Melissa looks at Jack with big eyes. There is a feeling in her heart that she has never felt before.
Jack spoke yesterday in front of so many people that she could buy an office building with a 50% discount, and now she really took it at this price. Thanks to a promotion led by the Company Corecloud Land, Melissa succeeds. However, she cannot participate in this activity without Jack. Melissa is in possession of the security coming from Jack for the first time. Indeed, he did not disappoint her. “ And that's it! I'll keep the secret, so go take the electric bike,” says Melissa. Jack rides a bike smiling, Melissa remains in the back, hesitant, with her arms around Jack’s waist. Jack straightens up instantly, this is still the first time that Melissa holds his waist, which makes him shy. At that moment, Melissa experiences the feeling that he has, because after squeezing Jack, she touches his powerful abdominals. “This guy... Does he have muscle?” She thinks. ….. In a milk tea shop. Sonia looks with uncertainty at Melissa and Jack, they didn't think they left the Corecloud Land Company so quickly. “Why does she go out so fast, with something in her hand! Does she succeed?” Says Sonia. “Impossible! Look at her face. If she succeeds, she won't look soft. I'm sure she was chased away after a few words.”Jeremy said, blinking his eyes. “You're right, it's impossible to succeed with so little time,” Sonia nods her head. “Let's go, they certainly didn’t succeed. This will earn her from the grandfather's reproaches.” Jeremy said, laughing. Then he leaves the store with Sonia. …. In the afternoon. In the Decastro villa. Patrick summons the whole family again, because he received a call from Melissa in the morning saying that there was something important to announce. “It's only been a day before Melissa proclaims, what do you think?” “Of course she can't find a way to buy a building from the Land Company Corecloud for 5 million yuan.” “Yes, I have already guessed that it would fail. This time, she and Jack would be hunted by the Decastro. “I hope so. The Decastros do not accept null people who do not succeed in a small business.” Jeremy and Sonia both listen to the people around them with a smile. They saw Melissa leave the Corecloud Land Company with a lack of nerve, so Melissa undoubtedly missed it, which is also the reason why Patrick summoned them. “Patrick, you gave Melissa five days, but she gave up on the first day. She doesn't want to hold on. The one who easily gave up should have been driven out of our family.”Jeremy said, leaning towards Patrick. Patrick is a little angry at that time. Hearing the murmurs in the room, he also believes that Melissa made him summon the whole family to publicly announce her defeat, namely that she cannot buy the building. “Eh, what a nullard! If she really gives it up, she won't stay with us anymore.” Patrick said coldly. A moment later, the door of the villa opens, Melissa and Jack enter from the outside. Everyone calms down immediately and turns to them. All the people in the villa enjoy seeing them suffer, making fun of them. “Melissa, if you miss this case today, you can try again tomorrow, but you abandon it only one time, which is not in accordance with the grandfather's instruction.” Jeremy gets up and then looks at Melissa smiling. “It's impossible for her to get courage after feeling frustrated. Look at this man near her, don't forget that he is good for nothing in the River City. Melissa was infected by him,” says Sonia mockingly. Melissa approaches Patrick with discontent, holding the contract signed in the morning. “Melissa, I suggest you don't ask for a pardon from the grandfather, loser, go away!” Says Jeremy unscrupulously. “Who told you that I failed?” Said Melissa looking at Jeremy. “So, did you succeed? This morning, I saw you leave the Corecloud Land Company with an unfortunate look, in addition, it's impossible to succeed alone!” Says Jeremy with confidence. “It might disappoint you, I asked the grandfather to summon you here to just tell you that I had won,” says Melissa. Everyone is surprised by its success. “Impossible! Don't deceive us. It's only possible that you buy the building in such a short time!” Screams Jeremy, looking at Melissa with a sharp eye. “Actually Patrick. Melissa is not only incapable, but also a liar. She takes you for an idiot. You'd better drive her out of here,” shouts Sonia. Melissa hands over the contract without saying a word. “Patrick, this is the purchase contract, please review it.” Everyone widened their eyes, and did not expect Melissa to get the contract. Jeremy and Sonia remain perplexed when looking at this contract. If it is true, they can no longer slander her. Patrick takes the contract and reads it carefully. As soon as he sees the seal of the Land Enterprise Corecloud, he believes it's true and smiles. “It's good! Melissa, you took an office building at a price of 5 million yuan, this is a meritorious act. From today, your salary doubles and your bonus increases,” says Patrick with joy. Jeremy and Sonia hardly believe it. “Patrick, there is a possibility that she will contrave the contract, don't be fooled by her.” Said Jeremy anxiously. “So, do you think I'm an old man who can't distinguish the truth from the wrong?” Says Patrick angrily, taking a look at Jeremy. Jeremy immediately believes the authenticity of the contract that Melissa gave and he collapses. “It's okay, Melissa did it well and she's a model for you. Unless there is something else, it's over and you can leave,”says Patrick. “Wait!” At this moment, a voice sounds, it's from Jack. “So, what's the matter?” Said Patrick, turning to Jack. “Patrick, do you remember the bet between me and Jeremy? As we said yesterday, if Melissa is able to buy the building for 5 million yuan, Jeremy must bow down to Melissa to apologize.” Says Jack with a smile, turning to Jeremy. “Melissa has already done it, so it's time to make her keep her promise, isn't it?”Related Chapters
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 10
“Fuck, you're absurd, it's just a joke. Even if Melissa bought the building, do I really have to kneel to apologize to her? You are a jerk who takes a joke seriously,” screams Jeremy, widening his eyes.“It's a bet whose witness is our grandfather, you're lost now, and after you take this bet for a joke, in other words, you consider our grandfather as a joke, don't you?”“It's pure slander, and it's impossible for me to say that!” Jeremy said anxiously.“You repent of having made this bet, and you take our grandfather's dignity for nothing.Jeremy, do you want to stand above our grandfather, and command all the Decastros?” Questions Jack word for word.All of a sudden, Jeremy pales, and he never thought about what Jack said, so he doesn't know how to respond.What Patrick takes most seriously is the domination of the Decastros. What he hates most is that his authority in the family is despised. That's why he immediately takes a piercing look at Jeremy after Jack’s lyrics. At the momen
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 11
Surprised, Jeremy gives Melissa a pout of disdain and says:“Melissa, even if you want to lie, you have to pretend. You didn't even leave the villa, and you dare to say that you borrowed the Celestial Villa, how did you borrow it? In a dream?”Everyone immediately bursts out laughing.“She probably has a brain problem and is starting to have hallucinations,” Sonia laughs.Melissa does not pay attention to the reaction of these people, she puts her mobile phone in front of Patrick and says:“Grandfather, the general manager of the Corecloud Land Company, has just sent me a message, saying that he will lend us the Celestial Villa.”Looking at the screen of Melissa's phone, Patrick immediately smiled and said caressing his beard:“ I said that the Corecloud Land Company will certainly give me the favor. Since they are ready to borrow it, it's settled. Melissa, I'll let you organize my antiques exhibition, and I'll give you a six-month salary as a reward afterwards.”“Thank you, grandfath
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 12
In the room, lying on the bed a little apathetic, Melissa took out her phone and looked at it.“Honey, the girl that the master of the Sanaga Villa wants to invite is not necessarily Sonia, the more proud she is now, the more embarrassing she will be that day,” Jack comforts her.“It doesn't matter what he wants to invite, it won't be me anyway. Don't talk about it anymore, it's boring,” says Melissa.Hearing what Melissa says, Jack stops talking, he wants to wait until the day of the antique exhibition to surprise Melissa.“Wow, this necklace is so beautiful,” says Melissa suddenly, while Jack makes the bed on the floor.A little curious, so he approaches her and takes a look at the screen of Melissa's mobile phone. He sees an exquisite labour necklace called "the Heart of Venus", which will be auctioned tomorrow.Jack has an idea: he plans to create a romantic place for Melissa on the day of the exhibition of antiques and to express his gratitude for the last three years, for the mo
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 13
Emma’s hands trembled as the staff’s words echoed in the small room.“Ten billion… yuan,” the staff repeated, his voice filled with awe.Emma blinked rapidly, her sharp gaze flickering between the staff and the casually dressed man standing before her. Jack, with his nonchalant demeanor, didn’t seem fazed by the revelation. Instead, he smiled faintly, his hands in his pockets as if this entire charade was nothing more than an amusing inconvenience.“Impossible!” Emma blurted out, her voice rising. “Check again! There must be a mistake!”The staff hesitated, but a stern glance from Emma spurred him into action. He re-entered the card details and requested confirmation from the system. Moments later, the screen flashed the same result: Balance: ¥10,000,000,000.00.The room fell silent.Emma’s face burned with embarrassment, her arrogance crumbling under the weight of the truth. She took a step back, her mind racing. This man, this seemingly ordinary man in cheap clothes, possessed wealt
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 14
The crowd in the Celestial Villa buzzed with anticipation. The auction had just concluded, but the night was far from over. Corecloud Company’s mysterious president had declared his intention to choose a Decastro woman for an exclusive dinner—a gesture that symbolized not just honor but the possibility of a significant partnership between Corecloud and the Decastro family.The condition was clear: the chosen woman had to be single.Sonia Decastro stood near the front of the grand hall, her crimson gown shimmering under the chandelier lights. Her expression exuded confidence, her every movement calculated to draw attention. She turned to her cousins, flashing a smug smile. And because she knew she was the prettiest of the Decastros and single.“It’s obviously going to be me,” she said, her voice dripping with certainty. “Who else could they possibly choose? Melissa? Don’t make me laugh.”Jeremy chuckled in agreement, his disdainful gaze landing on Melissa Thompson, their cousin. Meliss
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 15
The air inside the Celestial Villa was thick with tension, a stark contrast to the buzz of excitement that had filled the room earlier. Sonia stood near the back of the hall, her fingers curled into tight fists, her breath shallow and rapid. The echo of her family’s laughter, her grand plans to win the president’s favor, seemed to mock her now. She could feel her frustration boiling over like lava threatening to spill from an overfilled cauldron.“This is ridiculous!” Sonia spat, her eyes blazing with anger. “How could they choose her over me? That… that married woman! She doesn’t belong in the same room as us! Her husband is good for nothing. Why choose her?”Her voice was thick with resentment as she turned to her cousin, Jeremy, who stood with an expression equally as dark. Jeremy’s jaw was set, his eyes narrowed as he watched the guests trickle out of the villa.“It’s embarrassing,” he muttered, his words biting as they cut through the tension. “And to make matters worse, Grandfat
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 16
Jack pedaled his bicycle slowly toward the Decastro estate, the cool night breeze brushing against his skin. The estate loomed ahead, its grand facade illuminated by golden lights, signaling the liveliness inside. He parked the bicycle discreetly near the side of the house and took a deep breath, preparing himself for the evening’s events.As Jack entered the house, the atmosphere inside was as vibrant as he had imagined. Melissa sat on the couch, radiant with excitement, recounting her evening to Cindy, who sat across from her, hanging on every word. Sonia and Jeremy lingered in the background, their sour expressions betraying their annoyance at the night’s events.“Jack!” Melissa called, her face lighting up when she saw him. “You’re finally here!”Jack offered her a warm smile as he stepped into the room. “Hey, Mel. Looks like I missed something big tonight.”“Oh, you have no idea!” Melissa replied, patting the space beside her. “Come sit, and I’ll tell you everything.”Jack moved
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 17
Sonia and Jeremy sat at a corner table in a quaint café, the gentle hum of background chatter masking their conspiratorial whispers. The café was a favorite for its privacy, and it had become their favourite plotting ground.Sonia’s manicured nails tapped against her porcelain teacup as she leaned closer to Jeremy. “We need something big,” she murmured, her voice laced with venom. “Melissa’s little moment of glory at the auction needs to be her last.”Jeremy smirked, swirling his coffee absentmindedly. “I’ve been thinking about that,” he said. “What if we accuse her of stealing? Nothing tarnishes a reputation faster, and Master Decastro will never forgive her.”Sonia’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That’s brilliant. But we’ll need evidence to back it up. What can we use?”Jeremy shrugged. “Something valuable. Something of Master Decastro’s. If it’s missing and somehow ends up with Melissa, no one will doubt it.”Sonia’s mind raced. “His watch. That custom gold one he always keeps
Latest Chapter
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 53
As they neared the ranch, the sight of cowboys working in the fields caught their attention. The vast property was even more impressive in person. Cindy’s eyes widened in disbelief, and for the first time that evening, she was rendered speechless.“This…this is incredible,” Cindy muttered. “I didn’t realize Logan Smith was this wealthy.”Melissa was equally impressed, though she tried to hide it. Jack, however, remained unfazed. He glanced out the window, taking in the view with mild interest. To him, wealth and grandeur weren’t foreign concepts. What he didn’t know was that his own family’s wealth far surpassed anything the Smiths possessed. But that was a story for another day.When they finally arrived, the Decastros were gathered near the entrance, chatting and laughing. Master Lemaire was the first to approach, his face lighting up as he saw Melissa step out of the car.“Melissa, my most hardworking granddaughter,” he said proudly, pulling her into a hug. “I’ve told Felipe all ab
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 52
It was already 6 p.m. when the Decastros arrived at the Smiths’ luxurious ranch. The first car to pull into the expansive driveway belonged to Sonia, her mother Diana, Jeremy, and Master Lemaire Decastro himself. The Smith ranch was breathtaking—sprawling acres of land bordered with manicured gardens, white picket fences, and distant stables that added to the air of wealth and status. The golden glow of the evening sun bathed the estate, creating an almost cinematic backdrop as the Decastro family stepped out of their sleek black car.Master Lemaire, despite his age, moved with an air of authority. As soon as they reached the grand entrance, he gave a hearty laugh and stepped forward to embrace his long-time friend Felipe Smith. Felipe, seated in his electric wheelchair, beamed as he raised his arms to meet Lemaire’s embrace. The two men, though physically different—one standing tall and the other confined to his chair—shared a camaraderie that was evident even in their gestures. Lema
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 51
The sun hung low in the sky, signaling the end of another day. Melissa walked into her home earlier than usual, brushing her hair back as she made her way through the wide corridors. The faint aroma of fresh pastries wafted from the kitchen, and a soft hum of activity filled the air. She was surprised to see Cindy sitting casually in the living room, her legs crossed, sipping on a glass of lemonade.“Good evening,” Melissa greeted politely, setting her bag down on the table.Cindy’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing as a sly smirk curved her lips. “Oh, you’re home early,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You might want to freshen up quickly—we have dinner at the Smiths’ ranch tonight.”Melissa froze mid-step, her brow furrowing. “Dinner at the Smiths’? I didn’t hear about this.”Cindy leaned back in her chair, her smirk widening. “Of course, you didn’t. Important things are rarely discussed with you, Melissa. But don’t worry, I’m telling you now. Just make sure you don’t e
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 50
The afternoon sun filtered through the grand windows of the Decastro estate, casting warm, golden light across the polished marble floors. Master Lemaire Decastro, the patriarch of the family, sat in his favorite leather chair in the living room, a faint smile on his face. His composure exuded authority, yet there was a rare twinkle in his eyes that hinted at excitement.“Suzzy,” Master Lemaire called, his deep voice reverberating through the spacious mansion.A moment later, Suzzy, the household manager, appeared at the doorway. “Yes, sir?”“Summon everyone who is still home,” he instructed. “I want them in the living room immediately.”Suzzy nodded and hurried off to carry out his orders. Soon enough, Sonia, her mother Diana, and Louis, Jeremy’s father, made their way into the living room. They were the only ones present at home, as Jeremy had gone to the Decastro enterprise for the day.“Where’s Jeremy?” Master Lemaire asked, glancing around the room.“He’s at the office,” Diana re
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 49
The sun streamed through the large windows of the Smith ranch’s grand sitting room, casting warm golden hues over the polished wood floors. Felipe Smith maneuvered his electric wheelchair to a more comfortable spot by the fireplace. Though age and injury had confined him to the chair, his commanding presence had not diminished. He looked up as Logan, his eldest son, strode into the room, carrying an air of quiet confidence.“You’re late,” Felipe teased, the corners of his lips twitching into a smile.“Blame the horses,” Logan replied, setting his hat down on a nearby table. “They’re more demanding than usual.”Felipe chuckled. “That’s the way of life on a ranch. Always something to tend to.”Logan settled into an armchair opposite his father, his expression relaxed. It had been a week since his last visit to the Decastro estate, but the memories of that day still lingered. Felipe studied his son, noticing the contemplative look in his eyes.“Logan,” Felipe began, breaking the silence.
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 48
As Eve and Valentina walked into the house, the cool air-conditioning provided a stark contrast to the blazing sun outside. The Thompson estate was as grand inside as it was outside, filled with luxurious furnishings, chandeliers dripping with crystals, and gleaming marble floors. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork and framed family photographs, each one seemingly more elegant than the last.Eve’s heels clicked sharply against the floor as she led Valentina down the grand hallway, pointing out various details of the home. “This is the main living room,” she said casually, gesturing toward a vast space with plush couches and towering bookshelves. “And over there is the dining hall. We’ve hosted some of River City’s most influential people here.”Valentina nodded politely, her eyes scanning the room. “It’s as beautiful as I remember,” she said with a small smile. “I used to play hide-and-seek with Jack in this very hallway. I remember once he hid behind that curtain and scare
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 47
The sprawling Thompson estate was nothing short of breathtaking. The sun shone brightly over the pristine mansion, its white walls reflecting the light in a dazzling display. Behind the house lay an expansive backyard with a shimmering pool bordered by perfectly trimmed hedges and luxurious lounge chairs.Inside, Gilbert stood by the large living room window, his gaze fixed on the figure outside. Eve Thompson, the mistress of the house, stepped gracefully onto the pool deck. Her black one-piece bodysuit clung to her figure, highlighting her toned physique. For a woman of her age, Eve had the kind of beauty that seemed almost timeless. Her caramel skin gleamed under the sunlight, her dark hair cascading down her back as if it were untouched by the years.“She looks incredible, doesn’t she?” Gilbert muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice. He turned to Agnes, the older maid, who was dusting a nearby vase with meticulous care.Agnes didn’t look up. “She might be the most beautiful wo
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 46
Melissa stepped out of the cab in front of the Decastro building, her heels striking the pavement with a sharp click. The morning sunlight warmed her face, but Melissa wasn’t in the mood to enjoy the brightness of the day. Her mind was preoccupied with the events of the night before—the argument with Sonia, the bitter words exchanged with her aunt, and worst of all, the way Sonia’s mother had demeaned Jack.Her fists clenched involuntarily as she thought about it. Good-for-nothing husband. Those words echoed in her mind, stoking the simmering frustration she’d carried with her all morning. Jack didn’t deserve that. He worked harder than any man she knew, even if no one else saw it.As she entered the Decastro lobby, Melissa inhaled deeply, trying to compose herself. She couldn’t afford to let her personal life interfere with her work, not when she was trying so hard to prove herself.But then, as her eyes scanned the bustling lobby, her attention was drawn to a man standing near the r
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 45
Master Decastro’s expansive living room buzzed with quiet murmurs. The long mahogany table in the center of the room had nearly every seat filled, with family members and associates waiting impatiently. Cindy glanced at her watch for the fifth time, then turned to Master Decastro, her voice sharp and frustrated.“Master, it’s already five minutes past the meeting time,” she said, her tone teetering on disrespectful. “If Jeremy and Sonia can’t respect your time, I don’t see why we’re all still here. Can’t we leave?”Master Decastro’s gaze darkened, and the room fell silent. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the double doors at the far end of the room creaked open. Jeremy and Sonia stepped in hurriedly, their faces a mix of apology and determination. All eyes turned to them, the tension palpable.Sonia was the first to move. She walked quickly to Master Decastro, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees in front of him, her hands cl