"So far, we've received three new publishing submission emails, Aland. Congratulations," Pete said with a toast. The reddish-coloured cocktail shook as the three glasses clinked proudly.
"What if Jill finds out we're playing with her?" asked Shannon after taking a hesitant sip of her cocktail. She wiped her wet lips as her drink sloshed around. "I'm afraid she'll be more savage than a wolf."Aland shook his head softly. He sat on a nearby sofa while fiddling with his fingers on the edge of the glass. "It's not us who played her, hun. But she's been playing with her trust. She believes too much just because of what she hears. So what's wrong if we present what she wants to see?""It's lucky that Ms Hills is willing to work with us again. She made the review interesting at the right time, so Mrs Reynolds didn't notice our movements. I think that's the key. Moreover, what you guys showed probably looked more natural than the over-the-top theatrics of the topRelated Chapters
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"Goddamn it! What the fuck with me? Why am I missing out on so much just because of this damn microphone, huh?"Camellia backed away as Jill threw some crockery at her. Not only was she scared, she really didn't know what else to say when she saw Jill's horrified expression. "Mum, I'm telling you because I think it's important. Not because I want to get an angry outburst from you."Jill gave Camellia a wide-eyed stare. She leaned closer with her index finger pointed in front of her face. "Is that more important now? I tried to get them in a dispute and make Aland lose the proposal file he worked all night on! But what did I get? JF Printing is full of customers now! How did this happen, Lia?! Where has the luck not been on our side after all the losses I've suffered?"Camellia shook her head in disbelief. She looked down in fear, then tried to remember things. "Did we fall into their trap, mum? Did they do this on purpose to keep us distracted?"J
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Jill paced in front of her still cluttered room. She swore repeatedly, releasing a painful tightness from inside her chest. But her calls to Trixie were no longer wanted. She was ignored, unwanted. "Goddamn it! What are you so crazy about, Trixie? You want to pretend that I'm the biggest contributor of funds for you to build your little company over there?"Once again, she mobilised her efforts. This time she sent Trixie a threatening message that made her pull out her important card. After all, she knew very well who Trixie was who was still starting a retail business with the knowledge Jill had given her for free. "You want to ignore me? Should I tell your husband, Brandon, who you really are? Should I bring out my evil attitude if you can't help me when I've already helped you with a lot of money without you needing to return it, Trixie? Don't make me threaten you or you'll feel the consequences. You know very well who I am, don't you?"Without thinkin
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"What happened?" asked Aland, who ran down the stairs when he heard Camellia's scream. Together with Shannon, he glanced at Jill's room, which looked messy even from the outside. He approached Jill's room even though he could still hear the broken glass being thrown from inside.Hurriedly, Aland entered and saw the commotion. Camellia was cornered once again at the far end of the room, standing with her back to Jill, who continued to scream like a madman. In a hurry, Aland rushed towards Camellia, and pulled her out of Jill's room that had turned into a broken ship, so messy.Camellia did make it out of Jill's room safely, but not Aland. He became the target of Jill's madness when an antique glass bottle stored in the cupboard hit his head, causing him to bleed."It's all because you, Cobb, it's all cause of you!"Aland immediately turned around, his back to Jill, who didn't even stop throwing glassware. Several times, his back was hit by broken g
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"What do you mean mum lied to get us caught up in her game? Don't make accusations, Aland. Didn't you see the sadness in her eyes? The explosion really happened, and the police confirmed about the phone that was found. And Mum has also confirmed that the number on the phone was Arthur's, Aland. Which part do you call a plan when even the police from outside the continent testified to the accident?"Aland shook his head slowly. He was still pacing in his old house after making sure Jill's microphone was removed and cleaned. His hand was busy rubbing his chin, thinking about the odd things that had suddenly happened as if he was being played. "No, Shannon. I know Jill is sad. I know she's lost. But I'm not sure Arthur is playing himself there. I'm not sure Arthur is really gone. This isn't the world of cinema where bad guys lose easily. Something might have happened to him. And I believe this is the first step in his more devious plan to bring us down."Pete nodded i
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"I know you all loved Arthur as much as we did. We were also devastated by the news of his death that we heard from one police officers over there. But after we traced everything, including having the doctor who treated Arthur during his lifetime send samples of Arthur's blood, DNA, and tooth structure, we saw for ourselves that Arthur was not dead. He just landed from his trip this morning. And I don't think he knew that he was rumoured to be dead either. I, as the president director of JF Groups, apologise for the recent unrest. Also, for the misunderstanding that occurred because of miscommunication between our families, especially between me and my mum-in-law. I hope all of you will understand. Thank you."Many journalists and reporters began to pepper Aland with questions. They focused on Arthur's condition, which Aland had mentioned earlier. Especially about Arthur's landing on his trip."If that's the case, can you tell us what Arthur's current condition is?
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"There's no need to corner me too often, Aland. You'll find out soon enough. Let alone food and shelter, I can even support you and the orphanage you grew up in for seven generations."Arthur's arrogant attitude certainly made Aland frown in surprise. He began to grow angry and wondered how Arthur could be this arrogant after giving him all of his dad's assets.In fact, Arthur's behaviour became even more of a concern to Smith. He looked at Arthur's clothes from head to toe. Smith knew that Arthur's clothes were not cheap suits. He had never even seen a brand imprinted on the suit Arthur wore before, despite having worked with many of Britain's leading actors and businessmen."So, did you find the treasure in San Francisco and bring it here, Arthur?"Aland shook his head in disbelief at what Smith across the table was saying. He even glanced at Arthur to make sure."I didn't find it, Mr Smith. It was the treasure that came to me. So, why
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Aland stopped climbing the stairs. He glanced at the customers, who were looking at him curiously. Slowly but surely, Aland smiled in response to his customer's question that he did not recognise."I only want to make JF Moulding as successful as before, mam. Whoever my parents are, I don't care. All I know is that I have to do a good job for JF Moulding's loyal customers. Have a nice day and enjoy more discounts on the furniture of your choice. Please excuse me."Receiving an unexpected response, the customers who heard it could only be silent and glanced at each other quietly. But in the next second, they were again busy choosing the furniture of their choice that was being promoted with many discounts.Aland arrived at the second floor when he saw the ten new JF Moulding employee candidates sitting in a row. He smiled as Megan approached. "Shall we begin now, Mr Fischer?"Without answering, Aland immediately looked at each of the candidates who
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"W-what did you say? Didn't I mishear? I mean, he's rewarding you with his subsidiary that starts inaugurating tomorrow? Are you getting crazy? A company as big as US Foods worth three hundred million dollars became yours overnight?"It wasn't only Jill who was shocked to death, Camellia also blinked so fast that she had to hold her breath for a long time. "Th-three hundred million dollars? How could he give up that much money for you for nothing, Arthur?"Arthur smiled triumphantly. He nodded his head slowly as he looked up, gazing at the ceiling of Jill's equally luxurious residence. "I originally only asked her to acquire JF Travel so that I could survive. And to make me an investor in the new project that Reynolds Industries was creating so that I would also have a stake. But apparently, Shannon refused."Hearing Arthur's explanation, Jill shook her head slowly. She blinked rapidly and leaned in quickly. "Wait! Reynolds' new project? Shannon refused? H
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"I do," Arthur said as he took out a red velvet box from beneath his luxurious clothes. He placed a simple ring with a single jewel on Dwyane's finger, which looked beautiful in his eyes.After that, the priest began to lead the prayers. It didn't take long for the two to sign the marriage contract.Although Arthur's second wedding ceremony was only held at the nearest church in the neighbourhood of the hospital, the happiness was evident on his pale face. He had been a wheelchair user for more than two hours, enduring the pain in his solar plexus after his surgery five days ago.There were only seven people in the church to witness Arthur's far from simple wedding. No party, no food. Only Shannon, Aland, Pete, Will Smith, John Benedict, Phil Allen, and Edward Frey, the officer who uncovered Arthur's many hidden cases.The first-born was given to Arthur, even though he was in a wheelchair. Seeing Arthur's weakening condition, the priest rushed the blessing and lighti
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"I'm going to file for a marriage annulment. So, will you be my lover, Dwyane?"Arthur's request just after Camellia disconnected the call made Dwyane melt. She burst into tears as he approached Arthur, who was still lying in the cage."Why just lovers? You can get married after cancelling your previous marriage," Aland said from the sofa.Aland immediately got up and approached with both hands in each of his trouser pockets. He grabbed his laptop before moving on, as he did not even get a response from his brother.Arthur was silent. Not only him, even Dwyane didn't know what to say when he was in the middle of such an awkward situation.As he put his work laptop in his bag, Aland spoke up again to help."I'll talk to Mr Smith right away. He will help you to file for a marriage cancellation as soon as possible. Only then, you guys can get married before you actually return to prison in six days. If you have anything to say, just call Pete--"Aland hadn't
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"Are you sure you're okay?"Camellia asked from a distance. The look of concern was visible, but it was not savoured by Arthur as he had savoured the anxiety on Dwyane's face earlier.The two were now connected through a call Aland had made to Mr Cavill, who was visiting his daughter. Using a phone and a laptop, the two were now face to face, even though it was only through a call connection.Arthur nodded in response to his wife's question at the end of the call. Unfortunately, he could not take his attention away from Dwyane, who was busy writing in the corner of the room."I'm fine, Lia. What about you? Did mum cause trouble again? Did she hurt you?"Although she sounded more concerned than before, Lia knew very well that it was just a pep talk from her husband. She shook her head slowly as she wiped away tears with her sleeve."Listen to me, Arthur. I asked dad to contact Aland so I could connect with you like this for some reason. Although I just found o
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Arthur blinked softly. His eyes squinted as the glare of the lights greeted him as he woke up after being in a state of emergency because of heavy blood loss.Instead of finding Dwyane or Lia, he saw Aland sitting with his head bowed on the edge of the bed. Her eyes closed again to make sure before finally looking back at who was beside him.It was the same man he hated to death before. Aland.Arthur's hand moved towards Aland's closed head, hiding his face, when he suddenly saw movement from the sofa. Quickly, Arthur pretended to close his eyes again, as if he hadn't woken up from a long sleep.Dwyane was shocked to death when he looked at the clock. It was almost night and Arthur had not woken up. This was contrary to the information received from the doctor earlier.Slowly, Dwyane woke up Aland, who had fallen asleep by accident. "Mr Fischer. It's already dark. Shouldn't you be going home?"The surprised Aland got up hurriedly. He looked over to where Arth
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"What else this time, Dwyane?"Arthur's question made Dwyane shake her head slowly. She plugged the flash disc into the laptop she had brought with her. She positioned it so that the screen was facing the direction where Arthur was."I haven't seen it myself, Arthur. You can see for yourself. This was given to me by Aland. He said it was a precious gift for you."Hearing Aland's name, Arthur rose lazily. He shook his head, refusing to see what he really wanted to show."No, Dwyane. That's enough. The other day you brought me the news you secretly heard from him. And it really kept me up all night long. Now what? Are they planning to frustrate me here?"Dwyane shook her head slowly. She was just trying to keep Arthur's attention back on what Aland was about to show him."No, Arthur. The other day, the possibility that I was wrong was quite high. Aland said that sometimes there is some information that is missed and contributes greatly to misunderstandings. Tha
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"Go away, Cobb! Get out of here or I'll kill you right now!"Aland sniggered and moved off, leaving Jill filled with intense guilt."You're just bragging! Arthur is my nephew! He is everything to me! And you can't touch him! He's mine! Don't ever come back or I'll kill you right here!"The clock had already struck three in the afternoon when Aland and Shannon sat across from Dwyane Hills. He knew very well that Dwyane continued to visit Arthur, no matter what. Every day. For more than nine days."I'm sorry if I've upset you, Mr Fischer," Dwyane greeted, having just spoken after ten minutes of apparent silence.Aland cleared his throat, then took a sip of his coffee while shaking his head slowly."What do you have to apologise for? There's nothing wrong with you going there, Ms Hills. I just don't like that you went there with information you shouldn't have given."Suddenly, Dwyane's eyes widened. Her hands immediately folded on the table, and tried to rea
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"Since when did you become so talkative, Cobb?"Jill's counterattack made Aland pause. He looked at Jill, who grabbed a plastic chair to sit across from him."How can I help you with coming all the way out here?"Aland glanced at Shannon for a moment, trying to make sure that his wife was fully prepared. He looked again at his mother-in-law, whose new identity had been stripped away, leaving nothing of her once admired name."There's something I want to do about the key you gave me. Liliana's death."Jill did not seem surprised at how quickly Aland had learnt the truth with just one keyword."You found it?"Aland showed her an old photo of Sophie and Liliana that he had copied from an old file at the orphanage. Even though it wasn't clear, Jill could still recognise who was in the picture."This is you and Liliana. You two are sisters, aren't you?"Seeing that Aland was not surprised by what she had found, Jill got up and approached. Her eyes squi
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"What did you say? Sorry, but can you say it again?"Shannon's request was not without reason. For the first time, she sat in Will Smith's room with Pete and her husband to explain everything.Aland closed his eyes and smiled faintly. His hands were intertwined with each other in a position in the middle of her legs."I'm not misspeaking, Shannon. This is the truth. Until a few moments ago, only Pete and I knew about this."Will Smith didn't understand. He, who had been staring out the window while listening to Aland's explanation, could only turn around and shake his head slowly."If Arthur is not James's son, why does James insist on claiming him?""Because he just lost his son, Mr Smith. Don't you remember that his scandal broke just as he was about to celebrate JF Groups' anniversary? James couldn't just ignore Arthur's arrival with Liliana. He didn't want to act rashly, either. He asked me to keep the fact that Arthur was abandoned by Eugene a secret bec
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"Sophie? You're trying to defame our orphanage just because of Sophie's case? Do you also want to examine all the children in this orphanage so that you can be satisfied with your judgement, Mr Fischer?"Aland turned to Shannon briefly before leaning forward, trying to calm him down. "Listen to me, Mr Flitch. This is not what you think it is. We're not here to make a statement or to judge your orphanage as bad, no. I'm just here because there's something wrong. I'm only here because there's something I wanna to know. About Sophie. That's all. We will never tell anyone that Sophie is from here. After all, the whole of the UK knows that Sophie's dangerous behaviour is not the result of someone's upbringing, but her disposition, which may never change even twenty years later. We're just looking into her bloodline. That's all."Dom Flitch squinted with an angry gaze. His previously cupped hands immediately came closer, watching Aland and Shannon's movements that seemed so d