Ch. 1211..1220
Chapter 1211
Hannah held Blake’s hand. “There’s actually something I want to tell you.”
Blake smiled as if she was covering up something. “Mom, I’m so tired! I want to sleep. If there’s something, can you tell me after I wake up?”
Hannah responded, “Blake, Yael and I came back because of this matter. Not long ago, someone hacked into the filing system. We don’t know who it is, but Yael’s and my information was stolen. It seems like someone’s coming for you. I think you should know about this.”
Blake covered her ears emotionally. Her eyes turned red as she said, “I don’t want to listen. I don’t want to hear anything.”
Hannah saw her reaction and mustered the courage to say, “Blake, if it weren’t absolutely necessary, we would’ve wanted to keep this matter from you forever. But the situation is different now. What I wanted to tell you is that regardless of whether you’re my biological child or not, once I decided to adopt you, I’d already decided to treat you as my own daughter.
“For us, the adoption documents are just pieces of paper. I could only adopt you after completing these procedures.
“Although we aren’t blood-related, I’ll always consider you as my own daughter. In fact, your father and I both underwent sterilization surgery, just so that you wouldn’t misunderstand when you found out about this news after growing up.”
Blake slowly calmed down. Her eyes were filled with tears. “So, you and Dad won’t abandon me, right? Can we still continue to be a family?”
Hannah rubbed Blake’s head. “Silly girl, you’re our only child. How could we possibly abandon you?”
Blake instantly broke down and hugged Hannah. “If you two don’t want me, I won’t have parents anymore. From now on, I promise to be a good girl and listen to you both.”
Hannah replied, “All right, get along well with Liam. Yael and I are pleased to see your relationship with Liam is so good.”
Blake leaned on Hannah’s shoulder. ” Okay, promise me that no matter what happens in the future, you and Dad won’t ever abandon me.”
Hannah said, “I promise. You’re tired, so rest. I’ll leave after you fall asleep.”
“Okay.”
Blake finally felt the family love that she had not experienced in a long time. She closed her eyes. After over an hour, when Hannah left, Blake, who had not fallen asleep, slowly opened her eyes to look at the door being closed.
Blake did not know how to tell Hannah about her relationship with Liam. She wondered if Yael and Hannah would be disappointed to know that she and Liam were not together.
Blake stayed a few days at home, and gradually, her injuries were completely healed.
She was lying on a chair in the yard outside the villa, basking in the sun. Some thoughts, possibly dreams or forgotten memories flooded her mind.
She only woke up when she heard the vibration of the phone placed beside her. Feeling weak, she picked up the phone and saw it was a message from Liam.
He texted: [Cecilia has requested to transfer you to become the CEO’s assistant. I’ve already received the documents.
[I want to know what you think.]
Blake put her phone down and looked at the blue sky. ‘She wants me to return to Jardin Corporation?
‘Damn you, Cecilia!
‘There are things that I can’t avoid even if I wanted to. It might be better for me to try and make things return to how they were before.’
Chapter 1212
Blake replied to Liam. In the end, she decided that she did not want to work at Jardin Corporation and definitely did not want to become Cecilia’s assistant.
She had made that decision, firstly, due to their relationship, and secondly, because she believed she could not handle the position of the CEO’s assistant.
She wanted to take things one step at a time.
Blake had rested at home for a few days, and StartReading Literary did not urge her to return to work.
Hannah and Yael had stayed with Blake during the few days too. After resolving Blake’s emotional struggles, they left and returned to their research institute.
Around seven-thirty in the morning, after driving Hannah and Yael to the airport, Blake went to the company to work. When she arrived, some editors had already started working.
An editor said, “Good morning, Ms. Dion!”
Blake nodded. “Good morning.”
When she entered the office, she noticed that Liam had not arrived at the company yet. This surprised her because he usually was the first to arrive.
Blake, holding her phone, intended to text Liam. However, she decided against it in the end. She thought, ‘Maybe he’s still resting. It’s not every day he has the luxury of being late.’
Blake had copies of the Editorial Department’s internal documents, as she could not expect Liam to always handle everything alone.
Her seat in the office was just beside Liam’s.
That morning, several contracts for the film and television adaptation rights had been signed, and the business department had already started carrying out the necessary procedures to continue.
When Cecilia came out of the conference room after the morning meeting, it was already ten o’clock in the morning. She did not look happy.
She had originally planned to reorganize all Jardin Corporation’s internal projects. However, due to Zach’s absence, Cecilia, as the acting CEO, did not have the authority to halt significant ongoing projects.
Cecilia slammed the documents on the table. “These bastards are all siding with Zach. None of them take me seriously.”
Susan, now the CEO’s assistant, stood beside Cecilia and consoled her, “Ms. Samford, it’s not worth getting angry at them; they’re short-sighted.”
Cecilia frowned as she looked at Susan. “Where’s Blake? Did she come to the company today?”
Susan shook her head. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure about that. We rarely deal with StartReading’s affairs. Are you looking for her? I can call her now.”
As Susan was talking, Cecilia opened her work email and looked at the contract drafted for a major film and television project of StartReading Literary. Cecilia then glanced at her watch to check the time and said, ” Book a table at The Deli today. I’m taking someone there for lunch later.”
Susan nodded. “Okay, I’ll do it right away.”
Cecilia had one and a half hours of break time left. She had already canceled meetings with her clients.
After Susan left, Cecilia sat at her desk and started handling her work emails.
Before this, Cecilia hated dealing with matters related to StartReading Literary. To her, StartReading Literary was an insignificant company; she did not care about it, unlike Zach who valued StartReading Literary because of Madelyn.
Then, the Editorial Department of StartReading Literary received documents of approval from Jardin Corporation. The entire department instantly erupted with excitement.
Chapter 1213
Blake had just sent out the email, but within just ten minutes, she had already received confirmation that one of their novels had been greenlit for a major film adaptation and television series.
She was not surprised, but she heard cheers outside her office. Perplexed, she shrugged her shoulders.
She thought, ‘It’s just the approval of a project, what’s there to be so overjoyed about?”
However, at that moment, she heard someone outside the door say, “Oh my goodness, I thought our company was almost done for.”
“Yeah! I intended to resign.”
“Mr. Xander hasn’t been in the company for the past two days, and Ms. Dion was absent for over half a month. Our company hasn’t been performing well. My most recent paycheck was only half of what I made in the previous month. I was devastated.”
“Exactly! People from Jardin Corporation have never taken us seriously. Last week, I sent an email to Mr. Xander, and he told me he hasn’t gotten any response from Jardin Corporation yet. And it’s been half a month since that contract matter was brought up, I’m so speechless.”
“I heard that Mr. Xander took leave recently to take care of Ms. Dion, who was sick. If only I had such a good partner. Mr. Xander is simply the epitome of all boyfriends; he’s so good to Ms. Dion, handsome, gentle, and attentive. I’m so jealous.”
“Wait a minute! When did Mr. Xander and Ms. Dion get together? Why didn’t I know? Isn’t the company against office romances?”
“Shh, keep your voices down, don’t let Ms. Dion hear.”
Blake wondered, ‘Have so many people been misunderstanding my relationship with Liam?’
She grabbed her phone and scrolled through her conversation with Kevin. The conversation was mostly filled with her messages, except for the period when she first joined the company. She did not want to switch to a new phone or risk damaging her current one, just so she could keep these chat records. She was afraid that the only thing she had left to help her remember Kevin would be lost.
Blake pondered, ‘If I’d known he’d be away for so long, I would’ve taken more pictures of him back then.’
She only found herself missing him when she was not busy. Now, looking at those messages, a flood of memories suddenly rushed into her mind.
She had not changed; every day, she would take a little time to tell him what she had done and what had happened. It was like talking to herself because Kevin never replied.
Blake took a deep breath and put down her phone. She wanted to focus on her work and strive to become as successful as him in the company.
She was lost in her thoughts, ‘Kevin, no matter how long you disappear, I won’t give up on you. I’ll wait for you to come back!’
After she finished her work for the morning, she walked out of the office and said, “I’ve ordered some snacks for all of you, remember to collect them.”
“Wow, thanks, boss.”
‘Boss?’ Blake thought. This address caught her slightly off guard.
She smiled and nodded. “You’re welcome.”
After that, someone with a strong presence suddenly walked in from outside. Everyone turned to the entrance, and they were all stunned. They quickly stood up and said, “Ms. Samford!”
Cecilia was staring at Blake. “I’m here to talk to Ms. Dion. You’ve all worked hard. So, take a break; you don’t need to mind us.”
A few minutes later, Blake followed Cecilia and left. They took the elevator to the parking lot, where Susan was waiting in the car in the driver’s seat.
Susan was surprised that someone like Blake would even be allowed to sit with Cecilia. However, she held back her emotions as Cecilia was present.
Blake asked, “Why’d you come here? Do you have something to talk to me about?”
Chapter 1214
Blake continued saying, “Ms. Samford, if you don’t have anything to discuss with me, I’ll have to leave now as I still have work matters to attend to. My apologies.”
Blake came to the company just for work and had no intention of getting involved with Cecilia.
However, Cecilia ignored her request and immediately asked Susan to drive away from the Jardin Tower.
Blake looked at Cecilia with displeasure. “What do you want?”
Cecilia replied, “It’s lunchtime now, and I’ve reserved a table at The Deli.”
Blake resisted the idea of having a meal with Cecilia. “I’m just an assistant, I’m not qualified to have lunch with you. Or have you come up with a new plan to deal with me? Or is it the same as last time; pushing me to the cooperating party you set up?”
Cecilia responded, “All those incidents in the past have been misunderstandings. Now that we’ve finally reunited, let’s forget about the past. I’ll make it up to you. There’s a banquet tonight; I’ll introduce you to some people. It’ll be helpful for you in the future.”
Blake, looking out of the car window, realized that they were indeed heading toward The Deli. She realized Cecilia was not playing games.
Blake rejected Cecilia without hesitation, saying, “I don’t need to meet new people. I just want to focus on my work.”
Cecilia, not angry, turned her head and reached out to pinch Blake’s cheek.” Your angry expression is still as cute as when you were a child. But you’re too thin; you should eat more.
“If you want to stay at StartReading, I won’t force you to leave. I’ll even help you. I’ll support you no matter what you want to do.
“If you don’t want to go to the banquet, it’s fine. But if you accompany me to have lunch now, I’ll tell you about Kevin’s whereabouts, okay?”
Blake was surprised. “You’re not lying, right?”
Cecilia held Blake’s hand. Blake was not used to it, so she tried to withdraw her hand but could not. Cecilia replied, “Of course not. You’re my sister, I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Upon hearing this, Susan was frozen with shock and slammed on the brakes, barely avoiding a collision with the car in front of them.
Cecilia said, “You can’t even drive properly now?”
Susan hurriedly apologized, “I’m sorry. It wasn’t intentional.”
There were no delays on the roads, so they arrived at The Deli very quickly.
The aroma wafted from this beautiful restaurant.
After getting out of the car and entering the restaurant, the manager warmly greeted them, “Ms. Samford, it’s been a long time since we’ve last seen you. We’re pleased to have you here. The private room you reserved is set up with the highest quality decorations. Can we start serving the food now?”
Cecilia nodded. “Go ahead.”
She held Blake’s hand as they entered the private room.
Susan could only sit in the car. She was still trying to digest what she had just heard. ‘Blake is actually Ms. Samford’s sister. How could that be possible? Or is something else going on in this matter?!
‘Ms. Samford’s attitude toward Blake has completely changed.
‘Last week, Ms. Samford even wanted Blake to…
‘What actually happened during Blake’s absence from the company?!’
Blake sat inside the spacious luxury private room that could accommodate over a dozen people. The room was filled with colorful balloons. The decorations created a great atmosphere.
Cecilia, who was sitting beside Blake, opened an expensive bottle of champagne. “Finally, we can have a meal together, just the two of us. Let’s drink a little and celebrate our reunion.
Blake replied, “You know why I came with you. Don’t play games with me.”
Cecilia smiled gently. “Be patient. Let’s eat before we talk about that.”
Chapter 1216
“Liam, isn’t the food here delightful? Let’s plan on coming here again, okay? “Ixia’s voice was tinged with excitement.
Blake’s eyes widened in surprise at the entrance upon seeing Liam and Ixia together. With a gentle but firm motion, Liam eased Ixia’s hand off his arm, turning toward Blake. “Blake, what brings you here?” he inquired, his tone even.
Blake, momentarily flustered, darted at Ixia before averting Liam’s gaze. “I was dining with Ms. Samford. I should leave now,” she said, her voice slightly strained.
“Blake,” Liam called out, following her retreating figure. On the other hand, Ixia, teetering in her high heels, cried out, “Liam, wait for me!”
Outside, Liam caught up with Blake, grasping her wrist decisively. “We need to talk,” he said, a serious undertone in his voice.
Ushering Blake into his car, Liam swiftly secured the seatbelt around her. Ixia, having caught up, knocked on the car door, exasperation clear in her voice, “Liam, you promised to dine with me. How can you just leave?”
Rolling down the window, Liam replied tersely, “Just take a cab home.” With that, he accelerated away. Ixia’s figure diminished in the rearview mirror, her frustration palpable.
Blake spoke up, a note of concern in her voice, “It wasn’t kind to leave her like that. I can manage on my own.”
Liam, glancing at her, wondered about the subdued tone in her voice. He asked, “Are you coming back to work?”
She nodded, determination evident, ” Yes, I have to return at some point. I won’t let anyone disrupt my life.”
Sensing her distraction, Liam filled the silence with music. He suggested, ” Maybe we could grab a bite?”
“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.” Blake declined politely.
“Should we head back to the office then?” he offered.
“Yes, if you don’t mind,” she replied, maintaining a formal distance. The rest of the drive was quiet. Liam, sensing the barrier between them, chose not to press further. Upon reaching the office, Blake’s silence was more pronounced than usual.
Inside, she immersed herself in work, sorting through documents and schedules. Liam, who had a dinner with some film executives scheduled, made a decision. He said, “Let’s cancel the dinner. We don’t need it.”
Blake, with the signed documents, nodded, “Okay. I’ll send them an email reply now.”
At his computer, Liam stole glances at Blake, who seemed deep in thought but undisturbed. Opening a file, he mentioned casually, “Running into Ixia was unplanned.”
Blake paused, meeting his gaze, “Mr. Xander, that’s your personal affair. You don’t owe me an explanation.”
After a moment’s pause, she added, somewhat awkwardly, “Liam, I presume the charade of me being your girlfriend isn’t necessary anymore, right? Or did I seem too distant at The Deli?”
Chapter 1217
Blake hesitated, then added, “I’m sorry! I completely forgot about our pretend relationship.”
Liam abruptly stood and approached her desk, “Blake, Cecilia shared some things at the hospital; I may need to return to my family soon. Regarding our arrangement, I might still need your assistance. If it’s too much, we can stop.”
Blake tensed, pondering. After a brief pause, she inquired, “How much longer do you need me?”
Liam’s silence lingered.
Blake continued, “Liam, remember. I have Kevin. I don’t want any misunderstandings when he’s back. But I’ll help if you need me. You’ve been there for me before.”
Liam nodded and smiled gently,” Alright. Since we’re friends, what did Cecilia tell you? You’ve been unusually quiet. If something’s troubling you, I’m here.”
Blake hesitated, her thoughts drifting to the video Cecilia showed her, depicting Kevin with a chilling, ruthless expression. His command had triggered a brutal action, reflecting a disturbing lack of concern for human life.
“I’m okay,” she reassured, though her voice lacked conviction.
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Susan entered, face taut with displeasure while holding a beautifully wrapped gift box, “Ms. Samford sent this dessert from The Deli. She thought you might not have eaten enough at lunch.” Having delivered the message, Susan promptly left.
Liam commented, “Cecilia seems to be reaching out to you. What’s your take on her?”
Disinterested in the box, Blake replied flatly, “I have nothing to do with her. Mya is the only sister I acknowledge.”
She then opened the package to find a variety of exquisite pastries. She did not eat any; instead, she rewrapped them and took them out to share with her colleagues. Blake announced, ” These pastries are from The Deli. Enjoy.
“Thank you! You’re so kind. It’s not easy to get takeouts from The Deli. They’re always in high demand.”
“Exactly! Last time I tried to order, they were all sold out.”
Blake added, “I wasn’t around much recently, and you all have been working hard. I appreciate all your help. Thank Ms. Samford for them; she’s the one who sent these.”
Upon returning, Blake noticed Liam’s observant gaze. “Why look at me like that? Is there something on my face?” she inquired, touching her cheek.
Liam observed thoughtfully, “Blake, you seem different from before.”
Puzzled, she asked, “Different how? I’m still the same Blake.”
Liam noted, “You don’t smile as much, and you’re intensely focused on your work.”
Blake offered a small smile, “Mr. Xander, people evolve. I’m more driven now.”
Liam’s smirk was tinged with approval, “Good. Whatever your goals are, you have my support.”
Blake nodded. With a newfound determination, she said, “Alright, Mr. Xander. The day’s not over yet. Shall we continue to work diligently?”
“Absolutely,” Liam agreed.
Chapter 1218
The horrific images, each a visceral shock to Blake’s senses, lingered in her mind throughout the day at work. Suddenly, her phone vibrated next to her computer, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Cecilia, which also contained the unsettling video and photos. Each image, drenched in brutality, depicted Kevin’s ruthless actions. Under his command, people lay defeated, lifeless.
Shaking, Blake struggled to accept the reality of these images. She reached out to a digital forensics expert at Jardin Corporation, seeking assistance in verifying their authenticity. Once she found a method, she acted swiftly. The results, obtained within minutes, confirmed the photos were real. Blake clutched her mouse tightly, her body tensed. She was battling a storm of emotions. She finally deleted the photos from her computer and, with a sense of urgency, grabbed her phone and hurried out of the office. Liam, watching her hurried departure, was filled with concern.
Blake strode purposefully toward the CEO’s office, a place she had avoided in Zach’s presence. But now, she entered without hesitation. The office was chaotic, with papers scattered across the floor and Susan trying to organize the mess. Seeing Blake’s abrupt entrance, she scolded, “Blake, this is the CEO’s office. You can’t just barge in like that.”
Cecilia interjected, “Blake has my permission to enter here anytime. Susan, please leave us.”
With a frustrated look, Susan exited silently. Once alone, Blake confronted Cecilia, ” Why did you send me those horrifying photos?”
Cecilia responded coolly, “You wanted the whole truth about him. That’s his reality. Can’t handle it now?”
Blake retorted, “These photos don’t prove anything. I won’t believe it unless he confesses himself.”
“You need proof?” Cecilia stepped closer. “Would you like to confront him directly? He won’t be able to deny it.”
“Let’s go then. Right now?” Blake’s voice was resolute.
“Yes, now. Head back to your office, get your things, and meet me downstairs,” said Cecilia.
Determined to uncover the truth, Blake quickly returned to her office. As she was about to leave, Liam reached out, concern evident in his grasp, “You’re leaving?”
“I need to resolve something. I’ll apply for leave later.” Blake replied urgently and left swiftly, not waiting for Liam’s response.
Cecilia was already in her car outside. Blake joined her, and they drove away. An hour later, they arrived at Ventropolis Airport. There was a private jet with a group of suited bodyguards standing waiting.
Blake, bewildered, asked, “The airport? Where are we going?”
Cecilia stated firmly, “We’re going to see him in person. Did you think I was bluffing?”
Chapter 1220
Feeling uneasy and uncertain, Blake exited the private jet with Cecilia, the presence of bodyguards nearby heightening her discomfort. Cecilia, appearing unfazed by the armed company, reassured her, “It’s legal to carry weapons here. Stay close to me, and don’t wander off. You’ll be fine.”
As Blake detected the faint smell of gunpowder, her uneasiness grew. “Why would he be in a place like this?” she asked.
Cecilia’s reply was cryptic yet revealing, “This is the reality of the former million-earning assistant from Jardin Corporation.”
After about fifteen minutes, they arrived at a compound surrounded by high walls topped with barbed wires, a design suggesting containment rather than protection. Inside a relatively clean room, Blake and Cecilia were left with three suitcases while the bodyguards stood guard outside.
Cecilia broke the silence, “We’ll be meeting with some influential people of this region soon.”
Blake’s frown deepened, “You seem very familiar with all this. Are you involved with these criminals? You do realize the consequences if the police find out?”
Cecilia smiled faintly, “I appreciate your concern. Rest assured, you’re the only one who knows about this. As my little sister, I trust you won’t betray me.
Blake quickly countered, “My concern is not for you. I simply don’t want to get caught up in your mess.”
Cecilia approached, taking her hand, ” Why would that happen? I have everything now. Whatever you want to do, just do it. Whatever happens, I’ll cover for you. From now on, no one will bully us.”
Feeling uncomfortable under Cecilia’s intense scrutiny, Blake averted her gaze. For discretion, they decided to change into the local attire and remove their jewelry. Later that evening, Cecilia led Blake to a lavish villa spanning several floors.
In the villa’s large third-floor living room, many men, each with a flamboyantly dressed woman, were present. Cecilia mingled effortlessly among the brutish-looking men who treated her with the utmost respect.
Blake excused herself after eating a little, feeling out of place at the gathering. Upon her return, she caught sight of an intoxicated old man, Grant Patterson, making inappropriate advances toward Cecilia. Maintaining her composure, Cecilia said, “Mr. Patterson, you’ve had too much to drink.”
Reeking of alcohol, Grant leered at Cecilia, “Ms. Samford, you’ve certainly prospered. It’s been ages, and you look even more stunning now.”
Blake’s anger surged seeing the scene unfolded in front of her. She pushed Grant away, exclaiming, “What do you think you’re doing? Haven’t you ever seen a woman before? Keep your hands to yourself, or you’ll regret it.”
The force of Blake’s push sent the drunken Grant stumbling to the ground, his head banged against the wall and bled. The atmosphere in the room instantly shifted, with the women retreating in fear.
Feeling the blood on his head, Grant angrily shouted, “You’re asking for trouble!”