It really broke his heart to see what Kari went through.
But then again, in a decidedly low move, he couldn''t help feeling a twisted sense of relief that she and Nathan never made it down the aisle!
Ronald was conspicuously absent from the Malone family dinner, stirring quite the pot of discontent among the attendees.
"What''s the deal with Ronald? Didn''t he just get back from a business trip?"
Caleb Malone''s face was stormier than a winter night, having nned to use the family gathering as a chance to set Ronald up with a potential match. Imagine his dismay when Ronald didn''t show up at all. "Probably caught up with work."
"Work, schmork. Word on the street is he''s already off the ne." someone quipped with a sly undertone, "Heard he''s got himself tangled up with some woman."
"A woman?"
Old Mr. Malone frowned, "Which family''s daughter?"
Ronald was twenty-eight and had never been known to date.
Old Mr. Malone was quite troubled by this, so naturally, the rumor piqued his curiosity.
"If thedyes from a decent background, I might just y cupid for these lovebirds."
"Something about a Kari?"
"Word is, she''s a working girl."
"Kari?"
Someone chimed in, feeling a sense of déjà vu, "Isn''t she one of the co-founders of Bri-jeweled Studio?"
"That''s the one."
"Bri-jeweled Studio?" Old Mr. Malone was somewhat familiar with it, as it had rapidly climbed the ranks to be among the top three national jewelry brands, showcasing impressive prowess. "How much of thepany does she own?"
"Seems like it''s less than ten percent."
That''s too little.
"Anything else?"
"She and Ronald grew up together, apparently Ronald spent his high school years living at Kari''s ce."
Old Mr. Malone raised an eyebrow, "I see."
Mrs. Malone, sensing Old Mr.
Malone''s interest in Ronald, clenched her fists. She had schemed tirelessly in the past but failed to eliminate Ronald, who. instead became a valued member of the Malone family. The old man had always favored him, and if she didn''t seize the opportunity to undermine him now, her son would be left out in the cold!
"Dad, Ronald''s been a lone wolf in
the Malone family for years. Nomet
that he''s found someone he likes, whynot take the opportunity to meet her?"
If she couldn''t drive Ronald away, maybe she could nudge him towards marrying a woman who posed no threat.
Old Mr. Malone saw right through Mrs. Malone''s intentions, stroking his cane, "Let''s wait for him to bring it up."
Even with a ten percent stake, she''s merely a minor shareholder, hardly a match for Ronald, let alone worthy of the Malone family''s attention!
Unbeknownst to Ronald, he was already under scrutiny.
After dinner, he had nned to head back.
But Wi insisted, "You just got off a flight, you must be exhausted. Stay here for the night."
Kari agreed, "Yeah, we''ve got plenty of rooms."
Ronald was indeed tired, and eager for the chance to spend more time with Kari, he agreed, "Alright."N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.
After a shower, Ronald, now in his pajamas, joined Wi for a chat in the living room.
Kari, holding her pajamas, headed for the bathroom.
Midway through her shower, Wi couldn''t keep her eyes open any longer and went off to bed.
Ronald got up, made himself a cup of honey tea, just as the bathroom door swung open.
He instinctively looked over.
Fresh from the shower, Kari was enveloped in a mist of steam, her skin glowing and draped in a soft blush.
Her silk pajamas highlighted her exquisite figure, all curves and grace.
Her bare, luminous legs glistened in the open air, smooth as porcin.
Ronald felt an unexpected dryness in his throat and gulped down his honey tea.
Kari blinked innocently, "Bro, why are you still up?"
"Heading to bed soon."
Ronald''s voice was husky, he quickly finished his tea, barely able to meet Kari''s eyes, and retreated to his room.
Kari watched his retreating back, sensing something was amiss.
All night, Ronald tossed and turned, unable to sleep, his dreams shrouded in a gauzy mist, filled with a lingering fragrance.
In the haze, a pair of hands gently covered his chest-