*Knocks*The three knocks on her door made Yvonne lift her head, pulling her out of the trance-like state induced by the embarrassment and insecurity that had haunted her since she had watched the video."Who is it?" she asked weakly."It's me," Victor's reply made Yvonne's body tense."W-who’s with you?" she stuttered; Glenn was the last person she wanted to see. She had lost face in front of that man."Calm down, it's just me," Victor reassured her, causing Yvonne to breathe a sigh of relief."Come in," Yvonne responded as she stood up from the bed and walked to the reading chair near the window, gazing out at Nickelburgh.From her seat, she could see the car lights descending the hill; she was sure it was Glenn and his wife.She could hear Victor's footsteps approaching, and then he sat beside her, "Bad news," he reported with a worried expression, seeming hesitant to disclose it to Yvonne.But he knew Yvonne had the right to know what was happening outside her knowledge.Reluctant
"Glenn, where are you? Can you come home, dear?" Irina asked with a worried tone as she connected with her son over the phone.Glenn felt guilty for making his mother anxious, as her tone indicated Irina's fatigue from waiting for news all day."Sorry, mother, we'll be home in a moment," Glenn expressed, reassuring his mother."Thank goodness... Is Hazel alright?" she continued, not forgetting to ask about her beloved daughter-in-law.Glenn glanced at Hazel, the woman peacefully asleep in the adjacent seat. "Yes, she's fine, Mother. I'll be there in ten minutes. There's no need to prepare food; we've already eaten," Glenn reported more specifically so his mother wouldn't feel like she had to wait too long."Oh, thank God... Alright, I'll ask the servant to prepare your rooms," his mother closed this time with a more cheerful tone.Glenn's car was indeed navigating the straight road lined with lush trees toward the mansion. Just as he predicted, he arrived right on time in the mansion
"Ma'am," greeted the skinny young man to Eugene. Her appearance was markedly different from before. She had cut her hair very short, giving her the air of a veteran warrior.However, Glenn and Connor immediately recognised her because of her stiff and orderly demeanour, reminding them of when she was the head waiter.Eugene seemed reluctant upon their arrival and ordered the guards to step away from the two individuals she had previously rejected."What is the matter? Connor, and young mas—I mean, Glenn?" Eugene awkwardly addressed Glenn, too accustomed to using that term for her employer's son."Um... We need your help to accept and to teach someone a lesson," Glenn explained, the request reminding him of the past, when he asked Eugene to discipline the same person.He wondered how Eugene would react upon learning who was to be entrusted to her, the same woman... Would Eugene accept her, or would it only make them more unwelcome?"This is not an educational institution or a place for
"I can arrange all of that... But, can you tell me what happened to Riverstone, Ms. Eugene? Where is Boris, actually? And... the grown men?" Glenn asked, looking worried.This time, Ms. Eugene leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant, carefully choosing her words to tell her story."Actually, I'm a caretaker substitute. Boris and the grown men left the town due to gang fights with the gangs in Shadow Hill. They're hiding somewhere and left the children and women here. The town was chaotic when I first arrived, and I've been trying to maintain it as best as possible because they have no one else to rely on. But man... This is tougher than managing the women at the Smith mansion.""I don't have adequate resources, and because they're uneducated, they're difficult to control, so I had to take extreme measures with minimal damage.""So, that's more or less the situation. Because I grew up here like Connor, I couldn't just leave this place in its current state. It's a kind of moral oblig
Glenn was astonished to hear the man's demands, "So you know who I am?!" he shouted from inside the car. As far as he remembered, no one knew about his trip to Riverstone except his family."Of course... I couldn't miss the sight of a wandering money bag far from its safe like this... When else, if not now? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity waiting for me to seize!" Juan joked happily."Juan! Let him go! You have nothing to do with him!" Eugene commanded firmly, disregarding her own condition being held by Juan Ethes's henchmen."Silence! I no longer need you, so if you still value your life, then shut your filthy mouth," Juan threatened, pointing his Glock at Eugene."Calm down, Ms. Eugene, let me handle this," Glenn ordered."Oh... How touching, but shut up! Old man! Do what I tell you!" Juan shouted at Connor, tossing a cell phone at him, hitting his chest before he caught it skillfully."Now!" Juan ordered again.Connor glanced at Glenn inside the car and, after considering
"Mom," Victor whispered to Eleanor. The woman was relaxing on the rig. After Sebastian's death; they had now switched jobs as mercenaries for anyone with money and connections.They were becoming "cleaners" for business or political rivals who needed to be eliminated by the orderer. As long as the price was right, they didn't care who the target was."I thought you had truly considered me dead, Victor," his Mom retorted."It's easier to accept, honestly. That concept lives longer than this new concept of 'parents' you implied to us," Victor replied equally vehemently."So, clearly, you're contacting me because you need my help. Is this how you ask for something from your mom?" Eleanor asked, not taking her son's words."It's not for me, but for Glenn Smith," Victor said briefly, managing to catch his Mom's attention."What's wrong with Glenn Smith? Is he still bothering you? I thought you were on good terms," Eleanor inquired."We are; that's why I'm asking for your help; he's in trou
"Glenn! I can't reach you anymore. I'm worried about you," Hazel greeted as she ran towards Glenn.The man welcomed Hazel with open arms and hugged her tightly, inhaling the scent of Hazel's body that he missed dearly. After less than two hours in Juan's prison, his nose felt anosmic, and Hazel's scent was the one he wanted to remember the most.Unfortunately, it was the opposite for Hazel. Her nose wrinkled as she caught a whiff of her husband's smell. It wasn't the masculine scent she expected from him—not that stale, faecal odour.Hazel reflexively felt nauseous, making her husband grin."Where have you been?" Hazel asked sharply, staring at her husband."Later... I need to change clothes immediately, or you'll add your vomit smell to my body," Glenn replied with a grin."Glenn, you smell like a horse stable," his mother scolded, although she was still ten meters away from him."Well, can't complain with that..." Glenn quipped, then quickly headed to the bathroom to clean up.He sc
"Perfect," praised Hazel as she looked at her husband carefully, adjusting Glenn's tie to make it symmetrical, then inspecting his suit to remove any visible dust or loose threads.Glenn watched his wife, smiling inwardly, feeling so loved."Are you sure it's perfect?" her husband teased, making Hazel squint as she reconsidered what she might have missed."It's all good; I think nothing's left out," Hazel replied confidently."You haven't given me a good luck kiss yet," teased Glenn as he pulled Hazel closer.The woman blushed, standing on tiptoes to give Glenn a brief kiss on the lips. As she tried to pull away, Glenn held her back, demanding a more extended, hotter kiss, accompanied by squeezing his wife's ass."Glenn, Glenn! You will be late!" his wife exclaimed, pulling away from Glenn. She wasn't prepared and had to take a deep breath because Glenn made it difficult for her to breathe earlier.Glenn shook his head, refusing to let go of Hazel. He pulled her back into his embrace,
As time passed, Glenn and Hazel enjoyed peaceful days while awaiting the birth of their baby. In the month of their baby’s due date, Glenn received the surprising news that Yvonne and Victor were getting married. “Glenn, hurry up!” Hazel hurriedly put on her earrings as they were almost late for Victor and Yvonne’s wedding ceremony. Glenn quickly grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and hugged Hazel from behind. Seeing Hazel with her big belly made him fall in love with her even more. “Not now,” Hazel grumbled, annoyed. The more Hazel was irritable, the more Glenn enjoyed teasing her. They stepped out of the house and got into the car. Glenn drove at a moderate speed, occasionally reaching for Hazel’s hand and kissing it gently. Hazel felt incredibly happy, showered with love from her husband. When they arrived at the church, the doors were almost closing as the ceremony was about to begin. Glenn and Hazel entered, accompanied by the quiet laughter of the attendees. They
“Mei!” Hazel immediately hugged her friend, whom she hadn't seen for months.Mr. Zhang’s daughter had decided to visit Hazel in Eagertown after the situation in Yuhan had stabilized. She brought a lot of gifts for Hazel, thinking Hazel would want to try some unique treats from Yuhan.“Sorry I came so late, I’ve been incredibly busy in Yuhan,” Mei said.“It’s okay. I know you had a lot to take care of.”They walked through the corridor and into the living room. Glenn, who had just come out of his office, joined them. They all sat comfortably on the sofa.“How does it feel to be expecting a baby?” Mei asked with a giggle.Hazel was due in four months. Time had flown by, and her belly was already showing significantly.“I feel ugly,” Hazel complained.“Ugly? You look so beautiful, Hazel. I’m even jealous of you,” Mei replied. “Being a mother is a privilege not every woman gets.”“I don’t know… I feel so emotionally unstable.” Hazel pouted.Glenn reached for Hazel’s shoulder and hugged he
The effects of the COVID-19 virus had completely vanished in Eagertown, and everyone had returned to their normal activities without worry. Glenn’s company had become more renowned, producing vaccines not only for COVID-19 but for other diseases as well. Glenn was very busy, but he always made time for Hazel.Glenn had just left the hospital after accompanying Hazel for a pregnancy checkup, when they happened to run into Beatrice. Apparently, Beatrice had just arrived there.“Mrs. Zimmerman, what are you doing here? Are you sick?” Hazel asked.“Oh, I’m not sick, Hazel. I have a meeting with some doctors here to discuss sending medical aid to remote areas in Latin America.” Beatrice chuckled softly.“You’re really busy,” commented Glenn. “Take care of your health, Mrs. Zimmerman.”Beatrice nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Glenn.”Then she continued, “Since I happened to run into you here, Glenn, there’s something I’d like to talk about. I need your help.”Glenn was momentarily tak
“Where’s Glenn?” Yvonne asked as she and Victor approached Hazel, who was already sitting and waiting at the café where they had arranged to meet.“He’s taking Sean and his grandmother to Ms. Eugene’s place.”Yvonne only nodded briefly, then took a seat. Victor immediately started flipping through the menu, feeling very hungry.“They’re going to stay there? It seems Eagertown isn’t suitable for Sean,” Victor commented.Hazel sighed softly. “It might be too noisy here.”“Some people just don’t feel comfortable living in the city, Hazel. It doesn’t mean they don’t like being with you.”“I know.” Hazel only nodded wearily.Hazel felt dizzy and her stomach was uneasy, but she forced herself to meet Yvonne and Victor because she wanted to discuss the charity. Yvonne was going to provide a report on the funds that had been allocated and where they had been sent, including to Ms. Eugene’s place.However, Hazel didn’t want to talk about that at all; she just wanted to lie down in bed.“Hazel?
The atmosphere there was busy, as everyone was hard at work building the town. Glenn got out of the car along with Sean and Grandma Mari. As Glenn expected, it seemed that Sean and the grandmother were immediately captivated. Both of them looked at Glenn.“This is a very nice place, Glenn,” praised Sean.From the crowd, Ms. Eugene emerged with a wide smile. She immediately greeted Glenn, Sean, and Grandma Mari.“This must be Sean and Grandma Mari,” nodded Ms. Eugene. “Mr. Glenn has called me, and I am really delighted if you want to stay here.”Grandma Mari agreed. “Of course. I feel at home already.”“You can look around if you like,” offered Ms. Eugene.Sean and the grandmother held hands, and they soon mingled with the people busy at work. Meanwhile, Glenn and Ms. Eugene watched over the bustling activity.“You’re very busy here?” asked Glenn.Ms. Eugene chuckled. “We got a lot of help from Mrs. Zimmerman’s charity and Miss Yvonne.”“Oh, really?”It turned out that the charity ment
A week after Mason's funeral, Beatrice visited Glenn's office. According to Mason's mandate, the company acquired by Glenn would still provide Beatrice with the remaining funds. It was no small amount since Glenn had bought Mason’s company at a fair price.Beatrice had signed the documents and handed them to Glenn. She looked very composed, though her heart had been broken twice after losing Mason forever.“It’s all done, Glenn. Thank you for your cooperation,” Beatrice said.“Once again, my deepest condolences, Mrs. Zimmerman.”A faint smile appeared on Beatrice’s lips. “What happened to Mason did break my heart. But in the end, he tried to be a good person, and I am still proud of him.”There was a light in Beatrice’s eyes, indicating she had come to terms with everything. Even when Mason returned, he was the Mason she had once known.“He will be remembered as a good man. I will make sure of that,” Glenn nodded.“Thank you, you are very kind.”“So, what are your plans moving forwa
Eleanor brought a cup of hot coffee, and though she had changed her clothes, her face still looked disheveled. She smiled sweetly as she placed the coffee on the table, then sat next to Mason. She tried to touch him, but Mason gently moved her hand to the sofa.“Once again, I’m sorry, Eleanor. But I can’t continue our relationship,” Mason said.“You’re going back to Beatrice, aren’t you?”“No. But we’ve made peace, and I know she doesn’t want me anymore.”“Then why? Why are you going back to her?” Eleanor asked, her eyes sad. “Stay here with me.”Mason gave a faint smile, his face looking sorrowful. He felt like the most despicable person in the world, having hurt both Beatrice and now Eleanor. They both deserved happiness, something Mason couldn’t offer.When Beatrice decided to keep their relationship as friends for now, Mason accepted it. He felt he had to be fair, which meant Eleanor also needed to find her own happiness.“You need to find your own happiness, Eleanor.” Mason kisse
Mason and Beatrice's arrival at Glenn's office caused quite a stir, as no one expected the former rival to show up there. Beatrice, looking calm, went to see Irina and Hazel, who happened to be in Glenn's office. Meanwhile, Mason headed straight for the elevator.Hazel, Irina, and Beatrice gathered in the meeting room. Irina and Hazel seemed eager to hear what had brought Beatrice and Mason together to Glenn’s office.“Did you make up?” Irina asked.Beatrice nodded. “As friends, I think. I can’t just accept Mason’s feelings, I don’t know… I don’t want to force myself.”“Yes, of course, Mrs. Zimmerman. Even though you're his wife, you have the right to find your own happiness. If it’s better to be friends, then that’s what you should do. But if your feelings say otherwise...” Hazel began, but Irina interrupted her.“No! Don’t go back to him. I can’t imagine it. Just stay friends, Beatrice,” Irina said firmly.Beatrice chuckled. “Yes, I’ll just follow wherever our story leads.”“He cam
The foggy memories slowly became clearer as Mason stepped onto the porch of the house he had long abandoned. Dark thoughts crept into his mind—if he knocked on the door, would he be welcomed? Or would everything be different?Mason took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell of the seemingly deserted house.Several minutes passed, and Mason continued to stand there, waiting. Finally, the front door opened, and Beatrice appeared. Despite looking older, her face was bright. She had found her own peace.However, the arrival of Mason seemed to shatter that peace instantly.“Mason?” Beatrice looked at him in disbelief.“I’d like to talk to you, Bea. May I? That is, if you’re willing.”Beatrice’s eyes remained fixed on Mason’s pitiful figure. Whatever had happened, something terrible must have hit Mason hard. Was this something Beatrice should celebrate?Regardless of Mason’s current troubles, maybe he had fought with Eleanor and decided to come back home.Beatrice’s ego raged inside her. A