Ch. 281..290

Chapter 281

Chapter 281 Helping A Friend Out

“Forget it. Let’s just let him tag along.” Jasmine smiled. “We’ll just let him keep a distance from us. He shall be our butler when we shop.”

“What? I’m too handsome to be just a butler,” Wyatt said.

“Oh, please!” Jessica shot him a look. “Do you think you’re a movie star or something?”

“Babe…” Wyatt clutched his hand on his chest. “I bet you don’t love me anymore.”

Rayna’s lips twitched. Since Jasmine has already agreed to it, what more can I say? I’ll just dump all my luggage and bags on Wyatt.

When they were boarding the ship, she couldn’t help but ask, “Are you sure it’s only you?”

“Of course! I just came because I’m worried about Jessie,” Wyatt answered lazily. He was telling the truth that he had gone there alone. Little did she know that Curtis and Theodore had long since boarded the ship.

“He’s not here?”

“Oh… Are you talking about Curtis?” Wyatt cocked an eyebrow and smiled ambiguously. “I didn’t know you were longing for him. Perhaps I should give him a call.”

With that, he whipped out his phone.

Rayna immediately stopped him and glared at him. “That’s not what I meant! I’m just saying it’s better if he’s not here. Otherwise, I can’t even enjoy my trip.”

Wyatt teased, “What’s the matter? Are you going to Jetroina to look for younger men?”

“Shut up.”

Although Wyatt had already told her Curtis wasn’t there, Rayna had a weird feeling in her heart. Upon boarding the ship, she kept feeling as though someone was watching her from behind. However, every time she turned around, there was no one there.

Those three tickets Jessica had won from the lucky draw were for regular rooms on the bottom-most floor of the ship. When they were checking in at the reception counter, the receptionist told them those three tickets were special tickets, so they were given a free upgrade to the premium suites on the uppermost floor.

I can understand if we were given one premium suite. But three? Rayna couldn’t help but think that someone had discreetly pulled some strings. However, the receptionist’s acting was flawless, so Rayna didn’t grow suspicious.

Just like that, Wyatt ended up staying in the same room as Jessica.

The moment Rayna was done putting her luggage aside, Jasmine came looking for her from the next door. The two of them then went to a restaurant on the second floor.

The entire second floor was filled with entertainment. There were movie theaters, billiard rooms, indoor swimming pools, and so on. There was even a grand ballroom on the ship. Guests could start dancing in the ballroom at eight in the evening.

Once they arrived at the restaurant, Jasmine found a table for six next to the window.

Baffled, Rayna asked, “Even if those two join us, we still only need a table for four, no? Why did you pick a big table?”

Jasmine gave a mysterious smile. “The view here is nice.”

Rayna took a glance at the view. I don’t think so. I think the table for four has a better view.

Rayna and Jasmine ordered their food and sipped on the coffee served by the server. Right then, Jessica and Wyatt arrived.

The couple was wearing a set of matching beige sweaters, and they were fooling around with each other.

When Jessica walked over, Rayna uttered coldly, “Don’t you know it’s bad to display your affection publicly? Why don’t you guys just have fun on your own? I’m so annoyed by the sight of the both of you!”

Jasmine nodded and chimed in, “I think so too.”

“Hey… Why are you guys dumping me?” Jessica took a seat. “Once we arrive in Jetroina, I’ll break up with him and look for handsome young men together with you guys!”

Hearing that, Wyatt scoffed, “Jessie, the men there are short and ugly. You won’t be able to find a man as tall and muscular as me.”

“We’ll go to the nightclubs in Gerton. Those places are filled with handsome and muscular men!”

“Apart from their looks, they’re worthless.”

Jessica and Wyatt kept bickering.

Rayna facepalmed. I want nothing more than to switch to a different table. I need to get away from this shameless couple!

As Wyatt was bickering with Jessica, he suddenly called out, “Theodore? Curtis?” He smiled gleefully and waved in the direction behind Rayna.

Rayna’s heart skipped a beat. No way…

As the sounds of footsteps grew louder, two figures appeared at their table.

Rayna turned to find Curtis dressed in casual clothing. With a hand lazily tucked in his pocket, he looked less aloof and a lot friendlier compared to his usual self.

Next to him, Theodore’s gaze and expression were as chilly as ever. In fact, he always looked as though the world was against him, and a glance at him could make one tremble in fear.

Curtis swept a glance at Rayna before asking, “Wyatt, didn’t you say you were busy working? Why are you here on a cruise to Jetroina with your girlfriend?”

Wyatt smiled playfully. “Don’t you know how efficient I am? I got my work done and came to accompany my woman. How about you, Curtis? Are you going to Jetroina for a vacation?”

“For work.”

“Oh… Since everyone knows each other here, have a seat, and let’s eat together!”

“All right, then. Don’t mind if we do.”

Rayna watched Curtis and Theodore sit down and ordered their meals. Recalling the conversation Wyatt had had with them, she couldn’t help but think they were in it together. They planned this all along, didn’t they? Could there be such a coincidence?

“Jessie…” Rayna leaned toward Jessica and pinched her waist. “Jasmine paid you two million for something else other than the tickets, didn’t she?”

“Ouch!” Jessica forced herself to tear up before flashing a sheepish smile. “Can’t you see how bad her relationship with Mr. Xavier is? We should help her out, no? I don’t really care about the two million. I’m

just a kindhearted person.”

“You’re a traitor!” Rayna scolded. There I was thinking why Curtis wasn’t even worried about me taking a vacation abroad. It’s because someone has already tipped him off! He wasn’t worried because he knew he would be tagging along! Also, Jasmine picked a table for six because she also knew Curtis and Theodore would show up! They’re traitors!

With a smile on her face, Jasmine leaned toward Rayna and whispered, “I asked Jessica for help, but I didn’t know Mr. Faymon would show up. However, doesn’t that mean he cares about you?”

Blushing, Rayna let out an awkward cough and answered, “Do you guys think I’m so forgiving? You guys kept it from me!”

“Do you want a food processing factory in the eastern district?” Jasmine asked. “It was recently acquired by Sanders Group. You can tidy up the food factory and ask your mom to hand over the work to the workers. Her life would be so much easier. Once we’re back, I’ll transfer it to you and charge you a hundred thousand for formality’s sake.”

“I want it! I want it!” Jessica chimed in excitedly. “I know Nana wouldn’t want it. Give it to me. I want to know what it’s like to be a boss!”

Rayna smacked Jessica’s head and answered Jasmine in a serious tone, “Since we’re friends, I don’t mind helping you out. A food processing factory is nothing. I’m only doing it because I want to help out a friend.”

“You’re so shameless, Nana!” Jessica grumbled.

“Am I? At least I’m not as shameless as you,” Rayna replied.

The women were whispering among each other, so none of the men could hear a single thing.

Wyatt poured coffee for Curtis and Theodore before saying, “Indeed, it’s so much more fun to hang out with people you like. Theodore, didn’t you say you were going to Norham? What happened?”

Theodore rubbed his fingers on the cup and replied coldly, “Don’t you think you’re talking too much?”

 

Chapter 282 Double Act

“Tsk, tsk. You’re the perfect example of hiding your true feelings,” Wyatt sneered. “Didn’t you say you were going to Norham? Eventually, you came here with Curtis instead to visit a certain someone.”

Curtis replied nonchalantly, “Wyatt, both of your listed companies have Theodore as your largest supplier. If he decides to stop supplying you someday, I’m sure it won’t take long for you to declare bankruptcy.”

Wyatt retracted his smile and poured a cup of coffee for Theodore quickly as he said in a flattering tone, “Have some coffee, Theodore! Hehe! Please excuse me for being ignorant and immature.”

However, Theodore didn’t even bother to respond to Wyatt.

Soon, their meal arrived and the whole table was laden with dishes, most of which were ordered by Wyatt as he was afraid Jessica would be hungry. After that, he diligently took some roast meat for her.

“Here, Babe. Try this roast meat.”

“Babe, try this delicious meatball spaghetti! I’ll feed you.”

“Babe, have a sip of this pear juice, and don’t choke on your food.”

“Babe…”

When the six of them were having dinner, they could only hear Wyatt addressing Jessica affectionately. Occasionally, he would also lean over to kiss her as well, completely ignoring the rest of them.

“Wyatt,” Curtis said indifferently. “If you don’t shut your mouth, I’ll make you shut up instead.”

Wyatt retorted, “You can do the same too. I wouldn’t mind…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Theodore’s hand went past Curtis’ back and grabbed Wyatt’s hair before slamming his face into the meatball spaghetti.

“Are you done talking?” asked Theodore.

The three women sitting across the table were laughing their heads off.

After she was done laughing, Jessica took out a tissue and gave it to Wyatt. “Use this to clean yourself up… Pfft! Haha! I’m sorry, Wyatt, but you look hilarious!”

Feeling aggrieved, Wyatt replied, “I’m doing this for the sake of you, Babe! How could you still laugh at me?”

As soon as he raised his head, Wyatt’s face was smothered in sticky gravy, making him look hilarious and foolish, which had Jessica laugh until tears streamed down her cheeks. Upon seeing her reaction, Wyatt felt as if he had been smacked a thousand times.

“Please excuse me, I have to take a phone call.” Suddenly, Jessica’s phone rang. She quickly glanced at the phone screen before grabbing it and hurrying away.

Rayna felt curious as she noticed Jessica’s nervous expression before the latter left.

Did something happen in the company?

At the same time, Curtis’ dark gaze lingered briefly on Jessica as well.

“Don’t you feel bored eating just like that, Mr. Xavier?” Seeing that Theodore hadn’t touched much of the food on his plate, Jasmine asked as she handed him a bottle of black pepper.

Theodore didn’t bother to look at her.

Jasmine then rested her chin on her hands as she looked at him and smiled. “Mr. Xavier, since we’ve dated before, we should at least be acquainted with each other. Can’t we at least be friends if we can’t be lovers?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary.” Theodore’s expression was grim as if it was pointless for him to say anything further.

Jasmine merely murmured in acknowledgment without getting mad at his response. She then continued to make small talk with Theodore. “You’re thirty-three years old, aren’t you, Mr. Xavier? I’m curious whether you’re married yet.”

“No comment.”

“That means you’re not.” Jasmine speculated before she continued to probe, “Not even an illegitimate child?”

Theodore was rendered speechless.

Jasmine shook her head as she glanced at him with a pitiful expression. “Mr. Xavier, it’s unusual for someone your age to not have a girlfriend or a child. Don’t you consider yourself a failure?”

“Theodore hasn’t mentioned anything, and you already know he doesn’t have a girlfriend or children?” Curtis looked at Jasmine amusingly. “I’m curious whether you were privy to his life in Norham over the last three years.”

Jasmine chuckled gently. “From the looks of it, it seems that he wasn’t doing that well. “

“I doubt so.” Curtis raised his brows and added, “I heard there were quite a number of female executives at Norham who admired Theodore and frequently asked him out to dinner.”

Stroking his chin, Curtis recalled, “I remember there was a 23-year-old female executive from Polayork asking Theodore out during Christmas two years ago, and he stayed out all night.”

He then kicked Wyatt’s leg underneath the table.

“Yes, that’s right! I remember that too!” Since Wyatt was particularly experienced in matters of the heart, as soon as he heard Curtis’ remarks along with a kick from that latter, he knew exactly what to say next.

Wyatt added cheerfully, “That female executive was really gorgeous! She had a tall nose, big eyes, and a perfect hourglass figure. After she spent Christmas together with Theodore, the female executive resigned a month later. Tsk, tsk! I wonder if it’s because she found out that she was pregnant and ran away with Theodore’s child?”

“I suppose so.” Curtis nodded in agreement. “That child should be around two years old, right?”

“Exactly!”

Both men put on a double act as they conversed between themselves.

Furrowing his eyebrows deeply, Theodore was about to say something when Jasmine stood up abruptly and snatched the glass of warm water in front of her, furiously splashing it on Theodore’s face.

“Fine, go look for your Polayork female executive, then!” she hissed bitterly.

With that, Jasmine grabbed her coat and left.

“Wow, Ms. Sanders has quite a fiery temper.” Wyatt tutted as he took some tissues and handed them to Theodore. It was the first time he had seen Theodore getting splashed in the face by someone else, and yet Theodore remained unfazed.

“Were you guys just putting up an act, or were all your claims true?” After snapping back to her senses, a wide-eyed Rayna asked, “You don’t have an illegitimate child, do you, Mr. Xavier?”

“No, I don’t!” Theodore replied in a grim voice as he wiped the water off his face. “Unlike Curtis and Wyatt, who have the time to go out and have dinner with women, I’m too busy to do anything like that.”

Rayna’s expression changed. “What do you mean by that?”

Theodore glanced briefly at Curtis and sneered, “Do you know Leticia Ramsey? She was initially an executive in Faymon Group’s international business department but was transferred to the Norham branch’s finance department in January, as arranged by Mr. Faymon. On Valentine’s Day, he paid a hundred million to reserve the entire Silvernova Club and spent the entire night with her there.”

“Wow!” Wyatt exclaimed, adding fuel to the fire. “No wonder I tried calling Curtis so many times that day but couldn’t get through to him. Turns out that he was out on a date!”

Curtis had a displeased expression on his face. “Hey…”

“Curtis Faymon, you’re a big fat liar!” Rayna stood up in a rage and yelled angrily at him, “You said you aren’t close with any women, yet it turns out that your private life is a rather colorful one!”

Before she left, Rayna spotted the glass of lemonade on the table and grabbed it, splashing its contents on Curtis’ face.

Wyatt ducked to the side, afraid of becoming collateral damage.

Drenched in water, both men drew the attention of diners.

As he wiped the water off his face, Curtis turned to look at Theodore helplessly. “I’m helping you here, Theodore, and yet you’re repaying my kindness with misdeeds? It’s not like you don’t know the story behind the hundred-million Silvernova Club reservation.”

“When did I ever spend Christmas with that female executive?” Theodore retorted. “It just so happens that her boyfriend who had come to pick her up wore the exact same scarf as mine, so you assumed it was me!”

“Hey, we’re best friends, aren’t we? Quit fighting, okay?” Wyatt took a tissue and gave it to Curtis. However, the smug look on his face was too obvious.

That made Curtis and Theodore very displeased and annoyed.

Coincidentally, Jessica returned to the table after ending her phone conversation. When she came back and saw the table was quite empty, Jessica asked in bewilderment, “Why are you guys the only ones here? Where’s Nana and Ms. Sanders? Did they go to the bathroom together?”

Noticing both Curtis and Theodore’s wet collars, she was even more baffled. “What’s up with you two?”

“T-They…”

Just when Wyatt was about to say something, Curtis had already seized Wyatt’s hair and shoved his face into the plate of spaghetti once again, while Theodore snatched Wyatt’s phone and unlocked it using the latter’s thumbprint before passing the phone to Jessica.

 

Chapter 283 He Seduces My Girlfriend

“Have a look at this,” Theodore urged.

Bewildered by his action, Jessica nonchalantly tapped open the photo album on the phone. When her eyes alighted on some particular photos, they abruptly went wide. She proceeded to scroll through Wyatt’s WhatsApp chat history.

After looking at it all, she had steam coming out of her ears.

“Wyatt Lopez!”

Dropping his hold on Wyatt, Curtis shifted to the side. No sooner had Wyatt raised his head with sauce smeared all over his face than he took a cup of coffee to the face—courtesy of Jessica.

In a flash, his face turned even more hilarious.

Finding a single cup insufficient, Jessica snagged another cup of coffee and threw it into his face, so infuriated that her chest heaved violently. “How shameless and despicable of you to snap such photos! I’m breaking up with you!”

At the sight of his phone in her hands, Wyatt cursed Curtis out inwardly. “It’s nothing. They’re just pictures of some thighs and bosoms. I merely enjoy admiring beauty—”

Jessica hurled his phone at him straight away. “You’re downright depraved! We’re breaking up, and you’re to move out of my room!”

Then, she stormed off in a fit of pique.

Wyatt snapped his head to the side and glared at Curtis. Upon seeing him and Theodore all calm and unruffled, he gritted his teeth. “Theodore, Curtis, this is too much! You were the ones who asked me to help put on a show, yet you both teamed up to sabotage me! D*mn it! Aren’t you afraid of being struck by lightning when you’ve got no morals at all?”

The corner of Curtis’ mouth lifted, and he chuckled. “You have indeed snapped pictures of other women’s thighs and bosoms, so we weren’t framing you, were we?”

“Even so, you shouldn’t have unlocked my phone!”

“If you hadn’t done anything wrong, you wouldn’t have anything to fear. Daily new chapters upload Only On Alaniniz(dot)com You even promised to go on the straight and narrow now that you’re dating, but once you bump into beautiful ladies, your eyes start to stray,” Theodore scoffed with a snort.

Getting to his feet, Curtis picked up his jacket from the back of the chair before drawling, “Let’s go, Theodore.”

And so, the two of them left.

Behind them, Wyatt wore an expression as dark as thunder. A long while later, a single word escaped his mouth.

“F*ck!”

Jessica went in search of Rayna, only to find Jasmine in the latter’s room as well. She promptly poured her heart out to them, telling them about the photos she saw on Wyatt’s phone. Her face was a mask of rage, and she wanted nothing more than to chop the man into a thousand pieces.

“He’s simply reprehensible and shameless! There was no reason for him to snap photos of that supermodel, much less take a d*mn video of her bosom! Is he going to ask for her contact directly next

time?” Jessica lambasted.

“That’s possible, considering his character. A leopard never changes its spots, so he might still salivate over other women out there even after getting married,” Rayna interjected mercilessly.

Jessica’s cheeks puffed up, rendering her like a pufferfish.

Cutting her a slice of apple, Jasmine coaxed smilingly, “It’s okay. I’m acquainted with a lot of wealthy heirs. I’ll send their contacts to you, and you can date one a day.”

Immediately, Jessica’s irritation disappeared into thin air, and she gushed excitedly, “Really? In that case, are you acquainted with Zephyr Haynes, who has just entered the entertainment industry?”

“Yeah. His father runs a pig farm and has a collaboration with Sanders Group.”

Cradling her face with both hands, Jessica exclaimed, “Wow! I love his singing, for his voice is really seductive! Quick, send me his WhatsApp! I want to go and flirt with him!”

“Aren’t you afraid that Wyatt would be jealous when you’re being so blatant?” Rayna queried, tickled pink.

“I’ve broken up with him twenty minutes ago!”

That reply rendered Rayna speechless.

As the three of them had nothing much to do, they started growing bored after staying in the room for some time. Jasmine suggested going to the indoor swimming pool since there would be few people at that hour.

The instant they stepped out of the room, they unexpectedly bumped into Wyatt, who was right outside the door.

Rayna’s expression darkened, and she snapped in exasperation, “Are you voyeur to keep watch outside my room all this while?”

“Jessie wasn’t in the room, so I reckoned that she must have come here.” Wyatt flashed her a sheepish smile. The instant he saw Jessica coming out of the room, he threw herself at her. “I was wrong, Jessie! I’m sorry!”

Shoving him away, Jessica huffed, “Buzz off! We’ve already broken up!”

“I didn’t agree to it. It doesn’t count since you decided it unilaterally. I swear I’ll never again look at other women. Don’t be mad, okay?” Wyatt implored shamelessly.

“Whatever. Who cares whether you agree to it? Anyway, we’ve broken up! In fact, I’ve already found my next boyfriend, and he’s a thousand times more handsome than you!” Jessica snarled.

“It’s only been four hours since we boarded the cruise ship! Which worthless guy did you hook up with?” Wyatt demanded at once.

In response, Jessica rolled her eyes at him. “You’re the worthless one! His name is Zephyr Haynes, and not only is he handsome, but his singing is also incredible! Well, get out of our way. We’re going swimming.”

Having said that impatiently, she pushed him aside and went to the swimming pool with Rayna and Jasmine.

Distress inundated Wyatt.

D*mn it! In just four hours, I’d been dumped, and my girlfriend had gotten herself a new boyfriend. Is there anyone more pathetic than me?

Triggered after hearing that the other man was more handsome and could even sing, he went to the front desk and asked for a list of all the guests. He went through the name list three or four times, yet he didn’t find Zephyr.

“But Jessie’s eyes were shining at that time. It doesn’t seem as though she was lying.” Wondering whether she saw the man in a variety show, he took out his phone and googled the name.

Zephyr turned out to be a young man who had just entered the entertainment industry. He had good looks and sang well, with millions of fans and countless fan pages.

Wyatt gritted his teeth. “Jessie’s taste is terrible. One can tell at a single glance that he had undergone cosmetic surgery. That aside, he’s a conniving man feigning innocence to dupe naive girls!”

Noticing that the man’s company had something to do with Curtis, he instantly went in search of the latter.

Right then, Curtis and Theodore were in the room, chatting while playing chess, enjoying themselves to the core.

Curtis moved a chess piece. After tossing the white knight into the box, he questioned airily, “You’ve found out her motives long ago, haven’t you, Theodore? Are you not planning to do anything?”

“You’re closest with Wyatt, so even if someone were to do something, it’d be you,” Theodore countered coldly.

At that, Curtis chortled. “But you love him the most, Theodore. Despite saying such a thing, you’d likely snap Jessica’s neck if anything were to happen to him.”

Theodore said nothing, capturing the man’s black king calmly.

Consequently, the game ended.

“I made the wrong move earlier. I shouldn’t have moved that.” Curtis slapped himself on the thighs regretfully. Subsequently, he added, “Just let it be. She’s pretty pitiful as well. Everything’s fine as long as she doesn’t make a move against him.”

Theodore grunted in acquiescence.

Neither of them was a fool, so while they were aware of some things, they would only take action when necessary.

“Curtis! Quick, open the door! The sky is falling down, so save me!” Wyatt pounded on the door loudly.

Standing up, Curtis went over and opened the door.

Wyatt cut straight to the chase and ordered Curtis, “Curtis, have Bolide Entertainment blacklist a celebrity named Zephyr Haynes with your identity as a shareholder!”

Quirking a brow, Curtis inquired, “Has this got to do with your ex-girlfriend?”

“We’re still in a relationship!” Wyatt emphasized furiously before cursing, “D*mn it! That guy actually dared to steal my girlfriend just because he can sing well. Hah! He should look at himself in the mirror!”

“It’s true that I’m a shareholder of Bolide Entertainment, but I only have thirty percent of their shares. I heard that Zephyr is exceedingly popular among the new generation, and the company is giving him great resources. As such, they would never blacklist him.”

“Can’t you acquire Bolide Entertainment, then?”

Hearing that, Curtis snorted a bark of laughter. “Excellent Entertainment Company is sufficient for Faymon Group. Furthermore, Bolide Entertainment only has Zephyr as the representative celebrity.

When his popularity declines after two years, the company will be doomed. Only a moron would acquire Bolide Entertainment.”

“So, you’re just going to watch him seduce my girlfriend?” Wyatt whined pitifully.

 

Chapter 284 Pull A Prank

“Bolide Entertainment hiked its price because of Zephyr, demanding close to a hundred million. If you dare pay that much to acquire Bolide Entertainment, I’ll shut down all the companies under your name and have you beg on the streets for a year or two.” Theodore pinned his ebony eyes on Wyatt.

“Must you be so cruel, Theodore?”

“It’s because you sometimes have a screw loose in your head. We can’t acquire Bolide Entertainment, but I can lend you an actress from Excellent Entertainment Company.” Curtis patted Wyatt on the shoulder.

“What the h*ll? I’m not planning on entering the entertainment industry…” Wyatt was just about to grouse that lending him an actress wouldn’t do him any good, but on second thought, it didn’t feel right. When he glimpsed the man’s profound smile, understanding promptly dawned upon him.

He immediately broke into a grin. “You’re brilliant, Curtis! I’m impressed!”

Curtis and Theodore wanted to go to the billiard room to play, but Wyatt wanted to settle the problem as soon as possible, so he declined to join them.

Before leaving, he commented, “Jessie and the others have gone to the swimming pool. I’m not worried about Jessie, but Rayna and Jasmine are wearing sultry swimsuits. Although it’s an indoor swimming pool, it’s shared between men and women. You both know that, right?”

As Curtis recalled the swimsuit Rayna wore to swim at home previously that showcased her figure, his mood abruptly plummeted.

He turned to Theodore. “How about going swimming since the weather is excellent today, Theodore?”

“Nope! Also, don’t put on this worried expression of other men feasting their eyes on your woman. It’s revolting, and Rayna might even find you irritating!” Theodore declined icily, eyeing him in disdain.

Words eluded Curtis.

Five minutes later, Curtis and a disgruntled Theodore arrived at the indoor swimming pool.

Due to safety reasons, the swimming pool on the cruise ship wasn’t that big, and both sides were fitted with enormous panels of transparent bulletproof glass. The lighting was splendid, so if one were to gaze out from the side of the pool, one would be able to enjoy the view of an infinite expanse of sea.

A server went up to them. “Are you here to swim, sirs? Shall I get you swimsuits?”

In response, Curtis waved a dismissive hand. “We’ll manage by ourselves.”

“Sure.”

Curtis swept his eyes around before he spotted Rayna swimming leisurely in the pool. She was wearing a dark yellow one-piece swimsuit, her legs long and slender as they moved in the water, making for a stunning sight.

Without warning, she popped out of the water, giving Jessica a fright. The latter smacked her with a hand irately, upon which she tilted her head back and giggled. Water droplets adorned her face, and her laughter was very much contagious.

A sense of peace suffused Curtis.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her smiling so happily. It looks like it’s good to come out and have fun occasionally.

Theodore, who was coerced there, was chagrined in the first place, and the sight of Jasmine in the water made him increasingly upset. Ugh! I really don’t know whether she’s here to swim when her swimsuit is so thin! The mere sight of it is annoying!

Fury blazed within him. Just as he was looking for an outlet to vent, he caught sight of a man by the side of the swimming pool, who was pretending to fiddle with his phone but was actually filming those in the pool.

Worse still, his camera was focused on Jasmine.

Striding over, he grabbed the neck of the man with a height of over one point six meters and lifted him up from the chair. Hostility was written all over his face. “What were you filming just now?”

“N-Nothing.” Such terror struck the man that he dropped his phone to the ground.

Curtis picked it up and tapped open the recorded video. Not only was Jasmine in there, but Rayna and Jessica were also filmed with the focus on their chests.

“You were filming secretly, yet you managed to get such a high-resolution video. It seems that you’re a veteran! You had fun filming, huh?” he uttered darkly, lifting his eyes to stare at the man.

Forcing a smile, the man tried to deny it. “I was just trying to film the scenery—”

Theodore simply punched him in the face, and the man passed out.

Curtis summoned a management staff and detailed the man’s crimes. While doing so, he also gave his room number. Learning that he was a VIP guest, the management staff didn’t dare drag his feet and had someone take the man away without delay.

Rayna and the others noticed the commotion and went over.

Getting out of the water, Rayna cast a glance at the man being carried away before asking Curtis, “What’s with him?”

“He secretly filmed women,” Curtis answered succinctly, snapping the thin phone he held in half. Then, he growled, “Don’t dress so fancily when swimming outside, or you’ll easily get targeted.”

Snagging a towel, he wrapped it around her tightly.

“I’m wearing a swimsuit. How is it fancy? Besides, I’m still angry, so don’t talk to me.” Rayna found him ridiculous and put distance between them.

“You talk to me, then. I love hearing your voice,” Curtis cajoled.

His teasing had Rayna flushing bright red.

E-Even so, I’m not going to forgive him for the incident back during the meal!

“Go and change.” Curtis forcibly dragged her toward the changing room.

“I’m not leaving. I still want to swim for a bit more.”

“You can swim when we’re home. I don’t mind even if you want to swim the entire day then.” On the heels of that, Curtis started, “There are many people in the swimming pool. You’re a girl, so you’ve got to be careful about bacterial infection. If someone did something indecent while swimming—”

“Okay, I’ll go and change! You’re making my stomach turn,” Rayna interrupted, unable to take it anymore.

Curtis’ lips curved in triumph. “I’ll teach you how to play billiards, and there’ll be a reward if you defeat me.”

“Is the reward sizeable?”

“You can ask for anything if you win.”

Feeling motivated, Rayna started walking even faster than Curtis. Jessica, who witnessed everything from the swimming pool, heaved a sigh.

“Mr. Faymon is truly a great man, doting on Nana in a myriad of ways. He gifted her a castle, a diamond necklace, and even a luxurious cruise ship! Ah, I’m so jealous!” Verily, she was green with envy.

Thereafter, Jasmine added, “You might not know this, but the management rights of Obelisk Mall belong to her as well.”

Clapping both hands against her face, Jessica shrieked, “Oh my God! That’s a mall with an annual profit of hundreds of millions! She has become a millionaire! No, I’ve got to ingratiate myself with her!”

At that, Jasmine chuckled.

It was only when she rented out the few shops in Obelisk Mall that she discovered the person who signed the contract had changed from Curtis to Rayna, clueing her in on the change in the holder of the management rights.

Compared with Curtis’ generosity, the shop she gifted Rayna wasn’t even worth mentioning.

Jessica then stole a peek at Theodore, who stood at the side of the pool. Feeling all too much like the third wheel there, she tactfully left.

Sprawling at the side of the pool, Jasmine eyed Theodore smirkingly, her voice sweet and enticing. “How about changing into a swimsuit and coming in for a swim, Mr. Xavier?”

“No, thanks.” Theodore wore a dark expression on his face.

D*mn it! I’m too worried to leave, yet staying here irritates me!

“In that case, I’ll swim by myself.” Jasmine turned and dove into the water, kicking her lovely legs. Her swimming posture was beautiful, rendering her just like a mermaid. Theodore stared at her unblinkingly.

Slowly, her legs stopped moving, and her body sank into the water bit by bit.

Having no time to think, Theodore kicked off his shoes and jumped into the swimming pool in a split second. He swam toward her desperately and grabbed her sinking body.

All of a sudden, Jasmine opened her eyes that danced with a cunning smile.

Cradling the man’s cheeks, she captured his lips.

When they emerged from the water, Theodore reproached with a frosty look, “Are you still a kid to pull such a prank?”

“It isn’t my first time anyway. I just wanted to see whether you would come and save me. If you hadn’t done so, I would’ve resurfaced myself.” Jasmine wrapped her arms around his neck, a bright smile on her face.

However, Theodore pushed her hands away.

Thus, Jasmine dropped her hold on him. When there was a bit of distance between them, she shot a hand out and grabbed him, pinning him against the pool wall. While they floated in the pool, their heights were pretty much the same.

She had a hand propped against the pool wall and wore a faint smile, but her attitude was assertive. “Aren’t you going to explain about that female director?”

 

Chapter 285 Let Us Talk

The distance between them was negligible to the point that Theodore could smell the faint fragrance wafting off Jasmine. He frowned, not quite used to it.

He wanted to leave from the side, but she blocked him off with her other arm.

“There’s no need for you to do this.” His voice was as cold as ice.

“Are you unwilling to explain, or is there really something between the two of you?” Jasmine pressed, her eyes brimming with hurt.

She was livid back at the restaurant, but after calming down and mulling things over, she felt that it wasn’t like him to do such a thing. Furthermore, she didn’t discern any signs of him having another woman at the hotel that night.

“Think whatever you want,” Theodore murmured placidly without the slightest hint of emotion.

Whatever? Has he become so perfunctory with me now?

His cold and flat tone made Jasmine’s blood boil, and she jabbed a finger at his chest.

“Theodore Xavier, is it going to cost you your life to say a few words of explanation? What exactly do you want? Was it my fault that I broke up with you? It was your mother who intervened in our relationship! If you had sided with me, things wouldn’t have ended up like this!”

Seizing her arm, Theodore spun around and pinned her against the pool wall, his gaze dark and dangerous.

“Why did you take her money?”

“That was because—” Not only did Mrs. Xavier threaten me to such an extent, but I was also pregnant back then, and my status in the Sanders family was as lowly as ever. How could I have afforded to have the baby if I hadn’t taken the money?

“What’s there for you to be resentful about, Jasmine? Have you ever discussed with me or informed me before doing anything?” Theodore sneered, cutting off her hesitant reply.

Jasmine closed her eyes for a moment. “I was just afraid that you’d worry. Moreover, that letter—”

“If so, I should thank you for having gifted me a bright future, Ms. Sanders. There’s no need to speak of the letter anymore. It’s over between us anyway.” Theodore’s expression was icy.

Dropping his hold on her, he climbed up the stairs and left the swimming pool.

Four years ago, I’d rather accept my father’s terms than compromise and secretly had someone help her elevate her status in the Sanders family, yet she backed down. It’s as though all my hard work and struggles were nothing but a joke. D*mn it! If I’d known that we’d meet again, I’d definitely have Wyatt and Jeremy come back while never stepping foot into Norwal City!

In the pool, Jasmine inhaled deeply time and again.

Argh! I must have my wires crossed to fall in love with such an obstinate man and even give birth to his child! Fortunately, Carl took after me partly in terms of personality, and I taught him well. If he were to take after Theodore, he wouldn’t even be able to get himself a girlfriend in the future!

Meanwhile, Rayna and Curtis played in the billiard room for the entire afternoon.

Thanks to Curtis’ guidance, Rayna’s skills swiftly advanced to the elementary level from a mere rookie, and she ended up winning a lot of things from him.

When it was time for dinner, it was only them both and Jasmine.

Wyatt pestered Jessica shamelessly, and they had seemingly gone to the card room. As for Theodore, Curtis claimed that the man was handling some business in the room, so he would bring dinner back for the man later.

Noticing Jasmine’s disconsolate expression, Rayna couldn’t shake off the feeling that the woman must have had a row with Theodore. But then, it would be insensitive of her to ask about it.

After dinner had ended, Curtis went back to the room with the food he bought, only to see Theodore still busy handling business. “Did you fight with Ms. Sanders that you’re wearing such a grim expression, Theodore?”

“No!” Theodore fibbed coldly.

That promptly struck Curtis dumb.

Considering his expression and tone, they’ve certainly had a row. Anyway, it looks like the altercation this time is pretty bad.

When Theodore saw that Curtis was changing, he inquired with a frown, “Why, you’re still going out later?”

“There’ll be a ball and seemingly some other interesting activities at eight o’clock. Rayna wants to join, so I’ve got no choice but to accompany her.” Curtis took off his crystal cufflinks.

Theodore’s expression darkened, and he barked in dissatisfaction, “Is Faymon Group mine? I’m the one doing everything, whereas you guys either go off wooing women or dancing!”

“Well, I was worried you’d be bored, so I gave you some work to divert your attention. Why don’t you join me, then? There’ll undoubtedly be plenty of beautiful ladies at the ball,” Curtis drawled.

In response, Theodore snorted. “Only you guys like such a boring activity! I’m too lazy to go!”

Curtis merely shrugged.

I don’t really like it either, but Rayna is interested, so I can only go with her. I can’t sit back and watch as my wife dances with other men, no?

At that precise moment, someone knocked on the door outside.

Seeing that Theodore remained seated on the chair without budging an inch, Curtis walked out and opened the door.

It was Jasmine.

She looked him up and down before querying with a smile, “You changed to go to the ballroom to have fun?”

“Yeah. Rayna wants to go and join in the fun,” Curtis answered. He was all ready and didn’t have to retrieve anything, so he had Jasmine go in by herself while he left. While at that, he offered, “You guys can also come to the ballroom and enjoy yourselves after talking things out.”

Jasmine bobbed her head in acknowledgement.

When the man had left, she immediately locked the door and headed straight for the bedroom.

Hearing movement, Theodore lifted his head. The instant he saw that it was her, his expression turned stony. “Is something the matter, Ms. Sanders?”

“Yes!” Jasmine took off her windbreaker and tossed it onto the couch, revealing a thin fitted sweater beneath that exposed her slender figure under the lights.

“Come here, and let’s talk.”

Lowering his head, Theodore continued dealing with the documents and stated frostily, “Go ahead and say whatever it is you want to say.”

“You’ll definitely regret it if you don’t come over.” Jasmine didn’t back down but remained standing there ramrod straight.

Theodore stalked over with a dark look and sat down on the couch. “Satisfied now?”

Sitting down next to him, Jasmine crossed her legs, putting her long and slender legs on display.

She unlocked her phone and played an audio recording, upon which the voices of her and Emma drifted out.

As soon as she learned about the switched letter from Jeremy that day, she had long since turned on the voice recorder on her phone when she sought Emma out for no other reason than to have her admit to her duplicity.

After Theodore had listened to the audio recording that lasted a few minutes, his face had gone as black as thunder.

“I know you would be promoted soon, so I accepted your mother’s money and promised to break up with you to appease her and your father. After going back, I quickly wrote a letter and had someone deliver it to you, vowing to wait for you to return, no matter how long it took. Never had I expected her to have swapped the letter before it got to you.”

“So, the letter had been swapped…” Theodore balled his hands into fists, his brows knitting together deeply and eyes blazing with hostility.

Thinking about it now, there was something very wrong with it. The words in the letter were sharp and callous, making for a stark contrast with her style. But at the time, I was blinded by anger and didn’t

bother mulling things over.

The smile on Jasmine’s face was tinged with sorrow. “I didn’t expect a letter to cause us to misunderstand each other for so many years either. When we met again at the hospital that time, I thought you were mad because I didn’t discuss things with you. If Jeremy hadn’t told me about it, perhaps this misunderstanding would have remained unresolved for the rest of our lives.”

“Yeah. I thought you found a better man after reading that letter,” Theodore admitted.

Little did I know that it was my mother sabotaging things so that we’d misunderstand each other.

For the first time, he detested his family to the core.

“If I’d truly found a better man, I would’ve silently left long ago. Would I still tell you about it? With such pitiful EQ, you’re going end up duped by countless women in the business world!” Jasmine rolled her eyes at him.

Chapter 286 Misunderstanding Resolved

“I’ve never been duped by women in the business world,” Theodore riposted detachedly.

“Don’t tell me you want to have a taste of it?” Jasmine thumped him several times in a row before chiding, “Even if there was a problem with the letter, why did you give the promotion up? Couldn’t you just put up with it for three years?”

With the misunderstanding between them resolved, the atmosphere was no longer that tense. It was as though they had gone back in time to when they were dating.

Such a feeling had Theodore feeling inexplicably relaxed and at peace.

“A promotion was meaningless when I no longer had my girlfriend. In the first place, it was a bet between my father and me. If I stayed in the military for three years, he would overlook your family background,” Theodore divulged.

When Jasmine heard that, her nose stung, and a strange feeling surged within her.

She threw herself into his arms and hugged him around the waist tightly. “I don’t know whether you’re foolish or love me so much that you even gave up your future.”

“I’m not doing all that bad right now.” A smile appeared in Theodore’s eyes. No matter what, she’s back by my side!

“Yeah, your net worth is tens of billions!” Chortling, Jasmine looked up and asked, “Tell me the truth— have you been keeping tabs on me since returning to the country and even interfered in Sanders Group’s matters?”

“Yes, but it was just because I was too free then,” Theodore uttered stiffly.

At that, Jasmine rebuked, “You’re obviously concerned about me! What a dishonest liar! I was just wondering why those few old geezers suddenly became so amicable with me when they’d hated me for years. It turned out to be your doing.”

Climbing up, she sat on his lap before continuing, “If you weren’t so hot-tempered and listened to me, things wouldn’t have been so tense between us!”

Theodore had also realized that, so his expression was a touch awkward. “It was all my fault. I’ll try my best to change in the future.”

“There’s no trying. You must change!” Jasmine emphasized, hooking her arms around his neck. Subsequently, she threatened, “I’m now the director of Sanders Group, so plenty of wealthy heirs clamor to ask me out for meals. If you don’t work hard to pursue me, Theodore, your wife and child might end up belonging to someone else.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Theodore’s brows lifted, and his voice abruptly went up a few decibels.

Snorting, Jasmine retorted provocatively, “Why wouldn’t I dare? I want to find a man with deeper pockets and a milder temper, then have my son take his family name and call him Daddy!”

daily new chapters upload only on alaniniz(dot)com At the sight of the man’s grim face, she nestled against his shoulder and laughed so hard that her entire body shook.

It’s been four years, but he still loses his cool so easily!

Indeed, Theodore was enraged.

We’ve finally resolved the misunderstanding between us, yet she’s declaring that she wants to marry another man and even wishes to have his child, having no regard whatsoever for me!

“Repeat that again,” Theodore warned with a dark expression.

Jasmine had her arms wrapped around his neck and her eyes wide open, still giggling away.

Gah! How insolent!

Pinning her on the couch, Theodore narrowed his eyes a fraction even as he radiated a menacing aura.

“Is it that funny?”

“I’m just over the moon.” Jasmine chuckled softly, brushing her long and slender fingers across his handsome face.

Well, he still makes my heart skip a beat!

Her ruby lips parted, and she teased, “I’m very expensive, Mr. Xavier. Are you sure you can afford my price?”

“What do you want, then?”

Jasmine hooked a finger at him.

When he had leaned down, she placed her lips beside his ear and murmured, “You and the entirety of your wealth. How about that?”

Without the slightest hesitation, Theodore replied, “Sure.”

The one thing I can never forget and have always desired has always been her.

“It seems that you’re very sincere since you answered so quickly without dithering.” She gave him a kiss as if it was a reward before adding, “In this case, I’ll give you a surprise.”

With her hands around his neck, she purred, “I’ll give you—”

“Theodore! Are you in there, Theodore?”

A flurry of knocks cut Jasmine off, accompanied by Wyatt’s marmot-like screeching. “The ball is starting soon! Let’s go and have fun together!”

Theodore’s face was as dark as thunder.

“Never mind, let’s go to the ballroom to have some fun.” Jasmine no longer planned on resuming the conversation after having been interrupted.

We’ve made up, so there’s still time to talk about this matter at a later time.

Slipping out from under the man’s arm, she calmly put on her sweater and skirt. When she had covered her porcelain white skin up properly, she left the bedroom.

She opened the door to Wyatt’s shocked gaze, but she merely flashed him a faint smile. “Good evening, Wyatt.”

“Ah, good evening,” Wyatt instinctively greeted in return.

While doing so, he headed into the room.

By the time he reached the bedroom door, realization dawned upon him. It wasn’t until then did it occur to him that Jasmine addressed him as “Wyatt.”

Whoa!

“Theodore!” He rushed into the bedroom to the sight of Theodore having changed into a black suit. With an exaggerated expression on his face, he exclaimed, “Did you hear that? Ms. Sanders actually addressed me as Wyatt! Have you both—”

“How else would she address you if not Wyatt?” Theodore snorted.

Glimpsing the faint hickeys on the man’s neck, Wyatt snickered suggestively. “Oh… the two of you have made up? Finally, Theodore, you’re no longer looking surly as though the entire world owes you.”

Regretfully, Theodore wasn’t in the mood to entertain him. “Buzz off.”

“Okay!” Wyatt swiftly scrambled away but returned no sooner had he taken a few steps away. “Since you both have made up, is Jasmine also going to the ballroom? What about the money I spent?”

Rubbing his hands, he sniggered deviously before explaining, “Uh… I was worried you’d be lonely, so I forked out three hundred thousand to hire a socialite to dance with you and entertain you. Look, Theodore, you don’t need her to keep you company anymore, but I won’t be able to get my money back, will I? Why don’t you reimburse me?”

Theodore lifted a leg and kicked him, demanding coldly, “You forked out money to hire a socialite? Do I look like I lack women?”

“Well, the atmosphere between you and Ms… Ah, I mean, Jasmine… was tense beyond words. Theodore, if you’re chaste for too long, the quality of your sperm will decline,” Wyatt muttered, lecturing him earnestly.

That rendered Theodore speechless.

Wyatt continued, “Think about it, Theodore. You’re already in your thirties, but you don’t have a child yet. If your sperm is of low quality, and you get a dull kid, are you both going to support him forever?”

Veins popped up on Theodore’s forehead, and he ordered chillingly, “Turn around!”

“Huh? Why do I need to turn around?” Wyatt questioned curiously. But still, he gave his back to the man before querying, “Do you find me too handsome, so you feel inferior… Ahh!”

A hard kick landed on his butt.

In the next second, he fell onto the ground like a dog sprawling out at rest.

“You talk so much that it’s irritating! You can deal with the socialite you bought with three hundred thousand however you like! Scram!” Theodore gave him another swift kick.

“How cruel of you, Theodore!”

“Buzz off!”

No longer daring to complain, Wyatt scrambled up from the ground and limped away like lightning.

The man didn’t hold back much with the kicks, so by the time he had changed and gone to the ballroom, he was still walking strangely. In fact, he felt as though he had taken a paddle to the butt.

“Were you careless while walking and fell on your butt?” Curtis teased.

Wyatt rubbed his butt. It was still slightly painful, making him grit his teeth. “Theodore kicked me. Curtis, you knew that Jasmine was in the room, so you had me go and call Theodore, right?”

“I thought they just wanted to talk, and that would’ve only taken a few minutes.”

At once, Wyatt blew up. “Whoa! How insidious of you, Curtis! What an old geezer! I’m your buddy, the real deal! Doesn’t your conscience bug you?”

In response, Curtis merely shrugged. “Nope. We are not related by blood anyway.”

 

Chapter 287 An Icy Kiss

“What are you all busy talking about? The game is starting soon!” Jessica trotted over. “Wyatt, why do you keep rubbing your bum? Is there a hemorrhoid growth there?”

“Babe.” Wyatt pulled her into his arms and savored the feel of her soft curves. “Curtis instructed me to call for Theodore, but he ended up kicking me twice.”

Jessica caressed his head and asked concernedly, “Does it hurt? Can you still dance?”

“Of course it does. But I’ll still accompany you to the dance and game! After all, I can’t let you lose out to the other women!” Wyatt said brazenly.

Curtis was dumbfounded.

Is Wyatt a lunatic that escaped from an asylum?

The dance hall was Moroccan-themed with burgundy accents. Its ambiance was heightened by tasteful rock music playing in the background and flocks of young couples swaying to the beat in the center.

Rayna donned an emerald gown in the style of the middle ages. Her hair was pinned in place in an unswept fashion by a pearl bodkin, which gave her a regal air of insouciance.

Her pert face and flawlessly dainty features darted in and out of view with the flickering strobe lights in the club, and the fluttering hem of her dress was as enchanting as a flower in full bloom.

Curtis couldn’t keep his eyes off her as he praised, “You look stunning tonight.”

“Thank you. You look rather dashing yourself.” Rayna gave him a tight-lipped smile.

She was aware of his fondness for secretly gifting her presents, such as the dress she was wearing, and then pretending to be astounded by her beauty once she wore them.

Are you tired of such antics by now?

An emcee took over once the dance ended and explained that the game was next. Those who’d registered to participate would have a chance to win prizes, while non-participants were allowed to spectate from the sidelines.

It was called “Blind Seekers.”

The blindfolded woman would have to identify her partner by the sound of his coughs from a group of men. If she managed to identify him correctly, he would then be tasked with removing her blindfold.

The first couple to successfully have their blindfold removed would win a pair of true love diamond rings sponsored by YH brand.

The emcee had just finished explaining the rules when a feverish Wyatt raised his hand in the crowd and announced, “I swear that my girlfriend and I will be the fastest ones to finish the game!”

“Boo!”

Everyone rolled their eyes at him.

Many couples registered for the game. Including Jasmine and Rayna, it totaled up to more than ten groups.

The emcee requested the non-participants to vacate the area and directed the female participants to stand outside the white line to be blindfolded. The game would commence when the first man began coughing.

The men were prohibited from speaking and would be disqualified if they so much as uttered a word.

Rayna was internally cursing herself for her luck.

Now that it was thirteen groups instead of five, how could she filter out the sound of twelve other men coughing concurrently to pinpoint her boyfriend’s? That would be wishful thinking even if she possessed perfect hearing.

If she’d known of such a ridiculous arrangement beforehand, she wouldn’t have participated in the game in the first place.

Wyatt yelled to her while preparing for the game, “Babe, my voice is so distinct that it’ll be a piece of cake for you. But if you pick wrongly, don’t blame me for making you cry once we get home.”

Jessica flushed red as a tomato as she held back from clubbing him with her bottled water.

“Shut up!”

A waiter came forward and blindfolded Rayna.

The blindfold was tied securely so that she was immersed in complete darkness. Rayna couldn’t help feeling slightly nervous about losing her vision.

A man’s cough sounded twenty seconds later.

The emcee had stipulated that one’s cough shouldn’t be too loud, or else it’d be too easily identifiable.

She was confident that the first man was not Curtis as his cough was far too light. The next man’s cough several seconds later also did not sound right.

Rayna’s fists curled in frustration as the subsequent coughs yielded nothing, and she spent an increasing amount of time in darkness.

The seventh men coughed lowly.

That’s him!

It only took one second for Rayna to determine the sound of Curtis’ cough as she attempted to navigate her way in its general direction.

She had only taken a few steps when someone gasped beside her ear.

“What’s with the sudden blackout?”

Rayna had no choice but to stop fumbling about. Just then, she felt someone grip her hand.

A warm hand wrapped around hers as she heard someone’s breathing drawing near.

It did not belong to Curtis, yet it was familiar to her.

“J-Jefferson?”

She could feel his breath on her hair as he remained silent.

“I know it’s you.” Rayna tried to withdraw her hand as it was beginning to feel too warm, but he refused to loosen his grip. Instead, he gently lay open her palm and traced on it.

Rayna mentally pieced together the words written in her palm and formed a sentence.

The dress looks good on you.

She said stiffly, “The dress and the hairpin were from you?”

The man tapped his finger on her palm.

She’d assumed Curtis had given her the gifts while it’d been him all along.

“Have you been stalking me?” Rayna deduced that he’d been on the cruise from the start and had been secretly observing her from a distance. “What are you up to?”

The man continued writing on her palm.

I miss you.

“Jefferson, I’ve let bygones be bygones. Stop badgering me.” Rayna muttered calmly as she wrenched her hand out of his grip. “If this happens again, I’ll report you for harassment.”

She was about to feel her way in the opposite direction when a strong tugging force on her arm caused her to stumble into his arms.

“Jefferson!”

Rayna was livid as she pushed him away with all her might. His feverish palm traveled across her cheek, his fingers brushing her lips before his ice-cold lips took their place.

The sudden act of intimacy caused Rayna to freeze in shock. Before she knew it, the sound of receding footsteps was the only indicator that he’d been here at all.

“My apologies, ladies and gentlemen, for the sudden electrical short circuit. Those who used their phones as a torch will be disqualified while the rest may continue with the game.”

The game resumed, and the men opposite her took turns coughing.

Rayna regained her composure and strained her ears to listen for Curtis’ voice. She began feeling her way toward his voice once she’d determined its bearing.

It took approximately ten steps for her to reach Curtis, who took her hand and removed her blindfold.

She was greeted by the sight of him grinning. “Congratulations on winning third place. You were brilliant.”

“I thought I was the fastest one! Who were the ones who got first and second place?” Rayna couldn’t hide her disappointment.

Curtis gestured to where Theodore and Jasmine were engaged in conversation. They seemed to be in good spirits.

However, Jessica and Wyatt, who were beside them, were arguing non-stop.

“It’s all your fault!” Jessica jabbed her finger at Wyatt’s chest. “Why did you hold in your voice while coughing instead of following the rules? Were you trying to act cool?”

“Babe, please don’t be mad. I admit that I’m to blame. I was just trying to test your hearing.”

“Goodness gracious, do you think I’m a robot? Thanks to you, we lost our chance of getting first place!”

Wyatt coaxed, “It’s all right, Babe. Placing second is good enough. You were amazing! Besides, look at them. They barely secured their position as third place!”

“I heard you loud and clear, Wyatt.” Curtis stared daggers at him. “Are you reveling in our failure?”

 

Chapter 288 A Wish That Cannot Come True

Plastering a sheepish smile, Wyatt answered, “You must’ve misheard me, Curtis. I’ve never said that.”

The man’s reply rendered Curtis speechless.

The host then gave the pair of rings to the winners—Jasmine and Theodore. However, Jasmine clearly had no interest in the jewelry, so she handed it over to Rayna. “I already have one, so you can take mine.”

Waving her hands, Rayna replied, “No, no. I’m fine. You can give it to them instead.” She was already wearing a ring on her finger, anyway. Even though it was for self-defense, the ring was still from Curtis, which was enough for her.

While having Jessica in his arms, Wyatt smiled playfully. “No need. I’ve already customized a ring for Jessie. Besides, I don’t like this brand, so I think it’s best if you have it.”

“You’re truly unbelievable,” stated Rayna, amused.

Meanwhile, Curtis and Theodore exchanged looks. Both pairs of eyes were dimmed.

“You bought a ring?” Curtis questioned.

“Yeah, it’s custom-made at Van Cleef & Arpels!” responded Wyatt proudly. He even pulled Jessica’s hand, trying to show the ring to them. However, all he found was emptiness on the woman’s finger.

“Where’s the ring, Babe? Why aren’t you wearing it?”

Jessica’s eyes flickered before she pursed her lips and replied, “The diamond’s too big. What if someone set their sights on it if I brought it with me? Hence, I left it in my house, stored inside a bag.”

“You’re really considerate, Jessie.” Wyatt gave his woman a huge kiss. “Rings are supposed to be worn. I’ll buy a new one if you lose it. I, your fiancé, don’t lack money,” he added casually.

“Stop kissing me. There are many people here.” Jessica slapped the shameless Wyatt away.

After hearing what Wyatt said, Curtis cracked a smile, even though he maintained his stone-cold eyes. “You’re engaged, Wyatt? It’s rare to see you be this serious.”

“Of course!” Wyatt exclaimed, cocking his eyebrows at Curtis. “Maybe I’ll even register for marriage soon.”

Merely responding with a hum, Curtis turned to look at Theodore, who nodded. His expression became colder, yet he said nothing.

“Since Wyatt has already customized a ring at Van Cleef & Arpels, then forget it,” stated Jasmine with a smile, handing the ring box to Rayna. “Seems like you still have to take it.”

Before Rayna could even say anything, Curtis reached out and took the box, opening it.

Inside the box laid a pair of exquisite eighteen-karat gold rings.

“Not bad. They look kind of good,” praised Curtis sincerely. After all, to be able to gift such rings in this place was no easy feat.

Taking the women’s ring, Curtis directly put it on Rayna’s finger.

“Eh?” Seeing as he was too fast, the woman failed to stop him. The ring fit her finger perfectly.

Giving her the ring box, Curtis asked, “Aren’t you going to put it on me, Mrs. Faymon?”

“Quit messing around,” she uttered, embarrassed that he had just addressed her as “Mrs. Faymon” in front of their friends. Her face had even turned red.

Smiling mischievously, Wyatt teased, “Rayna, do you hate how simple the engagement ceremony is and that the rings are free? Do you think Curtis doesn’t value you enough?”

“No, that’s not what I meant,” replied Rayna helplessly.

“Then put the ring on him! Look at how eager he’s waiting for you!” Wyatt urged. He then called the violinist—who had yet to leave—over.

“Play ‘I Do’ for them. I’ll pay you a hundred thousand later.”

Without wasting even a second, the violinist picked up his violin and started playing the romantic melody that echoed across the ballroom.

“Put the ring on him! Put the ring on him!” chanted Wyatt and everyone else.

Rayna’s face reddened from embarrassment as she stared at Curtis for help, hoping that he would stop them.

daily new chapters upload only on alaniniz(dot)com However, all the man did was let out a low chuckle with his left hand stretched out.

The scene attracted other guests to join in the fun as they gathered around the couple while clapping their hands, making the atmosphere livelier.

Not being able to endure it any longer, Rayna, with her shaky hand, took the men’s ring out of the box.

“What’s wrong with your hand?” Curtis asked with a smile.

“Dunno. It’s trembling on its own.” Flustered, Rayna patted her right hand with her left hand before grabbing Curtis’ hand and slowly sliding the ring onto his ring finger.

Midway doing so, she paused out of the blue.

“What’s wrong? You wanna back out?” Curtis asked as he stared at her with a hint of menace.

“No, I just have something to ask you.” Clearing her throat, Rayna asked seriously, “Mr. Faymon, will you let me take care of you and give you this ring?”

“Wow, you’re really something, Rayna!” exclaimed Wyatt exaggeratedly. “You can’t even afford a mansion, yet you want to take care of Curtis?”

With a cold expression, Theodore gave Wyatt a kick. “Shut your mouth if you have nothing nice to say.”

“I was just curious—”

“Shut up.” Another kick was delivered.

As he had received two kicks, Wyatt aggrievedly sought comfort from Jessica, only to receive an eye roll from the latter.

“So, do you agree or not?” pressed Rayna when Curtis had yet to give her a reply.

“Seems like not only do you want me, but my wealth as well,” said Curtis as he let out a deep chuckle. “Since you’re this determined, how could I not grant you a chance?”

“Is that a yes?” questioned Rayna.

“Yes.”

With that, Rayna continued pushing the ring onto the man’s ring finger.

Right at that moment, Rayna felt as if a ray of sunshine finally burst through a part of her that was clouded with darkness, which caused her to feel a sense of warmth and solace.

From acquaintance to liking each other, the both of them had come a long way.

They had quarreled over certain matters and had their hearts aching for one another. After the misunderstanding was resolved and the storm was cleared, they professed their feelings to each other.

Rayna met the man’s deep gaze with a tight-lipped smile.

With the cheers of everyone surrounding them, she stood on her tiptoes and pulled Curtis down by the neck, connecting their lips in a deep kiss.

When we first met, I never thought I’d end up liking you this much.

In the dark corner of the lively ballroom, a thin and slender figure was hiding behind a pillar. He was staring fixedly at the couple that was circled by the crowd.

A deep sense of longing and a glint of disappointment filled his blue eyes.

As he watched the couple hugging and kissing each other, it was as if his heart was smashed with a hammer to the point of him having difficulty breathing.

He clutched his chest, wishing he could dig his heart out so he would no longer feel the pain.

Right then, Jessica looked over and spotted Jefferson hiding behind the pillar, looking extremely lonely. Her mouth twitched as though she were about to say something.

However, Jefferson pressed his index finger on his lips while shaking his head at her, prompting Jessica to look away a second later.

Just then, Jefferson coughed severely. Fearing that anyone would hear him, he quickly fished out a handkerchief from his pocket to cover his mouth, which was filled with a metallic taste.

Blood was all over his handkerchief.

Using the pillar to support his body, he lifted his eyes to look at the smiling woman.

The dark green skirt made her skin look fairer, making her seem even more attractive. I knew this color would suit her.

After taking lessons from a few designers, he had personally gone to a store to choose the material and designed the skirt. When he was done making it, he delivered it to her.

It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t choose me. As long as she’s wearing the skirt I made, it’s good enough for me.

“Seems like my wish can’t come true,” he mumbled.

How I wish I could confess to her, hold her hand, kiss her, and even introduce her to the rest of the world. I’ve given everything, yet my wish will forever stay as just a wish. This is hard for me to accept it.

 

Chapter 289 A Bad Situation

“Oh, I don’t want to give up,” Jefferson said helplessly, his voice full of despair. He stared at the woman longingly, wanting nothing more than to rush out and pull her into his arms.

Unfortunately, he was unable to do so for he did not have the right to give her happiness.

His anger seemed to have accumulated in his heart, causing his coughs to become violent. He doubled over as blood stained his light yellow handkerchief. It was a rather frightening sight.

Jefferson’s head began to spin and he couldn’t hold on any longer. He promptly collapsed to the ground.

Right then, Ringo came over to see Jefferson lying in a crumpled heap on the ground. He immediately ran over to help him away. The bloody handkerchief slipped out of Jefferson’s fingers and fell to the ground.

Once the commotion died down, the guests, including Rayna and her group, left the ballroom.

The cleaner walked past Rayna, pushing a small cart for collecting rubbish. There wasn’t much trash inside, so the sight of a bloody handkerchief tangled with ribbons caught Rayna’s attention and made her brows furrow.

Did someone get hurt while dancing earlier?

Rayna thought of the matter with curiosity. As she walked down the corridor, a few men carrying medical kits rushed past her. The server informed them that a guest had fainted and was in critical condition.

Beside her, Jessica came to a stop and glanced at the few men holding medical kits.

“What’s wrong?” Rayna asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Jessica quickly regained her senses and stuck her tongue out. “I heard the server saying a guest had fainted. I wonder if the doctors can save him.”

“I think he’ll be okay,” Rayna replied cheerfully. “If the doctors on the ship can’t handle it, the cruise ship’s manager will contact doctors on land. The safety of the guests is the top priority, after all.”

Jessica shot her a complicated look. “You’re right.”

I wonder how things are going.

Back in her room, Jessica washed her hair and took a bath. She wanted to call Ringo but was afraid of exposing their whereabouts. Frustrated, she placed her phone down.

When she came out of the bathroom, the doorbell rang.

She opened the door to see Wyatt flashing an ingratiating smile. “Babe, did you just take a bath? You smell wonderful!”

“Why are you here?”

Wyatt pretended to pout to gain her sympathy. “I’m afraid of the dark and can’t sleep alone.”

“Then sleep with the lights on,” Jessica said. She was about to close the door but noticed that he had wedged his leg under it. Frustrated, she demanded, “Wyatt, move your leg!”

“Babe, I want to sleep with you,” he whined.

“I haven’t forgiven you yet!” Jessica was disgusted whenever she thought about the photos on his phone.

He refused to budge, so she forcefully closed the door and pushed him out.

Suddenly, Wyatt yelled out, “Oh, it hurts! Babe, my leg is broken!”

“You’re lying to me again, aren’t you?” Jessica muttered. As Wyatt appeared to be in pain as if the door had really slammed on his leg, she quickly opened the door and asked, “D-Did the door slam on your leg? Does it hurt?”

Seizing the opportunity, Wyatt grabbed her hand and pulled her into the room, shutting the door deftly behind them.

He kissed her cheek and said happily, “It doesn’t hurt anymore!”

“Wyatt, you’re exhausting my affection for you!” Jessica punched him angrily and pushed him away before marching back to her bedroom. Wyatt followed her unashamedly.

“Don’t be mad, Jessie. I was wrong. I’ve turned over a new leaf. I won’t look at other pretty ladies except for you!” Wyatt’s tone was flattering.

“You will never change, just like how a leopard cannot change its spots!”

“How could you say that to me?” Wyatt’s lips twitched. “I think they are pretty and saved their photos sometimes without realizing it. I didn’t mean anything else.”

Jessica turned over her shoulder to glare at him. “Are you saying I’m not pretty enough to be in your photo album?”

“No—”

“That’s what you think!” Jessica placed her hands on her hips and roared, “F*ck you! You had over one hundred photos in your album of Epean and local supermodels, but not even one of me! Isn’t that

biased? You even labeled them with their legs length and hobbies! It was f*cking obvious you wanted to date them!”

Wyatt promised, “If I ever thought that way, I swear I’ll die a horrible death!”

“You should’ve died a horrible death ages ago!”

“Babe, I’m sorry. Please forgive me this time,” Wyatt said, taking her hand and kissing it fervently. “It won’t happen again. I love you. I love you so much!”

Jessica pulled her hand away and pointed at a corner. “Get on your knees in that corner!”

Wyatt protested, “Babe, please spare my dignity. Men shouldn’t kneel easily. Can I not get on my knees?”

“Do you want your dignity or me?”

Wyatt didn’t want to sleep alone, and he knew that Jessica was the only one who would see him on his knees. With that in mind, he scurried over to the corner and went down on his knees.

Jessica snorted and hopped into bed. “Kneel for half an hour!”

“Babe, make it less,” Wyatt begged, staring at her pitifully. “If something goes wrong with my kneecaps after kneeling, I won’t have any energy in bed.”

“You’re talking dirty again!” Jessica grabbed a pillow and threw it at him as her cheeks turned pink. “How shameless of you!”

“I wasn’t talking dirty. Your imagination went wild!”

Jessica threw yet another pillow at him.

Wyatt made good use of the pillows by placing them beneath his knees. He instantly felt more comfortable.

Right then, his phone lit up with a video call request from Jeremy.

“What are you doing?” When the call connected, Jeremy noticed that Wyatt’s angle looked odd. daily new chapters upload only on alaniniz(dot)com “Did you get into a fight with Jessica? Did she make you kneel on a keyboard?”

“Nonsense! She isn’t that cruel!” Wyatt lied through his teeth. “I’m kneeling to train my body.”

Jeremy mocked, “I can’t believe you’re calling punishment a form of training.”

“Is there anything else you need? If not, I’ll hang up now.”

Jeremy got straight to the point. “Curtis’ phone is switched off. If you see him, tell him that the second stage of research for Ixora is successful. However, I’ve run out of funds.”

“Oh, you need money, huh?” Wyatt understood what he was insinuating. “But what’s the point of researching that plant? There are only a total of five plants. If it doesn’t work out, won’t the millions of funds be wasted?”

“It’s tiring to be friends with someone like you.” Jeremy sighed. “I must’ve been blind. Not only me, I think Theodore and Curtis were blind, too.”

“How could you say that about me?” Wyatt protested unhappily. “Without my help, you wouldn’t have received the millions of research funds!”

“Well, I have to go. Remember to tell Curtis.”

After saying that, Jeremy hung up as if he detested Wyatt, causing the latter to huff in anger.

Jessica asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Jeremy resents me!” Wyatt declared angrily. “I was right, wasn’t I? The plants can regenerate human cells, but there are only five of them. If he uses them all and the research fails, all the money spent on the research will be wasted. He could have used the money to research anti-cancer medicine and earn more money.”

Hearing the term “regenerate cells,” Jessica perked up.

She feigned nonchalance and asked casually, “The medical industry has been doing research for hundreds of years but has been unable to produce a medicine that can regenerate cells. Does this plant really exist? I don’t think so.”

“Yes, it does exist. Curtis found it,” Wyatt told her. He didn’t hide the truth from her as she was his girlfriend. He went on to tell her how Curtis brought Rayna to Tyrandas to find Ixora.

Initially, they were able to fly all of the Ixoras from that piece of land back for research. But an accident happened midway and the land was bombed, so they only saved five plants and flew them back.

Jeremy’s team was currently in the second stage of researching Ixora and had been pretty successful so far.

 

Chapter 290 Let Us Get Married

Jessica listened to him quietly. She seemed calm but was inwardly shocked.

Ringo told me that all Ixora plants were destroyed. Jefferson’s health was deteriorating, so I felt bad for him, especially after what happened at the ballroom. It turns out there are still five Ixora plants left! There is hope for Jefferson!

“Wow, Mr. York’s research team is amazing!” Jessica praised as she wondered how she could send the news to Ringo. “They will succeed for sure!”

Wyatt instantly grew jealous. He said, “Jeremy is capable, but he needs us to fund his research. All he does is spend money. He isn’t as great as me!”

“Okay, fine. You’re the best.” Jessica waved at him. “Get up and go take a shower.”

“Oh, I know you adore me, Babe!” Touched, Wyatt leaped over to kiss her. “I’ll go shower and warm up your bed later!”

Jessica slapped him away.

While Wyatt was in the bathroom, Jessica quickly got out of bed and grabbed a pen from the bedside table. She scribbled something on a notepad and tore off the note, placing it in a bag of chips.

Using the internal line, she called the restaurant and requested some food by pretending to be hungry. She also raised her voice and asked, “Wyatt, I’m ordering some food. Do you want anything?”

“Anything will do.”

Jessica grunted in response. Once the call ended, she secretly inserted another SIM card into her phone and sent a text in Anglandurn to someone saved as “Z” in her contacts.

Less than a minute later, she received a string of numbers. After reading it, she quickly deleted the text and changed her SIM card back.

Before the meal arrived, Wyatt stepped out of the shower and hopped into bed to rub himself against Jessica.

If Jessica wasn’t quick enough, he would’ve torn off her clothes.

“Stop having dirty thoughts!” Jessica kicked him away angrily. “The photos I saw this afternoon caused me great harm. I am traumatized.”

“I deleted all of them, I swear!” Wyatt vowed. In order to prove himself, he offered his phone to her so she could check it for herself. “I also did the same to my WhatsApp. The only contacts left are some important collaboration partners.”

Jessica gave him a sidelong glance. “It seems like you’re feeling guilty.”

“Of course not!”

“I no longer trust you.” Jessica pursed her lips.

However, since he had offered his phone, she took it and checked it personally.

The supermodels’ photos in his photo album had been erased. Wyatt even changed his profile picture on WhatsApp and Instagram to one of her photos and even set her photo as the chat background to appease her.

Wyatt grinned. “Look, Babe. I’ve turned over a new leaf.”

“All right, then.”

Jessica was satisfied. She was about to return his phone to him when she saw a red notification dot in his contacts. Curious, she clicked on it and saw a friend request from a woman who appeared to be very attractive based on her profile photo.

The woman also added a note: Mr. Lopez, we met at a fashion show in Kenfort in May.

“Uh, I…” Wyatt’s mind went blank. He put on an innocent expression and explained, “I don’t know who she is.”

“She said she met you at a fashion show in Kenfort. How could you say you don’t know her?” Jessica sneered. She immediately accepted the friend request from the lady, whose name was Gianna, and replied: I don’t remember you.

Gianna: Mr. Lopez, did you forget who I am? I was wearing a black velvet gown. You complimented my long legs and gave me your name card, urging me to add you on social media. I apologize for adding you this late as I have been busy recently.

She sent a photo displaying her long, fair legs and a bit of her assets.

Gianna: I heard that you’re quite the generous man who treats young ladies well, Mr. Lopez. Are you still in Norwal City? I’ll be back next month. I was wondering if you could treat me to a meal then?

“Wyatt Lopez!” Jessica flung the phone on the bed and glared at him. Gritting her teeth, she demanded, “You don’t know her, huh?”

“It happened back in June or July, so I don’t really remember.” Wyatt touched his nose guiltily. “I think I gave her my name card? But I didn’t do anything else.”

“You didn’t do anything else?” Jessica angrily pulled his ear. “She was busy and didn’t have time to add you. But if she had added you back then, are you sure you wouldn’t have done anything?”

“Ouch! Be gentle, Babe!” Wyatt grimaced in pain. He wrapped his arms around her and said pitifully, “That was all in the past. You’re the person I love now. I love you so much, Babe!”

He shamelessly rubbed his cheek against her neck and kissed her again and again. “Babe, will you forgive me? I shall create another social media account. I promise I won’t give my name card to others easily!”

“Scram!”

“Babe, don’t be mad at me. Forgive me.”

Wyatt did what he does best—clinging to Jessica and trying to convince her to forgive him. They were tugging back and forth when the doorbell rang.

Hearing that, Wyatt hopped out of bed. “Your meal is here. I’ll go get it!”

“I can do that myself. Stay away!” Jessica tossed his phone back to him angrily. “Register another social media account right now. If you don’t do it, I will…” She trailed off, waving her fist at him menacingly.

Wyatt shot her an ingratiating smile. “Don’t worry, Babe. I promise I’ll do a good job!”

Jessica rolled her eyes and nonchalantly picked up the bag of chips as she walked out of the bedroom to answer the door. Outside stood a server dressed in a uniform.

“Good evening, Ms. Marsh,” the server greeted her. “I’m here to deliver your dinner.”

After saying that, the server mouthed the word “Z.”

Jessica nodded and stood aside. “Come in.”

The server moved all the dishes on the trolley to the dining table, while Jessica gave him the bag of chips covertly.

They had just completed the deal when Wyatt stepped out of the bedroom.

Wyatt was still staring at his phone as he made his way to her. “Jessie, what do you think if I use your initials and birthday as my social media username?”

“Ms. Marsh, dinner is served. Enjoy your meal!” The server quickly left the room.

Only then did Jessica let out a sigh of relief. She snapped, “No! It will be awkward if we break up after you use my name.”

“Why would we break up? I love you, Babe!” Wyatt rested his head on her shoulder and grinned. “You’re wearing my ring, so you’re mine. Other men won’t have a chance to take you away from me!”

“We got engaged, not married. Things can change anytime!”

“Jessie, I’m being serious.” Wyatt winked at her, his tone serious. “If you want to get married, let’s pick a date when we get back home!”

“What?” Jessica thought she was hearing things.

“I said, let’s get married.”

Wyatt was not his usual mischievous self. He seemed serious, and that made Jessica’s heart skip a beat as complex emotions arose in her heart.

She knew that Wyatt was smart and skilled at making money, but he had the typical bad habit of many wealthy scions—fooling around. So, she carefully customized her character and actions to win his

heart.

However, he was telling her in all seriousness that he wanted to marry her.

Jessica had anticipated sudden situations like this, but when he said it out loud, she couldn’t help but think of him as foolish and useless.

He has only known me for half a year and doesn’t even know about my family background, but he still wants to marry me.