"Are you planning to sell me to human traffickers and run away by yourself?" Yanne still had lingering resentment in her eyes.Ashton hurriedly said, "I promise never to leave. I will be wherever you are.""I don't believe you, but the hospital is so stuffy that I don't want to be here anymore. I want to go out and take a look around. I have never left Edren County." Yanne lifted the quilt and got out of bed.After two days of slowly adapting, her legs had recovered."What kind of medicine did you give me? All my teeth have grown out, and the scars on my face have also faded. Even my legs don't hurt anymore," Yanne said with a curious expression."It's a secret." Ashton winked. "If you want to know, I can explain everything to you patiently.""Forget it. I don't understand these things even after you explain them." Yanne glanced at him and then quickly looked away.She felt that Ashton carried too many secrets. The more they were together and she learned about him, the more she
Ashton glanced at the two and shook his head. "Break their limbs, pull out all their teeth, and throw them into the ocean. It's up to fate whether they live or die."It was the most benevolent decision he had ever made—letting someone have a taste of their own medicine.When he exited the secret room, he saw Yanne squatting at the door, crying."Since my dad came back, everything has changed. My life and the people around me have changed, and you have also changed. Before this, we had no money, but everyone was nice and simple. And now I feel that everyone is never sincere. I like you better when you are ordinary. The new you feel so unattainable.""How can that be? No matter who I am, I am still Ashton. The same man you and Aunt Theresa picked up from Swan Lake, the same man with no relatives or family, and the same man who is now in love with you and swears to protect you forever.""Really?" Yanne looked at Ashton."Pinky promise." Ashton stretched out his pinky."Men like to
Since negotiating with Mister Greene, Ashton had avoided Divine Dining. However, the profits from that upscale restaurant would arrive in his bank account daily."Ash, you look a bit strange. Is everything alright?" Yanne asked, concerned.Ashton shook his head and said, "Everything's fine. This restaurant has good food. Let's go in.""Oh? You're familiar with this restaurant? Have you dined here before?" William turned to look at Ashton, a smirk on his face."Ashton, I don't mean to criticize you, but your car doesn't exactly scream affluence. Men should be practical. Trying to act wealthy is a game you can't win," William said.Ashton simply smiled and remained silent.Cecelia and Jenna had already eagerly entered Divine Dining's grand foyer. Their eyes sparkled with excitement and immense curiosity for the opulent surroundings."Is this real?" Jenna gushed, having ventured out of her small town for perhaps the first time."Do you see the luxury cars parked out front? Trust m
Those two bottles of red wine were valued at nearly 14,000 dollars and available in limited supply. Not any wealthy person could enjoy those bottles of red wine there.Ashton's brow furrowed at the sight of the restaurant's general manager delivering the wine.He was already irritated by the ostentatious behavior of the two women since they were seated in such an upscale private room. Then, the restaurant even sent those luxurious bottles of wine.Neither he, Yanne, nor Aunt Theresa drank. Ultimately, the wine would only be consumed by those two chatty women.When Ashton saw the general manager respectfully nodding and bowing as he walked toward him, holding the red wine, he discreetly waved his hand under the table, signaling the manager to take the wine away."Well, I'll leave these bottles here for you all to enjoy," the general manager said, smiling warmly before making a hasty exit.The general manager had misinterpreted Ashton's gesture. He thought Ashton did not want to dr
"Ashton, Dentyoung Town is the underground entertainment hub in South Edren. It's complicated, full of everything. Make sure you don't book the wrong room. Otherwise, I might just have to cover the cost," William said, sneaking in a snide comment."That won't be necessary," Ashton said with a faint smile.As the group left the private room, Cecelia and Jenna took a few last-minute photos before departing.Outside, several trucks were parked, and workers were unloading all sorts of exotic animals, nearly every edible species from across the continent. No wonder that place was expensive."So, what's the story with Divine Dining? William, you must know the owner, right? Otherwise, why would they waive your bill and send complimentary drinks?""Come on, share with us. After all, we're going to be family soon," Cecelia said, warmly latching onto William's arm.In reality, she was not curious. She wanted her son-in-law to flaunt his connections. The better connected William was, the be
"Wow!" Yanne was instantly mesmerized. "It's so beautiful! I can't believe a place like this exists!"The sky looked like a painting framed by mountains and rivers. Willow trees hung over the banks, and the road was lined with holly, poplar, needle leaf, and sycamore trees. The entire estate was adorned with breathtaking flowers—lilies, busy lizzies, roses, treasure flowers, and gerbera daisies. It felt like a world out of a painting.The name of the estate was equally fitting—Wintersmith Residence. In a large city, such a place would only exist in dreams."It's nice to look at, sure, but how is this any different from the farmyard I grew up in?" Cecelia said sarcastically."Ugh, there goes my good mood," Cecelia said sarcastically."Seriously, I was set to take pictures for my social media. We should have let William book us into the Jamesville Hotel. It's more impressive, and we could've enjoyed the view from the top," Jenna said."Let's stay here for two nights since we're alr
"That young man is my future son-in-law, William," Cecelia said."Director Larson, William comes from a very influential family in Edren Country. They own a major company. They're particularly close to the owner of Divine Dining."Director Larson was taken aback. "Cecelia, you're joking, right? The owner of Divine Dining is the renowned Seamus—a true tycoon. Even the mayor has to give him his due respect. Are you sure William's family knows him?"Cecelia said, "Of course! Not only do they know him, but they are also quite close. You'll see—the manager treats William with great courtesy and respect."Thoughts ran in Director Larson's mind. Any price would be worth paying if he could forge a relationship with someone of Seamus's caliber.Director Larson smiled warmly. "Cecelia, if what you're saying is true, then assigning Mister Bailey to the Publicity Department would be a waste. The position of my deputy is also vacant. Why not have him serve as my assistant? It will make communi
The six of them squeezed into the corner table. William and Lucy grabbed a stool and sat near the aisle.Cecelia picked up the menu and placed it in front of Director Larson. "Director Larson, I apologize for this inconvenience. I should have arranged things better. However, even if we don't have the best seats, we can still select the best dishes and drink the most expensive wine. Only then can I properly express my apologies."Cecelia gestured to the menu. "Order whatever you like. My son-in-law is footing the bill."Haisley glanced through the menu and could not help but be struck by how expensive Divine Dining was. As Director Larson's wife, she had been to many top-tier restaurants for both formal and informal gatherings. Yet she had never seen prices that high."In that case, we won't hold back," Haisley said with a smile. She summoned the waiter and ordered a few dishes that piqued her interest. Director Larson, following suit, also selected several rather costly items.Sin