Contrary to Alex's strange gaze, the three girls seemed highly familiar with him as they approached, still behaving provocatively and condescendingly."So this is Jessica's husband, now playing the role of a rich heir," the girl at the forefront said.Jessica's husband? These words triggered memories for Alex. They were Jessica's old classmates he met at a class reunion. Jessica had brought him along and received numerous taunts and mockery from this group.Encountering these people felt like stepping on dog feces right after dressing up nicely for the day. Alex couldn't understand why some people liked teasing and ridiculing others. Did it make them eat better? Or sleep more soundly?He honestly couldn't comprehend it.And, of course, he had no intention of getting involved with these three women, especially considering his current lack of relationship with Jessica. Furthermore, he had no desire to argue with women. No matter how intelligent a man may be, engaging in an argument with
The commotion on this side had attracted the attention of other diners in the restaurant, and they all turned their gaze towards Alex and the three girls, pointing and starting to gossip. At this point, he looked at them and began to lose his patience with women and people he was unfamiliar with.He didn't want to argue with them here; quarreling with women in a crowded place like this was not a good idea, especially when they were Jessica's friends. They might say outrageous things, and he didn't want them to know about Jessica and the past events.So, Alex turned around and told the staff behind him, "Please go and call your manager here.""Yes, sir," the staff member trusted Alex and followed his instructions. He also wanted to resolve this as quickly as possible to avoid getting further involved in any trouble.Seeing the server leaving, Qri, Lucie, and Mandy widened their eyes, showing their displeasure and anger. Qri shouted, "Stay right there!" But obviously, the staff member d
The voice instantly ended Mandy, Qri, and Lucie's destructive actions. It also drew the attention of everyone acting as the audience towards the source. A young man in a suit approached; he seemed to be the restaurant manager, exuding an air of authority and importance.One thing that made him easily recognizable was the presence of the server with them earlier, standing by his side, along with a woman, Isabel. Alex turned to see her, and to his surprise, she was there with the restaurant manager. It could be a coincidence, or perhaps they were acquainted.However, that was not as important as the present situation, where Qri, Mandy, and Lucie were still shocked at the scene before them. To them, Alex was a wealthy and successful woman who was unattainable, but now he was standing next to the restaurant manager. This seemed quite puzzling.While trying to process this unexpected sight, the restaurant manager angrily questioned, "What are you all doing here?" His gaze fell on the mess
That was Mr. Lee's voice; it had been a long time since Alex heard it, but he quickly recognized it. Alex silently sighed; things should have been resolved speedily and not escalated like this. It was causing disturbances to the department heads, and he had no idea what lies he would have to listen to from those three girls when Mr. Lee arrived.As Mr. Lee approached, he noticed they stood opposite three girls and the restaurant manager. The scene was chaotic, but Mr. Lee's attention was focused on The Setting Glass Slipper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wine bottle. This was the most expensive wine in the world, and its taste was exquisite. Just a sip of it could make someone feel happy and love life again, no matter how sad they were.But Mr. Lee didn't dare to buy it openly because his wife disapproved of his interest. So he could only occasionally sneakily buy it and hide it at home, as its price was extremely high. It took him a year or two to save enough to buy a bottle.And now, i
Finally, Alex managed to escape from those three women. He, Isabel, and Mr. Lee entered the private dining room where they had made a reservation. Initially, Alex had offered to make the reservation, but Isabel quickly did it herself, leaving him with no choice.This date was significant to her.As they entered the private dining room, Alex saw Mrs. Lee and Isabel's brother, Adam, and her sister-in-law, Ember. Everyone was delighted to see Alex, and he courteously greeted them all."Hello, Mrs. Lee, Adam, and Ember. Sorry for being late.""It's alright, and please have a seat." Mrs. Lee quickly addressed any concerns about the delay and called the server to take their orders. Meanwhile, Ember asked, "What happened outside?"Alex hesitated to respond, but Mr. Lee spoke before he could say anything, "It's nothing, just those mischievous kids causing trouble.""Those mischievous kids?" Adam repeated, seeming confused. Ember playfully hit her husband's shoulder and said, "Well, Alex's cha
Hearing Mr. Lee's question, Alex was momentarily stunned. It was true that he hadn't ignored the matter; he just hadn't found the right time to address it. Moreover, the real issue was not whether he had paid attention to it but that he needed to find the right time to ask.Furthermore, it was confirmed that if Mr. Lee hadn't noticed this, that would have been a problem. After all, he knew that Isabel had feelings for Alex.Alex replied, choosing honesty over evasion or lies because doing so would be no different from denying his past. Alex didn't feel ashamed or disdainful of any phase of his life. Instead, he saw each experience as a lesson to avoid repeating those unhappy, sad, and negative emotions in the future."Yes, what they said is true. I used to be married and divorced."Mr. Lee furrowed his brow, seemingly unsatisfied with the response, and asked, "And what about you living off your ex-wife's family?"Alex felt the same, as this was a profoundly embarrassing matter for any
Mr. Locke had initially arranged a university for Alex, but after he married Jessica, Mrs. Andrew forced him to drop out of school and prevented him from working. She believed Alex's education and job hindered Jessica's career, so she made him stay home and do housework.Alex endured all of this silently because he was grateful to Mr. Locke, so he didn't resist despite all the criticism, belittlement, and humiliation. He tried to protect and care for Jessica and her family as best as possible. However, all his efforts were met with curses and insults; they saw his obedience and silence as a matter of course, or in other words, they didn't consider him a human being.Therefore, Alex decided to leave. Before that, when the butler came to inform him about inheriting the family estate, he maintained his position of not returning, never having forgiven him. But the tipping point was Jessica kicking him out of the house, and he couldn't bear it any longer.Throughout the years of marriage w
Over the past years, she may not have stopped hoping.As for Alex, he clearly understands Isabel's current emotions, but he cannot reciprocate her feelings. Therefore, even though he doesn't want to hurt her, he cannot be gentle with her. Being tender and considerate might lead her on, making her continue to hope and unable to let go.That's why he has to appear indifferent, not knowing or understanding her feelings. He hopes that she will realize this and free herself quickly."Alright, let's go inside and have a meal, don't keep everyone waiting."o0oThe next day, Alex went to the company as usual, and Jowley had brought him some information about the houses he had earned and the profiles of all the children at the orphanage.In the private meeting room, Alex sat at the top position, with Isabel and Jowley beside him.First, Alex reviewed the houses that Jowley had found for him. His criteria for choosing a home were that the sellers must have a good history and a clean background.