child's exam?"For most people, the college entrance examination was very important. Even families in the circle who didn't need this exam would still attach great importance to and prepare everything for it.For example, the man remembered his cousin's mother wearing a shirt that was said to bring luck for three days during her daughter's exam, hoping it would bring success.Even before the exam, she specifically consulted a fortune teller to determine which color to wear.It could be said they cared a lot.Comparing that to the person outside…The vid
Penny sat on the couch in the living room for nearly an hour.At first, she let her thoughts wander, imagining if she had been born into an ordinary family.She didn't have high expectations even then. She imagined herself in a family like Cecilia's, where she could have a family member who truly cared for her.What would her life be like in that case?As she thought more about it, she found the idea rather ridiculous.The most illusory thing in the world was "what-ifs".From birth to now, she truly had no family members who genuinely cared for her.The injuries she suffered on her body were real, as were the scoldings she endured from childhood to adulthood.Even now, her own biological father had sent her to a stranger's room, causing her to miss what she felt was the most important exam for people her age.It could even be said it was the most important thing for them, and not just an exam.Spencer was already getting on in years, yet he personally delivered his own daught
Penny was hesitant to take the business card.From her perspective, the man's contact information should be quite valuable.Spencer was even using her to gain this man's favor, so he must have some capabilities and was a known figure in the circle.And in their eyes, Penny was probably just an immature kid with nothing to gain from.However, the shadow of being betrayed by her father was still etched in her heart. Even though she knew this was an opportunity handed to her, Penny dared not accept it.She took a step back and shook her head. "Thank you for your kindness, sir, but it's not necessary."I have plans for my own education, and I've saved up some money. Whichever path I choose, I can manage the expenses without your help."Also, you don't need to dwell on today's incident. It wasn't your fault but my father's."In a way, it should be me who has caused you trouble, perhaps even bringing unnecessary complications to your life. I hope you don't harbor any anger because of
"Is there anything else?"Penny turned her head to look at him. Her attitude was much more relaxed than before, and there was less caution in her eyes.The man stepped forward, pulling out two bills from his wallet."Business cards might not be of much use to you, but I think you might need this right now, kid."He stuffed the money into Penny's palm without allowing for objections.He continued teasingly, "You don't have your wallet or your phone. Do you plan to walk home or stand by the road, hoping for a kind-hearted person to give you a lift?"Seeing Penny's dazed and slightly stunned expression, the man's laughter grew louder.He waved his hand and stepped away."It's not a lot of money, so don't dwell on repaying me or anything. I just hope that when we meet again, you will have grown into a strong, independent woman."Penny still stood there silently, pinching the two bills in her hand.Honestly, she had rarely worried about money until she was 18.Or rather, she had
Penny's gaze landed on a straight, beautiful stick on the flower bed. It lay with the other freshly pruned branches and leaves in a pile, not yet swept away.The stick looked harmless—thin and straight.But Penny, who had been beaten before, knew that such small sticks were truly painful when used to hit someone, much like a whip.Francis, distracted by Penny's words, didn't react immediately. Penny went over and stripped the leaves off the stick.Francis was still in stunned silence when she headed toward the villa with the stick in hand."Ah…" Francis wanted to say something, but Penny was already far away.Inside the villa, Penny's portly father lay on the couch. In front of him was a brand-new wine set.Spencer seemed to be in a good mood as he was humming a tune under his breath.Julia sat on another couch, dressed like a wealthy lady. Her former enthusiasm for her husband had subdued, and her previous flattering demeanor was reined in.But she seemed to maintain some adu