After Jonathan returned to the villa, he saw Carla still awake, watching cartoons with Roger.
Jonathan glanced at his watch, noticing it was past nine o'clock, and gently said: "Carla, it’s getting late, how about we continue watching cartoons tomorrow?”
Carla pouted and reluctantly replied: "Okay.”
“Uncle Jake, let's turn off the TV.”
Roger took the remote to turn off the TV and patted Carla’s head: “Carla is so good.”
“How about daddy goes to sleep too?” Carla ran towards Jonathan and jumped into his arms.
“Sure, Carla, go to your room and sleep first, daddy will go to bed soon.”
Jonathan looked at his daughter, then suddenly remembered something and asked: "Carla, you have school tomorrow, and the day after is your sixth birthday. What gift would you like?”
“I want... a big plane, a teddy bear, and…”
“You can only have one wish.”
Although Jonathan doted on his daughter, he couldn't spoil her with everything. Carla sadly said:
“Yeah... a teddy bear.”
“Yes, that’s being good. Daddy will definitely buy you a big teddy bear.”
“Thank you, daddy.”
Carla gave Jonathan a light kiss on the cheek.
Jonathan then asked: "Are you ready to go to sleep now?”
At that moment, the joy on Carla's face faded: “Daddy, will mommy come to my birthday?”
Jonathan was silent, as he could fulfill all of Carla's wishes except for the one involving her mother.
But he still forced a smile and said: "Yes, trust me, your mom will definitely come on your birthday.”
“I miss mommy a lot.”
After tucking Carla into bed, Jonathan sat on a chair and lit a cigarette, looking at Roger who had stayed to play with Carla all evening, softly saying: "You’ve worked hard.”
“It’s no trouble. Playing with Carla makes me happy too.”
Roger responded and then changed the subject: “Mr. Wang, I’ve selected the company you asked me to find. It’s the M&N fashion company branch at Elite Summit. I’ve managed to secure the position of branch general manager there. Following your instructions, I’ve sent a recruitment offer to Ms. Adela, with an annual salary of over 200,000 USD. The specifics are up to you. Mr. Wang, you are very generous towards Adela!”
Jonathan chuckled, thinking of Adela: “I owe her.”
Then he continued.
“Right, I have an important task for you.”
“All right." Roger immediately agreed.
However, when Jonathan explained his intention, Roger found it a difficult choice.
“Mr. Wang, arranging a job for Adela, I understand, even giving her a sum of money makes sense. But appointing Adela as Carla’s nanny? This… She will resent you a lot. What if Adela, out of hatred for you, harms Carla?” Roger voiced his concern.
Jonathan pondered before saying: "I’ve thought about this issue too, but I have utmost faith. A kind-hearted girl will always be kind-hearted. Even if she hates me, she won’t let that hatred affect Carla. I’ll be mindful of the concerns you’ve raised.”
Knowing Jonathan had made his decision, Roger didn’t add more. It was more accurate to say that Jonathan sought someone he could talk to and confide in, rather than someone assigned to him for a task.
Jonathan was profoundly lonely.
Yet, Roger couldn’t fathom why someone like Jonathan was raping Adela.
But he dared not ask too much.
---
For Adela, happiness sometimes arrived unexpectedly.
Last night, Dominic was beaten up, and her burdensome loan of two hundred thousand USD was easily resolved. And this morning, she received a job offer from the M&N fashion company branch in the internationally renowned Elite Summit City.
Moreover, the annual salary and bonuses exceeded two hundred thousand USD.
Therefore, she deliberately called the HR department of the M&N fashion company’s Elite Summit branch to confirm before daring to believe it was true.
She studied fashion design, deeply passionate and enthusiastic about costume design.
Her resume and exceptional fashion design projects would have stood out, but due to not yet graduating from college and facing obstacles from the Kyle family, most of her job applications sank like stones to the bottom of the sea.
Calls she received were mostly to buy her designs at extremely low prices.
There were even shameless companies that plagiarized her designs.
It must have been M&N fashion spotting her designs online and sending her the invitation.
Whether that was the reason or not, Adela was ecstatic, finally waiting for the day a company would recruit her.
She told her mother in the morning. Adela put on her prettiest white vest, which she had never dared to wear before, then left her cheap rental room and took a taxi to the M&N fashion company branch – Elite Summit.
Having endured life's storms, Adela valued this opportunity immensely.
M&N Fashion was a well-known company meeting international standards, with a market value of over a hundred billion and more than ten subsidiaries.
Elite Summit City housed one of its branches.
Adela stepped out of the taxi under the M&N high-rise, looking up at the towering building as if seeing her future.
Clasping her hands tightly into fists, she encouraged herself: "Adela... I can definitely do this. I won't have to keep trading in the fish market to get by anymore."
If not for life's pressures, why would she be willing to waste her youth in places like food markets?
After entering the high-rise, Adela followed the signs to the HR department and submitted her resume.
The HR director glanced at her resume and assessed Adela meaningfully: “Alright, follow me.”
Adela was at a loss, only able to follow the director into an office marked 'CEO'. The HR director told a beautiful woman busy at work: "Selena, this is the person our new CEO specifically asked for. You are the CEO's assistant, and I'm entrusting her to you."
"The one the new CEO needs? Edgar Jones really, already letting family in before even getting the position, not knowing how to avoid suspicion." said Selena.
"Ha ha, only Selena dares to call Mr. Jones by his name like that, I have nothing to do with this, goodbye.' laughed the HR head, leaving Adela behind and departing.
Selena raised an eyebrow and said: "Work over here for now; naturally, you'll meet the CEO when everything is settled."
Adela was confused: "What do you mean the person the CEO needs? Family? I... I don't quite understand."
Selena, amused, looked Adela up and down with a knowing smirk and laughed mockingly: "Alright, your educational background alone wouldn't get you into M&N even if you waited eight hundred years. You know very well the real reason you're here, no need to pretend with me. Edgar isn't much good either, your relationship with him must be..."
Selena's words were suggestive!
At that moment, a man in his thirties wearing a black suit quickly approached: "What are you saying about me, Selena?"
"Nothing at all, look at Mr. Jones, so pleased and confident. The CEO position must be secured, and I'll be under you then. You'll have to look out for me. Oh, and this beautiful lady came looking for you."
"For me?"
Upon seeing Adela's beauty, Edgar immediately licked his lips.
The previous CEO had left the sexy beauty Selena without leading her away, and now another stunner had come.
Truly a windfall, his fortune and love life both flourishing.
Edgar was already fantasizing about his happy future life.
"Come with me!"
Edgar didn't care about Adela's background, coughed a few times, then opened the office door, instructing her to enter.
At that point, Adela was still baffled, suddenly turned into someone with a 'relationship'? Could there be some hidden reason behind her being hired?
But after a moment of thought, she proceeded into the CEO's office.
What exactly was going on, she would find out by asking the CEO directly.
Besides, she really didn't want to miss this opportunity.
As the office door closed behind her, the female staff immediately crowded around Selena, asking:
"Selena, what's the story with that girl?"
"Right, is she with Director Jones?"
Selena chuckled and pursed her lips: "You guys don't know what's going on?"
"Oh, I think it's the same as with the others before, agreeing to Mr. Edgar's 'request' before getting in. Probably he'll get bored and find an excuse to dismiss her."
"Just for a position, such foolishness!"
"Oh, could it be Mr. Edgar is really getting promoted to CEO? If that lecher gets power, we'll have to be careful!"
"Well, he knows how to flatter. CEO Jacob is always pampered with compliments, nearly pointed him out as his successor, how could it go wrong?"
With the "wrecks" of those before her, none of the female staff believed Adela would stay long.
Everyone was resigned about the new CEO position. Edgar, the filthy worm of the company, should never have been kept.
Now, on the contrary, he's about to be promoted to CEO.
Those with even a little beauty felt endangered.
"Alright, let's focus on our work, decisions made by the higher-ups are not our place to comment!"
Selena, finding the employees' talk incredulous, quickly interjected.
Inside the office.
Edgar, having reviewed Adela's documents for a while, looked up and appraised her with a sleazy smile: "I know you, the girl the Kyle family threw out! But no worries, our M&N fashion company isn't afraid of the Kyles."
Adela, relieved, bowed slightly in gratitude: "Thank you, Director Jones, for this opportunity!"
Edgar raised his hand to interrupt: "Hold on, our company might overlook your background, but you do know M&N fashion is an internationally renowned large company, those who join are world-class talents, mostly graduates from top universities! But your academic performance... your academics don't qualify you for our company!"
Hearing this, Adela panicked, quickly responding: "Director Jones, I've completed all subjects during university, competent as any student from a prestigious school. If you doubt, you can check the fashion designs attached in my CV, you will surely be satisfied!"
Edgar stood up from his seat, walking towards Adela with a smile.
His true nature revealed, Edgar reached to touch Adela's pale chin, his tone unpleasant: "Actually, academics or whatever don't really matter to me, just agree to one request of mine, and I'll let you join the company as my secretary, how about that?"
Adela instinctively dodged, causing Edgar's hand to miss: "Director Jones, please respect me!"
Edgar's smile grew more disgusting, this time he reached for Adela's fragrant shoulder.
"Respect? Ha ha, Adela, do you really think I don't know you're so poor that you've been selling fish in the market! I'm offering you a chance to change your fate, you should be grateful! Just agree to follow me..."
Thud!
Suddenly, Adela instinctively kicked Edgar in the groin, causing him to double over in pain, clutching himself with both hands.
Knowing that her job application was now completely ruined, Adela didn’t care anymore. She hurriedly opened the office door and ran out in panic.
“Catch that woman for me, hurry up, someone catch her!” Edgar’s enraged voice echoed from inside the office.
Hearing Edgar’s command, a few men eager to please him quickly subdued Adela. At that moment, all eyes in the workplace turned towards her with curiosity and bewilderment. Wasn't this girl connected to Director Jones? How did it turn out like this? Edgar, his face red and his groin still in pain, walked unsteadily. “Haha…” Some employees, guessing what had happened, couldn’t help but laugh. “What are you laughing at? Is there something funny?” Edgar bellowed, then approached the struggling Adela, scolding her sternly: “Women like you are so lacking in manners! I clearly told you, your academic qualifications are not enough to enter our company, yet you shamelessly persisted, trying to seduce me with your beauty! When I rejected you, you were so angry that you even attacked me! Shameless women like you deserve a lesson, to be taken to the police station for re-education, and should be exposed on social media to correct your behavior!” His words were nothing but slander against Ad
The issue of her daughter was a thorn in Adela's heart, but how could she hope to find her daughter in this vast sea of people with her own limited means? "Are you married?" Jonathan asked after a pause. Roger hadn't told him this news. Adela's voice turned cold: "That's none of your business, just answer me, can you help me find my daughter?" "How old is she now?" Jonathan didn't answer her directly. Adela thought for a moment and then said: "She's five years old now!" Jonathan muttered to himself, thinking the five-year-old probably had little to do with him, likely Adela's child with someone else. "I'll do my best with this matter, what about the others? Like rescuing your mother?" "Let's finish the first task and then talk about that." Adela's tone was cold. Asking Jonathan for help was like clinging to her last hope. Besides, he had a responsibility to find her daughter! Jonathan nodded, sipping his tea: "Let's set aside the compensation for now. Now, I'll speak about m
At 3 PM, Jonathan left the company with Adela, sparking a flurry of whispers within the M&N Fashion Company. The gossip was primarily about Adela getting her position through the new General Manager’s influence. Their departure together further fueled the rumors, suggesting there was something more between them. Despite the jealousy and envy from many due to Jonathan's handsome appearance, the fact that he drove a Mercedes Benz S class, which was worth over two million USD, didn't go unnoticed by Adela. "Is this your car?" she asked, looking at the black Mercedes parked in the company’s parking garage. "I don’t like to show off, so I'm driving this for now. Get in!" Jonathan said casually as he opened the car door. Adela felt even more uneasy, thinking that Jonathan was overdoing it with his humility. Driving a luxury Mercedes and claiming not to like showing off? Once inside the car, Jonathan drove straight to the Sky Cloud kindergarten. This was not a high-end "aristocratic" kin
Jonathan coldly glanced at Harding, then looked at Adela: "Hurry up and get the car!" "Okay!" Adela, seemingly understanding Jonathan's intention, took the keys and went to drive the car. "Honk honk..." A black Mercedes Benz S class quickly honked, drawing everyone's attention. After all, it was a supercar worth over two million USD, naturally attracting attention. "Having money doesn't mean you can break the rules, who allows driving up to a kindergarten like this." "Exactly, Elite Summit City is full of million-dollar cars like this, it's just a Mercedes, nothing to show off!" The crowd muttered in disapproval. Harding didn't think much of it, his task now was to wait for the police to arrest Jonathan and then take Carla away. Edward had said, getting Jonathan back in jail would allow them to sell Carla for fifty million, and Harding would get a good cut. Thinking of the fifty million USD, Harding gripped Jonathan tighter. "It's not that I don't know the rules, but only b
At the café. Jonathan and Orla sat opposite each other. Orla observed Jonathan with a complex look: "How did you become the General Manager of the M&N Fashion Company branch? Did Mr. Thomas the Second help you?” Harding informed her that Jonathan was now the CEO of the M&N fashion company's Elite Summit branch, leaving her genuinely astonished. For Orla, M&N Fashion was a titan she couldn't grasp. After much thought, Orla concluded that Jonathan’s ascent to CEO of M&N Fashion’s Elite Summit branch could only be due to the Thomas family's support. “If I hadn’t taken this position, would I be sitting in a police station awaiting sentencing?” Jonathan asked mockingly. To seize Jonathan’s assets, Orla’s family had resorted to every possible scheme. Despite a marriage filled with a hundred days of grace, Orla had treated him so cruelly. Jonathan couldn’t express the depth of his disappointment. “So, your CEO position is thanks to Mr. Thomas the Second. Jonathan, you’re playing wit
The next day, the weather was sunny and warm. At ten in the morning, Adela was beautifully made up. "Adela, it's Saturday, why are you going out so early?" her mother, emerging from her room, asked. Adela answered distractedly: "Mom, I... I'm going to a friend's daughter's birthday party." Hearing that Adela was attending a friend's daughter's birthday, her mother, Mrs. Sienna, was delighted: "You should meet more of your old friends, you've been isolating yourself for years, not contacting anyone, I worry you'll become depressed." "But you seem to have turned a corner, finding a job you like, and becoming more open. Go ahead..." "Yes." Adela pursed her lips, her expression slightly pained. If her mother knew she was attending the birthday of Jonathan's daughter, her enemy, she probably wouldn't think the same. Adela left her rental house, then headed to a gift shop, carefully selecting a princess doll worth a few hundred USD, holding it close, ready to take a taxi to Way Heave
Hearing that Jonathan could be the VIP who reserved the top floor of the Way Heaven Hotel, the security guards hesitated to approach him, their palms sweating. If they offended such a high-profile person, they could lose their jobs. "Have you caused enough trouble, Jonathan?" "You still owe Edward five million USD, where do you get the money to book the top floor?" In her anger, Orla brought up the debt Jonathan supposedly owed Edward, which of course was just a tactic they used in their accounting to pressure Jonathan into a divorce. "My brother-in-law vacated the top floor for a VIP, and you’re saying he gave it to you? Jonathan, if you’re going to boast, at least make it believable!" Harding joined in the mockery. He had heard that Edward and his sister had originally booked the party at the top floor of the Way Heaven Hotel, but supposedly gave it up out of respect for the VIP who wanted to use it for his daughter’s birthday. "Edward, you gave up the top floor for me? I’ll h
At Carla’s sixth birthday celebration, Tommy also arrived. He gifted Carla a set of clothes from the leading children's fashion brand “Fate" worth thousands of USD, making her beam with joy. For Tommy, this gift was genuinely heartfelt. “Bro, why do you seem so distracted?” Tommy noticed Jonathan’s unusual demeanor during the party. “Aunt Adela hasn’t arrived yet!” Carla, holding a piece of cake, suddenly interjected. Jonathan chuckled, explaining to Tommy: "It’s about the girl I assaulted years ago.” Tommy realized: "You is still young, should find another sister-in-law for me!” “Ha ha, looking for a girlfriend for me sounds more like finding one for you!” Having a close brother like Tommy by his side made Jonathan more open. After the birthday party, Stephen messaged, indicating he had found Adela. Jonathan, unable to sit still, took Carla to meet her. When saying goodbye, Jonathan told Tommy: "In a few days, when things are calmer, I’ll bring your sister-in-law to visit.”
At the Moonlight company's neighboring cafe. Jonathan and Juliette sat secluded in a dim corner. Juliette, shedding her pretense, took a sip of coffee before saying: "I've arranged to dine with Feagan tonight. What's our next move?" "How do you find Feagan?" Jonathan inquired earnestly. "Handsome, even more than you. And oozing charisma! If I were Adela, I'd choose him and kick you to the curb." Juliette quipped. Jonathan: "..." "Heh, just teasing!" Seeing Jonathan's knitted brows, Juliette laughed: "But seriously, Feagan seems like another wolf in sheep's clothing. He's no match for you! I entered his office and he stared at me for minutes. I've seen that type of gaze in Crystal Cove all too often. He's not a catch." "You've got the right hunch. Feagan is no pillar to lean on. If your old friend is by his side, she's bound to regret it." Hearing this, Jonathan hesitated: "Tonight, carry a mini-camera. Entice him to reveal his true colors. If you succeed, make a swift exit."
Katherine swiftly dismissed with a flick of her hand, her face etched with profound disagreement. "How can you suggest such a thing? If in the next two years you don't marry her and by some chance you decide to part ways with my dear Juliette, then what?" "If such were to occur, you would've squandered the best years of her youth! Absolutely not! It cannot be so." "Yet, for now, Juliette and I are not in a position to wed." Jonathan feigned discomfort, an aura of unease surrounding him. In a sudden whisper, Katherine interjected: "Even if marriage isn't immediate, there must be some assurance you can provide, mustn't there?" At this, both Andres and Wyatt, father and son, shifted their eager gazes toward Jonathan. Juliette inwardly smirked, thinking to herself, 'Mother is starting her games again.' It was clear the reason her parents were here tonight was solely for this imminent matter. They hadn't raised a daughter, but rather, it seemed, a mere commodity. "What assurance d
Once Tryphena was out of earshot, Juliette burst into giggles: "So Jonathan, that beauty is really your sister-in-law? Are you some kind of beast?" Of course, Juliette was jesting. Initially, she'd assumed the beauty Jonathan had turned down was just a stranger, and his mention of her being his brother's girlfriend was surely playful. But who was she kidding? Being a seasoned veteran in Crystal Cove' entertainment industry, Juliette had encountered countless personalities. Tryphena posed no threat. A few words were all it took to send her packing, all while maintaining her own clandestine identity. "Let's drop it. Since we've met, let's go somewhere." Jonathan said, steering the conversation away from Tryphena. "Agreed." Juliette cheerfully responded. As they strolled through the streets, their charisma was undeniable. The frequency with which heads turned to steal glances was remarkable. "How long are you staying in Elite Summit this time?" Juliette inquired with genuine interes
"It's rare to run into familiar faces in Elite Summit." Tryphena mused, her words a flurry of excitement: "Would you join me for dinner tonight? If you're busy, tomorrow is fine too. Let's exchange numbers and connect on social media first!" Although initially hesitant, Jonathan found himself swayed by the genuine warmth in her eyes: "Tonight it is." With contact details exchanged and plans set, the two bid each other a temporary farewell. That very evening, as the city's lights began to shimmer, Jonathan received an investigation update from Roger. Adela was seeing someone. Moonlight Corp, where she worked in Elite Summit, was primarily managed by her and Deputy CEO Vera. However, recently, a charismatic new CEO named Feagan William, reputedly a returnee from overseas studies and rumored to be the scion of some top executive from M & N, took the helm. Since Feagan's arrival, he seemed relentlessly smitten by Adela. He often accompanied her to business outings and ensured she ret
After a while, Jonathan broke the ice, initiating a topic of discussion. Moonlight, Adela's brainchild, was now the talk of the town. "Our autumn collection has been a great success, both in terms of sales and profits." Adela began: "But to claim the top spot might be premature. Despite the backing of renowned domestic and international fashion houses like Wind & Fire and M & N, we can't be overly confident in becoming the flagbearer of our nation's fashion industry." "We'll truly know our standing after assessing the sales for the next three seasons. Only then can we truly earn national recognition." Truth be told, Adela was not overly concerned about Moonlight's position or its future; her worries had nearly evaporated. But she shared this perspective nonetheless. Jonathan silently rejoiced, noting Adela's growth and maturity. She was no longer the fishmonger he once knew from the market; she had blossomed into a successful businesswoman. In a time not so distant, Adela would,
Tommy shook his head, his words hastening to fill the air between them: "My sister-in-law is doing well; she's thriving in her job. Not too long ago, she even moved to a new house." “But when I visited Curtis last, there was a man at her place.” Tommy, flustered and scrambling for words, replied: "Oh, he must've been just a business partner, discussing some contracts with my sister-in-law. Nothing more.” Jonathan's face darkened in thought. A man? From what he knew about Adela, she would never entertain business at her private residence. Could it be? Had Adela found someone? It was possible. After all, when he had left Elite Summit, she had suggested they take a year apart. This perhaps hinted that their time together might eventually come to an end. Though Jonathan's relationship with Adela had blurred past friendship, their bond, in essence, was only maintained by Curtis. They never really became lovers. So, it was perfectly normal for Adela to have a boyfriend. Yet, the very th
Mammon's lips curled into a gentle smile: "If gratitude is to be given, direct it to Jonathan. While Mr. Moore and I might be acquaintances, our bond isn't as profound. Had it not been for Jonathan's plea, the Moores wouldn’t have found me in their corner." "Yes, indeed!" "Now, Mr. Moore, we must expedite matters. The sooner we seal the agreement, the better." "Let us restart the project and alleviate our shared anxieties." Business attended to, Mammon shared a few parting words before departing in the company of Jonathan. Their venture could truly be described as a fruitful one. Barring unforeseen tribulations, the peril that threatened the Moore family was seemingly defused. Their reputation, however, was something they'd have to mend on their own. Considering their current scenario, evading a declaration of bankruptcy due to piled debts was almost a miracle in itself. To hope for more would be sheer fantasy. All agreements were set in stone. Soon, Mammon would dispatch his
"Come now! Don't be like that! We've been childhood playmates, remember? Regardless of circumstances, our bond persists." Wynstan responded, pouring two glasses of wine with an exaggerated flourish. "This is a vintage from my personal collection. A true delight for the palate. Try it." Given there were just the two of them, the spread wasn't overly grand. Yet, countless esteemed businessmen from Crystal Cove would give an arm and a leg to be part of this dinner. However, to Nora, the invitation felt more burdensome than honorary. A toast always called for full glasses. And business often demanded the libations flow freely. Seeing Nora's thoughtful gaze, Wynstan chuckled: "Finding my wine lacking, are we? I suppose, being the magnate you now are, this might not match your status." Truth be told, the wine wasn't cheap, retailing at over a thousand. Yet to Nora, it was mere triviality. The wine wasn't the issue. Even if Wynstan had offered a commonplace wine worth mere tens, its
Jonathan remained silent, not swayed by Dieter's hollow compliments. For Jonathan knew, of all places, Elite Summit was hardly a theater of illustrious figures. Were it Crystal Cove, perhaps he might've begrudgingly conceded the point. But Elite Summit? What did it offer? Still, empty flattery was better than none; it lent a certain sweetness to the air. "Jonathan, there's a favor I'd like to ask of you." Dieter finally disclosed his intentions. Jonathan wasn't surprised. The Moore family was in a state of disarray, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Why else would Dieter squander an evening over dinner with him if not to seek some favor? "Speak, sir." Jonathan invited, his voice tinged with resignation. Though he had stretched himself thin helping the Moores, he couldn't guarantee the extent of the impact he could make. "In recent days, I've tallied up the debts of the Moore Corporation. The sum exceeds 65 billion." Dieter elaborated: "We've acquired raw materials for project