Ch. 1231..1240
Chapter 1231
Liam chose to ignore Ixia’s behavior and said to her with determination, ” I’ll only say this once. I’ll never marry you, and I don’t need the Xander family’s help, either. Blake is the only reason I went to work for Jardin Corporation. Even if Blake wasn’t involved, I wouldn’t want to be related to you anyway.”
“If you want to stay here so much, be my guest.” Liam scoffed, walking into the study right before her. Then, he took some files for work and picked up his laptop bag.
Ixia saw this and quickly grabbed his arm to stop him before asking him, ” Where are you going? You can’t leave me, Liam. Do you really hate me that much? Is it because I said I like you?”
Liam flung her outstretched arm away and said, “Stop acting so desperate.” He took his belongings and left.
Ixia chased after him and called out, ” Liam!”
However, Liam was already gone. Ixia stomped angrily and huffed, “It’s all your fault, Blake. Liam wouldn’t have left me if it weren’t for you!”
On the other hand, Liam was already driving away from the apartment and on his way to stay at a hotel. Ixia took a cab and cried all the way back to the Xander residence.
Lylia saw her precious daughter come home crying and immediately went over to comfort her. “What’s wrong, Ixia? Did someone hurt you? Tell me what happened.”
Lylia sat Ixia by her side and took some tissues to wipe Ixia’s tears. Ixia proceeded to say between sobs, “Mom, I went to see Liam, but he threw me out of his house. I worked hard all day just to wait for him to come home and eat with me.”
“Yet, he doesn’t even acknowledge me; he even scolded me! What makes Blake better than me anyway? She’s older and uglier than me,” Ixia continued to vent.
Lylia coaxed her, “Ixia, you can’t let your father know that you looked for Liam. Your father’s already thinking of ways to get Liam back. Until then, I have my own plans to make him accept you, so you shouldn’t force him too much, okay?” Lylia explained to her.
When she heard this, Ixia felt much better. She continued, “But Liam still likes Blake and won’t even bother with me, Mom. Blake and Liam aren’t even together, so he’s lying to us.”
Lylia also worked for the government, so she sneered and said, “People like that aren’t worthy of becoming a member of the Xander family.”
Ixia pleaded, “Mom, please help me think of a plan to drive Blake out of Ventropolis, okay? That way, Liam will stop seeing her. If not, you can find a way to get me a job in the company where Liam works. That way, I can be with Liam every day, and we can also establish a relationship that way.”
Lylia reminded her, “Ixia, you have to remember that you can’t rush it, alright?”
“But mom,” Ixia argued.
“That’s enough, Ixia. This doesn’t just concern you; it involves the whole Xander family. If you keep making a fuss and rushing things, don’t blame me for what happens after,” Lylia warned her.
A few projects from Jardin Corporation were still waiting for government approval. With just a few words from the Xander family, they could make Liam obey. Had Lylia not lost her ability to reproduce, she would never have let him back into the Xander family.
‘He’ll definitely give in to our offer of power and wealth. If he wants those things, he needs to marry Ixia and become a member of the Xander family, ‘She thought.
Chapter 1232
Blake refused Liam’s advice for her to take a holiday. The following morning, she returned to the company. As expected, Liam had already arrived early at the office.
Blake saw him pinching the bridge of his nose. When Liam raised his head, his bloodshot eyes met hers. Blake went over and placed her bag down. She asked caringly, “Is your headache acting up again? Have you taken your meds, Liam?”
Liam shook his head. Blake wanted to touch his forehead but stopped herself and told him, “I’ll help you make a doctor’s appointment online, so go and see the doctor. You can’t go on like this. I’ve looked at your schedule, and you don’t have anything urgent scheduled today, just a meeting with the Mandarin Lectio Company at noon. I can still send you to the hospital in time.”
Liam noticed that Blake seemed to remember his schedule this time. Usually, Liam would have to mention it himself and bring her with him everywhere he went.
‘Seems like Blake has changed,’ Liam thought. He answered her, “No need. I’m fine.”
Blake raised her wrist and took a look at the time. Without saying much, she took her phone and helped her arrange an appointment with a neurology doctor.
“Mr. Xander, I’ve already helped you arrange an appointment in half an hour. You’d better pack your stuff and leave with me right now,” Blake’s tone was furious.
Liam smiled helplessly and obliged, ” Sure.”
Blake spoke to a few editors and gave them some instructions. Then, she drove Liam to the hospital. Blake was paying full attention throughout her drive.
Suddenly, she asked, “Did you stay up late last night? Did you forget what the doctor told you? You’ve just had your surgery. It’ll have lasting effects on your health if you don’t take better care of yourself. Burning the midnight oil is the worst thing you can do right now.”
Liam closed his eyes and listened to her speak. After a while, he responded, ” Ixia came over last night. I didn’t want to see her, so I moved to the hotel. I don’t like her at all.”
Blake glanced at him and asked, “Why did she look for you? If I remember correctly, she’s your sister, right?”
Liam immediately opened his eyes and stared at her. Their gazes met, and Blake immediately understood what he meant.
Blake paused and exclaimed, “It can’t be! I remember she only met you a few times, yet she took a liking to you? Girls these days are unbelievable!”
Blake then asked instinctively, “What about you? How do you feel about her?”
Liam answered gently, “Blake, you know what my feelings are. I’m still waiting for your reply.”
Blake’s expression turned thoughtful, and she replied, “Liam, it’s not happening between us. Kevin and I… When he comes back, we’re getting married.”
‘I might even be having his baby right now,’ Blake thought silently.
“I don’t want to think about anything else; I just want to work,” Blake continued.
Liam did not respond. After this, Blake accompanied him to the doctor and watched him take the medicines that had been prescribed by the doctor. On the way back, Liam noticed something and asked, “This isn’t the road to the company, is it?”
Blake answered, “I know you don’t like staying in hotels. If Ixia is still at your place, you can stay and rest at my apartment for now. Call me when you wake up, and I’ll help you get your things from the hotel. I won’t be going back to my place for the time being, so you can stay there for now.”
“Either way, you have to take care of yourself,” Blake reminded him.
Chapter 1233
Liam smiled and said, “Fine.”
Then Blake got back to the company. While parking at the parking lot, she saw a man wearing a cap lurking around. Blake was not in a rush to get out of the car, so she stayed in and watched him closely. After a while, the man called someone and said, “Ms. Samford, we’ve found the woman’s location, and I have pictures. I’m currently in the parking lot.”
Blake felt her heart sink and thought, ‘ Could it be Cecilia and that other woman?’
She continued her train of thought, ‘ It’s Madelyn! Did Cecilia find Madelyn so soon? Impossible!”
After three minutes, Cecilia walked out of the elevator. The man went up to her and gave her a file. He asked Cecilia, ” Ms. Samford, how do we handle her?
Should we…” He then made a cutthroat gesture.
Blake noticed this and took a picture with her phone. Cecilia answered, “No rush. You should go back and wait for my orders. Letting her die is just too easy.”
The man obliged, “Fine. Ms. Samford, about our payment… We’ve been going around everywhere gathering intel for you, even overseas. It wasn’t easy for us.
Cecilia took her phone and transferred some money over. She said, “This is a third of your payment. Don’t worry, I won’t cheat you guys out of your money.”
The man replied, “Then you can rest assured, Ms. Samford. We won’t let you down.”
When their transaction was done, the parking lot became silent. Blake got out of the car, furious. She pressed for the top floor and chased after Cecilia all the way to her office.
When she pushed open the office doors, Cecilia was trying to open the file. She heard the commotion and raised her gaze before placing her file to the side. She asked her, “It’s working hours. Do
you have some business with me?”
Blake asked her back, “Who was that person you met in the parking lot? Who’re you trying to kill this time? Why are you always trying to hurt someone? Do you really think no one is ever going to stand up to you?”
Cecilia chuckled while standing up. She took the file and opened it in front of her. Inside it was a stack of pictures, and she took one out.
The person in the pictures was not just anyone. It was Madelyn, who had disappeared since the wedding. Blake’s eyes instantly widened.
Cecilia reminded her, “I’ve told you before, Blake. Madelyn’s life is in my hands. If you want her to live and you want any hope of marrying Liam, just listen to me and do what I say. All I have to do is make a single phone call, and she’ll be left to die out in the wilderness in immense pain.
“And Zach’s still in a coma, so no one will be there to save her,” Cecilia added smugly.
Blake stared back at her in horror before shrinking back. She exclaimed, ” You’re horrible, Cecilia! You weren’t like this before. Why? Why have you become this way? Madelyn hasn’t done anything wrong at all!”
Cecilia gave a sarcastic sneer and said, ” It’s because she stole my man. Don’t you understand, Blake? As long as Madelyn lives, Zach will never truly love me, so I need her to die.”
“I know you have a kind soul, and you probably remember how Madelyn used to help you. But from now on, things will be different. From now on, I’m the only help you’ll need,” Cecilia continued.
Chapter 1234
“Cecilia, you’re a bitch through and through! You’re heartless, and your retribution will come upon you one day! “Blake exclaimed.
Susan was currently outside the office and holding some documents that Cecilia needed to sign. When she heard the voices, she immediately stopped in her tracks.
“Retribution? If there was any retribution, Zach, Fred, and Kevin would’ve died before me, those bastards. No one wants Madelyn dead more than I do. If you don’t believe me, you can watch and see if she dies in the next three days,” Cecilia sneered.
She continued nonchalantly, “But having her die like this is too easy. I want her to be tormented. Let’s roast her drawing hand in the fire. Oh yeah, Zach must’ve taken a liking to her because of her gorgeous face, right? I can ruin her anytime. After she becomes a hideous monster, let’s see how many more men will go against me for her.” Cecilia began to cackle like a maniac.
Blake roared, “That’s enough, Cecilia! You’ve lost your conscience! I’m telling you that people like you will not end up well.”
Cecilia did not care and only cared about the end result. She sneered, “Is that so? Then, you should take a good look at how I’m going to kill Madelyn. I’ll have Zach fall for me in the end.”
Blake furrowed her brows. She could see that she was hopeless and had gone crazy. She commented, “No wonder no one truly cares for you. At least Mr. Jardin still has Kevin, who would do anything for him. You have no one else besides the people you’ve been scheming against. You’re just a blowup doll to those men out there.”
“I know what I said was terrible, but what about you? Even if I said anything worse, would you listen? Why have you become this way, Cecilia? Don’t you think it’s pathetic?” Blake continued.
“There’s so many good men out there, so why does it have to be Zach? He’s not the only man out there. If you keep hurting people like this, you’ll get your retribution one day. I’ll be waiting for that day, Cecilia,” Blake said menacingly.
Cecilia’s expression suddenly turned hateful as she cursed, “It’s because I can’t go on any longer! I can’t go on any longer living like this!”
Her gaze turned cold as she spoke, ”
You can give up trying to change me. Out of consideration for you and our relationship, I’m giving you three days to decide whether you want to be Mrs. Xander. If I don’t get an answer after those three days, I’ll immediately kill Madelyn.”
“Didn’t you say she was innocent?”
Cecilia said smugly.
Blake felt like she was being driven to the brink of insanity. She replied, “How far will you go to separate me from Kevin? What kind of deal have you made with Liam? Why do I have to marry him?”
Cecilia answered, “It’s because he’s the only son of the secretary-general of Ventropolis. Do you know how many people are vying for this position? No matter how much money we have and how prestigious we look, they can have Jardin Corporation crumbling to pieces with just a few words. If Liam were to join the political world, you will never be looked down upon after becoming Mrs. Xander.”
“Kevin is just a bastard of a prostitute and a gambler. His status will never be good enough for you. If it’s for your future, I’m willing to be a villain in order to help you become Mrs. Xander, “Cecilia said.
Blake lowered her head and chuckled. Suddenly, tears fell from Blake’s face as she said, “Cecilia, Don’t forget that I’m just a country bumpkin who used to not even be able to feed herself. I used to live in poverty and was always bullied. With no family background, how could you think that someone from the elite class of Ventropolis would even give me a single glance?”
Chapter 1235
Cecilia went up and wiped Blake’s tears away gently, “It’s because I’ve gone through that kind of pain, and I won’t let you go through it. I won’t let you make the same mistake again, either.”
She apologized, “I’m sorry, Blake. I couldn’t take care of you when you were younger, and it’s my fault. On the night you went missing, you have no idea how long I searched for you.”
Cecilia continued, “You’re my only family now. I can’t lose you. I’ll make up for all my guilt toward you from back then, bit by bit.”
“Just listen to your older sister this time, okay? Forget about Kevin and take the position of Mrs. Xander. With me here, the Xander family won’t oppress you, and I’ll be your one and only shield,” She comforted Blake.
“If you were to be in the Harper family, they wouldn’t be able to help you if you were being threatened by someone,” Cecilia explained.
Blake argued, “But what you’re giving me is not what I want. Liam is fine, but I don’t love him! I love Kevin, so why do you have to force this on me!?”
Cecilia told her, “Ben Parker, the mayor of Ventropolis, has been confirmed to have a failing kidney with no possibility of any cure. Julian Xander is among the candidates in the current election. Jardin Corporation has collaborated with the other candidates to make sure Julian will be elected. When he reaches that position, his position as general secretary of Ventropolis will be open, and Liam just needs to join the political world to be able to obtain it. Naturally, Julian had planned to leave this seat to Liam from the beginning.”
Blake was shocked and stared wide- eyed, “You’ve been colluding with the Xander family.”
Cecilia chuckled and said, “You should ask Zach this question.”
She explained, “He’s always been a calculating man. Before Zach married Madelyn, Mr. Parker wanted to pair Audrey with Zach. Sadly, Madelyn seduced Zach, so he didn’t bother with the Parker family.”
“Politicians and businessmen always work together. How do you think Zach was able to obtain so many development projects in Ventropolis in such a short time?” Cecilia asked.
Blake knew Audrey was the mayor’s daughter and knew that Audrey was not close with Zach, and wanted to get closer to Kevin instead.
“So many men have tried to join the Parker family, but none of them managed to catch Audrey’s interest. With Mr. Parker dying soon, Mr. Xander’s promotion will be guaranteed, unless the Parker family can find a suitable candidate,” Cecilia said.
‘Of course! The Parker family has two daughters. The eldest, Audrey, is weak, while the other one is still too immature. She wouldn’t be able to shoulder the burden of the Parker family. The Parker family is in checkmate with no way out,’ Blake remembered.
Seeing Blake hesitate, Cecilia helped her smoothen her collar. Then, she said, “Blake, although the Harper family has you beholden to them, I’m not as heartless as you say I am. I remember how well the Harper family treated you, and I’m thankful to them for that.”
“Three days should be enough for you to think about it carefully. I have a meeting to attend, so enough about all this for now. We can have lunch together. I’ve already made reservations, so remember to come to my office,” Cecilia answered.
Chapter 1236
In the evening, Blake went to the hotel, wanting to bring Liam his laptop bag and some clothes before returning to her apartment.
Before she knocked on the door, she saw that the door was already open. Liam stood there dressed in his pajamas, looking much better.
“You’re back?” His tone was gentle.
Blake regained her senses and said, ” Mhm, I’ve helped you get everything back. See if there is anything I missed.”
Walking into the living room, she noticed her messy house was clean and tidy. Even the air smelled fresh, and the blanket she left on the sofa was folded. Every corner was swept spotless.
“You’ve cleaned up all this?” Blake looked at him, surprised. She felt embarrassed and said, “Didn’t I tell you to rest? Why did you do this?”
There was even food made by Liam on the dining table. The gas was running in the kitchen where something was braised. Liam took the things over naturally and said, “Go and wash your hands first. I made some potato soup. It’ll be done soon.”
Blake wanted to say something more but hesitated. In the end, she said, ” What about your medicine? Did you feel better after taking them? Is your head still hurting?”
Liam shook her head and said, “It doesn’t hurt anymore. I’ll get you some cutlery so you can eat first. I’ll be done soon.”
Blake had actually wanted to tell Liam that she was going home after putting his things down, but there was no way she could leave in this situation. If she were to refuse his offer now, she would never forgive herself.
Blake had no choice but to sit at the dining table. Liam took a set of utensils and placed them before her. He then said, “I’ve made a lot of dishes. Eat them soon, or they’ll spoil.”
“Don’t just leave me to eat alone. Join me. I can’t finish all this on my own,” Blake invited him.
Liam agreed, “Sure.”
Then, He removed the apron and brought a bowl of soup out before sitting beside her. Blake ate half- heartedly while Liam kept piling food onto her plate. Blake’s mind was filled with all the words Cecilia had told her, ” I’m giving you three days. If I don’t get an answer from you once the time’s up, I’ll kill Madelyn.”
“Think carefully, Blake. My patience is limited. You know I’m a woman of my word. Madelyn is helpless without Zach’s protection. All it would take to kill her is just a few words from me.” Cecilia’s words kept ringing in her head.
Suddenly, Blake accidentally dropped her utensils out of frustration and apologized swiftly, “I’m so sorry.”
Liam stopped her from picking up her fork and replied, “It’s okay, I can pick it up.”
After that, Liam helped her change into a new set of utensils. He passed it to her and asked, “Did something happen at the company? Are you free to talk?”
Blake thought she could not hide the truth anymore. She could no longer bear it the instant she made up her mind and placed her utensils down. Her gaze was thoughtful as Blake stared at the gentleman before her. She said, ”
Liam, tell me truthfully. When you leave Start Reading Literary and return to the Xander family, will you enter the political world and plot against Kevin with Cecilia?”
Liam’s expression changed drastically. The hurt from her distrust was visible in his eyes as he asked, “Even you don’t believe me?”
Chapter 1237
With a furrowed brow, Blake hesitated before saying, “If that’s not the case, why does Cecilia keep pushing for me to tie the knot with you and waltz right into the Xander family to become Mrs. Xander? You clearly know we’re just friends, and I’m already with Kevin. I understand my words hurt you, but I have to say how I truly feel. Did you know that Cecilia is using Madelyn’s life to threaten me? If I don’t do things her way, how many more people will she hurt besides Madelyn?
“Liam, actually, I recalled those childhood memories I had forgotten long ago. Cecilia… is my sister,” Blake lowered her head while saying these words. It was a fact she had never wanted to believe in her entire life, but what could she do? Cecilia was her sister. It was a bond that Blake could not sever. Her once-beloved sister had become a relationship she now refused to acknowledge.
Blake vividly remembered Cecilia going to those grimy alleys and dealing with old perverts that were trying to take advantage of her, all just to make some living expenses and support her. She also knew that the hardships they had faced in the past were what had led Cecilia to pursue power ruthlessly. However, no matter how bad Cecilia became, upon discovering Blake’s identity, she never harmed Blake.
There was a lot of inner turmoil in Blake’s mind. “Thinking about the past, my feelings toward Cecilia can only be described as a mix of love and hate. I can’t believe my sister, who used to hustle so hard to keep me alive, has turned into what she is now.”
Liam watched as tears welled up in Blake’s eyes. Suddenly, he stood up and gently reached out, pulling her into his arms and offering soft words of comfort, “Blake, I hate seeing you cry. I know about everything, but I never intended to pressure you into anything. Just remember that I’m always on your side.
“What do you want me to do? I’ll go along with whatever you decide. I won’t return to the Xander family if you don’t want me to, okay?” Liam spoke in a gentle tone as Blake cried silently. She had never felt this exhausted before.
The atmosphere was now awkward as Liam and Blake struggled to eat, wasting a table full of delicious food.
Sitting on the couch, Liam gently cupped Blake’s face, wiping away her tears. “Blake, would you be open to hearing my advice?”
Blake looked at him with teary eyes.” What is it?”
Liam said, “Let’s get married as Cecilia wants us to.”
Blake immediately pushed him away and rejected the idea. “Liam, I can’t betray Kevin. We’ve had a physical relationship, and I promised to wait for him to return.”
A twinge of pain grazed Liam’s chest, and a forced smile played on his lips. ” It’s okay. We can get married before he returns. After that, we can end it anytime if you want a divorce. If you don’t trust me, we can even draft a divorce agreement and sign it after we get married, and when that day comes we’ll head to the courthouse to pick up the divorce papers. But for now, getting married is the only way for us to keep Cecilia at bay.”
Chapter 1238
“Don’t you think doing this is unfair to you? Liam, why do you treat me so well? Have we…met each other before in the past before all this?” Blake finally asked the question she had been pondering all along. She had never believed in love at first sight, that someone could be willing to give up everything for another person they had just met.
Liam just smiled faintly without explaining. He gently comforted her, ” Blake, sometimes there’s not much reason to things. I don’t need a reason to be nice to someone.”
He reached out and wiped away the tears falling from her face. “You haven’t eaten much, so let’s have some more. I’ll heat the food, then drive you home after finishing.”
Blake shook her head. “No, thanks. I drove myself here today.”
If Liam found his Mrs. Right, he would surely be the best lover. However, there was no potential for a relationship between Blake and him. Once she chose someone, she would stick to that person. That part about “three years”
had just been something Blake had said to provoke Kevin, and for herself to feel at ease.
After laying out all those things, Blake gradually started letting go of the weight on her heart. When she returned to the Harper residence, Grace handed her a bowl of pea soup. “You had dinner at Liam’s place, but I was worried you might get hungry later tonight. So, I had the maid leave some food for your midnight snack. What’s wrong? You seem distracted. Did something happen at work? If something is bothering you, you can talk to me.”
Blake was actually still full, but she could not turn down Grace’s thoughtful gesture. She pretended everything was fine and smiled, saying, “I’m okay, just thinking about work stuff. By the way, has Mya been coming back recently? Why did Mya leave right after my mom and dad returned last time?”
Grace sighed, “Well, I’m not sure how Fred really feels about Mya. You’d think he treats her poorly, but Mya has gained weight recently. I hope Fred treats Mya well regardless of how the Turner family treats her. At least Mya won’t be bullied with him around.”
‘Indeed! Ever since Mya’s fiancé from before got taken away by the police and ended up getting sentenced, we haven’t heard anything about him.’
In the evening, Blake went to bed early after taking her medicine. At this point in the Xander residence, however, the father and son pair who had been separated for many years, had the rare chance to spend time with each other.
On Julian’s serious face, a look of great displeasure appeared. “What did you say? Are you going to marry that woman from the Harper family? Impossible. I won’t agree to this marriage, absolutely not. Even if you tie the knot with her, the Xander family will never accept such a woman. She is from an inferior family background. I will never accept a daughter-in-law from such low standing.”
At that moment, Ixia pushed open the door and hurriedly walked in from outside. “Liam, you’re going to marry Blake? No, you can’t marry her!”
She grabbed his arm, her gaze as if fearing to lose something, but Liam remained expressionless. There was a hint of disgust in his eyes as he swatted her arm away. Ignoring her presence, Liam said, “If you want my acknowledgment, these are my terms. Don’t forget, my custody has always been with my mother. In our relationship, there’s nothing between you and me aside from blood ties.”
Ixia immediately retorted to Julian, ” Dad, you promised me. You said you would let Liam marry me and take your place. You can’t go back on your word.”
“Do you really think I actually care about taking over your position?”
Liam’s icy gaze swept across Ixia’s face.
“Don’t forget, you were the one who said I can ask for anything. I’m not here to negotiate with you, but to inform you! You who abandoned your wife and child to marry into the Xander family back then. I will repay double the medical expenses owed by my mother and me.”
Chapter 1239
With that, Liam took a bank card from his wallet and placed it on Julian’s desk. “There are more than three million dollars in this card. It’s my savings. I’ll use the remaining money to prepare for the wedding with Blake.”
“N-No, Liam… Dad, you should talk some sense into Liam! What’s so special about Blake?”
Liam turned and left. Seeing the woman who had also appeared outside the door, he walked past her without greeting.
Julian never expected to lose control of things and never anticipated that Liam cared little for power. ‘So Liam has indeed earned a lot of money now. Even without my support, he can still live well in Ventropolis with his skills. It seems my son is really making a name for himself.”
Ixia pleaded with Lylia again, “Mom, please talk to Dad. Hasn’t he always listened to you?”
“That’s enough! All of you get out of here!” Julian suddenly yelled, sweeping the crucial documents off the table and onto the floor.
Lylia knew the magnitude of the situation. So, she held back her anger with reason and pulled Ixia behind her. “Julian, you have the nerve to yell at Ixia, but you can’t bear to get angry at your son? Listen, Ixia is my daughter, and nobody is allowed to be harsh with her. I don’t care what means you use, but you better make sure Liam marries Ixia. Otherwise, don’t bother letting him come back. I refuse to believe Liam is the only option out of so many eligible bachelors in Ventropolis!”
With bloodshot eyes, Julian grabbed the teacup and slammed it down next to Lylia. It was one of those rare moments when he lost his temper with her.” Shut up! What does a woman like you even know? Do you know who Blake is? She is Cecilia’s long-lost younger sister, and Cecilia is connected with the elites of Ventropolis. Do you even realize how many people are involved with Jardin Corporation and how many are eyeing the position of secretary- general? This is my only chance. If we mess this up, it’ll be hell for all of us!”
“I never expected it to be like this. No wonder Blake is so bold. I can’t believe she’s that woman’s sister.” Now, Lylia was left speechless and Ixia was frightened. Julian had never been this furious with her before.
The next day, Liam came to pick Blake up at the Harper residence in the morning. Blake, who had just finished breakfast, was genuinely startled as she had not expected him to come. Grace warmly welcomed him and insisted that he stay for breakfast together.
While driving, Liam spoke gently, ” Have you thought about it? We don’t have to rush into marriage. We can take it slow, try dating, and you don’t have to keep things to yourself in the future. From now on, you won’t be alone anymore.”
Blake nodded, “Okay. Let’s pretend to be in a relationship for now, to deal with Cecilia.”
Chapter 1240
Despite verbally agreeing to Liam’s suggestion, Blake stared out of the car with a heavy heart. Liam seemed to sense her inner worries and hesitated before speaking, “Don’t you need to tell Kevin about this? After all, this is an important matter, so you should make it clear to him.”
Blake replied, “It’s okay. I’ll explain this to him clearly.”
After returning to the office, Liam and Blake coincidentally ran into Cecilia as they entered the elevator, with Susan following closely behind. In the non- crowded elevator, there were only a few people. Cecilia dressed in a professional outfit. Perhaps due to her recent good mood, she had a glowing complexion.
“Great. Seems like you’ve taken my advice to heart.”
Blake ignored her, but Cecilia still offered, “If you encounter any date troubles, like when you can’t get a reservation at a restaurant, you can count on me for help.”
Liam was about to say something while Blake cut him off. The look in her eyes seemed to express, ‘It’s not worth talking to someone like that.’
The elevator quickly reached the tenth floor, and Blake and Liam exited. Outside the CEO’s office, Cecilia stopped at the door and waved her hand. “Go ahead and get in for the morning briefing. I have an important video conference call, so if there’s nothing else, don’t bother me.”
Susan nodded and said, “Yes, Ms. Samford.”
As Susan turned to leave, Cecilia pushed the door open and walked in. She found a man sitting at her desk with his back facing her. “You’re back so early?”
She walked over with a smile, and the door behind her closed slowly. Cecilia approached with a touch of flirtation and embraced him from behind the chair. “Is everything sorted out over there? Anything I can help with?”
Agustin held a document in his hand. As he set it down, he turned the chair, took Cecilia’s hand, and wrapped his arm around her waist, gently pulling her closer. Cecilia went along with it and sat on Agustin’s lap. He asked, ” You still haven’t taken action after all this time. Is it because you can’t bear to? Or are you struggling to make a move?”
Suddenly, Cecilia burst into laughter, and the sound echoed in the office. She seemed like a temptress who knew exactly how to charm men. Her hands hooked around Agustin’s neck, giving him a seductive look. “Are you jealous? “she teased with a playful smile.
Cecilia continued, “Don’t worry. Zach is still in a coma. Even if he wakes up one day, he’ll just be a vegetable and won’t interfere with our plans. What’s more, except for the underground intel -gathering organization you mentioned, everything else is under our control, isn’t it?
“Oh… I almost forgot! There’s also the inheritance Zach sneakily left for Madelyn. Do you really think I care? Even if she holds that inheritance document, I can guarantee she won’t see a dime. The company is now completely under my control! Zach belongs to me, and you are also mine!” Cecilia said, treating the men as if they were a disposable plaything.
However, Agustin paid no mind to Cecilia’s words. His deep gaze focused on her, “I knew you’d be the type of woman to prioritize power above all else. There are only two types of people in your eyes: those you can use and those who can benefit you. You are completely heartless.”
Agustin playfully lifted her chin with his fingers and kissed her fiery red lips. Cecilia laughed, and her eyes filled with various ambitions. “Heart? What’s the point of having a heart? If I had a heart, I wouldn’t be in this position, and I certainly wouldn’t have had the chance to meet you, who brings me all these surprises.”
“How did the checkup go?”
Cecilia reached out to caress his face. The man in front of her could practically have been her dad’s age, but he kept himself well and seemed only in his mid-thirties. He had a refined, bookish vibe, but who would have guessed he was just as ruthless as Zach, maybe even more. “Are you so eager for me to have your child? Don’t worry. Someday, I’ll gradually seek justice for our child from Madelyn.”
Cecilia grabbed his hand and placed it on her abdomen. Her eyes showed both fierceness and sorrow, saying, “This was our first child, and I’m going to make her pay for it. Her child will be the one to accompany ours in the grave.