Be''s words struck a nerve. Dominic mmed the door behind him as he stormed out and threw onest parting shot, "Fine, you win. Twenty years and I never saw through you. But hear me out. Don''t even think about having another man other than me-not in your lifetime!"


    The moment he was gone, the world fell silent. Be slumped onto the couch and thought about it, letting out a soft, helplessugh. If it meant no dating and no marriage, then so be it. Getting involved with him had just been bad luck anyway. Later that night, as she was about to go to bed, she saw a message from Lia. It was gossip about the Klein family.


    Apparently, the Klein family couldn''t hold up under the pressure from the Sawyer family. Their entertainment venues and restaurants had all shut down, and their assets shrunk.


    While they hadn''t yet sold Klein Manor, it was only a matter of time. Going up against the Sawyers meant there was no way the Kleins could survive in Joville.


    However, Be felt indifferent about it now. Dominic had told her there was nothing between him and Gloriana, and that was enough. Still, it was satisfying to hear the Kleins had brought trouble on themselves.


    On one of her days off, Be invited Lia and Felix over for lunch. She had decided to cook herself this time because there was no way she could finish the groceries Dominic had bought before they went bad. Hence, she figured she might as well share.


    It was Lia''s first time visiting Be''s apartment. She wandered around and marveled. "How is your ce so much better than mine? They''re both small apartments, but the difference is crazy. My mom''s always nagging me about how messy my ce is every time she visits." Be said modestly, "I only sleep here. Most of the decor came from thendlord. She has good taste, so I yed no role in the interior."


    Felix praised without hesitation, "Yeah, I can tell. Yourndlord''s got style."


    Beughed. "And she''s a stunner too. Want me to get you her number?"


    Knowing Be was joking, Felix acted like she had just offered him something bad. "God, no. I''ll help you with the cooking instead."


    Hearing the fridge door open, Be suddenly remembered what was inside. Dominic had sent over even more food through Sylvia after hisst visit. The groceries Felix had brought earlier were probably all gone by now. He would probably notice that too.


    Be wondered if she should exin it to him.


    Felix paused while looking at the well-stocked fridge before taking some ingredients. "You already finished everything I broughtst time? Damn, I didn''t know you could eat that much on your own."


    Be gave an awkwardugh,


    unsure of how to respond. Even


    though Felix was always considerate, there were still moments when Be felt pressured when being around him. Being friends with someone who cared that deeply wasn''t as easy as it seemed.


    By noon, the food was ready, and Lia was setting up the table. The three of them gathered around the small dining table in Be''s living room. The atmosphere was cozy and rxed.


    Lia sampled every dish and then remarked, "Felix''s cooking is way better than yours, Be. You really need to practice more. Back at Miller Manor, you didn''t have to lift a finger, but things are different now."


    Be let out a helpless chuckle.


    "Thanks for the reminder that my


    life''s gone downhill since I leftText ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Dominic But honestly, I like being on my own. No arguments, no headaches-just peace and


    Why look for trouble? By th


    has Leonard beening to your studiotely?"