Lora had guessed that Sylvia was likely Eric's wife since she had seen them together at the school gate.Now, expecting Eric, Sylvia was the one who came. Most likely, this was the situation."Eric..." Lora struggled to speak. "Isn't Mr. Johnson in the company?"Sylvia smiled faintly. "He is, but he's busy leading the technical team to tackle some technical challenges. Ms. Kensington the café next door is nice. Shall we chat there?"She felt it necessary to clarify things with Lora. Since she came despite being blocked on the phone, the issue isn't simple!-In the café.As the coffee was served, Sylvia nodded politely to the waiter. Her demeanor was dignified. Lora had been staring at Sylvia for quite some time.Sylvia smiled slightly and said, "Ms. Kensington try their coffee."Lora took a sip, then looked up at Sylvia, "You... are Mr. Johnson's wife?""Correct." Sylvia set down her coffee cup. "We've been married for over four years, and we have a very obedient daughter.
Did liking someone mean you must possess them?That was quite a profound question.As the lyrics suggested, there's a love called letting go, but who could truly manage that?If someone liked or loved something, shouldn't they strive to possess it? No one seemed to have a clear answer to this question, including Lora.In truth, Sylvia had already made her stance clear. Moreover, Eric's actions made it evident he had little interest in Lora. It wasn't a lack of interest per se, but rather because Eric already had Sylvia. It was a matter of principle.Both remained silent.Each had expressed what needed to be said, but Lora was unsure how to respond. She was a bold woman, enamored with Eric, so she pursued him boldly, even though Eric was already married. Yet, she couldn't fathom where she fell short.Even without seeking official recognition, she found herself unable to compete.They sat in silence for nearly two hours.Glancing at the time, Sylvia remarked, "I imagine you have
Upon hearing these words, Eric knew that Jacob was asking for money from Andy.Andy couldn't understand. "Eric, isn't she just a coquettish female streamer? What's so appealing about her? He is not only watching her but also spending money on her, just to watch on the phone. What's the point?""With so many beauties in the Innova Group, if he paid a little attention, he wouldn't still be single by now!" Eric remarked. "Young people chase after novelty. Once the novelty wears off, it'll be fine."Andy couldn't help but sigh. He sat down and said, "Actually, we are only a few years older than that kid, but it feels like we're much older. Time really doesn't spare anyone!"Andy's sigh was not without reason.The rapid development of the Innova Group had led him to interact with older individuals, and those who were not older hardly reached this level. It was unlike those big families that had started grooming successors early on.This also led Andy to feel that he was already quite
In the early morning, Andy deliberately arrived a bit late, just to see if Jacob had shown up for work. He had already experienced all the tricks Jacob used to ask for money, and he had ignored last night's phone calls.However, to his surprise, Jacob hadn't shown up for work at all!Today, there was no one at the security booth of the Innova Group."That rascal!" Andy cursed under his breath as he took out his phone to call Jacob, but he couldn't get through. He then turned to find Eric.Eric also had something to discuss with Andy. "Andy, I need to talk to you. Let's go to Nutikiville's city hall later.""Alright." Andy nodded, then asked, "Eric, did Jacob contact you?""Nope," Eric replied, looking at Andy. "What's wrong? Is he quitting?"Andy pondered for a moment and said, "He called me late last night, saying he had been kidnapped and they demanded 20,000 dollars in ransom."I thought it might be one of his tricks. Today, he didn't show up at the company, and his phone is
"Prepare an empty suitcase. Let's go over there and see what's going on first," Eric said.The empty suitcase was merely for show.Andy's confidence seemed to increase with Eric by his side.-The two quickly arrived at Salt City Grand Hotel.Standing at the door of the room, Andy glanced at Eric. Seeing Eric nod, he knocked on the door.The door opened, revealing a bald man who looked at Andy. "You're Jacob's brother? Did you bring the money?"Andy lifted the suitcase and patted it. "The money's here. Where's my brother?"Before he could finish speaking, Jacob's voice came from inside the room. "Andy! Andy! I'm here! Help me! They're going to castrate me! I'm scared! I haven't even touched a woman yet!"He burst into tears immediately.Andy pushed past the bald man and entered the room.Inside, Jacob was tied up on the bed.Next to the bed were several fierce-looking men, along with a young woman whose appearance was passable.Seeing Andy's arrival, the burly man with a g
Roko harbored a growing fear of Eric. In their line of work, Tiger's reputation preceded him. Dealing with underworld figures required caution—one couldn't partner with just anyone off the street without stirring up trouble.Andy only now grasped Eric's deep ties to Salt City's underworld. These small-time crooks might soon run out of patience.With a chuckle, Eric quipped, "Even Tiger would address me as Mr. Johnson. Seems you're in it for the money, not lives, I won't complicate things. Release Jacob, and we'll call it even!""But we can't!" Jacob interjected. "Eric, letting them go means more victims!"He seemed to grow a conscience, though not out of morality. He couldn't stand being duped. "Shut it!" Andy snapped. "Eric's handling this. Stay out of it!"Roko understood the implications of tangling with Tiger's associates, genuine or not. It was about avoiding humiliation, just in case. They hadn't lost anything, so he relented. "Fine, let's call it even. You get some leeway
"For these trivial matters, Eric actually came all the way here! If there's a next time, I won't care anymore! Go die wherever you want!"Andy was truly furious! He had assumed the lesson from Ava would make Jacob wiser, but unexpectedly, he fell into their trap. It's also because Eric had some influence that he managed to resolve this matter easily. Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble would arise?"Andy, I dare not anymore..." Jacob looked aggrieved. "I just wanted to quickly find a girlfriend and get married. Who knew they'd set me up?! I even lost 10,000 dollars!"Andy shook his head speechlessly.Eric said, "Alright. Andy, the matter is settled. Let's first go to Nutikiville."Seeing the two getting into the car, Jacob hurriedly approached. "Andy, Eric, can you drop me off at the company first?""Get lost! Get a taxi yourself!"Andy raised his leg and gave him a shove.-Later at Nutikiville City Hall.Hank greeted Eric warmly upon his arrival.In recent years, Nuti
As they returned home, Blake was sitting on the doorstep plucking feathers from a chicken."Well, Dad, life seems good!" Andy exclaimed.Seeing his son and son-in-law, Blake was somewhat surprised. "How come you're back?" Currently, Blake was alone at home. Melinda was in Salt City helping Elly take care of the children, while household chores fell on Blake."If I feel like eating, I just catch a chicken. There is no problem," Blake remarked."We're planning to promote the cultivation of medicinal herbs in Nutikiville and several surrounding villages to improve everyone's income," Eric said.At his words, Blake paused his actions, looking at Eric and Andy. "Promote this? Is it feasible? The folks here are all old farmers. They're stubborn and reluctant to accept anything new. They're accustomed to growing wheat, corn, and potatoes. Asking them to suddenly cultivate medicinal herbs? I doubt it will work!"Besides, trouble tends to brew in poverty-stricken areas. You two hail fro