Chapter 1491-1500
“There’s no need for that. Wait for me to change. We’ll be having dinner after that.” Jessie had been on
a diet for themercial shooting, which resulted in her current hunger pangs.
That night, Julian treated her to dinner and even ordered takeaway for her as supper.
Then, March arrived in the blink of an eye, bringing two good tidings. The first one confirmed Eva was
pregnant, while the second one was regarding theirtest movie being nominated for an award. Even
so, the award remained a mystery to them for the time being.
Eva didn’t expect herself to be pregnant when she traveled home for vacation. Thus, after she returned
to the city, the people around her viewed her as the object of protection.
Jessie was delighted when she heard such excellent news as she was expecting the birth of two
children this year. One of them belonged to Queenie, while another one belonged to Eva.
So far, she and Julian hadn’t decided on their wedding date. After all, she was content with spending
time together with him.
The 24th of March was considered a big day for celebrities as the awards ceremony this year was held
on the same day. It also provided the asion to review excellent works over the year. The ceremony
would give out awards to both the best actor and actress, along with other prizes to recognize the
industry’s aplishments.
Jessie, Julian, and the crew walked down the red carpet, bathing in the background music and the
fans’ screaming. Soon, they walked over to the sign-in board. The instant she signed her name, he left
his signature next to hers before drawing a heart that circled their names.
“There’s no need for that. Wait for me to change. We’ll be having dinner after that.” Jessie had been on
a diet for themercial shooting, which resulted in her current hunger pangs.
His gesture didn’t go unnoticed by the camera operators nearby. They immediately gave his work a
close-up. His gesture was evidence of his affection for her, even if it was a simple one.
His gesture didn’t go unnoticed by the camera operators nearby. They immediately gave his work a
close-up. His gesture was evidence of his affection for her, even if it was a simple one.
After that, they walked into the ceremony hall. Even though she was merely a rookie in the industry,
their rtionship suggested that she would be more than that in the future. Thus, the organizer
arranged a seat for her beside him. Their name tags next to each other indicated the best wishes from
the industry for the future couple.
“Are you nervous about the ceremony?” He gently held her hand in his.
“Not at all. I’m doing my best to stay calm.” She shook her head. Even though she was surrounded by
the shing lights, to her, there was nothing around that could everpare with him.
Therefore, she was happy even if she didn’t win any award because he was the best thing that ever
happened to her.
The ceremony began in the crowd’s nervous anticipation after the opening show. Then, the hosts
announced the winners with excited voices. After that, the audience was all looking forward to the
announcement of the award winners after the awards for both the best supporting actor and actress,
followed by various awards for the behind-the-scenes team.
The most significant awards of the night were none other than the Award for Best Actor and the Award
for Best Actress.
All of them were highly anticipating the announcement of this year’s winners.
“Next, we’ll be d to have the presidents announce the best actor and actress. Please wee Mr.
Leads and Mr. King,” the hostess began with a bright smile on her face.
The men got up on the stage. Both of them were holding an unopened envelope respectively. After
they exchanged a few jokes, the music that followed built up the tension in the air.
The audience was watching them in anticipation.
“Coming up next, we are going to announce the winners of the Award for Best Actor and Best Actress.
The winner of the Award for Best Actor is Julian Gilmore, and the Award for Best Actress goes to
Jessie Silverstein.”
Jessie was overjoyed with the news of Julian as the winner when she unexpectedly heard her name.
The words struck her like lightning, rendering her utterly dumbfounded for a split second as she had
difficulty processing them and doubting herself.
“Am I hearing my name?” She sought assurance from him.
He took her hand. “You are. Let’s go.”
There was a stir in the audience. Several people were eyeing her enviously as he led her onto the
stage, hand in hand. After all, she used to be an unassuming double for other actresses, and it was
merely her first movie in her career.
However, Julian, who was widely recognized as the most handsome man in the industry, was now
holding her hand as they stepped onto the stage. Plus, she also won the Award for Best Actress, which
created a record for achieving such an aplishment after starring in her first movie.
Lisa was one of the people who couldn’t contain her jealousy. She balled her fists tightly as she
struggled to ept that all the good things had happened to Jessie.
“There should be some backdoor dealings behind this. There’s no way she could earn this award if not
through connections,” Lisa hissed through gritted teeth.
At that exact moment, nervousness filled Jessie’s heart. However, when Julian slid her palm into his,
she calmed down under his touch. She was suddenly filled with overwhelming certainty that she could
take things head-on with him by her side.
When the pair stood at the center of the stage, their mere presence practically revealed to the world
that they were undoubtedly a perfect couple. The audience couldn’t help but agree that they were the
ideal match made for each other.
“Jessie, would you mind sharing what’s on your mind right now? Are you happy? Are you surprised to
hear you won the award?” The hostess walked over to them and asked cheerily.
Jessie took over the microphone and nodded naturally. “Yes, I’m indeed both thrilled and surprised. I’ve
never considered winning an award when I came to attend the ceremony.”
“But your movie ranked the highest-grossing film of the year. So, you should’ve made a mental
preparation for winning an award tonight,” the host pressed.
“I never gave it more than a passing thought. After all, the movie only became a sess mainly due to
the director, the team behind it, and all the other staff involved in the movie.” Once she answered, the
host directed their attention at Julian and asked, “Julian, what about you? What’s your favorite moment
on the stage?”
“The best moment will be nothing but standing by Miss Silverstein’s side when she receives the award.”
Julian didn’t hesitate to answer.
The host let out a chuckle before teasing, “It seems like winning the award yourself is second to
apanying Miss Silverstein to receive the award on your list.”
“There should be some backdoor dealings behind this. There’s no way she could earn this award if not
through connections,” Lisa hissed through gritted teeth.
The envious eyes of the audience were glued to Jessie. The best actor, Julian, made it clear that he
was merely herpanion on the stage tonight. Therefore, her most outstanding achievement tonight
was never getting an award but having him by her side for the rest of her life.
The envious eyes of the audience were glued to Jessie. The best actor, Julian, made it clear that he
was merely herpanion on the stage tonight. Therefore, her most outstanding achievement tonight
was never getting an award but having him by her side for the rest of her life.
Heat rushed to her face, and she pursed her cherry-red lips at his words. However, before she could
dwell on it, the hostess shot another question at her, “Miss Silverstein, may I ask, do you have any
ns for the future?”
Jessie got lost in a train of thought but couldn’t think of a satisfactory answer. Then, she turned to
Julian on the side to seek his help, only to see the man smiling at her. “Isn’t it getting married?”
Her cheeks immediately flushed crimson at his reminder. Finally, she nodded firmly and told the
hostess, “He’s right. I’m taking my time to enjoy dating before I get married.”
“If so, is Miss Silverstein perhaps suggesting that you’re marrying Mr. Gilmore?”
Jessie nodded the second time with pure bliss spread across her face. “Yes. It’s him.”
The awards ceremony no longer held its significance when it became a ce where every audience
witnessed Jessie and Julian’s strong affection for each other.
It was a starry night, filled with stars twinkling from the sky and stars attending the awards ceremony.
By the time they arrived home, it was already 11.30PM. After a bath, Jessie changed into herfy
pajamas and took the opportunity to finally rx. The stiffness in her shoulders had never once
disappeared during the ceremony due to her nervousness about being one of the participants tonight.
A pair of hands reached behind her and kneaded her stiff muscles just when she tried to massage the
soreness out of her shoulders.
She fluttered her eyes shut infort, leaned into his touch, and enjoyed his hands massaging her
shoulders as a faint smile painted across her lips.
Julian was captivated by her beauty tonight. After he ensured she had finally let loose of all the stress,
he stood still behind the couch and leaned down to kiss her soft, red lips.
The kiss drew a moan out of her, which made her shyness reach its peak due to their intimacy. That’s
not how you kiss!
Nevertheless, there was no doubt that the man was a good kisser, and she couldn’t tear herself away
from his ministrations. Soon, he bent down to carry her in his arms and returned to the room.
After the awards ceremony, Julian turned down all job offers and took Jessie on a trip abroad. They
spent quality time together without worrying about their careers and other trivial matters.
Then, July approached in a blink of an eye, bringing Queenie’s due date closer day by day. Frankly,
after she had experienced the pregnancy for months, she couldn’t help but feel that it was finally her
time to give birth to her child.
Just as expected, Queenie gave birth to the youngest son of the Manson Family through a C-Section,
who weighed seven pounds at birth. The baby boy clenched his fists as his wail resounded through the
room, which thoroughly amazed the nurses in the delivery room. It was their first time seeing a
newborn with such delicate features yet a very healthy set of lungs.
Still, judging by his parent’s looks, it was only natural that the child would eventually grow into a
handsome young man in the future.
Both elders of the Manson Family and the Silverstein Family were d to receive the news. After all,
good tidings of the mother and the child being in excellent health were the best information they would
ever hope for.
Julian and Jessie had already embarked on their trip back to the country to attend the baby shower.
Things were a little hectic for the new parents, especially considering thetest addition to the family.
However, three dayster, Anastasia and Elliot visited them. After all, Queenie needed a friend to talk
to and relieve any postpartum anxiety she might have hidden in her heart.
Anastasia was akin to an older sister to Queenie. They talked about everything and anything that
needed to be taken care of after childbirth. Anastasia’spany also had the intended effect of
soothing Queenie, who was experiencing hormonal changes after her delivery, and kept Queenie in a
good mood, so she could raise her child without worries.
The Silverstein Family and the Manson Family elders were more than delighted to wee the new
member into their families.
The baby shower was held in a month, and they had a tacit understanding of making it as grand as
possible.
Jessie was overjoyed to see her healthy nephew. She held him carefully in her arms most of the time
and was reluctant to let him go. Julian attempted to do the same, but he felt as though his limbs weren’t
listening to his brain. Because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t manage to position his arms
right to hold the baby. Nigel, who watched the scene unfold on the side the whole time, couldn’t help
but step in and demonstrate the correct way to hold a baby himself.
“You need to learn. Maybe you’ll be doing the same in two years,” Nigel teased.
Julian envied Nigel for that and was looking forward to the day when he got to marry Jessie. He
proposed to Jessie when they traveled abroad, and she epted. Thus, they returned to the country to
discuss the wedding with their parents.
The elders of the Gilmore Family and the Silverstein Family worked together and chose a date in
October, which was an auspicious day for the wedding. Julian and Jessie had already embarked on
their trip back to the country to attend the baby shower.
Since Julian was a famous actor with a considerable fanbase, he kept the wedding small and secret.
Nheless, some of the wedding photos he deigned to reveal remained the top trending topic on
Twitter for a whole month.
Since Julian was a famous actor with a considerable fanbase, he kept the wedding small and secret.
Nheless, some of the wedding photos he deigned to reveal remained the top trending topic on
Twitter for a whole month.
Finally, the group heard from Eva and Louie and received another fantastic piece of news in November,
which was the birth of their son. He was the designated heir of the Gilmore Family. Since then, Louie
had gone all out tovish his wife and son with love.
In the evening, the lights illuminated Averna, the most prosperous city in the East. The building of
Presgrave Group stood high above the other cityndmarks and attractions around it like a king. It
made itself a magnificent view in the evening of the early winter.
Elliot had kept a low profile over the recent years. He decided to focus on his family and made them his
number one priority, but his business empire was thriving under his governance.
To him and Anastasia, the family would always be his priority. His business and everything else would
onlye after, not before.
Someday during the early winter, Jared, the young master of the Presgrave Family, had just finished
his usual fencing practice. He got ready to go home for dinner while a security team designated to
escort him was waiting downstairs.
He got in the car and wore his earplugs out of habit before closing his eyes for a short nap.
Even though he was only ten years old, he had set his life goal, which was to inherit his father’s
company in the future and protect his family.
Thus, he looked more mature and sophisticatedpared to the children of his age. Perhaps his wish
came true as his features began to reveal a hint of him gradually growing into a young adult despite
being so young.
s, the danger was closing in from behind under the cover of the night.
A car without a license te slowly approached them. A man poked his head out of the sunroof and
aimed the rocketuncher in his hands at the convoy in front of him.
The enemies struck the convoy on the road without warning. The missile sent one of the three ck
cars in motion flipping over before the st spread to the other two cars. The first car rolled down the
road amidst the explosion before it crashed into amppost and stopped. The windows shattered due
to the st and revealed the passengers inside, but their fate remained unknown.
A few injured people swiftly got down from the two other ck cars, which were affected by the st,
and shouted at each other, “The young master is still in there!”
“We need to save him!”
After that, the bodyguards rushed simultaneously toward the flipped ck car and wrenched the door
open with abandon. They found Jared in a state that blood smeared all over his face when they got him
out of the passenger seats. They also managed to drag the bodyguard, who drove the car, out of the
driver’s seat, but he had already passed away.
“Young master is breathing. We have to bring him to the hospital immediately.” One of the bodyguards
barked the order at hispanions before rushing toward the ck car on the roadside. The other four
surviving bodyguards didn’t waste any time carrying Jared to the car and making a break for the
hospital.
Regardless, they hurriedly reported the situation to Elliot and Anastasia on the way to the hospital.
After learning the bad news, she almost passed out in her husband’s arms. On the contrary, although
Jared’s ident unnerved him, Elliot still forced himself to calm down before rushing to the hospital
with his wife in tow.
Meanwhile, at Presgrave Hospital, the director, the associate director, and the rest of the head doctors
were all gathered at the entrance of the building. They were there to wee the car that the Young
Master of the Presgrave Family was in. Soon enough, the ck car sped over to the entrance and
stopped before the bodyguard carefully carried the boy out of the car and onto a stretcher. “Save him,”
the bodyguard cried with tears in his eyes.
The doctors who had been assigned to the case hurried forward and wheeled the boy to the
emergency room. The director ran along with them as he gave out orders to the nurses to treat the
bodyguards’ wounds. After that, he got the staff to send the two ice-cold bodies into the mortuary. No
one could’ve foreseen that the Presgrave Family would be attacked.
It wasn’t certain if Young Master Presgrave, who was only ten years old, would survive the attack.
About ten minutester, Elliot charged toward the emergency room with Anastasia following behind
him. A female bodyguard had to support Anastasia so that she didn’t fall. Her cheeks were soaked with
tears. Upon hearing the news that the bodyguards in the driver and passenger seats had died on the
spot, Anastasia’s face was drained of color. She looked as if she was about to pass out.
Elliot gathered the four other bodyguards to ask them about the incident. “I’m sorry, President
Presgrave. We didn’t sense any danger at first. It was just a regr jeep. Then, a rocket-like explosive
was hurled directly toward the other car. The whole car was thrown up into the air before it flipped and
caught on fire. We felt the impact of the explosion, even from our car. The whole ce was a mess. We
immediately ran over to save Young Master Presgrave, and he was still breathing when we got him
out,” one of the bodyguards exined. Meanwhile, at Presgrave Hospital, the director, the associate
director, and the rest of the head doctors were all gathered at the entrance of the building. They were
there to wee the car that the Young Master of the Presgrave Family was in. Soon enough, the
ck car sped over to the entrance and stopped before the bodyguard carefully carried the boy out of
the car and onto a stretcher. “Save him,” the bodyguard cried with tears in his eyes.
“Was he badly injured?” Elliot asked.
“Was he badly injured?” Elliot asked.
“He had a wound on his forehead, but there were no other obvious wounds on him. But… We’re not
sure if he…” the bodyguard muttered. Elliot’s entire figure was shuddering—regardless of how much he
tried to remain calm, he simply couldn’t bring himself to ept what had happened to his son. At that
very moment, a doctor rushed out of the emergency room.
“President Presgrave, Sir, Young Master Presgrave needs a heart transnt. We have to contact all of
the hospitals in town, or any other hospital in the country, to find a suitable match. We need it within 24
hours,” the doctor said to both Elliot and the director. Elliot watched as the director pulled his phone out
and started contacting all his connections. He sent out the news of what had happened and started
asking for a suitable heart to save a child whose life was in danger.
When Anastasia heard that her son required a heart transnt, she copsed into tears once more. At
that moment, she desperately wished that she could sacrifice her life in exchange for her son’s, just so
that he could survive. After the directors made a few calls, he managed to get the news out to most of
the hospitals.
A married couple was staring at a document ced in front of them in a hospital in Averna. The woman
let out a long sigh. “Would we have had to spend all this money if it weren’t for your sister?” she
muttered. Tears were welling up in the man’s eyes. “Stop with your harsh words. We can’t save Nick
anymore,” he uttered.
“The doctor already told us that there was no hope for Nick a week ago, but you were the one who
insisted on keeping him on life support. What’s the purpose of that? We’ve spent over 10,000 on his
stay in the ICU! What was all of that money for? I’d rather spend the money on someone alive.” The
woman responded in a sharp tone before she dly put her signature on the paper.
However, right when they were about to leave the hospital, a doctor hurried out to stop them in their
tracks. “Please hold on. We have an emergency situation that we’d like to talk to you guys about,” the
doctor said. “What’s the emergency? Can we still save Nick?” the man asked.
“Well, there’s a ten-year-old who just got into a car ident in town, and he desperately needs a heart
transnt. At this point, we will no longer be able to keep Nick alive. Would you guys be willing to
donate his heart?” The woman’s eyes lit up when she heard the doctor’s words. “This is a good deed
we’re doing. Let’s do it!” she uttered as she held onto her husband’s arm.
The man thought about it for a moment before he let out a sigh. “Fine. I guess it’s good that we get to
save someone else’s life. It’ll be good karma for Nick, too. I hope he’ll find greater peace wherever he
is!” At that point, the man didn’t know that his decision had saved a whole family.
When the director received the news, Elliot and Anastasia were still with him. They received the good
news just 30 minutes after announcing that they needed a transnt. They heard that there was a boy
who had been brain-dead for nearly two weeks and that the boy’s family had just signed the papers to
take the boy off life support. Coincidentally, the hospital hadn’t taken the boy off life support yet, so the
staff had asked for the family’s consent to donate the boy’s heart and received it.
Tears streamed down Elliot’s cheeks as well. The Presgrave Family will forever be indebted to this
family of strangers. We have to repay their kindness, he thought. Anastasia had the same thought in
her mind as well. About an hourter, a total of three cars escorted a vehicle over to the hospital. In the
vehicle was the heart that Young Master Elliot needed to survive. The young boy was hurried into the
surgical theater for a heart transnt.
About three hourster, the surgery was an official sess, and Young Master Elliot’s life was no
longer in danger. Elliot sent a gift to express his gratitude to the family that had helped them.
Meanwhile, the other family left the hospital after they signed the necessary documents. Zack looked
especially drained after he had finally said hisst goodbyes to his sister’s son, Nick. Zack brought his
wife home, and they were greeted by two girls who were waiting for them in the hall. One of the girls
was their daughter, while the other girl was skinnier and paler. However, she had a pair of bright eyes
that made her look pretty.
The husband and wife had just got home when they noticed a car stopping outside their house. A
middle-aged man stepped out of the vehicle to hand them a special gift. “Mr. Zack Lore and Ms. Olivia
Fraser, I’m here to deliver a gift of appreciation on behalf of my boss. We’d all like to thank you for
saving our young master.”
“What’s the gift?” Olivia’s eyes lit up immediately. She had already noticed how expensive the car was
and how well-dressed the middle-aged man was. The man pulled out an envelope. “There’s a card in
here. Its password is 123456, and there’s a sum of 100 million in here. This is a thank-you gift from my
boss,” the man exined. “What? How much did you say is inside?” Olivia’s eyes looked like they were
about to fall out of her sockets. Tears streamed down Elliot’s cheeks as well. The Presgrave Family will
forever be indebted to this family of strangers. We have to repay their kindness, he thought. Anastasia
had the same thought in her mind as well. About an hourter, a total of three cars escorted a vehicle
over to the hospital. In the vehicle was the heart that Young Master Elliot needed to survive. The young
boy was hurried into the surgical theater for a heart transnt.
“100 million,” the man replied patiently. Zack was just as shocked to hear this. He hadn’t expected his
nephew to contribute to the family even through his death. I can’t believe we’re getting 100 million for
this! “H-How could this be?”
“100 million,” the man replied patiently. Zack was just as shocked to hear this. He hadn’t expected his
nephew to contribute to the family even through his death. I can’t believe we’re getting 100 million for
this! “H-How could this be?”
“Why not? Nick is our family; he sacrificed his life to save another boy’s life. This is a big deal, you
know?!” Olivia was worried that her husband would reject the money, so she practically snatched the
envelope from the man. “Thank you. Please help us to thank your boss.”
“If you face any issues in the future, you can contact this number. We’ll always be around to help.” The
man handed Olivia a name card, and she took it immediately. “Are you sure that you can help with
anything at all?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll make sure to save this number, then.” Olivia was on cloud nine. “Drive safe!” After the man left,
Olivia let out a boomingugh as she threw her arms around her husband. “We’re rich, darling! We’re
rich! We have 100 million!”
Meanwhile, the young girl sitting on the couch stared at them with sorrow. “What did you guys do to my
brother? Why did that man give you so much money?”
“It’s none of your business. Stop asking questions,” Olivia snapped. She then pulled her husband to a
corner. “We’ll be the only ones who know about this, you hear me? We can’t let that young brat find out
about it. Otherwise, she’s going to ask for a share of the money when she grows up,” Olivia hissed.
Zack took a nce at the girl who was sitting in a corner. Even though he was her biological uncle, he
felt as if he had been totally blinded by the wealth that had just befallen him—he was afraid that the girl
would want to snatch his money away as well. “Okay,” he promised his wife.
“We’re really rich this time! We’ll never finish all this money!” At that thought, Olivia turned to look at her
daughter and her skinny, frail niece. “You’ll live with us from now on. You need to be a good girl, do you
understand?” she spat at the skinnier child.
“I want my brother!” The girl started crying. “Your brother’s sick. You won’t get to see him anymore,” the
other young girl told the skinnier one. “My brother’s not gone. He’sing back,” the skinny girl cried.
When Olivia first took the two children in, she had considered how she didn’t have a son of her own.
That thought made her feel more reluctant to care for the two kids that came from her husband’s
sister’s family. It seems like the heavens are taking away my problems now!
There’s only this girl left in their family, and I’m now gifted with so much money. This money must be
spent on my own daughter for her to live well! As for this niece… Oh! There’s this Aunt Jessica who
had earlier offered to look after Ellie! I have to send this burden of ours, Ellie, away. I’m not spending
even a cent on her!
“Hubby, let’s send Ellie to Aunt Jessica!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea! Aunt Jessica is aging and she lives alone. How on earth is she going to
raise a kid?”
“Ellie is not young anymore; what more does your aunt need to do? Let’s do it this way: we’ll pay Aunt
Jessica two thousand every month for her to take care of Ellie. After all, the longer Ellie stays with us,
the more details she will get to know as she gets older. When that happens, she will most likely fight for
the money!” Olivia was now solely concerned with keeping the money all to herself.
Her words made Connor think twice. My wife is right. Ellie will grow up one day, and if she learned that
we approved the donation, things will get out of hand.
“Fine. Let me talk to Aunt Jessica regarding this.”
Jared, who had been unconscious for the previous three days, began to stir in Presgrave Hospital.
Although his head was bandaged, he was conscious and eventually understood what was happening
when he learned that his heart was a transnt.
For him, realizing that the heart beating within his body belonged to someone else was an
indescribable sensation.
“You’re awake atst, Jared! You almost scared me to death.” Anastasia cried so much that she almost
had her eyes blind from all the crying. Looking at her son who had finally awakened, she felt as though
she was the one who had a close call to death. There’s only this girl left in their family, and I’m now
gifted with so much money. This money must be spent on my own daughter for her to live well! As for
this niece… Oh! There’s this Aunt Jessica who had earlier offered to look after Ellie! I have to send this
burden of ours, Ellie, away. I’m not spending even a cent on her!
Jared nced at Anastasia, feeling bad that he had caused her to worry, as he said, “I’m sorry, Mom,
for making you worry.” A wave of guilt swept over him as he realized how anxious his family was.
Jared nced at Anastasia, feeling bad that he had caused her to worry, as he said, “I’m sorry, Mom,
for making you worry.” A wave of guilt swept over him as he realized how anxious his family was.
“It’s okay. I’m happy now that you’re fine. I won’t cry anymore.” Anastasia then bent down and kissed
Jared on the forehead. She did not want her sorrow to affect her son who had just awoken.
She knew he had suffered too.
Five days after the crash, Elliot learned what caused it. It was nned by a foreignpetitor who
wanted to exact revenge on the Presgrave Group for stealing away their business interests.
Shortly after Elliot learned this knowledge, a disaster urred in the middle of the open seas. The
miscreant with the temerity to touch Elliot’s son vanished from existence.
This was exactly Elliot’s style. But despite so, he was unable to quell his anger. He went even further to
ensure that the entire sinner’s n would never be seen in the world.
As Jared required a quiet ce to recuperate, Elliot’s entire family migrated to a tranquil manor abroad
and had since resided there.
Sixteen yearster, a young, attractive figure could be seen sitting at the president’s desk in the
president’s office. He then stood to his feet and gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window. His captivating
appearance was a gift from god, with the sun rays entuating his aquiline nose and enhancing his
facial contours, thin lips, and fair forehead as seen through hisbed-up fringes.
Jared, who turned twenty-six this year,pletely inherited his father’s genes. He stood close to 1.87
meters tall and exuded an elegant aura, which was how a son of a noble family would appear.
“Mr. Presgrave, the documents required for the board meeting are ready. You can go now.”
“Okay.” Jared had spent the previous years living and studying overseas and had rarely returned, but
this time, he would have more time to stay in the country.
Despite his young age, he had aparable capability to his father. As a result, he was now in charge
of running the whole Presgrave Group while his parents focused on caring for his younger sister.
At the same time, a figure who had just returned from studying abroad was grandly greeted. Another
womanden with jewelry rushed up to hug the woman as soon as she emerged from the airport
wearing only branded clothing from head to toe. “My daughter, you’re back atst!”
This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.
It was Olivia Fraser, hugging her daughter, Selena, who had been studying abroad for the past four
years. This daughter of hers, having a beautiful appearance and obtaining foreign degrees, had made
Olivia proud. Olivia was certain that Selena would have a bright future ahead.
“Mom, I’m running out of money again! Transfer some to me!”
“Okay! I’ll transfer five hundred thousand to you tomorrow! That’s more than enough!”
“Well, that’s just the bare minimum,” Selena responded, her lips pouting.
“Let’s head back first,e on! You arrived just in time for tomorrow’s wedding of your aunt’s daughter.
We’ll go join the fun.”
“Will Ellen be going as well? What has she been doing recently?”
“What else could that girl be doing but toiling away? She’s not at allparable to you!” Olivia said as
she looked at her daughter proudly. Selena has indeed made a good choice to be born into our family!
Soonter, Olivia drove her Mercedes-Benz into a basement car park in Averna’s high-end residential
area and stopped it in a luxurious parking space.
Selena got out of the car. Behaving just like a princess, she did not pick up any of her belongings and
instead waited for her mother to carry everything for her. This resulted in Olivia spoiling Selena since
she was young as if she were truly a princess from a royal family.
“Let’s have something special tonight, Mom!”
“Sure! Pick whatever you like,” Olivia agreed right away.
Selena then trailed behind Olivia. She appeared dissatisfied with and looked down upon everything in
the country, perhaps because she had lived abroad for the previous years.
“Mom, I don’t intend to look for a job now. I want to have some fun for a while.”
“That’s perfectly fine. Our family does not require money anyway. I don’t want you to suffer outside too,”
Olivia responded lovingly.
That evening, Connor and Olivia took Selena out to a fancy dinner before visiting a few designer stores
to get their attire for the wedding the following day. Their total expenditure for the night itself came up to
more than one hundred thousand. “Okay! I’ll transfer five hundred thousand to you tomorrow! That’s
more than enough!”
But Connor and Olivia were unconcerned at all. They spent as though the money would keep falling
from the sky and were unconcerned about the possibility of bing broke.
But Connor and Olivia were unconcerned at all. They spent as though the money would keep falling
from the sky and were unconcerned about the possibility of bing broke.
This was what Selena had always been curious about. ording to what she had recalled, their family
lived in a run-down alley when she was seven. However, they moved into a big mansion subsequently,
and when she graduated from high school, her parents immediately sent her abroad to study when she
failed to get into a local university. Not only that, but the university she attended abroad was also one
which was reputable, all thanks to her parents’ connections. At that moment, everyone in her high
school was envious of her.
She felt that her parents possessed a mystical ability that allowed them to instantly make their entire
family rich.
She had previously asked Olivia about this, but Olivia did not tell her the truth and continued to indulge
her every wish.
As time passed, Selena gradually developed the mannerisms and habits of the wealthy and lived just
like ady who was born with a silver spoon.
The next day morning, Olivia had arranged for a makeup artist toe to their house to doll up both
Selena and herself. Selena wore a six-figure gown, and because she had undergone some minor
cosmetic surgery abroad, she truly appeared beautiful.
Under the power of money as well, she shed her prior persona as a poor, disheveleddy and
appeared to be a wealthy and noble woman. Connor had begun investing recently and Lady Luck had
also been kind to him too as he managed to earn a few million solely from investments.
Their entire family then boarded the posh car Connor had just purchased and made their way to the
hotel where the wedding was hosted. The moment Olivia appeared in the hall, all of their rtives and
friends greeted her respectfully, worrying that any dy would annoy her.
“Wow, this is Selena, right? She looks just like a celebrity!”
“That’s right! Such a beautifuldy! You’re so blessed, Olivia, to have such a beautiful daughter!”
“Of course, she is! Furthermore, Selena is an international graduate from a world-known university!”
“That’s incredible!”
Hearing all thepliments, Selena couldn’t help but raise her chin proudly. She knew she merited all
of these praises. She was also aware that many young guys in the hall were cing their attention on
her, but she found all these men ridiculous. She would never take a fancy to these ordinary men!
Her ideal life partner would undoubtedly be a member of the elite and the most influential group.
She followed her mother to the front seats, sat down, and then started scrolling through her phone
while acting oblivious to everyone else. Olivia, on the other hand, looked around the room before
turning to the woman with grey hair seated next to her and asked, “Where is Ellie, Aunt Jessica? Is she
noting?”
“Ellie should be back soon, and she’s probably on her way. She had to change her shifts to make it
here today,” Jessica Aguirre said. She was the elderly woman who had adopted Ellen Reiss.
When Ellen’s name was mentioned, Selena’s head shot up, and a sh of superiority lit up her eyes.
She had nothing better to do and was curious to see what Ellen, whom she had once despised, had
be.
Selena despised Ellen because her family had fostered Ellen and her brother for a year when they
were young. Despite her young age, Selena never overcame her animosity toward Ellen, especially
after she realized Ellen had a beautiful doll that she had always wanted. However, Ellen never gave it
to her, and Selena hid it, which resulted in her father spanking her. Although her only recollection of
Ellen was from their childhood, the vengeful nature of her character meant that she would not let the
memories fade. She was relieved that Ellen’s brother had died of illness because otherwise, she would
despise them even more.
“Mom, what is Ellen doing now?” Selena asked curiously.
Olivia turned to ask Jessica, “What has Ellie been up to recently?”
“She currently works part-time at a cafe. Moreover, she recently graduated but has yet to find a suitable
job.” A worried look crossed Jessica’s face as she answered.
Selena snickered when she heard that. So, she’s working part-time in a cafe, huh? I was hoping she’d
do better than that!
After the newlyweds made their grand entrance, the guests were treated to a few toasts before being
seated for the meal. At the same time, a youngdy hopped off a bus that had pulled up to the bus
station near the hotel, checked the time, and ran to the hotel. Although she was still dressed in her
waitress uniform, she managed to exude a cool demeanor despite the sweltering heat. The breeze
blew her bangs and highlighted her attractive face.
“Ellie should be back soon, and she’s probably on her way. She had to change her shifts to make it
here today,” Jessica Aguirre said. She was the elderly woman who had adopted Ellen Reiss.
Slightly out of breath, she entered the elevator and soon arrived in the hall. She looked around for a
seat, but an elder ushered her to a seat with the directors. With a bright grin, Ellen made her way to her
seat while attracting the attention of several young men as she passed by. She radiated an air of mystic
authority that drew people to her like moths to a me. Then, she affectionately embraced Jessica
before taking a seat beside her. Afterward, Jessica began caring for her as though she were her own
child, pouring her drinks and setting out her cutlery.
Slightly out of breath, she entered the elevator and soon arrived in the hall. She looked around for a
seat, but an elder ushered her to a seat with the directors. With a bright grin, Ellen made her way to her
seat while attracting the attention of several young men as she passed by. She radiated an air of mystic
authority that drew people to her like moths to a me. Then, she affectionately embraced Jessica
before taking a seat beside her. Afterward, Jessica began caring for her as though she were her own
child, pouring her drinks and setting out her cutlery.
However, Selena’s attention was on Ellen as soon as she walked in, but Ellen still hadn’t noticed her.
Selena couldn’t help but feel superior at seeing Ellen in her cheap uniform.
A sudden thought prompted Jessica to pat Ellen on the shoulder and exim, “Ellie, Aunt Olivia and
Selena are here too.”
When Ellen turned around, she spotted Olivia and Selena, so she shed them a bright smile and
greeted them as if they were strangers.
“Aunt Olivia and Selena, it’s been a while.”
Olivia pretended to greet her amiably. “It’s been a while. Come by whenever you have time!”
She felt she had no choice but to put on an air of seniority in social situations. Moreover, she had never
cared about Ellen’s daily life since she was a child.
Olivia once broached the subject of providing Ellen’s living expenses with her husband. Still, she
abandoned the n six months after learning that Jessica’s monthly pension of three thousand was
sufficient to support Ellen. Nevertheless, every time Jessica saw them, she never failed to thank them
for offering them living expenses for six months. Furthermore, she would bring it up to everyone she
knew.
“Sure!” Ellen replied with a smile. Still, she did not dare go to her uncle’s house because it was much
toovish for her, and she feared she would be subjected to undue pressure if she did.
“This is Selena,” Olivia proudly introduced her daughter to Ellen as a way of bragging. Ellen and her
daughter were roughly the same age, but Ellen was still struggling at the base of the pyramid, while her
daughter had a bright future ahead of her. She managed to fast-track to elite society with little effort.
Then, Selena nced at Ellen while propping her chin in the palm of her right hand, and her eyes
glowed with surprise. She did not expect Ellen to be a beautiful youngdy because of Ellen’s
scrawny and malnourished appearance as a child. However, given Ellen’s inherent beauty, minimal
makeup would suffice to transform her into a stunning woman.
Selena couldn’t help but feel resentful. My skin is wless, and its radiance can only be attained
through various beauty products, but look at her poor appearance! I wonder if she could afford a
moisturizer, which costs one hundred! Nevertheless, Ellen has much healthier and more radiant skin
than I do. Her skin is smooth and supple, like a baby’s, and there is not the slightest sign of a blemish
anywhere on her face. That’s so unfair!
At the end of the meal, Connor approached Ellen, handed her a card, and said, “Ellie, there’s a
hundred thousand in this card. Keep it for yourself and Aunt Jessica.”
“Uncle Connor, I appreciate it, but I’m working to make a living, and I’m not short on cash.” The
moment he made the offer, she firmly shook her head and declined. She would never ept such a
substantial sum of money from him.
The passage of time profoundly impacted his personality, and he became considerably magnanimous.
Seeing his sister’s daughter struggle to make a living while he and his family had no financial concerns,
he sincerely desired to assist Ellen.
When Olivia went looking for him so they could leave, she found him with a card in his hand and Ellen
standing in front of him. Then, she swiftly approached them and asked, “Connor, let’s go home. What’s
with that card?” She shot him a warning nce, knowing that her husband was presumably trying to
give Ellen money, which she forbade.
“Bye, Uncle Connor.” Then, Ellen abruptly turned around and walked away.
Selena couldn’t help but feel resentful. My skin is wless, and its radiance can only be attained
through various beauty products, but look at her poor appearance! I wonder if she could afford a
moisturizer, which costs one hundred! Nevertheless, Ellen has much healthier and more radiant skin
than I do. Her skin is smooth and supple, like a baby’s, and there is not the slightest sign of a blemish
anywhere on her face. That’s so unfair!
Olivia sneered, “Connor, why are you being so kind and generous? You secretly gave Ellen money
without informing me, didn’t you?”
Olivia sneered, “Connor, why are you being so kind and generous? You secretly gave Ellen money
without informing me, didn’t you?”
“Oli, how could you be so heartless? Who has made it possible for us to live the way we do now? Do
you not feel the slightest sympathy for Ellie?”
“Does she need our sympathy? She is 22 years old, and isn’t she working diligently? She won’t starve
to death,” she huffed angrily. “We no longer share the same social standing as she does in society.
Moreover, we each have our own lives, and she has her own. Therefore, we do not have to worry about
her. She will deprive you of everything you have now when she learns of what we did back then.”
Due to the past events, Connor’s wife brainwashed him to prevent him from bing close to his
niece.
“Since our daughter wears designer clothing that can easily run into the tens of thousands, why can’t
we give Ellie some money? It breaks my heart to see her using a phone with a badly cracked screen,”
he responded with a sigh.
“What do you think she’ll feel about us if she finds out that we got ourfortable lifestyle by trading
her brother’s heart? Aside from that, given that we were so heartless back then, what good would it do
to try to atone for our sins right now? So, let’s forget about it and go home!” Following that, Olivia took
her husband’s hand and led him toward the parking lot.
Meanwhile, Ellen was rushing out of the entrance when she noticed Selena standing alone. However,
Selena couldn’t help but call out to her. “I’ve heard you’re now working in a cafe. What’s the name of
the cafe?”
“It’s called Indigo Brews. Stop by if you want to get a coffee!”
“Send me the address! I might drop by,” Selena uttered arrogantly.
“Then, let’s exchange contact information!”
Following that, Ellen said anxiously, “I gotta get back to work now. Bye!”
She bid Selena farewell and left, then she felt frustrated because she hadn’t seen any jealousy or envy
in Ellen’s eyes.
“She has no idea how to appreciate my superiority. Her views on materialism may differ from mine, so I
can’tpel her toprehend myvish life,” she muttered in dismay.
At that moment, her parents’ car pulled over in front of her, and she climbed inside and looked out the
window. Suddenly, she noticed the Central Business District skyscraper, affixed with the words
“Presgrave Group,” gleaming in the sunlight. Then, she feltpelled to tell her mother, “Mom, I aspire
to work there.”
Olivia and Connor looked at the Presgrave Group building in unison. She smiled as she asked her
daughter, “Do you want to work there?”
“Yeah, but I’m not sure I can. As far as I know, they don’t actively seek new employees, and their entry
requirements are quite high.”
“Tell your dad to pull some strings for you! You can definitely get in with your talent,” Olivia confidently
suggested to her daughter.
“Really? Dad, can you really pull some strings for me? Then, assign me a position inside right away!”
When Selena heard that, she was pleasantly surprised because she had hoped to find a job and a
potential romantic interest in thepany.
Then, Connor nodded. “Sure, I’ll figure something out so you can get in.”
She couldn’t help but put her hands on her chest in excitement. If I could join the Presgrave Group, my
ssmates would be green with envy.
The following afternoon, Selena borrowed the car from her father and drove to the cafe where Ellen
worked. She was intrigued by Ellen’s ce of employment and wished Ellen would feel envious of her.
Meanwhile, Ellen was working in the cafe when she noticed Selena walk in, so she approached her
and greeted her warmly, “Lena, I’m surprised to see you here!”
Selena sat down while Ellen took her order, and then she deliberately picked up the menu to unt the
massive diamond ring. Then, she ced an order from the selections avable. “I’ll have this!”
“Sure. Hang on a moment.”
After Ellen had left, Selena snapped a selfie, appearing pleased with her subtle makeup.
“Is that your friend, Ellen? She looks like a daughter from a wealthy family!”
“She is my cousin, my uncle’s daughter.”
“Woah! You have a wealthy uncle! Do you notice the timepiece on her wrist? I believe it is branded, and
she appears to wear designer clothing!”
“Tell your dad to pull some strings for you! You can definitely get in with your talent,” Olivia confidently
suggested to her daughter.
Ellen smiled. “Yes, my uncle’s family is quite wealthy.”
Ellen smiled. “Yes, my uncle’s family is quite wealthy.”
“Then, why are you working in a cafe?”
“What does it have to do with me?” She found her colleague amusing.
When Ellen brought the coffee over, Selena pointed to the seat across from her and said, “Take a seat!
Let’s talk.”
Since the store manager was not around, Ellen sat down and conversed with her. Then, her attention
was drawn to Selena’s diamond ring, and she eximed, “What an exquisite ring!”
Selena held out her hand, took a quick look at the ring, and then inquired, “Do you know how much it
costs?”
“How much?”
“How much do you earn monthly?”
“Around three thousand.”
“Then, you may need to work for five years to afford it!” Selena replied with arrogance.
Ellen couldn’t help but bite her tongue. “Wow, that’s so expensive!”
After a while, Selena left, and because her car was parked at the entrance, the other waitress, who had
returned from taking the trash outside, immediately remarked, “Ellen, I can’t believe your cousin’s
family is so wealthy! She drives a Bentley!”
“Ah! Do you know how much her diamond ring cost?” Ellen asked her colleague.
“How much?”
“It is equivalent to five years of our annual ie.”
“Geez! Why are you so poor while your family is so wealthy?” Her colleague couldn’t help but wonder.
Ellen shrugged and inquired, “What does my cousin’s family’s wealth have to do with how poor I am?”
“Of course, it does! If I have a wealthy uncle, I will do whatever it takes to work for him rather than in a
cafe.”
Ellen responded with a bitter smile. Following her brother’s passing, she recalls Connor’s family
distanced themselves from her. Since that day, she had never been to her uncle’s home, nor had she
seen him or his family for years. Eventually, as she matured, Jessica told her that her uncle had
be the wealthiest member of the family.
Moreover, she envied Selena because, despite failing the college entrance exam, she could attend the
best university in the world, bing the family’s crown jewel. Ellen neverined about her
unfortunate circumstances because her parents died when she was a child, and she remembered her
brother as the person who had always been the closest to her. However, her brother passed away due
to illness. Later, Jessica cared for her as though she were her granddaughter. Ellen believed she was
closest to Jessica, whereas Connor’s family was only a distant rtive on whom she could not rely.
Soon, Ellen had finished her shift and boarded the bus home. Ellen and Jessica lived in an old house in
a suburban neighborhood of the big city. Since their house was in a less-than-ideal area, it would never
be demolished.