《Room for You》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    ¡°Anastasia, help! I¡¯ve been molested at the club!¡± The desperate and helpless sound of her best


    friend¡¯s voice was the only thing on Anastasia Tillman¡¯s mind as she rushed over to the


    clubhouse. Room 808. Anastasia looked up at the number que on the door of the private room. It


    was the same room number that her best friend, Hayley Seymour, had texted her. Without another


    thought, she barged through the door to save her friend. When the door swung open under her hand,


    she was greeted by the darkness within. Suddenly, a strong hand sped around her wrist and


    dragged her into the dark room, followed by a loud thud as the door mmed shut. ¡°Hey¡ªwho are you,


    and what do you want?!¡± Anastasia shrieked, her eyes darting around wildly as she tried to make out


    her surroundings. ¡°Settle down, and I¡¯ll treat you well.¡± A man¡¯s deep and husky voice spoke close to


    her ear. The next second, Anastasia was unceremoniously tossed onto the couch, and before she


    could scramble to her feet, a lean and strong body pinned her down. She let out a muffled cry when a


    pair of lips that tasted like peppermint captured hers. The man on top of her felt burning hot to the


    touch. A sense of hopelessness brought tears to her eyes as she tried to struggle against the man, but


    in the end, she could do nothing but endure the man¡¯s ferocity. An hourter, Anastasia staggered out


    of the room, looking disheveled. She had only just been through a nightmare, but that didn¡¯t distract her


    from worrying about her best friend¡¯s safety. She was just about to call Hayley¡¯s number when she saw


    a group of men and women walking out the side door. Under the lights, she instantly recognized the


    two of the women in the group. One happened to be Hayley, her best friend who had cried for help on


    the phone earlier, and the other was Anastasia¡¯s stepsister, Erica Tillman. The two girls walked side by


    side with their arms linked, as if they were the closest of friends. Shock and rage colored Anastasia¡¯s


    features when she saw them. ¡°Stop right there, Hayley!¡± she called out loudly over the distance as her


    fists clenched tightly at her sides. Upon hearing this, Hayley and Erica swiveled around to face her.


    Anastasia glowered at them, ashen-faced as she demanded of Hayley, ¡°Why would you lie to me?!¡±


    Hayley smirked. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault that you¡¯re always so gullible, Anastasia.¡± ¡°Did you have a good time


    with that gigolo back there?¡± Erica asked in a sing-song voice, smiling wickedly. It was only then that


    Anastasia realized that both of them had set her up. The chastity she had held dear for the past


    neen years was now sacrificed for their despicable glee. Presently, Hayley¡¯s eyes were frosty as


    she seethed, ¡°Did you actually think I was your friend, Anastasia? I¡¯ve been living in your shadow ever


    since we met! I hate you, and I want nothing more than to ruin that face of yours!¡± Erica, on the other


    hand, swiftly interjected by mocking, ¡°I have the proof I need to show Dad that you¡¯ve been pimping


    yourself for money at the club. It won¡¯t be long until you¡¯re thrown out of the house!¡± ¡°You two¡ª¡±


    Anastasia was so furious that she swayed. Her body was in tatters after the ordeal she had been


    through, and the collective weight of her friend¡¯s betrayal and her sister¡¯s cruelty nearly knocked her


    down. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Hayley! We don¡¯t want to be seen with trash, do we?¡± With her arm looped through


    Hayley¡¯s, Erica led her toward the sports car she had parked by the curb. Three dayster, at the


    Tillman Residence, a low male voice yelled out in rage, ¡°You became an escort for money just because


    I wouldn¡¯t let you go abroad for your studies? How can I, Francis Tillman, be capable of having such a


    shameless daughter like you?¡± ¡°Dad, I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t? But you did, Anastasia! How could you go


    to such shameless lengths? Did we starve you, or did we deprive you of anything? I can¡¯t believe you


    would pimp yourself to random strangers in a filthy clubhouse! For your sake, I hope you haven¡¯t


    brought any disease back to this house. Who knows what my daughter and I could have caught from


    you,¡± the woman who was dressed in jewels and fine clothes sneered from where she sat on the


    couch. ¡°Dad, I really didn¡¯t do it. I¡ª¡± Anastasia tried to exin herself. However, Francis did not want to


    hear another word from her. He glowered at her maliciously as he snapped, ¡°Still lying to me, I see. Get


    out of this home right now! I will not stand to have you under my roof. No daughter of mine could be so


    shameless. From now on, you are not my child!¡± Meanwhile, on the staircasending, Erica watched


    this scene y out as she leaned against the banister with her chin propped on her hand. Everything


    was going exactly the way she had nned. In a matter of minutes, Anastasia was going to be cast out


    of the house and wander around like some pathetic stray mutt. Downstairs in the living room, Anastasia


    fell silent when she saw the thunderous and disappointed look on her father¡¯s face. She wordlessly


    rose from her seat and walked up the stairs to pack up her things. She had only just rounded the


    landing when Erica barricaded her. With her arms crossed haughtily in front of her chest, the younger


    girl sneered, ¡°Get out of here! Don¡¯t linger around like an eyesore. This house will never have a ce


    for you ever again!¡± Anastasia clenched her fists as she glowered at Erica¡¯s pleased expression.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing the hatred and anger in Anastasia¡¯s eyes, Erica leaned forward. ¡°What, do you want to p me


    or something?¡± She turned her cheek toward the fuming girl and said smugly, ¡°Go right ahead, then!¡±


    Without holding back, Anastasia brought her hand down across Erica¡¯s face, resulting in a hard p.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Erica let out a shrill cry. ¡°You just hit me! Mom, Dad¡ªAnastasia just hit me!¡± She howled as she


    bolted down the stairs. Naomi Lowell quickly pulled her daughter into her arms and cried up the


    stairwell, ¡°How dare you strike my daughter, Anastasia! What the hell are you ying at?!¡± Francis


    nced at the red imprints on Erica¡¯s cheek, and he had never been more disappointed in his


    life. When did my oldest daughter be so infuriatingly rebellious? ¡°Dad, it hurts¡­¡± Erica sobbed as


    she burrowed into her father¡¯s arms, taking in exaggerated deep breaths like she was in great pain.


    ¡°Get out of here, Anastasia!¡± Francis roared up the stairs. Having packed up her things, Anastasia


    grabbed her passport and went down the stairs. Her heart grew stone-cold when she saw how her own


    father was holding Erica in his arms like she was something precious. Anastasia knew then that she


    indeed had no ce in his heart. Francis had only heard Erica¡¯s side of the story instead of asking


    Anastasia about the horrific incident she had enduredst night. Ever since her mother had passed,


    she had spent her years in this home living like an outsider, for her father had brought home his


    mistress and his illegitimate daughter to form a new family. Anastasia¡¯s poor mother had never known


    about her husband¡¯s extra-marital affairs, not even in her death. I will nevere back to this ce


    ever again. Inside the house, Erica watched as Anastasia dragged her suitcase out the front door, and


    a wicked smile curled on her lips. I finally got rid of that useless eyesore! ¡­ Five yearster, a knock


    came on the front door of an apartment in Dansbury. The woman living in the apartment had been


    poring over her designs when she heard the knock. A little bewildered, she walked up to the door and


    pulled it open unhappily. When she saw the two Asian men in suits, she asked in Chinese, ¡°Who are


    you looking for?¡± ¡°Are you Miss Anastasia Tillman?¡± one of the two men asked in English. ¡°I am. And


    you are?¡± Anastasia pressed. ¡°We were asked to look for you. Your mother, Amelia Chapman, saved


    our young master¡¯s life back in the day. The old madam whom we serve wishes to see you.¡± She


    frowned at this. ¡°Who¡¯s the old madam you serve?¡± ¡°Old Madam Presgrave,¡± the first man answered


    respectfully. Upon hearing this, Anastasia understood what had brought these men here. Old Madam


    Presgrave was the woman behind the Presgrave Group, the foremost conglomerate in the country.


    Years ago, Anastasia¡¯s mother had sacrificed her life to save Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s oldest grandson.


    It gave Anastasia great pride to have been born to a police officer as capable and righteous as Amelia.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t intend to see her,¡± Anastasia said decidedly. She had a feeling that the


    Presgraves wanted to repay Amelia¡¯s great deed, but she had no ns of epting their gesture


    whatsoever. Just then, a childish and curious voice sounded from somewhere inside the apartment,


    asking, ¡°Mommy, who is it?¡± ¡°No one,¡± Anastasia replied hastily. Then, she turned to address the men


    at the door, ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m really not in a mood for guests at the moment.¡± With that, she closed the


    door. Meanwhile, back in the country, a man was seated on the couch inside the vi tucked halfway up


    the hill. ¡°Have you tracked her down?¡± ¡°Yes, Young Master Elliot. The girl from the clubhouse five years


    ago just sold off your watch at the second-hand market.¡± ¡°Find her,¡± said the man on the couch, his


    voice deep and authoritative. ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    The room was bathed in a warm glow of the lights. The man who sat on the couch had wless


    features, his handsome face the painstaking artwork of the heavens. He wore a finely tailored suit that


    entuated his strong silhouette. At present, Elliot Presgrave¡¯s eyes turned icy as his grandmother¡¯s


    steely voice reverberated in his mind. Elliot, you must take Anastasia Tillman for a wife. I will only have


    her and no one else as my granddaughter-inw in the Presgrave Family. Right now, however, the only


    person Elliot was thinking of was the woman whom he had ravished in the dark all those years ago.


    That fateful night, his drink had beenced and rendered him so intoxicated that the only thing he


    remembered was how the woman had hopelessly sobbed while she begged for mercy under him.


    When all was done, he had taken off his watch and pressed it into her hand, thereafter passing out in


    the dimness of that room. Fast forward to five yearster; he was still looking for her. It was justst


    week when he learned that she had sold off his watch at the secondhand market, but the news came


    toote, for his grandmother insisted that he take some other woman for a wife. Just then, his phone


    rang once more. He picked it up and greeted brusquely, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Young Master Elliot, we have found


    the girl. Her name is Hayley Seymour, and she was the one who personally sold off the watch.¡± ¡°Send


    me her address, and I¡¯ll pay her a visit,¡± Elliot ordered as an ted gleam shed in his eyes. The


    mysterious girl from that night has finally been sighted! I have to find her, no matter what. I need to


    make it up to her for the things I¡¯ve done that night. Meanwhile, Hayley was in the women¡¯s boutique.


    She had taken over the boutique a little over a year ago, but the business had been on a steady


    decline. Struggling to pay rent, she had tried toe up with ways to scrape together enough money


    to tide over. Atst, she decided to try to sell the watch she had in her possession, and much to her


    pleasant surprise, it fetched a whopping price of five hundred thousand. The watch hadn¡¯t been hers, to


    begin with. Five years ago, the clubhouse staff had contacted her and told her that they had retrieved a


    watch from the private room, thereafter prompting her to collect it from their lost and found department.


    Upon arriving at the club and seeing that it was a designer men¡¯s watch, she imed it as her own


    without even a second of hesitation. Since then, the watch had been nestling in her closet until she


    decided to sell it off at the secondhand marketst week. Leading up to the sale, she hadn¡¯t expected


    that the watch would be worth much, but that was before she was offered an astonishing five hundred


    thousand for it. Hayley was glowing as she stared at the amount of money she had in her ount, and


    she thought happily to herself, I guess I can livefortably for a while longer. At that moment, the


    door to her boutique swung open, and she quickly rose to greet the customer. ¡°Wee to¡­¡± She


    trailed off then, so stunned that she abandoned the rest of her words. The man who had entered her


    boutique stood tall and straight. He was handsome beyondprehension, and he carried with him an


    innate nobility. It took a while for Hayley to snap out of her daze before she stumbled over her words to


    ask, ¡°I-Is there someone you¡¯re looking for, sir?¡± That was a fair question, considering she was running


    a women¡¯s boutique. It was impossible that a man wearing a refined handmade suit would be here to


    browse through dresses and the like. He looked like he stood at six feet two, and there was no


    mistaking the domineering edge of his presence. ¡°Hayley Seymour?¡± Elliot asked as his narrowed eyes


    locked onto her. He searched her face, desperately trying to find traces of the woman from five years


    ago. ¡°Y-Yes, that¡¯s me. And you are¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t quite finish her words; her faculty of speech was


    going haywire under the man¡¯s burning gaze. Having heard her reply, the man reached into his pocket


    and produced a men¡¯s watch before her, then asked in a deep, rumbling voice, ¡°Has this watch been in


    your possession all these years?¡± Hayley nced at the watch and instantly felt the urge to shrink into


    herself. Blinking guiltily, she stammered, ¡°Y-Yes, the watch is¡­ mine.¡± ¡°And you were the woman from


    the Abyss Club five years ago? The one who was in Room 808?¡± Elliot pressed, eyeing the girl in front


    of him intently as he thought with a start, Could she really be the girl from that night? The wheels in


    Hayley¡¯s mind began to turn furiously. Room 808 from five years ago¡­ Wasn¡¯t that the room where


    Erica and I set Anastasia up? Why is this man asking me about that incident? Without dwelling too


    much on this, she answered straightforwardly, ¡°Of course, that was me.¡± ¡°Keep this watch from now on,


    and don¡¯t try to pawn it off again. I¡¯ll make it up to you for what happened that night,¡± he said as he


    handed the watch to her. ¡°I¡¯m Elliot Presgrave. Remember my name, will you?¡± Hayley looked up at


    him in shock. Elliot Presgrave? As in, the heir to Presgrave Corporation, the leading conglomerate? ¡°Y-


    You¡¯re Elliot Presgrave?¡± she asked, so overwhelmed she might copse. The man next to Elliot


    handed her a name card and interjected, ¡°Miss Seymour, this is our young master¡¯s name card. You


    may look for him if you need his help in any way.¡± She took the card with one shaky hand, and whenMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    she saw the shell-shocking name embossed onto the gold stationery, her heart nearly flew out of her


    chest. So the guy who slept with Anastasia five years ago was not the male escort we arranged for her,


    but this fine specimen who happens to be the heir to the Presgraves¡¯ family fortune? As realization


    dawned upon her, Hayley reached out and grabbed Elliot¡¯s arm, then forced tears to spring to her eyes


    as she threw a fit. ¡°You have to take responsibility, Elliot. Do you know how hurt and traumatized I was


    after that night?¡± With that, she looked down and cried crocodile tears, sobbing miserably like she was


    the one who had been vited five years ago. There was only one thing on her mind right now: to step


    into Anastasia¡¯s shoes and assume the role of the victim from that fateful night. She was set on having


    Elliot take responsibility so that she could get more benefits out of this. Ultimately, she hoped to marry


    the man and be Mrs. Presgrave. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I promise to take responsibility,¡± the man said


    solemnly, his husky voice steady and reassuring. ¡°Miss Seymour, Young Master Elliot has arranged a


    vi for you, and you can move in anytime. He will take care of all your needs from now on.¡± Elliot¡¯s


    personal assistant, Rey Osborne, pointed out helpfully. Hayley¡¯s eyes lit up at once. She was so


    ecstatic she could pass out. A world of riches and mor will soon be in my hands! ¡°There are some


    things I have to take care of, so I¡¯ll get going,¡± Elliot said, then after casting Hayley a brief look, he


    turned to leave. When the door swung shut behind him, Hayley clutched the watch tightly. She was so


    overwhelmed by this unexpected turn of events that she could cry. ¡°I¡¯m going to be rich! Rich!¡± While


    she celebrated the windfall, she found herself hoping viciously that Anastasia had dropped dead within


    thest five years so that she wouldn¡¯t appear out of nowhere like roadkill. In the understated luxury


    ride, Elliot sat in the backseat with his eyes closed. Is Hayley really the woman from five years ago?


    Why does she seem different? Or have five years changed her? The orange rays of the setting sun


    spilled through the car window and yed over the man¡¯s chiseled features. He looked so handsome


    that it was hard to believe he wasn¡¯t some valuable piece of art that belonged in a museum; there was


    no one who could replicate such fine looks. He was the true sessor to Presgrave Group. He had


    taken over the reins five years ago andunched the conglomerate to new heights, so much so that it


    was crowned first ce among the world¡¯s leadingpanies. On that fateful night five years ago, he


    had experienced his first and only downfall in his lifetime. One of his rivals had spiked his drink in


    hopes of manipting him into ruining his own reputation. Elliot had saved himself by darting into the


    private room, but just as the effect of the drug was at its peak, a random woman scurried in and


    relieved him of his predicament. Since then, the fact that he had just ravished and taken away a girl¡¯s


    innocence had been weighing on his conscience. He was sure that she had been chaste up to that


    night, for when he woke up after the deed, he saw under the lights of the private room the traces of


    blood that stained the couch. As he thought about the scattered mess in the private room that followed


    his misdeed, he stopped doubting Hayley¡¯s identity and his impression of her. I have to take


    responsibility for what I¡¯ve done to her. While this was happening, Anastasia was in her apartment


    somewhere abroad as she said on the phone, ¡°Got it. Give me three days tops to return to the country


    and prepare for thepetition.¡± ¡°Mommy, are we going back?¡± A small figure wandered over to her


    side. He wore a blue checkered shirt and a pair of denim shorts. His features were delicately chiseled,


    albeit childish. He was only four or so, but there was unmistakable grace and elegance to his


    movements. Anastasia smiled and nodded. ¡°Would you like to go back with me?¡±

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯ll go anywhere you go, Mommy!¡± the little guy beamed, hisrge eyes looking like


    glistening onyxes as they curved into crescent moons. Anastasia couldn¡¯t help musing over how


    beautiful the child was. Every time she looked at his little face, she felt a surge offort and gratitude,


    as though constantly in awe of how she had managed to birth such an adorable little one. ¡°Well, then,


    we best pack our things now. We¡¯re leaving for the airport tomorrow afternoon.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± The little one


    gave one firm nod, then dashed into his room to pack his things for the trip. Anastasia heaved a sigh.


    She had been living abroad since her father threw her out of the house five years ago. It wasn¡¯t so


    much that she didn¡¯t want to go home as it was that she had no ce in it. She didn¡¯t even tell her


    father after she had delivered her child while abroad, and now that she was going back to her


    homnd for her work and career, she had made up her mind to see the old man. He was still her


    father, after all. Three dayster, it was evening time at the international airport when Anastasia


    wheeled the baggage cart forward. Her son was seated on top of therge suitcase on the cart, and he


    gazed around in wonder. Everything about Anastasia¡¯s homnd seemed to pique his interest, and


    there was a curious gleam in his sparkly eyes. Presently, Anastasia had only just stepped out of the


    arrival hall when two men in suits walked up to her, thereafter greeting politely, ¡°Miss Tillman, we have


    been sent here by Old Madam Presgrave, who has prepared a ride for you just outside the entrance. If


    you please¡ª¡± She blinked at them and said very courteously, ¡°I appreciate the Presgraves¡¯ kind


    gesture, but I have no need for a ride, thank you.¡± ¡°Miss Presgrave, the old madam truly wishes to see


    you,¡± the middle-aged man said respectfully. Anastasia knew that Old Madam Presgrave bore no ill will,


    but she really had no ns on epting the old madam¡¯s kind favor. ¡°Please tell Old Madam


    Presgrave that it was my mother¡¯s duty to save others, and that there is no need to repay the deed, at


    least not to me.¡± With that, she made to brush past the two men, pushing the cart toward the exit. One


    of the men took out his phone and informed dutifully, ¡°Young Master Elliot, Miss Tillman has refused our


    offer to pick her up.¡± Presently, three gleaming ck Rolls-Royce with heavily tinted windows that


    deterred anyone¡¯s efforts of peeking inside were parked by the airport entrance. There was a man


    seated in the backseat of the Rolls-Royce in the middle of the fleet who kept his gaze on the airport


    doors, and he saw a young woman pushing her cart through them just as he set his phone aside. TheContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    woman wore a white blouse and in jeans. Her hair had been gathered at her nape, revealing a


    delicate and pretty face. Her skin was baster, and her demeanor somewhat leisurely as she


    maneuvered the cart. Without a doubt, her presence among the crowd was a dazzling one. Just then,


    Elliot¡¯s gaze was caught by something, or rather, someone¡ªthe little boy who leaped off the woman¡¯s


    cart. He looked to be around four or five years of age, and he wore a gray sweater with joggers, his


    thick and soft hair flopping over his forehead. He might be young, but his features were finely chiseled,


    making him all the more adorable. At that moment, Anastasia crouched down and helped the little one


    straighten his clothes; there was no mistaking the gentle and indulgent look in her eyes. Who¡¯s the kid?


    Is Anastasia married? If so, then I won¡¯t have to marry her just to fulfill Grandma¡¯s wishes. With that in


    mind, Elliot watched as the taxi Anastasia and her supposed child got into pulled away. Not long after


    that, his fleet left as well. They had barely covered any distance when his phone rang. He nced at


    the caller ID and greeted, ¡°Hey, Hayley.¡± ¡°Elliot, when are youing to see me? I¡¯ve missed you.¡±


    Hayley¡¯s coy voice whined on the other line. ¡°I¡¯ve been a little busy recently, but I¡¯ll see you as soon as


    I¡¯m free,¡± he answered, the bass in his voice prominent. ¡°Promise?¡± Hayley asked coquettishly. ¡°Yes,¡±


    he replied with forced patience. Meanwhile, over at Presgrave Residence, a silver-haired olddy was


    sitting on the couch sipping her tea when she heard her subordinates¡¯test findings. She looked up in


    shock as she demanded, ¡°What? Anastasia has a child? Is she married?¡± ¡°ording to our


    investigation, the child¡¯s father never showed up, so we¡¯re assuming that she had the child out of


    wedlock.¡± ¡°Oh, that poor dear. To be a single mother at such a young age¡­¡± Harriet Presgrave,


    otherwise more widely known as Old Madam Presgrave, sighed. Guilt surged through her as she


    thought about the brave female police officer who had died after sustaining eighteen fatal stabs from


    the ruffian who had threatened to hurt Elliot all those years ago. She was only justmenting on this


    when an elegant and towering figure sauntered into the living room. It was Elliot, and he had returned


    from the airport. ¡°Come here, Elliot,¡± Harriet said as she beckoned her grandson over. Elliot promptly


    took the seat next to hers and began to say, ¡°Grandma, Anastasia kept refusing our offer, so maybe I


    ¡ª¡± ¡°I just found out that Miss Tillman is a single mother who had a child out of wedlock. You must take


    care of the poor mother and son, Elliot. It¡¯s your duty.¡± Elliot gaped at the old woman speechlessly,


    stunned by her suggestion. He had thought that she would have given up on the matter, but as it turned


    out, she grew even more determined to see it through instead. ¡°Grandma, I don¡¯t have to marry her. We


    could always use some other way to repay her mother¡¯s kind deeds and make it up to her,¡± he


    countered calmly, hoping that his grandmother would see sense. However, the moment Harriet heard


    this, she shot him a frigid look and said, ¡°No, that won¡¯t do. You must marry Anastasia and protect her


    and take care of her for the rest of her life.¡± Elliot frowned. He didn¡¯t think any good coulde from a


    loveless marriage, but he couldn¡¯t even reject his grandmother¡¯s suggestion because she was set on


    repaying the sacrifice Anastasia¡¯s mother had made all those years ago. ¡°You can¡¯t even imagine how


    many stabs Officer Amelia Chapman had sustained just to protect you. The amount of blood¡­ The


    gruesome nature of the crime¡­¡±Harriet¡¯s eyes were sad as she said this. Then, she looked up and cast


    her grandson a hard look, pointing out, ¡°Taking care of her daughter is the least you could do. You


    won¡¯t ever be able to repay the officer¡¯s selfless deed, even if you were to take care of Anastasia for


    eternity.¡± Elliot nodded quietly. ¡°Fine, then I¡¯ll take her for a wife.¡± But there was another woman whom


    he could not let go of, whom he needed topensate as well. That said, he had no ns to tell


    Harriet about this just yet, and he knew that even if he did tell her, it wouldn¡¯t dissuade her from forcing


    him to marry Anastasia. ¡°Anastasia has a kid,¡± he said. That backfired on him because Harriet seemed


    delighted by the news. ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s a little boy, probably around three or four years old. I can¡¯t


    believe some scoundrel just left them like that. Listen to me, Elliot¡ªdon¡¯t you dare snub that child, is


    that understood?¡± Elliot could hardly believe this. He stared at his grandmother, stumped as he


    thought, Is this some kind of a buy-one-free-one deal? The Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier was an old and


    well-known establishment that had been acquired by Anastasia¡¯s superior. In order to grow the brand,


    Anastasia¡ªbeing the chief designer for the Queen¡¯s Rose QR Diamond Global¡ªhad been transferred


    back to her homnd to work on diversifying Bourgeois. Through the arrangements made by


    Bourgeois, Anastasia was put up in an apartment. She went about decorating and straightening up her


    new abode while her son slept, and within two hours, the apartment was transformed into the perfect


    cozy nest for the mother-and-son duo. She was exhausted, but she did not feel like turning in for the


    day as she watched her son¡¯s adorable sleeping profile. Whatever had happened in this city five years


    ago still haunted her and made her stomach churn. Her best friend¡¯s betrayal, her stepsister¡¯s


    wickedness, and her father¡¯s ultimatum that resulted in her being exiled were like cuts that ran too deep


    to heal over. It was a miracle at all that she had survived the past five years. She had had to bnce


    raising her son as a single mother and picking up design courses, and during theter part of the five


    years, she slowly worked her way up thedder and became chief designer. She had toiled harder than


    anyone else, and the heavens must have granted her the stroke of luck she needed to get to where


    she was today. As of now, she had her savings, her son, and a job that allowed her freedom. She


    picked up her phone and stared at her father¡¯s number. There were several times when she thought


    about calling him, but something made her hesitate. It¡¯s been five years. I wonder if he¡¯s still angry with


    me. Then, she heaved a sigh. Forget it.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    At the QR International Group, a mysterious acquisition team was negotiating with the owner Jack in


    the conference room. Thetter finally signed the acquisition contract at a price of 10 billion. As of yet,


    no one knew that the boss of QR International Group had been reced. The middle-aged man who


    walked out of the acquisition meeting room took out his phone and reported to the man at the other


    end, saying, ¡°Young Master Elliot, the acquisition has been sessfullypleted, and you have now


    be the president of QR International Jewelry Group.¡± ¡°I got it,¡± the man on the other end


    responded lightly. In order to fulfill his promise to his grandmother of pursuing Anastasia, Elliot spent 10


    billion to acquire thepany she was working at. Only Anastasia could refuse the wedding proposal,


    so in the process, he had to show his grandmother what he had done. Still, it was unknown whether he


    could marry Anastasia in the end. Elliot hoped that Anastasia would reject him. After all, every good


    marriage needed to be based on a foundation of mutual emotional interest. Otherwise, it would be


    meaningless to live together without any love in the rtionship. At this point, Anastasia didn¡¯t know


    that her boss had changed. In the next few days, she found a private kindergarten for her son nearby


    and sent her son there so that she was free to work. The little boy was interested in the new school, so


    with a bag on his back, he took the teacher¡¯s hand and skipped into the ssroom. ¡°Is that your son?


    He¡¯s so handsome! I¡¯ve never seen such a good-looking boy,¡± a mothermented in amazement.


    Anastasia pursed her lips and smiled; she was naturally happy as a mother when someone praised her


    son¡¯s good looks. At Bourgeois, Anastasia came to work on her first day. As a designer sent by the


    design department, she enjoyed many perks. For example, she had a dedicated office and a capable


    assistant herself. Moreover, she only designed custom designs exclusively for a select few and not for


    the masses. This was also one of the unique selling points of QR International Group¡ªeach customer


    would have a unique lifetime customization service. Anastasia¡¯s assistant was called Grace Ellis. She


    was a young, energetic, smart, and capable woman. ¡°Anastasia, your coffee.¡± Grace brought in the


    coffee. ¡°Thank you.¡± Anastasia nodded. In less than 2 minutes, Grace knocked on the door again.


    ¡°Anastasia, the manager said that the meeting will be held at 3.00 PM, and the boss himself will be


    there, so be prepared.¡± At 3.00 PM sharp, Anastasia sat in her seat inside the meeting room. There


    were many important members of Bourgeois in the room, so it seemed that this was argepany


    meeting. While Anastasia was checking it out, she inadvertently met a pair of sharp eyes belonging to a


    sexy woman in her 20s. Her name tag read: Chief Designer Alice. Anastasia immediately


    understood. Being a designer sure is verypetitive. Therefore, there were no so-called friends in


    this industry but only rivals inpetition. Since she was transferred back from abroad, it was normal


    for her to be disliked by others. At this time, footsteps came from outside the door, as if there were still


    peopleing. The door of the conference room was then pushed open, and the first person who


    came in was a tall man with a straight figure who was dressed in a well-cut suit. He had angr


    features and exuded a strong aura. After he came in, he walked over to the main chair and sat down.


    Without needing to say a word, his majestic aura made his powerful identity known to everyone. When


    everyone saw him, there was an instant silence below the stage. Why is the big boss different


    today? The female designers in the audience were all surprised and excited as they felt butterflies in


    their stomachs when they looked at the handsome man. As for Anastasia, she was also surprised. Isn¡¯t


    the boss of Bourgeois someone in his early fifties? Why is this man so young? At this time, the vice


    president of thepany, Larry Young, coughed lightly. ¡°Let me introduce all of you to Mr. Elliot


    Presgrave. He is now the CEO and chairman of QR International Group. From now on, he will take


    over all the affairs of Bourgeois. Everyone, please give him a warm wee.¡± There was a sudden


    collective gasp from the audience. Elliot Presgrave? He bought QR Jewelry Group? While others were


    gasping in shock and confusion, Anastasia instantly raised her head and stared at the man in question,


    who happened to be looking at her too. Elliot had a pair of extremely deep eyes that were as sharp as


    an eagle¡¯s, so others did not even have the courage to look at him. However, Anastasia had the guts,


    and she had probably guessed why this man appeared here. Could it be that as long as I don¡¯t ept


    the Presgrave Family¡¯s repayment, they will continue to appear around me? Did I not make myself


    clear enough? ¡°Let¡¯s start the meeting! You will preside over the meeting,¡± Elliot retracted his gaze and


    said to Larry beside him. The women present were so excited that their gazes shone. The content of


    the meeting was not important at all, as they just stared at Elliot in fascination. This man truly exuded


    an unparalleled superiority from head to toe, and he was also extremely wealthy. Thus, he was the man


    that every woman in the country dreamed of marrying. Anastasia also didn¡¯t listen to the content of theContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    meeting because she was absent-minded. When she looked up from time to time, she found that the


    man was looking at her, which made her ufortable. Soon, all the people in the meeting discovered


    this. Why did Elliot only stare at Anastasia alone? Was it because she was young and beautiful?


    Instantly, all the women stared jealously at her. It seemed that Elliot¡¯s special treatment of her made


    them angry. Anastasia really wanted to shout and stop Elliot from looking at her. Nevertheless, she still


    endured it. She just wanted to finish the meeting and leave, and she didn¡¯t want to stay in thispany


    anymore, but when she remembered she had just signed a 5-year contract, she was lost for words.


    After some time, the meeting was finally over. Anastasia was the first to rush out of the conference


    room. She returned to the office feeling agitated. At this moment, there was a knock on her office door.


    As soon as she turned around, Elliot pushed the door open and came in. Immediately, she red at


    him, feeling annoyed at his presence. ¡°Is there something you need, President Presgrave?¡± Anastasia


    sat down in her chair, seeming a little impatient, and did not give him the respect one should give their


    boss at all. Hearing that, Elliot pulled the chair across from her desk and sat down gracefully with an air


    of arrogance and superiority. Then, he said coldly in a maic voice, ¡°Miss Tillman, let¡¯s talk.¡± ¡°Are we


    talking about work?¡± Anastasia asked with raised eyebrows. ¡°You should know that I was kidnapped


    when I was five years old. It was your mother who gave her life to save me, and I survived. For this, the


    Presgrave Family is forever grateful and wants to repay you. Just say the word, and I will try to satisfy


    your requests.¡± Elliot looked at her calmly while expressing his thoughts. Sure enough, he is doing this


    just to repay myte mother. ¡°No need. My mother saved you because it was her responsibility as an


    officer. You don¡¯t need to repay me, and I won¡¯t ept it.¡± Anastasia refused firmly. ¡°I heard that you


    have a son. If you want, I can raise him with you and take care of him.¡± Elliot proposed with narrowed


    eyes. Anastasia suddenly raised her head to look at the man opposite her, and at this moment, a


    sudden thought shed in her mind. Huh? She actually thought for a moment that her son looked like


    this man. Their facial features, eyes, temperament, and even their hair were simr. How weird. ¡°I don¡¯t


    need someone else to raise my son for me.¡± Anastasia refused again.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    ¡°My grandma wants me to marry you, then take care of you and your children for the rest of your life.


    Are you willing to marry me?¡± Elliot said bluntly. Although he was talking about marriage, his gaze was


    indifferent; it was like he was simply shouldering a responsibility. Feeling suddenly amused, Anastasia


    fluffed her long hair and looked at the man opposite. ¡°Take a good look at me. Do I look like the type


    who can never get married?¡± She was very beautiful. In fact, it was not an overstatement to say that


    she was absolutely stunning. ¡°Miss Tillman, do you not want to marry me?¡± Elliot twitched the corner of


    his mouth and silently breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Although you are powerful and handsome, I don¡¯t care


    for you,¡± Anastasia replied very confidently. Elliot¡¯s handsome face revealed a slightly startled


    expression. It seemed that he was not attractive at all to this woman. Oh well, that is exactly the result I


    wanted, anyway. As he wished, they were not attracted to each other. ¡°I hope you can visit my


    grandmother in person, Miss Tillman.¡± After all, only this woman could deny his grandmother¡¯s wishes


    because, in his heart, he was also responsible for another woman. Anastasia pondered for a few


    seconds, then asked with narrowed eyes, ¡°You really have acquired QR International Group?¡± ¡°From


    now on, I¡¯ll be your boss, so don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of you.¡± Elliot expressed that even though he


    couldn¡¯t marry her, he would take care of her at work. Hearing that, Anastasia blinked. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do


    that then! Goodbye, President Presgrave.¡± Elliot was startled again at her words. Never before had a


    woman disregarded him so tantly. Thus, Elliot got up and left. After he did, Anastasia let out a small


    sigh. Suddenly, Grace knocked on the door and asked, ¡°Anastasia, what are you talking about with


    President Presgrave? Does he like you very much?¡± ¡°Who said that?¡± ¡°Everyone is saying that he has


    been staring at you in the conference room,¡± Grace informed Anastasia with the current juicy gossip.


    When Anastasia heard that, she was annoyed. It seemed that Elliot was causing trouble for her at


    work. As a boss, he should be a good boss. She would just work under him, and he should not appear


    in front of her in the future. Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, Anastasia picked up the


    phone and called her father. ¡°Hello! May I know who it is?¡± A familiar voice came from the other end.


    Anastasia¡¯s nose burned as she called out to the other side, ¡°Dad, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m Anastasia.¡± ¡°Anastasia?


    You¡­ Where have you been in the past five years? I couldn¡¯t find you.¡± Francis was pleasantly


    surprised. Now that the father and daughter were connected, how could any hatredst? Anastasia¡¯s


    eyes filled with tears as she said, ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry. I have lived abroad for all these years, and now I¡¯m


    back to work in the country.¡± ¡°Okay, as long as you¡¯re back. When will youe home?¡± ¡°I-I¡¯ll go home


    in two days.¡± ¡°Okay, as long as you are healthy and safe. It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have driven you out.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s forget about the past.¡± Anastasiaforted him. She had gone through all the hardships, and


    she didn¡¯t want to think about them anymore. ¡°Okay,e back home as soon as possible!¡± Francis


    sighed. Anastasia hung up the phone and took a deep breath. Actually, she still didn¡¯t want to go home


    yet. It was good enough as long as her father was healthy and safe. At this time, Larry knocked on the


    door and came over with a box in his hands. ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯m here to bring you something.¡± Anastasia


    looked at the box he put on the table in surprise. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°Guess.¡± Anastasia looked at the box


    with the words ¡®Cloud Residence No. 1¡¯ written on it. It was like the name of a building. ¡°You better tell


    me directly!¡± Anastasia smiled; she didn¡¯t want to guess. ¡°Cloud Residence No. 1 is a luxuriousrge


    condominium unit of 370 square meters that is worth 120 million. It is a top property unit that isvishly


    renovated and decorated with luxurious decoration, and it is ready for you to stay. You deserve it.¡± Larry


    finished speaking and opened the box. There were six keys and a door card inside. Anastasia frowned.


    ¡°Is this for me?¡± ¡°Anastasia, this is a special perk from President Presgrave. He changed your


    residence to the Cloud Residence No. 1 unit. Aren¡¯t you surprised and excited about it?¡± ¡°Take it away;


    I don¡¯t need it.¡± Anastasia refused coldly. She didn¡¯t want to ept any favors from the Presgrave


    Family at all. When her mother died, she had gone through a very painful childhood. Her mother had


    died an honorable death, and she had lost her closest loved one. Hearing her refusal, Larry was


    dumbfounded for a few seconds. Did she just refuse such an amazing perk? ¡°Anastasia, you¡¯re not


    joking, are you? This is a perk that is only for you!¡± Larry was 35 years old and single. He also fell in


    love at first sight with Anastasia, who was young and beautiful, but he didn¡¯t expect that Elliot had


    already gotten ahead first. ¡°Tell President Presgrave that I don¡¯t need special treatment in the


    company.¡± After Anastasia finished speaking, she pushed the box toward Larry and repeated her


    words. ¡°Take it away.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do this to me. How am I supposed to tell him? Just ept it!¡± Larry could


    see that Elliot was interested in Anastasia. However, Anastasia still said firmly, ¡°Send it back. I really


    don¡¯t need it. Thank you.¡± When Larry saw that she was serious, he had to take the box away. At thisContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    moment, Elliot did not go back to work in hispany Dominion Corporation, but started working in the


    main office of Bourgeois instead. ¡°President Presgrave, Anastasia won¡¯t ept this no matter what I


    said,¡± Larry reported helplessly. ¡°Well.¡± Elliot¡¯s dark eyes were cloudy. He had expected this, but it


    would be best if he could repay his debt with material things so that he would not have to bind himself


    to Anastasia by marriage. At the Tillman Residence, Francis had just returned. He looked at his wife


    watching TV on the sofa, then sighed happily and said, ¡°Naomi, I received a call today. Guess who it


    was?¡± ¡°Who?¡± Naomi looked at him curiously. ¡°It was Anastasia! She had been living abroad for all


    these years. No wonder I had been unable to contact her,¡± Francis said happily. He didn¡¯t realize that


    his wife¡¯s expression had suddenly changed, and the resentment in her eyes grew. ¡°Why are you still


    thinking about her? She embarrassed you in the past, so don¡¯t let here back to this house.¡±


    ¡°Naomi, I¡¯ve been thinking for some time, and I feel that she¡¯s not that kind of person. There must be a


    misunderstanding, and anyway, it has been so many years since. Just let it pass!¡± ¡°What


    misunderstanding? Erica photographed her frequenting that kind of ce in the middle of the night.


    The evidence is solid.¡± Naomi really didn¡¯t expect Anastasia, who had been driven out, toe back


    now. Did she notice ourpany¡¯s development ande back topete for the family assets?


    Hmph! It all belongs to my daughter. It will be over my dead body for Anastasia to get her hands on


    it! Seeing that his wife was not happy, Francis said no more and went upstairs, a little tired. Then,


    Naomi quickly picked up her phone and dialed her daughter¡¯s number. ¡°Hey! Mom.¡± ¡°Erica, guess


    who¡¯s back?¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°That little b*tch Anastasia contacted your dad today. She¡¯s back.¡± ¡°What? How


    can she evene back?¡± ¡°She must have taken a fancy to our family¡¯s assets and wants to return for


    a piece of the pie. With me here, she won¡¯t even get toy a finger on it.¡± Naomi snorted coldly, her


    face full of bitterness. ¡°I was able to drive her away five years ago, so even if shees back, I can


    still drive her out again.¡± Erica was also very confident about it.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    At this moment, Erica, who was at a spa club, immediately contacted Hayley after hanging up her


    mother¡¯s call. Back then, they teamed up to make Anastasia lose her virginity and then had her driven


    out of the house. Now she and Hayley had be best friends, but in the past two weeks, Hayley had


    lost contact with her, and Hayley¡¯s store was also closed. Hence, Erica didn¡¯t know what Hayley was


    doing. Soon Hayley¡¯s voice came over the phone. ¡°Hello, Erica.¡± ¡°Hayley, what have you been doing


    recently? Why is your store closed?¡± ¡°Oh! I-I¡¯m traveling! Is anything the matter?¡± ¡°Hayley, let me tell


    you some bad news. Anastasia has returned to the country.¡± In a luxurious vi, Hayley, who was


    enjoying the service of a servant on the sofa, was so frightened that she dropped her phone. She


    quickly picked it up, took a deep breath, then asked nervously, ¡°When did shee back? Why did she


    come back? ¡± ¡°Why are you so nervous? You¡¯re still afraid of her!¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m just asking.¡± ¡°My dad told


    me. I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s doing, but I¡¯m quite sure she¡¯sing back to fight over the family assets


    with me now, and she might cause you trouble too.¡± A sh of viciousness glimmered in Hayley¡¯s eyes


    when she heard that. Why didn¡¯t Anastasia die abroad? That way, I won¡¯t have to panic. Everything


    Hayley enjoyed now was all thanks to her. She would never let Elliot know the truth as long as she was


    alive. I can¡¯t let him know that it was Anastasia back then. ¡°Erica, I¡¯m also afraid that she will retaliate


    against me. Can you tell me everything you know about her in the future? I¡¯ll be better prepared,¡±


    Hayley said to Erica. Erica replied, ¡°Okay, we will deal with her together in the future.¡± After hanging up


    the phone, Hayley bit her lip. She was now used to being treated like a wealthy youngdy, and she


    had only the best of everything. In order to make it up to her, Elliot gave her everything she wanted.


    Hayley became even greedier; she wanted more than materialpensation. In fact, she wanted to be


    Elliot¡¯s wife. It must be the happiest thing in the world to be the woman of a man like Elliot.


    Therefore, she would never allow Anastasia to mess up her ns. Even Erica couldn¡¯t know.


    Otherwise, Erica would be jealous of her and expose her. As such, she must have a good grasp of


    everything about Anastasia, and it was best to find a method to make her disappear from this world. At


    5.00 PM, Anastasia showed up at the kindergarten on time to pick up her son. The little boy happily


    said goodbye to the teacher and ran to her. ¡°Mommy!¡± ¡°How was school?¡± ¡°It was great! The teacher


    likes me very much, and my ssmates like me too,¡± the little boy reported happily. ¡°How about weContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    have noodles in the evening?¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Anastasia was very lucky to give birth to a child with such an


    angelic character. Since he was a baby, he had never let her worry about him. He was not picky about


    food, he had a good personality, and he was a kind and loving boy. After shopping in the supermarket,


    they went home to cook dinner. The little boy yed with Lego while Anastasia cooked dinner for two.


    At that time, the small apartment was full of warmth and coziness. ¡°Mommy, did work go well today?¡±


    the little boy asked with concern. ¡°Yes, it went well.¡± Anastasia curved her lips and smiled. In front of


    her son, she neverined about life or work. Even if life was hard, her son¡¯s smile was sweet and


    could cure all unhappiness. ¡°Jared, is it okay if I take you to see your grandfather in two days?¡±


    Anastasia asked her son. ¡°Okay. I also really want to see Grandpa.¡± The little boy blinked his eyes in


    anticipation. Hearing that, Anastasia feltplicated because she knew that Naomi and her daughter


    would definitely not wee Jared. She would also not let Erica know that her son was conceived


    when she identally lost her virginity five years ago, and she nned to tell her father she conceived


    the child with a man she loved. At night, Anastasia slept with her son in her arms. The moonlight from


    outside the window shone in, and the mother and son fell asleep together. Early next morning, after


    seeing off her son, Anastasia took a cab to thepany. Bourgeois was located in an eight-story


    building in the city center, which was a little inconspicuous due to the even taller skyscrapers next to it.


    However, this brand had gained poprity in the country. Now that it had been acquired by QR, its


    market value was enhanced too. As such, one monthter, Bourgeois was invited to participate in a


    local jewelry exhibition. Several series designed by Anastasia were selected to be disyed at the


    exhibition, which was also an effective method for branding purposes. Soon, Anastasia got out of the


    cab. Since she bought breakfast a littlete, she paid for the cab fare while nibbling on the bread in her


    hand, after which she walked quickly toward the hall. As Jared went to school at 8.30 AM, she was a


    little rushed for work at 9.00 AM. At the entrance to the elevator, Anastasia tried her best to finish her


    breakfast before entering the office, as it was inappropriate to go in while eating. Thus, she filled her


    mouth with thest big mouthful of bread. While she was chewing with her cheeks bulging, the elevator


    door opened, and a handsome and mature figure suddenly appeared in front of her eyes. Stiffening for


    a few seconds, she swallowed the bread with some difficulty and walked in as gracefully as possible.


    ¡°Morning,¡± Elliot greeted in a low and maic voice. ¡°Morning!¡± Anastasia replied, and the next


    second, she was startled by her own sudden hup. While hupping, Anastasia felt her face flushed


    red as she nearly choked on her bread. What was even more rming was that the elevator had


    mirrors all around. Now, she had nowhere to hide her embarrassment. She covered her mouth, but her


    body protested that she ate too fast, and there came another not-so-elegant hup. Elliot¡¯s deep gaze


    fell on her face through the mirror as he watched Anastasia¡¯s awkward act. Finally, when they arrived at


    the 6th floor, Anastasia squeezed out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened. She felt so


    ashamed she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. Elliot¡¯s calm expression on his handsome face


    appeared to crack, and a smile was brewing in his dark eyes. This girl is inexplicably


    interesting. Anastasia returned to the office and quickly took a few sips of water to cure her hups, but


    the humiliating scene could not be undone. She wouldn¡¯t be this embarrassed if it were another man,


    but it just had to be Elliot. He must beughing at me. 10.30 AM. ¡°Anastasia, there is a department


    meeting now.¡± Anastasia responded, ¡°Got it.¡± In the meeting room, the department director, Felicia


    Evans, sat on one side of the conference room. She had eight designers under her, including


    Anastasia. ¡°Wait for a while. President Presgrave will be here soon.¡± Felicia took a sip of water and


    shrugged nervously. Who would have thought that a departmental meeting would involve the big boss


    as well? This is so stressful. ¡°Anastasia, did you know President Presgrave from before?¡± Alice looked


    at Anastasia meaningfully. Anastasia immediately denied it. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Then why did President


    Presgrave keep staring at you yesterday?¡± another female designer asked, dissatisfied. ¡°You should


    ask President Presgrave this,¡± Anastasia responded gracefully. ¡°Work is work, and thepany is not


    a ce for you to fall in love, nor a ce to take the back door. You all better remember it well.¡± Felicia


    stared at her subordinates sternly. Then, Alice nced at Anastasia. In her eyes, Anastasia was


    someone who wanted to seduce Elliot in order to gain the upper hand. At this moment, the door of the


    office opened, and an imposing figure stepped in. Elliot walked in gracefully, then sat down at the head


    of the table. Anyone who saw this man would think that God was unfair. God gave him wealth that


    could rival the government¡¯s wealth, a handsome face that all beings adored, a perfect figure like the


    sun god Apollo, a graceful and princely temperament, and the majestic aura of an emperor. This man


    lived for women to worship and adore him. Even Felicia hurriedly ruffled her hair while exuding her


    mellow and womanly temperament. Although she was 35 years old, she still had a dream of marrying


    rich. ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡± The low and charming voice sounded cold.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Felicia immediately coughed. ¡°Okay, the subject of today¡¯s meeting is thepetition that we¡¯re


    participating in. First, congrattions to the two shortlisted designers, Alice and Anastasia.¡± Anastasia


    raised her head and met Alice¡¯s provocative gaze. If she won this time, thepany would give her a


    large bonus. Hence, they were rivals. Felicia immediately analyzed the situation of thispetition. As


    an experienced designer, she was very confident in her work. While Anastasia was staring at the table,


    she suddenly felt eyes on her. Judging from the direction, it was undoubtedly Elliot¡¯s. Is this man really


    so free? Why is he staring at me all day long? Anastasia¡¯s mother sacrificed her life for him. To be


    honest, Anastasia really didn¡¯t want to see him. Although he was only five years old at the time, and


    she couldn¡¯t me him for anything, she still had a kind of resentment in her heart. ¡°Anastasia, tell me


    your opinion.¡± Felicia suddenly cued her. Anastasia was daydreaming just now, and now she had no


    idea what Felicia was talking about. She raised her head and looked at Felicia in confusion. ¡°Uh¡­


    Which aspect are you referring to?¡± Felicia¡¯s face immediately turned ugly. How dare someone


    daydream at my meeting? ¡°Anastasia, although you are a designer dispatched from the headquarters,


    you shouldn¡¯t be too arrogant and disregard me. You didn¡¯t listen to what I said just now, did you?¡±


    Felicia was a harsh woman and wanted to teach Anastasia a lesson. The other designers looked at


    Anastasia as if they were watching her make a fool of herself, while Anastasia¡¯s face was also a little


    hot. While she didn¡¯t know what to say, a low male voice sounded. ¡°Tell me what the unique selling


    point of your design is.¡± Elliot was giving her a reminder. When it came to her work, Anastasia


    immediately became confident. ¡°My work this time uses tinum, which is the most suitable material


    for iys, with the addition of rhodium and padium. Its gloss, hardness, and durability are very good,


    and it is also a rare material. It holds a superior connotation, it¡¯s not easy to depreciate, it¡¯s guaranteed


    not to change color, it has good stability, and it is suitable for collection purposes. My target customers


    are people who like to collect and buy luxury goods.¡± After Anastasia finished speaking, she suddenly


    caught the deep gaze of the man opposite her, and she at once avoided it. ¡°In short, it¡¯s expensive!¡±


    Alice sneered. ¡°I¡¯m not the same as you. I focus on fashion elements. Nowadays, trendse and go.


    I think my work is more suitable for the market.¡± Anastasia pursed her lips and smiled. ¡°Each of our


    work has its own selling point.¡± Soon, the meeting finally ended. Elliot only came to listen and did not


    express his opinion too much. ¡°Okay, the meeting is over,¡± Felicia announced. ¡°Anastasia, stay here.


    The others may leave,¡± Elliot said suddenly. Anastasia was about to take a sip of water to moisten her


    throat when she almost choked on hearing this. She was instantly surrounded by envious and hateful


    gazes, especially Alice, who red at her resentfully as if she had seduced Elliot by some dirty means.


    Anastasia was also lost for words. Can¡¯t this man see my situation in thepany? I¡¯m being scorned


    by other people, and he still has to fan the gossip by doing this! After everyone left, Anastasia leaned


    against her chair and said coldly, ¡°Is there something you need, President Presgrave?¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you


    ept the house I gave you yesterday?¡± Elliot narrowed his eyes and stared at her. ¡°Why should I? I


    already said that I will not ept any repayment from the Presgraves.¡± Anastasia emphasized again.


    ¡°You should think about your son. The ce I chose has great facilities that can support him. There is a


    much better kindergarten for the elites in themunity. It is also safer and more suitable for you to


    live with your child.¡± Elliot left his status as a superior president and turned into a salesperson. What he


    said was very attractive to Anastasia because, as a mother, it was her biggest wish to provide her son


    with the best education and environment. ¡°No need. I can give my son the best.¡± Anastasia disagreed.


    For a businessman like him, he couldn¡¯t realize that the most precious thing was not material wealth


    but emotionalpanionship. As long as her son was with her, even if she lived in less than ster


    conditions, she would be happiest. Frowning, Elliot stared at the ruthless woman and felt troubled. ¡°In


    the future, if it¡¯s not for work purposes, please don¡¯t look for me again.¡± After Anastasia finished


    speaking, she picked up her documents, then got up and left. In the afternoon, Anastasia received a


    call from her father, who asked her to go home for dinner tomorrow. He also said he wanted to see her.


    Thus, she agreed, thinking that she needed to go home for a visit. At the president¡¯s office, Elliot sat


    gracefully in his seat, listening to the work report of the assistant beside him. ¡°Go check the information


    regarding the father of Anastasia¡¯s son for me.¡± Since materialpensation did not impress


    Anastasia, Elliot could only start in other areas. ¡°Very well.¡± Rey immediately went off to investigate. At


    this moment, Elliot¡¯s phone rang, so he picked it up and saw that it was from Hayley. ¡°Hello,¡± he


    answered as gently as possible. ¡°Elliot, are you busy with work? Can I have dinner with you tonight?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll book a restaurant.¡± Elliot agreed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you to pick me up.¡± Hayley was excited.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Elliot hung up the phone while Hayley¡¯s face appeared in his mind. For some reason, Hayley


    didn¡¯t feel anything like the woman from that day to him. He vaguely remembered the woman that


    night. Her lips were unbelievably soft, and her body had a faint fragrance. Although she cried


    throughout the whole process, her voice was appealing, while Hayley¡¯s voice was a little too sharp.


    Since it had been five years, anyone would undergo significant changes. Thus, Elliot just wanted to


    make up for her. After all, what he did that night caused irreversible damage to her life. At a fine dining


    restaurant, Hayley came in a new Chanel dress, dressing to the nines. Using expensive cosmetics and


    the skill of a makeup artist, she enhanced her rather average looks, but she was still not eye-catching


    enough. She belonged to the category of an average pretty girl. She was not ugly, but not stunning


    either. However, tonight, she was the most enviable woman in the entire restaurant. Sitting opposite her


    was a top-level man who was handsome, elegant, charming, and exuded a regal aura. ¡°Elliot, cheers.¡±


    Hayley took the initiative to raise her ss and looked at the man opposite her eagerly. Although she


    had known him for almost three weeks, Elliot had always treated her civilly and politely. However, what


    Hayley wanted was far more than that, for she wanted his heart, body, and eventually, to be his wife.


    Now, because she had gotten his attention and everything he gave her, she was absolutely terrified of


    losing it all. She felt delighted to be wealthy. What she wanted could be delivered to her in the next


    second. Her favorite new Chanel dresses could be delivered directly to her door for her to choose from.


    If she wanted a specific bag, she could get one in every color avable. If she wanted diamond jewelry,


    all she needed to do was pick her favorite. This feeling was like floating in the clouds, and Hayley never


    wanted to fall back to the ground again as long as she lived.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    However, Hayley had a bad feeling that Anastasia would suddenly return home and learn the truth


    about what happened that night. If that happened, she would lose everything and be forced to live her


    life like she used to. At the thought of that, she told herself that she would never let something like that


    happen. Thus, when Elliot took her back to the mansion after dinner, Hayley coyly invited the man into


    the house. ¡°Elliot, would you like toe inside and have a cup of tea?¡± ¡°No thanks. I still have things


    to attend to.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m scared of being alone. I want you to keep mepany.¡± Hayley immediately tried


    to y on the man¡¯s sympathy by pretending to be scared. ¡°I¡¯ll get Natasha to apany you.¡± Elliot


    reached for his cell phone. ¡°No! Please! I only want yourpany.¡± ¡°But I really have something to do


    at work. Next time, perhaps.¡± Elliot gently looked at her. ¡°Rest well. Good night.¡± Hayley was


    disappointed upon hearing the man¡¯s reply, but the man¡¯s meek attitude prompted her to stop insisting


    coyly as she bitterly nodded. ¡°Alright then.¡± Setting her eyes on Elliot¡¯s car, she bit her lip while wishing


    she could be in the man¡¯s embrace. I swear I will make him my man one day! I¡¯m going to be thedy


    that every other woman envies. Meanwhile, Anastasia decided to spend her wonderful day inspecting


    some outlets with Felicia. As time slipped by quickly, she called it a day and left work earlier than usual,


    around 4.30 PM, thinking she wanted to bring her son back home to see her father. On the other hand,


    Francis had specially informed the cook in the Tillman Residence to prepare dinner for Anastasia¡¯s


    arrival, but Naomi made sure the cook only prepared her daughter¡¯s favorite dishes, sparing no thought


    for Anastasia at all. Soon, the maid came over and asked, ¡°Madam, Old Master Tilman said prawns are


    Young Mistress Anastasia¡¯s favorite, which is why he told me to buy them. Are you sure you don¡¯t want


    me to cook them?¡± ¡°Of course not. Go ahead and cook the prawns, but make sure they taste so spicy


    that the b*tch wishes she didn¡¯t eat them,¡± Naomi replied. As soon as the maid proceeded to do what


    she was told, Naomi was left angrily dwelling on Anastasia¡¯s intentions of returning home. Deep down,


    she couldn¡¯t help but think that Anastasia was back for a piece of the big pie now that Francis and his


    company were doing so well that they had amassed a fortune over billions. As long as I¡¯m in this family,


    Anastasia can forget about her share of the inheritance. ¡°Mom, do you know that Anastasia is going to


    be back for dinner?¡± Erica entered through the door in frustration. Naomi nodded. ¡°Your dad insists she


    join us for dinner, and I couldn¡¯t say anything about it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been five years. I wonder how she is now.¡±


    Erica pursed her lips. ¡°How well can her life be? She didn¡¯t even finish her university studies when she


    left at 19. The way I see it, she must be back for the inheritance because she¡¯s been struggling to make


    ends meet.¡± Naomi grunted in dissatisfaction. ¡°You mustn¡¯t let her take what¡¯s mine away, Mom. I own


    everything that belongs to Dad,¡± Erica audaciously said, as if she was the rightful heir of her father¡¯s


    inheritance. ¡°Of course, she has nothing to do with the inheritance at all,¡± Naomi replied firmly. ¡°Alright,


    I¡¯m going to wear some make-up and put on my new dress.¡± Erica headed upstairs as soon as she


    finished her words, thinking she should show Anastasia that her ce in the Tillman Family was


    irreceable. On the other hand, Anastasia took a cab and was on her way to the Tillman Residence


    with her son while teaching thetter what to doter. Thankfully, her son was a smart child who


    understood what Anastasia told him, melting her heart so much that she immediately hugged and


    kissed him. ¡°That¡¯s my darling boy!¡± Deep down, she sympathized with her own son, thinking he would


    perhaps be treated differently if he was born into a different family. At the same time, she found it ironic


    for his presence to be treated in an unweing manner in her father¡¯s house. In the meantime,


    Francis happened to be at his doorstep. He had left his office earlier than he usually would because he


    couldn¡¯t wait to see his daughter, who had been away from him for five years. Soon, he saw a cab


    coming in his direction and walked closer to it just when the car came to a stop. Then, ady with a


    slim figure stepped out of the vehicle, and she turned out to be Anastasia. Not long after that, he saw a


    boy emerging from behind Anastasia and waspletely stunned by what he saw. Howe my


    daughter has a little boy who looks like he is 4 or 5 years old with her? Is she¡­ Francis couldn¡¯t help


    but feel surprised by what he saw. Meanwhile, Anastasia looked at her father, realizing how much he


    had aged after five years. Because of that, she began to be understanding about what happened


    back then while ming herself for not having kept in touch with Francis in the past five years. ¡°I¡¯m


    back, Dad.¡± Anastasia seized her son¡¯s hand and walked closer to Francis. Then, she looked at her son


    and said, ¡°Jared, greet your grandfather.¡± ¡°Grandpa.¡± Jared looked up and called out to


    Francis. Grandpa? Francis was caught by surprise when he heard the child¡¯s voice, looking at Jared in


    awe. ¡°This is my¡­ grandson? You have a child already?¡± ¡°Yes, Dad. His name is Jared, and he is three


    and a half years old.¡± Anastasia refused to tell Francis her son¡¯s actual age because she didn¡¯t wantProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    her father to deduce when she gave birth to Jared. ¡°Three and a half years old, and he is already this


    tall.¡± Francis found it unbelievable that he already had a handsome grandson. ¡°Yeah!¡± Anastasia


    smiled. ¡°What about your son¡¯s father?¡± Francis asked. ¡°I¡¯ve never lived with him ever since I gave birth


    to Jared,¡± Anastasia replied. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve only been living with Mom all the time, Grandpa,¡± the child


    added. Francis¡¯ eyes were filled with tears when he realized he did nothing to help his daughter raise


    his grandson. I¡¯m such a terrible grandfather. Worse, I cast my own daughter away from home five


    years ago. ¡°This is my fault! All my fault, Anastasia! Please forgive me. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡±


    Francis was overwhelmed by his own guilt. ¡°No need for that. Jared and I have been managing well by


    ourselves.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want her father¡¯s guilt to weigh him down. ¡°Come on in! Let me hug you,


    my darling Jared!¡± Francis bent over and hugged Jared, thinking the child was fed well due to his firm


    build. Other than that, he was proud of how good-looking his own grandson was, as he reckoned Jared


    was the most handsome child he had ever seen. As soon as Anastasia entered the parlor with her


    father, Naomi saw her husband carrying a child in her arms and asked in surprise, ¡°Who¡¯s that child,


    hubby?¡± ¡°Naomi, this is Anastasia¡¯s son. She gave birth to a child when she was living abroad.¡± Francis


    happily made the announcement, showing his exhration at his grandson¡¯s arrival. After all, his


    biggest regret was not having a son, although he wasn¡¯t particr about having one. Therefore, he


    treated his daughter¡¯s son like his own because Jared was still the descendant of his bloodline.


    ¡°What?!¡± Naomi was stunned to learn that the child was Anastasia¡¯s son. ¡°Mom.¡± Anastasia coldly


    greeted Naomi. ¡°Oh, dear! We didn¡¯t know you were already a mother after five years. Why didn¡¯t you


    tell us anything?¡± Naomi pretended to show her concern, thinking it was a necessary move to make


    even in front of her husband. ¡°Who is the father? Why isn¡¯t he here?¡± ¡°Naomi, Anastasia is raising the


    child by herself.¡± Francis quickly reminded her to stop asking unnecessary questions. At that instant,


    Naomi immediately thought that Anastasia was going to use her son to im a bigger share of the


    inheritance, deeming both of them a greater threat, when she noticed how Francis loved the boy. ¡°Oh!


    A single mother! How touching and noble!¡± Naomi said with a sarcastic tone. Seemingly sensing what


    Naomi¡¯s tone indicated, the boy looked at thedy and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± Naomi looked askance


    at the child and said, ¡°Greet your grandmother.¡± ¡°My mother said my grandmother passed away long


    ago, so how are you my grandmother?¡± the boy asked, his innocence and purity indirectly telling


    Naomi¡¯s ill intentions. ¡°Oh gosh, look at this child! How rude he is! Anastasia, if you don¡¯t teach him


    some manners, how do you expect him to live decently when he grows up?¡± Naomi questioned


    Anastasia¡¯s upbringing in an annoyed manner. ¡°How my son behaves is none of your concern.¡±


    Anastasia stood up for her child.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Knowing the strained history between thedies, Francis red at Naomi and lectured her. ¡°Anastasia


    and her son just arrived, so there is no need for you to be so sarcastic. Get along well with her, would


    you?!¡± ¡°Who is the kid, Mom?¡± Erica showed up on the stairs and became curious when she saw her


    father with a child in his arms. ¡°Watch your mouth! This is your nephew whom your sister gave birth to


    when she was living abroad,¡± Naomi answered unhappily. Erica¡¯s eyes were instantly left wide open.


    ¡°What?!¡± She then walked down the stairs and closer to Anastasia. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let us know about


    your child? What¡¯s wrong? He can¡¯t be seen?¡± ¡°How could you say something like that, Erica? Jared is


    part of our family now, so I want you to take back your words.¡± Francis unhappily red at thedy.


    Naomi noticed her husband¡¯s reaction and immediately harbored a greater grudge toward Anastasia,


    finding it hard to believe that his attitude toward Erica changed so much just because of Jared. ¡°D-Dad,


    I¡¯m just showing my¡­ concern for her!¡± Erica bitterly stood up for herself. ¡°Come here. I¡¯ll take you to


    the garden for a walk.¡± Francis wanted to bond with Jared. As soon as Francis left with Jared, Erica


    approached Anastasia with a cial smile. ¡°You had an affair with some married man and gave birth to


    that illegitimate child, didn¡¯t you?!¡± While Anastasia¡¯s eyes were filled with hatred, she could never


    forget what Erica and Hayley did to her back then. For that, she told herself that she would never


    forgive both of them because of what they did to her. ¡°My business is none of yours,¡± Anastasia coldly


    replied. For some reason, Erica started to think that Anastasia had be prettier as thetter gave


    off a more dominating aura now,pared to who she was five years ago. In that instant, she began to


    feel even more jealous of Anastasia¡¯s beauty. She thought there would be no one else in her way after


    the former left the Tillman Family, only to be surprised by her fair skin, curvy figure, and calm demeanor


    when they met again. Man, she doesn¡¯t even look like she¡¯s given birth before. ¡°Anastasia, I don¡¯t know


    what you¡¯re up toing back here, but I warn you¡ªforget about whatever silly idea you have in your


    mind. This family has nothing to do with you at all.¡± Naomi threatened her. Anastasia cially chuckled


    and asked, ¡°Why not? When my father first built hispany, my grandparents invested in it too, but


    you both had the cheek to take everything without doing anything.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°Know your ce,


    Anastasia. I drove you away from the Tillman Family five years ago, and I can always do the same


    thing again.¡± Erica tried to intimidate Anastasia. ¡°My father is the only person I ever came back to thisContent from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    family for, which has nothing to do with you both at all. Furthermore, my dad can do whatever he wants


    with his inheritance, which is, again, none of your concern.¡± Anastasia refuted Erica and Naomi,


    ridiculing both of them. ¡°Speaking of that, don¡¯t you ever think that you¡¯re going to get a bigger share of


    the inheritance with your son.¡± Naomi gritted her teeth. ¡°My father is still alive and has a long way to go


    in his life, but you both won¡¯t stop talking about his inheritance. Do you want him gone so badly? If


    that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m going to make sure he lives a long life so that you both can forget about inheriting


    his fortune.¡± Anastasia gave a cold reply, knowing that Erica and Naomi only loved her father¡¯s money


    instead of the man himself. ¡°You¡­¡± Naomi was rendered speechless but immediately talked back to


    save herself from the embarrassment. ¡°He is my husband, so of course I want him to live long.¡± Erica


    quickly defended her mother. ¡°What¡¯re you talking about, Anastasia?! My mom loves my father.¡±


    Nheless, Anastasia reached for her phone and sat on the couch, refusing to entertain the mother


    and daughter. Soon, the maid proceeded to serve the dishes while Francis told her to prepare two


    more dishes that were not spicy for his grandson. Seeing that, Naomi and Erica were steaming


    because they could tell from Francis¡¯ eyes that Anastasia was beginning to regain his favor with her


    son. ¡°What¡¯s your upation, Anastasia?¡± Francis asked curiously during the meal. ¡°I studied jewelry


    design when I was living abroad, and I¡¯m now a designer at Bourgeois.¡± ¡°Not bad. Bourgeois is quite a


    big name.¡± Francisplimented Anastasia. ¡°I¡¯m looking for a job too, Dad! I¡¯m currently interviewing


    as an auto salon model.¡± Erica desperately introduced her job to her father. ¡°What kind of job is that?


    You¡¯d better quit before you embarrass me.¡± Francis shot a gaze at Erica, giving her a stern gaze.


    ¡°Hubby, Erica is just having fun while exploring the opportunities around her. I¡¯m sure she¡¯lle to


    yourpany in the future.¡± Naomi immediately stood up for her daughter. ¡°Hmph! What can she do in


    mypany? A receptionist?¡± Francis grunted coldly. On the other hand, Erica harbored a strong


    grudge toward Anastasia, ming her for indirectly exposing her shorings. ¡°Grandpa, my mom is


    an impressive designer. She even took part in the International Jewelry Design Competition,¡± Jared


    happily said. The child¡¯s words put a smile on Francis¡¯ face. ¡°Really? That¡¯s awesome! Jared, I¡¯m going


    to get you a presentter in the afternoon, so just tell me what you want. Alright?¡± ¡°Sure, thank you,


    Grandpa!¡± The little boy politely expressed his gratitude. While Anastasia was d that her father was


    so fond of Jared despite her surprise, Naomi and Erica were growing more and more annoyed with the


    child¡¯s presence, deeming him a scheming little boy they should be wary about, in spite of his young


    age. After dinner, Francis took them to the nearest shopping mall, where he bought his grandson some


    expensive presents, including robot toys and Lego. Although they cost thousands, he didn¡¯t hesitate to


    pay for them at all. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Dad. Don¡¯t spoil him.¡± Anastasia quickly tried to stop her father.


    ¡°Alright. Alright, that¡¯s all for today. I¡¯ll buy him something else again in a few more days.¡± Francis still


    felt an urge to show his good faith. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Grandpa. I don¡¯t need any more toys because I already


    have plenty of them.¡± The child gave a mature reply, which grew on Francis more as thetter caressed


    the child¡¯s head. When they were done with their shopping, Francis gave his daughter and grandson a


    ride back to their apartment. The moment he saw the building, he began to think that it was time for him


    to make it up to Anastasia since hispany had made him quite a fortune over the past few years.


    After seeing her father off, Anastasia wrapped her arms around Jared. ¡°Jared, your grandfather seems


    to like you a lot.¡± ¡°I like him too.¡± Jared happily said while pouting at the same time. ¡°Mommy, can you


    tell me where Daddy is?¡± Anastasia paused in the face of the inevitable question that she knew Jared


    would ask. She then gazed at him in a serious manner and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know where he is, Jared. In


    fact, we may never see him again, but anyway, I promise I¡¯ll be by your side. I love you, Darling!¡± Jared


    nodded and held his Lego up in the air. ¡°Alright then, I¡¯m going to y now!¡± ¡°Go ahead!¡± Anastasia


    nodded, watching her son unwrapping his new toys while losing herself in her thoughts. Deep down,


    she knew it wasn¡¯t hard to find her son¡¯s father at all because she was sure that Erica and Hayley had


    the answer to that. After all, she believed that they tricked her into sleeping with a gigolo, but because


    of that, she vowed never to let her son know about his father¡¯s embarrassing profession. It¡¯s alright. I


    love Jared, and that¡¯s enough for both of us. Now that my dad likes him too, I suppose there is nothing


    else that can make my life even happier than how things are at this point.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Angry and annoyed, Erica immediately thought of Hayley, whom she reckoned was the only person


    who could help her plot against Anastasia. Therefore, she contacted her to meet her at a cafe. When


    Hayley arrived, she appeared to be in an inconspicuous outfit. Just like what she usually did, she


    walked toward Erica and sat down opposite her. ¡°You said you went away for a trip. Where did you


    go?¡± Erica curiously asked. ¡°Erm¡­ It was just a short trip around the city for a few days. After all, I


    needed a break,¡± Hayley answered in a panicky manner because she didn¡¯t want Erica to know that


    she had been living like a rich womantely. ¡°What about your shop? Aren¡¯t you going to be back to


    business?¡± ¡°Nah. The shop isn¡¯t doing welltely anyway, so I¡¯ve decided to take a break.¡± Hayley


    appeared unconcerned despite the worrying situation in her business. Erica responded in a huff. ¡°Did


    you know? Anastasia got on my mom¡¯s and my nerves today. She is back, but that¡¯s not all because¡ª


    she is now a mother of an illegitimate son.¡± Hayley was stunned when she heard that, holding Erica¡¯s


    hand while anxiously asking, ¡°What did you say?! She has a child?!¡± Noticing her friend¡¯s dramatic


    reaction, Erica paused for a few seconds andforted the former. ¡°That child is her illegitimate son.


    Are you worried that she¡¯ll bring the man whom we put up to a one-night stand with her ande after


    us? Rx, nothing is going to happen!¡± ¡°What does the kid look like? How old is he?¡± Hayley became


    especially sensitive, thinking that it was necessary for her to be aware of everything about Anastasia.


    Deep down, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder whether Anastasia¡¯s child belonged to Elliot. ¡°I heard from


    my dad that the kid is three and a half years old, and the father is probably someone she gotid with


    when she was living abroad,¡± Erica replied unhappily. Three and a half years old? Hayley carefully


    calcted the time and deduced that the child didn¡¯t belong to Elliot, instantly heaving a sigh of


    relief. She only had a one-night stand with Elliot. Nah, it wasn¡¯t possible for her to be pregnant so easily


    in just one night. At the thought of that, Hayley gave in to her curiosity and probingly asked Erica more


    about Anastasia. ¡°How is she now? Where is she working?¡± ¡°She is now a designer at Bourgeois, but


    what¡¯s the big deal with that? She is just an ordinary designer?¡± Erica was apparently unhappy. At the


    same time, Hayley shared the contempt and disdain that Erica had for Anastasia, expressing exactly


    what was on her mind. ¡°Well, I must admit that she was always talented at drawing, but she didn¡¯t even


    graduate from a university, so how far can she go in her career as a designer?¡± ¡°Exactly! She is just a


    phony who is trying to act smart, yet she manages to gain my father¡¯s favor. Besides that, even her


    idiotic son knows how to make my father happy. Bullsh*t!¡± Erica no longer cared about her decency as


    she acted like her feisty mother. Meanwhile, Hayley, who was more cunning and shrewd, offered her a


    word of advice. ¡°You know what, Erica? You should drive her away from home and probably even out


    of this country since you don¡¯t like her so much! You need to get rid of your eyesore, after all.¡± ¡°That¡¯s


    precisely what¡¯s on my mind as well. When the timees, I¡¯ll make sure she is gone.¡± Erica clenched


    her fists and swore to herself. Nheless, little did Erica know that Hayley wanted nothing more than


    Anastasia to be gone forever because that was the only way for her to continue enjoying her wealthy


    life and Elliot¡¯s favor. Suddenly, Erica was drawn to the ne that Hayley was wearing. ¡°Hayley,


    what¡¯s the brand of the ne that you¡¯re wearing? It looks so beautiful!¡± Hayley rubbed her


    ne with a smile. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just a fake that I bought from a second-hand seller.¡± Knowing Hayley¡¯s


    financial background, Erica didn¡¯t find anything wrong with herck of ability to buy a genuine ne.


    However, the ne that Hayley was wearing was, in fact, a product worth over two million under QR


    Jewelry Group. Needless to say, she had no idea who designed the ne. Upon hearing Erica¡¯s


    comints and grumbles, Hayley couldn¡¯t stop looking at the time because of her facial appointment.


    After all, she was so obsessed with winning Elliot¡¯s heart that she even wanted to undergo stic


    surgery to make herself look prettier. Tired of being overshadowed by Anastasia since they were kids,


    Hayley desperately wanted to kiss her ordinary appearance goodbye. Three dayster, around 5 AM,


    Hayley had a bad dream in which she saw Elliot recognizing Anastasia when she confronted her.


    Because of that, she was harshly cast away from the mansion and forgotten as she watched Anastasia


    take everything she had away from her. ¡°No! Please! No!¡± Hayley sat up straight in horror with her face


    covered in sweat while frantically looking at her surroundings until she realized it was just a dream.


    Frightened by the surreal nightmare, Hayley came to understand that she could never get her hands on


    what Elliot gave her again once she lost all of them. As her greed for wealth got the better of her, her


    obsession with the currentfort of her life unknowingly took over her mind. No, I mustn¡¯t lose what I


    have now! I mustn¡¯t! Soon, she tossed her pillow onto the ground, as if it was Anastasia. ¡°Why aren¡¯t


    you dead, Anastasia? Why aren¡¯t you dead?!¡± Anastasia will only prove to be a threat to me as long as


    she is still breathing. Suddenly, Hayley squinted and realized it was necessary for her to meet up with


    Anastasia because she wanted to know whether thetter was aware of what was going on back then.


    More importantly, she wanted to find out whether Anastasia knew she spent the night sleeping with


    Elliot. If Anastasia knows what is going on, I guess I must do something to prevent the worst from


    happening. Despite the thought of that, Hayley was sure that Elliot couldn¡¯t remember who he slept


    with that night because the watch was all the clue he had before he decided Hayley was the one he


    had been looking for. Nheless, she was quickly worried by another possibility when she wondered


    what would happen if Anastasia was able to recognize Elliot. She wasn¡¯t aware of what was going on


    that night, but there was no telling that any word they said during their conversation could just jog their


    memory and help them recognize each other. Overwhelmed by her fear and anxiety, Hayley decided to


    creep from her bed and get herself dressed up because she wanted to meet Anastasia at Bourgeois to


    find out how much she knew. In the meantime, Anastasia was heading toward her office after dropping


    her son off at school early in the morning. Then, she was upied by a meeting about thepany¡¯s


    new productunching, in which Felicia wanted everyone to submit more than ten proposals by the end


    of the month. When everyone left the meeting room, Alice intentionally bumped into Anastasia and


    provoked her. ¡°I heard that President Presgrave has raised the reward to a million, so you should know


    that I won¡¯t be defeated by you, Anastasia.¡± In that instant, Anastasia was stunned by Alice¡¯s sudden


    provocation, which left her wondering what Elliot was up to with the one-million reward. Somehow, she


    had a feeling that Elliot was trying to interfere with thepetition, considering his power and status. Is


    this guy trying to give me one million like that? No way! Fairness is the most important thing about this


    competition! After all, thest thing I want is to be a champion in a riggedpetition arranged by


    him. While Anastasia returned to her office withplicated emotions, Grace came over with a cup of


    coffee and said, ¡°Miss Tillman, you have a guest.¡± ¡°A guest? Who?¡± ¡°She is now in the lounge. Perhaps


    I should usher her here,¡± Grace replied. ¡°Sure.¡± Anastasia had no idea who the visitor was, so she


    decided to wait and find out. Not long after that, a knock on the door was heard shortly before Grace


    opened the door with a silhouette that emerged from behind her. Although it had been five years since


    that upsetting incident, Anastasia was instantly filled with hatred and grudge. As soon as Grace closed


    the door behind her and left, Anastasia cially asked, ¡°That¡¯s audacious of you to swing by.¡± Hayley


    curled her lips upward. ¡°I heard you¡¯re working in this area, and since I happened to be somewhere


    nearby, I figured I should drop by to pay a visit.¡± ¡°You disgust me.¡± Anastasia clenched her jaw,


    suppressing her angry urge to give thedy a p in the face. ¡°I disgust you? What¡¯s wrong? Weren¡¯t


    you satisfied with the gigolo whom you slept with that night? I picked the most handsome one for you.¡±


    Hayley smiled sinisterly. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you still remember the man¡¯s face.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Anastasia


    shivered from head to toe in anger. ¡°Would you be able to recognize the man if he was standing in front


    of you?¡± Hayley continued to ask probingly.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    ¡°Get out of my face! I¡¯m tired of looking at your face!¡± Anastasia pointed at the door and yelled at


    Hayley. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? The man didn¡¯t please you well because he wasn¡¯t strong and fit enough?


    You¡¯d better treat me with some manners before everyone in thepany knows about your dark


    secret. If word about it gets out, I wonder how you¡¯re going to move on in your career.¡± Soon, Anastasia


    dialed the inte and spoke to Grace. ¡°Pleasee here.¡± As soon as her assistant arrived,


    Anastasia pointed at Hayley, who was sitting on the couch, and coldly said, ¡°She is not my guest.


    Please see her out of this building.¡± ¡°Who says I¡¯m not? I came here because I wanted to engage your


    service in jewelry designing.¡± Hayley folded her arms, acting haughtily. However, little did she know that


    the ne she was wearing was beginning to catch Anastasia¡¯s attention as thetter squinted and


    looked closer. Howe Hayley is wearing my masterpiece? Is the ne really custom-made, or is


    it just a counterfeit that looks like a real one? ¡°You¡¯d better get out of my face before you piss me off.¡±


    Anastasia stood up, speaking impolitely to Hayley. However, Hayley reacted with a darkened look on


    her face and gritted her teeth while opening the door. ¡°I¡¯m going to speak to your manager about your


    attitude and make sure you¡¯re fired from the office.¡± Meanwhile, Grace was stunned when she saw that,


    initially thinking Hayley was indeed a guest, only to realize she was here to mess with Anastasia. As


    soon as Grace stepped out of the office, Grace anxiously urged her superior to do something. ¡°She


    mustn¡¯tin about you, Miss Tillman. Please stop her!¡± On the verge of losing her temper,


    Anastasia opened her office door just before she was greeted by the sight of Hayley growling in the


    open workspace. ¡°Tell your boss to see me. I want toin about your designer, Anastasia! I


    engage her as a client, but she rudely turns me down and tells me to get out of her face.¡± At that


    moment, everyone else in the office only watched thedy¡¯s madness in silence, as if they were


    enjoying a show. Soon, Anastasia took a deep breath and walked closer to Hayley. ¡°What do you


    want?¡± ¡°What do I want? I want you out of thispany!¡± Hayley clenched her jaw and revealed her


    sinister nature. Already consumed by her anger about the incident that happened five years ago,


    Anastasia eventually sumbed to her emotions. Her impulse prompted her to teach Hayley a lesson,


    even though that might cost her job. Before Hayley could react, Anastasia raised her hand up high in


    the air and swung it across the former¡¯s face, giving her a big p on the cheek. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Hayley


    shouted in pain, copsing onto the ground. ¡°I¡¯m your client, Anastasia.¡± At that instant, every


    bystander in the office took a deep breath in a worrying manner when they saw how Anastasia pped


    her client. Has she lost her mind or something? Where did she get the guts to p her client like that?


    Does her family own thispany or something? On the other hand, Anastasia fixed her gaze on the


    ne around Hayley¡¯s neck, finding it somewhat an eyesore. Therefore, she spared no thought


    about the ne¡¯s genuineness and went on to ruin Hayley¡¯s fake acting by forcefully tearing it off


    her neck as soon as she crouched down. ¡°Ah!¡± Hayley screamed in fear. When Anastasia tried to pull


    the ne away from her, Hayley, who was piqued by her outburst, quickly got a hold of her hand


    and refused to let her destroy it. This is my favorite ne! It¡¯s worth a few million, so no one can


    destroy it! While the twodies were fighting each other over the ne, a man¡¯s deep voice was


    heard in the elevator. ¡°Stop, Anastasia!¡± Anastasia looked up just when Hayley also heard the familiar


    voice. With her hand on her cheek, Hayley looked up in disbelief before she was stunned by who she


    saw. Howe Elliot is here? Seeing Anastasia¡¯s firm grip on Hayley¡¯s ne, Elliot immediately


    grasped her wrist and pulled her up with a frown on his face that clearly suggested he was angry. ¡°Are


    you done messing around here?¡± As soon as Elliot finished his sentence, he walked closer to Hayley,


    who froze in fear because she didn¡¯t expect him to show up there and had no idea that he knew


    Anastasia. Oh dear, I¡¯m so screwed! Just when she thought her secret was going to be exposed, the


    man suddenly crouched down and asked with a tender voice, ¡°Are you alright, Hayley?¡± ¡°Elliot, it


    hurts¡­¡± Hayley immediately put on a show, tears gushing out of her eyes like a waterfall in that instant.


    Then, she weakly leaned into Elliot¡¯s arms and pretended to cough, covering her neck with her palm


    like she had just been suffocated painfully. In that instant, Anastasia was left with her eyes wide open,


    unable to believe that Hayley and Elliot knew each other. Why is Elliot treating her so gently? Who are


    they to each other? Unknown to Anastasia, every other bystander couldn¡¯t help but feel scared for her,


    thinking it would be the end of her career for pping the boss¡¯ lover. On the other hand, Hayley was


    observing Anastasia and Elliot¡¯s interaction under the guise of her tearful face, but as she continued to


    watch closely, she began to feel happier because she was sure that Anastasia had no idea she had


    spent the night with Elliot. Therefore, she came to the conclusion that neither of them was aware that


    they had slept with each other that night, feeling grateful that luck was on her side. ¡°Carry me, Elliot¡­¡±


    Hayley ced her arm around Elliot¡¯s shoulders, pitifully begging him. When the man noticed Hayley¡¯s


    sorry state and her swollen cheek, he carried her in his arms and walked toward the elevator. As soon


    as the elevator door closed, Anastasia was still caught in a trance. So, I can¡¯t believe Hayley is able to


    be Elliot¡¯s girlfriend after just five years. ¡°What are you waiting for, Anastasia? Pack your stuff and


    get out of here! I can¡¯t believe you just got on the wrong side of President Presgrave¡¯s lover, as if


    offending a client wasn¡¯t bad enough. That¡¯s pretty gusty of you!¡± Alice came closer and mocked


    Anastasia, thinking the reward was hers to im. Meanwhile, Anastasia took a deep breath and


    decided to take some time to process the news, finding it too strange to believe that Hayley had


    be Elliot¡¯s lover. I don¡¯t see how Hayley is attractive to an outstanding man like Elliot. The only


    exnation is that this man has gone blind. That must be the only answer to it. After all, he deserves


    someone else better than a wickeddy like Hayley. Anastasia returned to her office with puzzlement


    as she closed the door and disconnected herself from the rumors outside her office. In the meantime,


    Elliot was sitting on the couch in his office while Hayley was wiping her tears with tissue paper and


    whining about what happened earlier that day. ¡°Anastasia was my¡­. ssmate. She and I have a


    bitter history, but I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d turn me down when I engaged her, let alone humiliate me. When I


    threatened toin, she came at me and went physical, even strangling me with my ne. Look


    at my neck. It¡¯s all red now.¡± Noticing the red mark around Hayley¡¯s neck, Elliot could tell how hard


    Anastasia went physical with her and began to reframe the way he perceived Anastasia¡¯s character. ¡°I


    sympathized with the loss of her mother at a young age and also understood that her father neglected


    her for most of the time during her childhood, but I didn¡¯t know she would go so far as to hit me.¡±


    Hayley covered her face, shedding tears in silence. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this matter.¡± Elliotforted the


    lady. ¡°I¡¯ll get someone to take you home.¡± ¡°How are you going to take care of this matter, Elliot? Are you


    going toy her off?¡± Hayley looked at Elliot with her tearful face, trying to y on the man¡¯s sympathy


    by showing her vulnerable side. Soon, Elliot dialed the inte and told his assistant to take Hayley


    back home. When she stood up from her seat, she seized Elliot¡¯s sleeve and urged him to take action


    against Anastasia. ¡°Elliot, you mustn¡¯t go easy on thatdy. Someone with no manners like her is unfit


    to be your employee.¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    ¡°Be a good girl, okay?¡± Elliot gently caressed Hayley¡¯s head. In that instant, Hayley was over the moon,


    feeling satisfied that she had gained Elliot¡¯s favor. Unlike Anastasia, Hayley was ttered by the sudden


    entitlement that came to her life. However, she quickly decided to stop pressing on due to her fear of


    the repercussions that might follow her greed. Furthermore, she was hoping to win Elliot¡¯s heart with


    her meek character. She tried to be as gentle as possible since she didn¡¯t have good looks that could


    make an impression on any man. Thinking she had won the battle, she believed Anastasia was going


    to beid off soon and put her mind to ease. As soon as Hayley got out of sight, Elliot reached for the


    phone and dialed the inte. ¡°Hello.¡± Anastasia¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°Come to my office at once,¡± the


    man responded with a voice that sounded angry. At the same time, Anastasia took a deep breath in her


    office, thinking her fate was sealed while preparing for the worst. Well, I¡¯ll just quit and leave Bourgeois


    if worsees to worst. Then, she took the elevator to the 8th floor and made her way to the


    president¡¯s office, whereupon she knocked on the door and entered the room. In the meantime, Elliot


    was sitting in his chair, giving off an intimidating aura that filled the atmosphere around his room.


    ¡°Exin yourself.¡± The man questioned Anastasia about her violent outburst earlier as a boss.


    Anastasia squinted, thinking there was no point for her to exin anyway since she reckoned Elliot


    would believe everything his girlfriend, Hayley, said without question. ¡°Who is Hayley to you?¡±


    Anastasia knitted her eyebrows and asked. ¡°Have you forgotten your ce, Anastasia? You¡¯re my


    employee, and since you¡¯re in the wrong now, you should be the one answering my questions,¡± Elliot


    replied. Knowing what the man was trying to say, Anastasia curled her lips upward. ¡°You saw what


    happened. I gave her a p in the face, so what kind of exnation do you want to hear from me?¡±


    ¡°Why did you want to hit her? Was it because she wanted toin about you?¡± ¡°It was personal,


    which was the same reason she came to see me today. I know it was my fault to get physical with her,


    but she deserved it.¡± Anastasia stood her ground firmly, refusing to back down. Elliot stared at


    Anastasia with aplicated look, wondering whether the reason behind her unreasonable nature was


    really because of her mother¡¯s death and her father¡¯s questionable parenting method. ¡°If you¡¯re willing


    to admit your mistake, I promise I¡¯ll let you off this time, Anastasia.¡± ¡°Admit my mistake? You mean


    apologize to Hayley?¡± Anastasia sniggered sarcastically and clenched her jaw. ¡°There is no way I willProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ever do that.¡± ¡°Anastasia, this is an office, not somece for you to settle your personal scores.¡± Elliot


    angrily lectured Anastasia, finding himself at the end of the rope while trying to reason with his life


    saver¡¯s daughter. Moreover, Hayley was thedy he thought he had been missing and searching for


    thest five years. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll resign.¡± Anastasia hardened her heart and made up her mind,


    thinking she should just walk away and leave all the problems behind her. Fine, I¡¯ll quit. ¡°Stay right


    there, Anastasia,¡± the man shouted out to her. Anastasia stopped in her tracks without looking back


    because she didn¡¯t want to look at Elliot¡¯s face anymore. Now that she realized he was Hayley¡¯s


    boyfriend, she couldn¡¯t help but feel annoyed to even look at Elliot. What a waste, Elliot! You¡¯re such a


    handsome man, but sadly, you¡¯re blind. ¡°I¡¯m not going to terminate you. You can stay, but I want you to


    promise me that there is no next time. Do you hear me?¡± Elliot tried his best to keep Anastasia in his


    company, as he was bound by his grandmother¡¯s wish to look after him. Needless to say, Anastasia


    couldn¡¯t bear to leave her current position either because of her keen passion for designing. Moreover,


    she also loved her job at Bourgeois after having worked there for three years. Soon, she looked back


    and fixed her eyes on the man who propped himself with his arms on the table, warning him to be


    careful about Hayley. ¡°Hayley is not as kind-hearted as you think she is. I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t want to fall


    for one of her tricks one day, so keep your eyes open when you¡¯re around her.¡± ¡°Well, you were the one


    who resorted to violence today,¡± Elliot squinted and replied. Unknown to Elliot, Anastasia wanted to do


    more than just beat Hayley up. Deep down, she wished she could just kill Hayley but decided to keep


    the thought to herself, considering how much Elliot was concerned about Hayley. Soon, she returned to


    the office, while Felicia didn¡¯t receive any notice about terminating her, which surprised everyone else


    in thepany. After all, they were all wondering how Anastasia got away with it upon hitting their


    president¡¯s girlfriend. Grace came over with a cup of coffee,forting her superior. ¡°Miss Tillman, are


    you sure you¡¯re alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Anastasia was so mad that she almost lost all of her inspiration.


    Thus, she put down the pencil and rubbed her forehead. ¡°What are the people gossiping about out


    there?¡± ¡°Miss Tillman, you should just ignore their gossip,¡± Grace said. ¡°Tell me what they¡¯re talking


    about.¡± ¡°They¡¯re saying that you¡¯re backed by someone so powerful that even President Presgrave


    can¡¯t terminate you. Some of them even say you¡¯re his mistress, which is why thatdy confronted you


    after finding out about your rtionship with him,¡± Grace answered while observing Anastasia¡¯s facial


    expression. Upon hearing that, Anastasia felt amused as she nearly burst intoughter, disgusted with


    the idea of being with Hayley¡¯s boyfriend, no matter how dumb she was. Not long after that, Felicia


    summoned her to her office and lectured her about the proper manners of handling clients. Otherwise,


    she would be sure to kick Anastasia out of thepany, regardless of Elliot¡¯s decision. As speechless


    as Anastasia felt, she didn¡¯t feel like exining the whole story because there was simply too much to


    talk about between her and Hayley. Furthermore, she was too ashamed to mention what happened five


    years ago to anyone. In spite of all the upsetting events, her mood took a turn for the better when her


    phone rang the moment she returned to her office. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Why do you sound so tired?¡± A man¡¯s voice


    was heard. ¡°Well, I¡¯m tired indeed. When are youing back?¡± ¡°A few more days, I guess. Anyway, I


    have some good news for you. There is a high-end jewelry fairing up soon, and I¡¯m going to add


    your name to my invitation list. By then, you¡¯ll have a good chance to explore the fair all you want


    because I bet your favorite jewelry will probably be there.¡± ¡°Really? That¡¯s awesome! When is it?¡±


    Anastasia felt a rush of excitement all over her body. ¡°It¡¯ll be held this Saturday at 7 PM. It¡¯ll probably


    take two hours and end around nine. Is there anyone else who can look after Jared for you?¡± the man


    asked in concern. ¡°Yes, there is. I could tell my assistant or my dad to look after him.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t


    want to miss the golden opportunity to explore the jewelry fair, where she could witness some quality


    masterpieces from some of the top-notch designers. ¡°Sure. Have fun. When I get back, I¡¯ll treat you to


    a nice meal.¡± ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll be waiting!¡± Anastasia hung up the call just when an attractive figure


    shed across her mind. It turned out that the caller was her good friend, Nigel Manson. While the man


    was raised in a wealthy family, both of them came to know each other before Anastasia returned to the


    country. Thinking everyone would encounter someone who would help them at some point in their life,


    she believed hers was Nigel. Saturday night? That¡¯s two nights from now, isn¡¯t it? Anastasia began to


    look forward to the asion. On the other hand, Hayley was rubbing her swollen cheek with some ice


    in the luxurious mansion. Deep down, she couldn¡¯t suppress her grudge against Anastasia, whom she


    med for causing her a swollen cheek. My face is what matters the most to me, yet Anastasia went


    for it straight. Damn her! ¡°I¡¯ll never let this slide so easily, Anastasia!¡± Hayley then reached for her iPad


    and started browsing through the news just when she saw a female celebrity shing her invitation card


    at a high-ss jewelry fair. At that instant, Hayley became tempted to attend the function, believing it


    could help heighten her status since she had been trying hard to fit in amidst the upper ss of the


    society. Although she knew an event like that was no ce for someone like her, she wondered


    whether she could use the Presgrave Family as her ticket to attend the function.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    At the thought of that, Hayley reached for her phone and dialed Elliot¡¯s number. ¡°Hello, does it still


    hurt?¡± ¡°Elliot, I want to attend a jewelry fair. Can you take me there?¡± Hayley implored. ¡°What jewelry


    fair?¡± ¡°Let me show you a video.¡± Hayley hung up the call and forwarded the video to Elliot shortly


    before she received a text message that briefly read, ¡®Alright, I¡¯ll take you there.¡¯ Hayley eximed in


    excitement but identally hurt her swollen cheek in the process. As she hissed in pain, she began to


    curse Anastasia once again. ¡°You¡¯re a b*tch, Anastasia! You¡¯re a jewelry designer, yet you can¡¯t even


    attend a high-ss jewelry fair like this one.¡± On the other hand, Anastasia stumbled across the same


    video about the jewelry fair in her office and learned from the others who were invited that there were


    formal dress codes required for the asion; otherwise, ess would be denied. Due to that, she


    became worried, not knowing what she should do because she couldn¡¯t afford to rent a decent-looking


    banquet dress. Just when Anastasia was worrying about her dress code for the jewelry fair, her train of


    thought was suddenly interrupted by a phone call, which turned out to be an unidentified number.


    Nheless, she answered the phone and asked, ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Hello, may I speak to Miss Tillman? I¡¯m


    calling from FH Clothing Store to inform you that our customer has just reserved a banquet dress for


    you. Would you be free to drop by and try itter in the afternoon?¡± ¡°A banquet dress for me?¡±


    Anastasia was stunned but quickly knew that it was Nigel who did it for her. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll drop by


    later.¡± How thoughtful of that guy! Anastasia reached for her phone and sent the man a text message


    with a grateful emoji. ¡®Thank you so much, Nigel.¡± ¡®Don¡¯t mention it. I hope you love it!¡¯ Nigel replied


    with a big smiley emoji. Soon, Anastasia applied for a one-hour leaveter that afternoon because she


    realized the clothing store was just a stone¡¯s throw away from her office. Since FH Clothing Store was


    an international brand, its outlet often became the ce where many socialites visited and shopped. As


    soon as Anastasia entered the shop, she was greeted by the shop owner herself. ¡°Pleasee with


    me, Miss Tillman.¡± After that, Anastasia was taken to the VIP room on the second floor, where she


    came face to face with the dress on the mannequin, as if it was silently waiting for her arrival. Oh my


    gosh! This is gorgeous! Anastasiaplimented the dress just when the shop owner pointed at the


    dress on the mannequin. ¡°This is the gown that Mr. Manson prepared for you, Miss Tillman. Do you like


    it?¡± Anastasia widened her eyes a little, wondering how rich Nigel actually was. Is he a billionaire or


    something? I can¡¯t believe he prepared such an expensive banquet dress for me. Soon, she heard the


    shop owner exining more about the dress with a smile. ¡°This banquet dress is a masterpiece from


    our top designers. The fabric was sewn with approximately eight thousand diamond beads, and the


    dress is sold for eight million in our store.¡± Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she heard what the


    shop owner said. Is Nigel trying to give me a heart attack or something? This dress is certainly not


    cheap at all! A few diamond beads are more than enough to make me go bankrupt, so just imagine if I


    lose them by ident. ¡°Is there any other dress that you could rmend, perhaps?¡± Anastasia


    reckoned the dress was too expensive for her. ¡°But Mr. Manson has already paid for the dress on your


    behalf, Miss Tillman. Furthermore, I think it suits you pretty well.¡± The shop owner showed her approval


    by praising Anastasia¡¯s beauty despite her current ordinary outfit. Meanwhile, Anastasia was deeply in


    love with the dress as she loved everything about it besides the price. ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll try it on.¡± She


    decided to stop being coy, thinking she could repay Nigel by treating him to some fancy meals


    throughout the year. After all, she didn¡¯t want to miss the opportunity to attend the uing jewelry


    fair. Thus, Anastasia went ahead and tried on the banquet dress, realizing how fitting it was for her.


    Soon, she was told toe to the clothing store again the next day around 4 PM as the make-up


    artists and hairdressers would be there to help her dress up with the jewelry. Later that night, she told


    Jared that she would be attending a jewelry fair and asked him whether he preferred Francis or Grace


    to look after him. While the boy wanted his grandfather toe over, she called Francis and arranged


    the n with him. Needless to say, Francis agreed to take care of Jared while Anastasia was away,


    telling her that he would take the child with him for some fancy meal and spend the night together with


    him. It was only after the arrangement was made that Anastasia could finally put her mind to ease


    about her son. When Saturday rolled around, Anastasia took her son to the shopping mall early in the


    morning to buy some vegetables and snacks for him. Then, she went back home to continue her


    design work while Jared yed with his Lego. At the same time, they were apanied by the windy


    breeze that wafted through the window as the white curtains billowed with it. The peaceful and tranquil


    vibested until it was 3.30 PM when Francis swung by with some fruits and milk. Then, Anastasia left


    her son with her father and went out right away while Francis sat on the couch and looked at Jared


    lovingly. Oh gosh! I¡¯m going to love this cute little boy so much! Not long after that, Anastasia hurriedly


    arrived at the clothing store where the shop owner had prepared everything for her. Then, one of the


    make-up artists sized her up andmented on her appearance in a surprised manner. ¡°Miss Tillman,


    you have perfect skin, like there are no pores on it at all. How do you maintain such good health for


    your skin? What kind of premium skincare products do you use?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just the moisturizer that I


    usually apply on my son¡¯s skin.¡± Anastasia pursed her lips and smiled while the two make-up artists


    instantly understood that she was born with such a perfect skin tone. Oh dear, how I wish I could have


    her skin. Soon, Anastasia closed her eyes just as the make-up artists started to apply some foundation


    to her face. After that, they kept her naturally thick eyebrows and proceeded to draw her eyeliner. Then,


    they went on to put the lipstick on her lips just as her beauty instantly stunned them like a ring


    diamond. Upon lifting Anastasia¡¯s hair, the artists permed the hair that hung around her ears and


    helped her put on a pair of diamond earrings to match the ne she was wearing. ¡°Let us help you


    change your banquet dress, Miss Tillman.¡± Anastasia nodded in response, changing into the white luna


    dress as she saw how gorgeous the dress made her look in the mirror. ¡°Miss Tillman, we have also


    arranged a driver to take you to where you need to be. Your ride awaits at the exit.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Anastasia smiled gratefully. ¡°Enjoy your evening.¡± The shop owner saw Anastasia out of the clothing


    store while thetter looked at the Benz in front of her in a ponderous manner. I guess I didn¡¯t really


    know Nigel as well as I thought I did. He told me his family was running a hotel business when we met


    each other abroad. On the other hand, Hayley was also working hard on making herself look as pretty


    as possible. For that, she hired a crew of professional make-up artists who had served some celebrities


    before, determined to cover her ordinary looks with the make-up so that she would look like a socialite.


    At that moment, a mysterious ck Rolls-Royce pulled up outside the mansion, whereupon Elliot


    opened the car door and stepped out of the vehicle. As the setting sun shone on him, his manly aura


    made him seem especially charming and attractive. In the meantime, Hayley stood in the parlor while


    fixing her eyes on the man who was walking closer to her, her heart pounding rapidly like a


    jackhammer. Oh my gosh! He is so handsome. ¡°How do I look, Elliot?¡± Hayley bashfully blinked,


    wanting to hear hispliment. ¡°You look great!¡± Elliot nodded, although he reckoned his feelings forProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Hayley were more than just about her good looks. After all, he was under the impression that she


    sacrificed her own virginity for him five years ago and suffered from a trauma that would follow her


    forever. Therefore, he told himself that he would do his best to make it up to Hayley. ¡°Let¡¯s go then!¡±


    Hayley seized Elliot¡¯s arm, looking forward to the jewelry fairter that night. At the same time, she was


    d to have Elliot by her side, thinking she would be thedy whom every other woman envied


    wherever they went.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    While the jewelry fair was held in a private exhibition hall with tight security, the alleys and streets


    around the ce were sealed with security guards carefully verifying every guest who was invited to


    the event. Meanwhile, Anastasia heaved a sigh of relief as soon as she went through the security


    check with her pearl-beaded purse. After that, she was ready to enjoy the privilege a VIP guest should


    have in the event, as she was ushered by a female concierge to the banquet hall. Soon, Anastasia


    found herself in a grand-looking hall where she could see rows of ss cabs, but since the event


    hadn¡¯t begun, the guests were invited to enjoy a buffet before they went on to take their seats. It turned


    out that Anastasia¡¯s seat was in the sixth row, which was a ce that everyone wished they had.


    However, little did they know Anastasia considered herself lucky because her seat was initially meant


    for Nigel. While the other guests slowly filled the empty seats, Anastasia found herself seated next to a


    man who seemed to be in his thirties. With his shiny hair and branded outfit, it would suggest that he


    was no ordinary man. At that moment, he fixed his eyes on Anastasia, finding her different from the


    others, even though there were many other prettydies around. ¡°Nice to meet you,dy. My name is


    John Curtis. Here is my name card.¡± John gave Anastasia his name card that read, ¡®president from


    Deluxe Incorporated¡¯. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Anastasia Tillman.¡± Anastasia introduced herself with a polite smile.


    Meanwhile, there were two guests who arrivedte at the exhibition hall. Noticing two silhouettes of a


    man and ady entering the ce with their hands held together, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but wonder


    who camete, but when she looked up, she was instantly stunned to find out that they were Elliot and


    Hayley. Oh, boy! We¡¯re living in such a small world. Anastasia stared at Hayley, who was dressed like


    an angel, tightening her grip around her waist as she could barely hide her hatred for thetter. On the


    other hand, Elliot was wearing an expensive ck suit and a pair of delicate cks, which entuated


    his strong and intimidating aura. At the same time, every otherdy, who had their eyes on the man,


    was all stunned to see the president from Presgrave Corporation, but when they noticed thedy who


    was apanying him, they began to frown at her ordinary appearance and wondered whether she


    was his girlfriend. Nheless, they couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous of Hayley, wishing they could be in


    her ce instead. Anastasia pretended as if she wasn¡¯t aware of their presence and raised her ss,


    sipping the red wine in it. Nheless, Hayley observantly noticed Anastasia¡¯s presence, instantly


    feeling stunned because she didn¡¯t expect that she would show up at such a high-ss event. Who is


    she to attend this jewelry fair? Is she even qualified enough to be here? Not long after that, Elliot also


    noticed Anastasia¡¯s presence and was coincidentally arranged to be seated opposite her. Thus,


    Anastasia had no choice but to reluctantly face him, no matter how much she didn¡¯t want to. The


    moment she looked up, she met a pair of charming eyes in the illuminating candlelight just when the


    man¡¯s chiseled face and good looks came into view. With his thick and natural eyebrows, his attractive


    gaze and high nose bridge became even more noticeable, making him look even hotter. Oh god! How


    can someone ever be so handsome like him? Anastasia blinked and stared at the man who was also


    looking back at her at the same time while they locked eyes with each other for a few seconds. Soon,


    she sensed a pair of hateful eyes looking at her shortly before she realized Hayley was ring at her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast, Miss Tillman.¡± John tried to strike up a conversation with Anastasia. Anastasia


    raised her ss and toasted John, smiling at him as she would rather look at John than Elliot. Hmph!


    Since Hayley is my enemy, that makes her boyfriend my enemy as well. ¡°Miss Tillman, you have to try


    this. Trust me. You¡¯re going to love the taste.¡± John was able to sense Anastasia¡¯s enthusiasm, having


    a good feeling that he could win thedy¡¯s heart over. ¡°Thank you.¡± Anastasia picked up the pastry the


    man gave her and took a bite of it while revealing a sweet smile. In the meantime, Hayley seized


    Elliot¡¯s arm and coyly pointed at the desserts far away from her. ¡°Elliot, I want that one.¡± The man then


    stretched out his long arm and brought the pastry to her, whereupon she proceeded to enjoy it. At the


    same time, she asionally gawked at Anastasia with glee to gloat at thetter. Meanwhile, Anastasia


    rolled her eyes upward at Hayley, wondering how she managed to win Elliot¡¯s heart while making sure


    he obeyed her every wish. What¡¯s wrong with Elliot? I can¡¯t believe he is treating thatdy like the apple


    of his eye. ¡°Excuse me. I¡¯d like to use the washroom.¡± Anastasia felt an urge to answer nature¡¯s call as


    she stood up and revealed her glimmering dress that entuated her slim waist, which would take any


    man¡¯s breath away. On the other hand, John had his eyes glued to Anastasia, who was walking away,


    just when Elliot raised his ss and happened to notice thedy¡¯s presence. Oh my, it is indeed a


    surprise to see her here. ¡°Elliot, I¡¯ll be right back. I need to use the washroom.¡± Hayley rose from her


    seat as well and followed right behind Anastasia. While Anastasia was washing her hands alone in theProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    magnificent-looking restroom, Hayley soon walked in and approached her. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you got in


    here with the help of some man you¡¯re dating.¡± Hayley looked at Anastasia in the mirror and taunted


    her. ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern!¡± Anastasia shot a cold gaze back at the hostiledy¡¯s reflection in


    the mirror. ¡°I heard they were strict with the selection of their guests tonight. After all, no ordinary


    person stood a chance to be here, and you¡¯re one of them, so howe you¡¯re here?¡± ¡°What about


    you? You¡¯re not much better than I am, after all.¡± Anastasia mocked Hayley. ¡°I¡¯m Elliot¡¯s girlfriend, and


    that puts me ahead of you,¡± Hayley repliedcently. Anastasia grunted and said, ¡°Would you


    believe if I said I could make myself his wife with just a word? What would that make you?¡± ¡°What do


    you mean?¡± Hayley¡¯s face changed. Does she remember what happened that night?

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Anastasia smiled cially. ¡°Do you really want to know? I¡¯ll tell you then. The person that my mom


    saved back then was actually Elliot.¡± Hayley was stunned and overwhelmed by horror, wondering


    whether it was truly Anastasia¡¯s mother who saved Elliot. No way! That was too much of a coincidence!


    If it was true, Anastasia could probably make the Presgrave Family repay her even though she wasn¡¯t


    aware of what happened that night. ¡°Therefore, I¡¯m warning you not to piss me off; otherwise, I¡¯m going


    to be the one who¡¯ll end up as the young mistress of the Presgrave Family,¡± Anastasia warned Hayley.


    Hayley shivered in horror at that moment, clenching her fists as her fear took over her rational mind.


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯m sorry for what happened back then. Would you please forgive me?¡± Hayley guiltily


    begged for forgiveness. ¡°You want my forgiveness?¡± Anastasia sprinkled the water droplets at Hayley


    on her hands by flickering with her fingers. ¡°You wish!¡± Although Hayley blocked the sprinkle with her


    hand, her face still ended up getting inevitably wet. Having her eyes glued to Anastasia as she walked


    away, she was taken over by the rage and grudge. While Anastasia¡¯s appearance was especially eye-


    catching to many men in the fair, Hayley was reminded of her popr good looks during their


    childhood. Anastasia, I will never let you marry Elliot! He is mine and only mine! Hayley clenched her


    fists at the thought of that. When Anastasia returned to the table, she sexily flickered her hair around


    her ear. Then, she looked up once again, only to meet the man¡¯s eyes once more when the illuminating


    candlelight shone on them and made them look like ck obsidians. On the other hand, it seemed to


    Elliot that thedy was like a shining pearl that glowed in the dark as her beauty and elegance drew the


    attention of every other man whoid eyes on her. However, little did Anastasia know that she was one


    of the most beautiful socialites attending the jewelry fair. Not long after that, Hayley returned from the


    washroom as well, pretending to look sympathetic as she made her way to her seat next to Elliot.


    Unlike her insolent and haughty attitude in the washroom earlier, she now appeared to be an innocent


    lady who needed a man to protect her, which disgusted Anastasia and killed her appetite. Thus, she


    quickly grabbed herself a ss of water to keep herself together. ¡°Miss Tillman, this is the beef steak


    with truffle that has just been served. Would you like to taste one?¡± John got her a ss of water.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Anastasia smiled gratefully in response. When they were done with dinner, the ensuing


    session was used to introduce the banquet¡¯s theme. However, Anastasia made her way to the balcony


    alone with her ss of red wine, probably because she was the only person withoutpany that


    night. ncing at the city view that looked like a golden paddy field that shone in the night, she couldn¡¯t


    help but feel sad about the fact that people tended to lose themselves in the process of pursuing wealth


    in modern society. ¡°Why are you here?¡± A deep voice from a man was heard. Without even looking


    back, Anastasia knew who was talking and sluggishly sniggered. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I had to report to you


    before I attended this jewelry fair?¡± ¡°Who is Nigel Manson to you?¡± Anastasia turned around in surprise,


    gazing at the attractive man who was holding a ss of red wine in his hand with a frown. ¡°You know


    Nigel?¡± ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Elliot calmly answered, to which Anastasia wasn¡¯t surprised at all. After all, she


    believed the reason Nigel was invited to a jewelry fair like this one was probably because of his wealthy


    and influential family. For that, she didn¡¯t think it was surprising for both men, who were a part of the


    upper-ss society, to know each other. ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question. Who is Nigel to you?¡±


    The man behind Anastasia refused to give up asking his question. Anastasia sipped her red wine.


    ¡°Why should I tell you?¡± She then walked away without bothering to wait for a response from him,


    feeling disgusted about his position as Hayley¡¯s boyfriend. While thedy was walking away, Elliot was


    left behind, squinting with a darkened expression on his face. Meanwhile, Hayley was chatting with a


    socialite among the crowd when she noticed Anastasia leaving the balcony. Knowing that Elliot was


    also there, she couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous of thedy. Was Anastasia trying to seduce Elliot? Then,


    she caught a glimpse of Elliot leaving the balcony as well, just when an idea sprang to her mind and


    prompted her to approach Anastasia with her ss of wine in her hand.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    At that moment, Anastasia was busy toasting with the other men who were approaching shortly before


    she bumped into Hayley the moment she turned around.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast, Anastasia. I¡¯d like to apologize for what I did to you in the office back then.¡± Hayley


    apologized, but in response, Anastasia chuckled coldly, knowing clearly that Hayley was putting on a


    show under the guise of her hypocrisy. Therefore, she decided to ignore her and walk away, but Hayley


    suddenly seized her hand, which was holding the ss of red wine, and poured it all over her own dress


    before Anastasia could react.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Hayley screamed in horror.


    As Elliot quickly came closer to investigate themotion, Hayley took two steps back and fell into his


    embrace. ¡°How could you do this to me, Anastasia?¡± she


    questioned Anastasia and med her for ruining her banquet dress with the red wine.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was left standing in a trance while watching Hayley feign innocence. This


    b*tch really deserves an Oscar award for her acting.


    ¡°Anastasia, I know it¡¯s my fault that I wanted toin about you, but you can¡¯t do this to me either¡­¡±


    Hayley tearfully and bitterly said, trying to make herself look as pitiful as possible. At the same time,


    every other socialite from the upper-ss society in the banquet instantly looked at Hayley with


    sympathy before they gave Anastasia a contemptuous look for her despicable actions.


    ¡°Apologize, Miss Tillman.¡± Elliot¡¯s voice was cold, and his cial look suggested that he was


    exasperated.


    Anastasia gawked at Elliot unhappily, thinking he was jumping to conclusions without understanding


    what the situation was. After all, it was Hayley who caught her hand and made her pour the red wine on


    her dress. Therefore, Anastasia found it uneptable for her to apologize when she didn¡¯t do anything


    wrong. ¡°Why should I apologize?¡± She jutted her chin stubbornly, looking at the man with her firm gaze.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Elliot. I¡¯m fine. I can just get changed.¡± Hayley shook her head, seemingly trying to endure


    her bitterness while pretending to take the moral high ground. ¡°Tll. forgive her.¡±


    Anastasia clenched her fists. ¡°I don¡¯t need your forgiveness.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, apologize to her at once!¡± Elliot spoke angrily, his eyes filled with coldness as his forehead


    was covered in veins.


    Anastasia gazed at Elliot with her beautiful eyes and chuckled coldly. ¡°I could apologize, but only if she is


    willing to hear it on her knees.¡±


    On the other hand, Hayley felt especially gleeful on the inside that her n had sessfully worked,


    thanks to her understanding of Anastasia¡¯s character ever since they were in primary school. Knowing


    that Anastasia was headstrong and unyielding, Hayley was trying to piss her off in front of Elliot, in order


    to make her look like someone who was unreasonable.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Elliot¡¯s eyes were filled with rage when they fell upon Anastasia.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t me her, Elliot. It was my fault. I was just too clumsy, so don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be fine.


    Please don¡¯te down hard on Anastasia.¡± Hayley bit her lip, seizing Elliot¡¯s sleeve while acting like


    she was swallowing her grievance.


    Upon hearing what Hayley said, Anastasia felt a strong urge to raise her hand to the former. Soon, the


    female manager came closer and said, ¡°Miss Seymour, we have prepared a new dress for you. Please


    come with me.¡± Hayley nodded and followed behind the manager.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was able to sense the unpleasant attention around her but decided to bite her lip


    and put up with it. After all, she still hadn¡¯t gotten to see her favorite jewelry and had no ns to leave


    the ce yet.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± The next second, Anastasia felt her wrist mped by Elliot¡¯s firm grip, whereupon she


    was forcefully taken to a private lounge.


    ¡°Let me go, Elliot.¡± Anastasia wanted to free herself but was no match for the man¡¯s superior physical


    strength.


    As soon as they entered the lounge room, Elliot immediately let go of Anastasia, who folded her arms


    and red at him. ¡°What¡¯re you doing?!¡±


    Nheless, Anastasia only red at the man angrily, standing her ground firmly without showing any


    signs of backing down. ¡°What¡¯re you going to do if I don¡¯t apologize?¡± Thinking Hayley was Elliot¡¯s


    girlfriend, Anastasia believed he would do everything he must to protect her. Thus, she reckoned it was


    pointless for her to exin herself.


    ¡°Anastasia, I know your mom passed away when you were young, but can¡¯t you just behave yourself and


    treat people nicely? Why must you always be so mean and


    unreasonable?¡± Elliot was somehow annoyed, wondering why Anastasia couldn¡¯t just stay away from


    trouble.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    Anastasia stared at the man that was worried about her. ¡°Does my character matter to you that much,


    Elliot? I¡¯m not married to you, so it shouldn¡¯t matter to you even if I screw myself up.¡±


    Then, she turned around and wanted to leave, but her arms were grabbed by the man before he pushed


    her against the wall within the next second while his handsome face met hers in proximity.


    There was anger in the man¡¯s eyes as he sneered, ¡°Looks like I¡¯ve overestimated your capability,


    Anastasia.¡±


    ¡°Let go of me, Elliot. You a*shole!¡± Besides what happened that night five years ago, Anastasia had


    never been in such close proximity to a man.


    She moved away in disgust when the man¡¯s scent entered her nose. No matter how handsome Elliot


    was, Anastasia was disgusted by any men who had ever touched Hayley


    On the other hand, Elliot was stunned for a few seconds when he got closer to Anastasia as her scent


    reminded him of that night five years ago.


    It was the simr faint floral scent that seduced him, and he couldn¡¯t help but imagine how soft


    Anastasia¡¯s red and full lips would feel if he kissed her.


    When Elliot realized what he was thinking about, he quickly let go of Anastasia, while her arms were


    already red due to his forceful grip.


    ¡°Stay away from me, Elliot,¡± Anastasia warned as she was about to leave after opening the door.


    After she came out, Hayley had already changed into her gown and was receiving constions from


    other youngdies.


    At the same time, everyone entered the exhibition in the hall when it was time for the exhibition to start.


    As Anastasia entered along with the crowd, she started observing the pieces of jewelry as if she was a


    jewelry master.


    ¡°I heard that girl managed toe in using the name of the young master of the Manson Family. You


    really run into all sorts of people here, huh?¡±


    ¡°I bet she used some sort of dirty tricks! If you know, you know.¡±


    ¡°She is merely an insignificant designer! I bet she can¡¯t even afford a small piece of diamond here!¡±


    Anastasia could hear the conversation between the two youngdies behind her that was obviously


    taunting her.


    As Elliot¡¯s partner, all of the youngdies would definitely befriend Hayley, so all of them knew about


    Anastasia being a nameless jewelry designer.


    Nevertheless, she couldn¡¯t be bothered by them as she leaned down to observe one of her works before


    a soft woman¡¯s voice rang out behind her. ¡°Elliot, I heard that we can purchase the pieces of jewelry that


    are exhibited tonight, and I really like this jewelry, so can you get it for me? It¡¯s just that it¡¯s a little


    expensive as it costs around 10 million!¡± Hayley pointed at that jewelry that cost around eight digits and


    asked while holding onto Elliot¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll talk to the manager about itter,¡± Elliot replied in a deep voice.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Alright. Thank you, Elliot!¡± Hayley held Elliot¡¯s arm tighter before she gave Anastasia a taunting look.


    Still, Anastasia acted as if she didn¡¯t hear Hayley and continued moving forward. She had initiallye


    to enjoy the exhibition, but the other youngdies were making her feel ufortable, so she was


    nning to leave after she was done looking at the pieces of jewelry.


    At the same time, Elliot¡¯s gazended on the figure who was standing in front of the jewelry counter.


    Under the light¡¯s illumination, Anastasia¡¯s beautiful facial features and quiet demeanor made her look as


    beautiful as the diamond that was being exhibited.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, why don¡¯t we move on from the bad experience just now? Do you have your eyes on


    anything currently?¡± John walked over to Anastasia with a ss of wine in his hand before asking.


    He was unable to stop thinking about Anastasia¡¯s beauty, and her untamed stubbornness really


    mesmerized him. I bet she would behave the same in bed.


    After John overheard from the other youngdies that Anastasia was just a small jewelry designer, he


    figured it would be easier to get her, considering her ordinary


    status.


    ¡°I¡¯m just here to enjoy the exhibition.¡± Anastasia pursed her lips and smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I can buy it for you if you like it.¡± John generously promised the youngdy.


    Nevertheless, Anastasia knew that she shouldn¡¯t ept his offer, so she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine, thank


    you. I¡¯m just looking around.¡±


    However, John continued following Anastasia and trailed after her wherever she went. He wasn¡¯t paying


    attention to any of the jewelry pieces, as he was only focused on Anastasia.


    Upon seeing that, Elliot felt somewhat annoyed.


    As a man, he could definitely tell that John had a hidden motive for being nice to Anastasia, and he


    couldn¡¯t help but feel angry when Anastasia interacted with John without any sense of danger.


    Can¡¯t she tell what John is thinking about? This woman seriously doesn¡¯t know how to protect herself.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    When Anastasia checked the time and noticed that it was already 9.00PM, she realized that she needed


    to leave to return her gown, so she turned toward John and said, ¡°Excuse me. I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±


    ¡°Let me take you home.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Anastasia turned to reject him before she ran into a youngdy by surprise. Angered, the


    youngdy reached out to push her. ¡°Are you blind?¡±


    Anastasia staggered backward before she looked up to see the socialite¡¯s arrogant face and apologized,


    saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Do you really think that saying sorry solves everything? You better start kneeling down and cleaning my


    shoes after you step on my feet!¡± The youngdy obviously wasn¡¯t going to let Anastasia off the hook


    and even wanted to humiliate her.


    Right then, Anastasia pursed her lips. ¡°I did not step on your feet.¡±


    ¡°How dare you deny stepping on my feet when my feet are already hurting?!¡± the youngdy snapped in


    anger.


    When Anastasia came to the realization that the youngdy purposely stood in front of her so that she


    would run into her, she decided not to bother anymore. ¡°Excuse me, please move away. I need to leave


    now.¡±


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do you think that you can leave just like that?¡± Then, the youngdy reached out to pull on Anastasia¡¯s


    gown before the sound of something tearing rang out. The satin fabric on Anastasia¡¯s gown was torn,


    and one side of her shoulder was revealed. Immediately, she reached out to cover her bare shoulder.


    While John wanted to remove his zer for Anastasia, someone else was faster than him as they quickly


    ced their zer on her shoulder to cover her chest.


    At this moment, Anastasia turned around gratefully to realize that the person who helped her out was


    Elliot.


    Immediately, she swallowed her thanks. In fact, she didn¡¯t even want the man¡¯s zer.


    ¡°Take your zer away.¡± Although Anastasia knew that she was going to attract other people¡¯s attention,


    she really didn¡¯t want to ept Elliot¡¯s kindness.


    ¡°Stop messing around,¡± Elliot instructed. Why is she still stubborn in a situation like this?


    On the other hand, Hayley, who was standing at the side, red at Anastasia because she witnessed


    how quickly Elliot removed his zer to cover Anastasia up,


    ¡°Hayley, I¡¯ll pick you upter,¡± Elliot said before he pulled Anastasia out of the hall while Anastasia


    struggled against his forceful grip.


    ¡°Elliot¡­¡± Hayley felt like she was about to go mad from jealousy. How dare he leave me here to send


    Anastasia back?!


    Meanwhile, Anastasia finally managed to remove Elliot¡¯s zer. In that instance, her maroon bra was


    revealed from the torn gown. The sight of Anastasia right then was


    enough to make any man lust over her.


    At this moment, Elliot¡¯s gaze darkened before he looked at her stubborn expressions and asked in


    annoyance, ¡°Are you seriously leaving like that?¡±


    ¡°So what if I do? Even if I were to run outside naked, it would be none of your business.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t


    know why, but she really wanted to argue against Elliot and piss him off.


    ¡°You¡¯re a mother to a son, and you should really think about him.¡± Elliot had never met a woman that


    could easily piss him off with just a few words, and it seemed like


    this woman was really capable of achieving that.


    ¡°Stop messing around, Anastasia. Can¡¯t you just listen for once?¡± Elliot pleaded before he ced his


    zer around her shoulders again when he noticed that the elevator had stopped.


    There were a few foreign men in a discussion outside of the elevator, and Anastasia quickly headed to


    the entrance without removing Elliot¡¯s zer this time.


    When she noticed a cab dropping off its passengers at the side of the road, she quickly headed to the


    cab while wearing Elliot¡¯s zer, and Elliot could only watch as she closed the car door and left.


    Right then, Anastasia¡¯s mind was a mess.


    I¡¯ve really managed to destroy a gown that costs seven digits! How am I supposed to pay for this?! Sh*t!

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    After Anastasia returned to the shop and exined everything that had happened, the owner of the shop


    nced at the torn gown before consoling her with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Miss Tillman. I¡¯ve already bought


    insurance for this dress, and they¡¯ll settle it for me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry.¡± Anastasia felt even more guilty.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright as long as you had fun,¡± the owner of the shop assured.


    Although Anastasia still felt guilty when she took the cab to go back home, she was extremely tired as


    well. All she wanted to do right now was to go home and hug her son until she fell asleep.


    Anastasia finally reached home around 10.00PM. When she saw that Francis was still ying with


    Jared, she said, ¡°Dad, I¡¯m back. You can have some rest now.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, Jared is a really bright kid, and I can¡¯t even tell that he¡¯s just four years old! You really did a


    great job educating him,¡± Francis eximed.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly as Jared learned everything by himself


    without needing her to educate him, and all she did was apany him. After Francis went back to his


    room, she showered before hugging Jared tiredly and nting a kiss on his face. ¡°Let¡¯s sleep now,


    Jared.¡±


    Since Jared had been ying for the entire day and was tired as well, he fell asleep in the blink of an


    eye. Nevertheless, Anasthasia couldn¡¯t fall asleep as she lowered her head to look at Jared before


    getting shocked.


    Why are Jared¡¯s facial features starting to resemble Elliot¡¯s? I guess that¡¯s probably because he¡¯s good-


    looking, and every good-looking person looks simr to each other. This proves that Jared is going to be


    very handsome when he grows up. Although Elliot is a terrible person, it is undeniable that he¡¯s


    handsome.


    The next day, Anastasia told Nigel everything that happened during the jewelry exhibition while Nigel


    kept asking if she was injured.


    ¡°I¡¯m returning to the country within a few days, and I¡¯ll protect you,¡± Nigel said earnestly.


    ¡°I shall treat you to a meal when you return.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I miss Jared too, by the way,¡± Nigelughed before replying.


    ¡°He misses you, too.¡± Anastasiaughed as well.


    On Monday, she headed to theundromat early in the morning to collect Elliot¡¯s zer so that she could


    return it to him at thepany.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    After finishing a cup of coffee and replying to all her work emails, Anastasia nced at the time before


    calling Elliot¡¯sndline.


    ¡°Hello?¡± A maic voice rang out.


    ¡°It¡¯s Anastasia. I¡¯ming up now to return your zer.¡± Then, Anastasia hung up before Elliot could say


    anything.


    When she reached the entrance of Elliot¡¯s office, she knocked before entering the office while the man


    sitting in the office gave her a sharp look.


    After cing the zer that was in a garment bag on the couch, she remarked, ¡°I sent your zer to the


    laundromat to have it cleaned already.¡±


    ¡°Are you really not going to thank me?¡± Elliot narrowed his eyes as he raised his chin to look at


    Anastasia.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Anastasia replied hastily before leaving.


    While staring at the woman who left as soon as she came, Elliot¡¯s gaze darkened


    slightly. Is this really the woman Grandma wants me to marry?


    On the other hand, when Anastasia returned to her office, Grace suddenly entered along with a person


    before she reported, ¡°Miss Tillman, you have a guest.¡±


    When Anastasia looked up, she was taken aback. Isn¡¯t this John from yesterday?


    ¡°Miss Tillman, you¡¯re really here!¡± John was surprised that he hade to the right ce. After returning


    home from the exhibition yesterday, all he could think about was Anastasia, and he decided that he


    wouldn¡¯t give up pursuing her until he won her heart.


    ¡°President Curtis¡­ Why are you here?¡± Anastasia greeted merrily as he was a guest, after all.


    At the same time, John was shocked when he saw Anastasia. While Anastasia looked like a goddess


    when she was in her gown, she looked extremely charismatic in her


    office wear. A white blouse and a pencil skirt were enough to make her look sexy.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    ¡°Miss Tillman, I¡¯m here to customize jewelry for my mother¡¯s birthday next month, and I was thinking of


    ordering a set of jewelry for her.¡± John wasn¡¯t in need of money, and he wanted more excitement, so he


    didn¡¯t mind forking money out for Anastasia.


    Anastasia naturally wouldn¡¯t reject a business opportunity given to her, so she instructed, ¡°Grace, please


    get us coffee and a fruit tter.¡±


    After Grace left, John¡¯s gaze quicklynded on Anastasia again.


    ¡°President Curtis, may I know if your mother has any particr interest in the shape or color of the


    jewelry? Does she prefer jade or crystal other than a diamond?¡±


    ¡°Diamonds will do. It¡¯s better if it¡¯s bigger and more expensive,¡± John answered in a straightforward


    manner while Anastasia pursed her lips and smiled. ¡°Sure. I¡¯lle up with a draft for your design and


    send it over to your mother¡¯s house three dayster. What do you think about that?¡±


    ¡°Since this is a present from me for my mother, it¡¯s better to keep things secretive. Why don¡¯t youe


    to me after you¡¯re done with the draft?¡± A cunning look shed past John¡¯s eyes while Anastasia was


    checking a document with her head lowered. ¡°Sure, President Curtis. I¡¯ll contact you once I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m fine with that. Are you freeter at noon? Why don¡¯t we go have lunch together?¡±


    Nevertheless, Anastasia wasn¡¯t a fool and knew that John was trying to hit on her. Still, there was no way


    that she¡¯d reject a business opportunity, so she nodded and uttered, ¡°Sure. I know a nice restaurant just


    in front of mypany. I shall make a reservation for two.¡±


    John nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Miss Tillman, I¡¯ll be waiting for your break, then!¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait in the lounge? It¡¯s much quieter there.¡± Anastasia gave the man a suggestion before


    sending him off.


    After dealing with John, she made a report to Felicia while Felicia made sure to tell Anastasia to secure


    the deal with John, seeing how they¡¯d profit a lot from the set of


    When Anastasia went to get lunch with John during the afternoon, John took the opportunity to brag


    about his finance and assets as well as hispany, while


    Anastasia acted as if she was shocked and awed.


    After the meal, she made an excuse, saying that she had a meeting and wanted to leave, cutting John


    short and leaving him with no choice but to send her back to Bourgeois.


    When Anastasia went back, she sighed in relief before returning to her office to continue working


    On the other hand, Elliot took his phone and contacted someone in his president¡¯s office.


    ¡°Hey, Elliot! Why are you contacting me?¡± A man¡¯s chirpy voice rang out.


    ¡°Do you know Anastasia Tillman?¡± Elliot went straight to the point.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± Nigel asked in a surprised manner.


    ¡°She¡¯s an employee at mypany. I ran into her yesterday at the jewelry exhibition and noticed that


    she came in using your name.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Looks like you¡¯ve really acquired QR Jewelry Group! Anyway, it¡¯s true that Anastasia and I are close


    friends with each other.¡± Nigel admitted truthfully before he chuckled and asked, ¡°How was she? She¡¯s


    really pretty, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to pursue her?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not an easy one to pursue, though. I¡¯ve been trying to go after her for three years already, but I


    still haven¡¯t seeded, so I can only remain as her close friend!¡± Nigel answered helplessly.


    Despite that, Elliot¡¯s facial expression was still dark. ¡°How did you get to know her?¡±


    ¡°Remember the ident when my car flipped three years ago? She was the person who saved me. If


    she hadn¡¯t dragged me out of my car, I would have died along with the car explosion.¡±


    Of course, Elliot could still remember the terrifying car ident that Nigel had back then. Nigel had


    brushed path with the grim reaper briefly as the car that he was in exploded right after he left.


    Nevertheless, Elliot didn¡¯t expect Anastasia to be the person that saved Nigel back then. Is this fated?


    This would mean that the Presgraves owe the Tillmans a favor.


    ¡°Elliot, I¡¯ll be returning soon. By that time, I¡¯ll work at Bourgeois as well so that I can apany her.¡±


    ¡°Stop messing around. You¡¯reing back to inherit your family¡¯s business, not to pursue after girls,¡±


    Elliot reprimanded.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have to help me out to take care of her in thepany, then.¡± Nigel could only reply to him


    this way.


    When Elliot ced his phone down, he had a conflicted look on his handsome face. Looks like Nigel,


    Grandma¡¯s favorite grandson, is pursuing Anastasia too.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Three dayster, Anastasia¡¯s draft was given the green light by Felicia, and it was ready to be given to


    John.


    ¡°Good day, President Curtis. I¡¯vee out with a draft already. May I know when you¡¯ll be free so that I


    can deliver them to you?¡± Anastasia asked John.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m still rushing back from my business trip right now, and I¡¯ll only reach around


    7.00PM. What about this? Why don¡¯t you send the draft over to my ce around 8.00PM at night?¡±


    ¡°Um ¡­ At night?¡± Anastasia immediately got alerted.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you wary of me? Don¡¯t worry. Miss Tillman, I¡¯m not an evil person. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m


    usually really busy during the day, and I can only make time at night.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia had no choice but to agree. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll send the draft to your ce at


    8.00PM tonight.¡±


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°By the way, I don¡¯t like strangersing into my house, so it¡¯s better if youe over on your own,


    Miss Tillman,¡± John added on while Anastasia tensed up. Is he trying to get me to go over to his ce


    alone?


    Nevertheless, she could only nod and go along with John¡¯s requests because he was her customer.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be there at 8.00PM sharp.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you the address now.¡± Then, John hung up.


    After the call, Anastasia headed to Felicia¡¯s office and told her about the call before Felicia pondered for


    a moment. ¡°From what I know, John Curtis is a well-known CEO without any bad rumors, so he probably


    won¡¯t do anything that would cross the line.¡±


    Anastasia could only hope that things go smoothly tonight.


    During the afternoon meeting, Elliot, who hadn¡¯t shown up for three days, finally came. He looked even


    younger with his hair styled and his dark gray suit, while his facial features were cold as usual.


    Anastasia had her head lowered as she read the document while Alice, seated facing Anastasia, kept


    fidgeting around and hoping that it would attract Elliot¡¯s attraction.


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman, focus on the meeting and stop doodling,¡± Felicia suddenly called out.


    As Anastasia was indeed doodling in her notebook without paying attention to the meeting, she quickly


    straightened her posture and nodded with a flushed face. ¡°Alright.¡±


    After cing her pencil down obediently, her gaze met an upset pair of eyes, as if they were trying to tell


    her how disappointed they were by her actions.


    To Elliot, Anastasia was behaving like a stubborn kid who wouldn¡¯t listen in ss right now.


    ¡°Anastasia, I hope that you¡¯ll be able to learn how to respect other people in mypany,¡± he suddenly


    demanded out of nowhere.


    Immediately, a few snickers could be heard in the meeting room, as some of them were pleased that


    Anastasia got lectured by the boss.


    However, Anastasia blinked before she propped her chin on her hand and smiled at Elliot. ¡°Thanks for


    teaching me the right way to act, but I just want to be myself. President Presgrave, you can always fire


    me if you don¡¯t like me.¡±


    Right then, only the sound of people gasping could be heard in the meeting room. Isn¡¯t Anastasia being a


    bit too courageous? How dare she speak to President Presgrave in that manner?


    Elliot wasn¡¯t just the president of QR Jewelry Group. In fact, he was also supported by Presgrave


    Corporation, making him a rich and powerful man. Hence, it would be dumb for anyone to try to cross


    Elliot.


    Has Anastasia gone mad?!


    Felicia got anxious as well. Then, she turned to Anastasia and eximed, ¡°Anastasia, how could you


    speak to President Presgrave like that?!¡±


    Nevertheless, a yful glint shed past Anastasia¡¯s gaze as she stared at Elliot intently. ¡°President


    Presgrave, would you like me to hand in my letter of resignation?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, you can¡¯t just resign when you still have to meet President Curtis tonight!¡± Immediately,


    Felicia tried to stop Anastasia from angering Elliot any further.


    Still, Elliot¡¯s face darkened as he frowned before he turned to Felicia. ¡°Why is she meeting clients at


    night?¡±


    Yet, the fact that Elliot asked her that question instead of getting angry made her confused before she


    quickly cleared her throat and replied, ¡°One of our clients customized a set of jewelry, but he¡¯s very busy


    and can only meet up at night, so Anastasia will have to go over to the client¡¯s ce on her own tonight.¡±


    ¡°Tell that client that none of our employees work overtime. There won¡¯t be any business dealings outside


    of working hours,¡± Elliot instructed coldly. From what he heard, President Curtis was definitely a man,


    and an ill-intentioned one at that.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Well, we have already set the timing to meet up with the client,¡± Felicia tried to exin again.


    On the other hand, although Anastasia could tell that Elliot was trying to help her out, she was still feeling


    rebellious and refused to listen to him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Felicia. I¡¯ll surely meet up with President Curtis tonight without any dy.¡± She assured


    Felicia about her outlook on this matter.


    ¡°I forbid you to go, Anastasia,¡± Elliot suddenly instructed sternly.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Despite that, Anastasia returned his gaze before replying with determination, ¡°No one can stop me if I


    want to go.¡±


    Right then, everyone was shocked by Anastasia¡¯s attitude to challenge Elliot¡¯s bottom line. She refused


    to go along with any of Elliot¡¯s demands, and no one else in the entirepany would have dared to do


    so.


    ¡°Alright, well, the meeting¡¯s over now!¡± Even Felicia was terrified that Elliot might be angered and didn¡¯t


    want to give Anastasia more opportunity to piss him off.


    At this moment, Anastasia left her seat with her documents while Alice red at her with jealousy. Who


    gave Anastasia the audacity to do what she did? How dare she treat Elliot like that?


    When Anastasia returned to her office and wanted to take a sip of water, her office door was opened


    harshly before an angered figure entered the office.


    When is this going to stop? She narrowed her eyes and looked at the man with a dark face in front of her


    before she ced her cup down. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, President Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°Show me President Curtis¡¯s details.¡± Elliot reached out for the document from Anastasia.


    ¡°You saw him at the jewelry exhibitionst night. His name is John Curtis,¡± Anastasia answered truthfully.


    Upon hearing that, the man had his facial expression darkened even more. Why won¡¯t she refuse to


    meet that guy at 8.00PM tonight when she already knows that he has ill intentions?


    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell that he has ill intentions?¡±


    ¡°All I know is that my draft is worth seven digits.¡± All Anastasia wanted was to get hermission.


    ¡°Get someone else to go meet him, then,¡± Elliot suggested.


    ¡°No. I have to do it myself because this is my order. I don¡¯t need you to worry about me.¡± Then,


    Anastasia opened the door to her office and motioned for Elliot to leave. ¡°You should leave! I have to


    resume working now.¡±


    However, Elliot gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Anastasia, you¡¯ll regret this.¡±


    Still, Anastasia raised her eyebrows before smiling. ¡°That¡¯s still none of your business, President


    Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡± Elliot¡¯s face darkened.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Ever since he met Anastasia, he had lost control of his anger and kept getting annoyed by her behavior.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia exhaled while watching as the man left angrily. Somehow, she felt a hint of thrill


    because Elliot was Hayley¡¯s boyfriend. She would still dismiss him even if he was really worried for her.


    Since Anastasia was going to work overtime, she could only get Francis toe over to look after Jared.


    Nevertheless, Francis agreed to pick Jared up at school, as he had been missing Jared after not seeing


    him for days and wanted to take him out for a nice meal at night.


    Knowing that her father would take care of her kid, Anastasia could finally work overtime without worry,


    as she still hadn¡¯tpleted the regr draft submissions that she needed to submit by the end of every


    month.


    Around 6.30PM, she ordered takeout and ate at thepany¡¯s pantry while staring at the beautiful


    sunset view outside of the window in awe.


    At the same time, Elliot, who was still in the president¡¯s office, massaged his temple and asked Rey, ¡°Is


    she still in thepany?¡±


    ¡°Miss Tillman ordered takeout just now, and she¡¯s eating in the pantry currently. I¡¯m guessing that she


    wants to work overtime until 7.00PM and go to John Curtister


    on.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Continue watching after her.¡± Elliot was still worried. Since he promised Harriet to take care of


    Anastasia along with the favor that he owed Anastasia¡¯s mother, he couldn¡¯t let anything happen to her.


    After finishing her meal, Anastasia rested for a while before leaving at 7.10PM.


    While she left in a cab at thepany¡¯s entrance, a ck car quickly followed behind the cab and trailed


    after them.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was anxious as she looked at the night view from the window of the car.


    She was hoping that she could leave immediately after settling the


    deal and even thought of an idea to let John know her colleague was waiting outside.


    Hopefully, he wouldn¡¯t attempt anything with that in mind!


    Then, the cab entered the rich housing area before stopping in front of a luxurious vi. After the cab left,


    another car stopped in the street behind Anastasia. Nevertheless, she didn¡¯t notice it.


    On the other hand, Elliot was trying his best to suppress his urge to dash out of the car as he watched


    Anastasia press the doorbell. In a while, he¡¯d get Rey to enter the vi to check on her.


    When the door in front of Anastasia opened, John¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Come on in, Miss Tillman! I¡¯m


    waiting for you in the living room.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia quickly entered the house. As expected from a rich person, the vi was


    extremely luxurious. When she entered the living room, John, who was sitting on the couch in his ck


    robe along with a ss of wine in his hand, came into view. At that moment, the rich man seemed


    somewhat carefree.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Nevertheless, Anastasia tensed up when she saw John. Still, she had no right to interfere in her client¡¯s


    clothing preference, even though they were discussing business. Then, Anastasia quickly sat down on


    the couch before giving John her draft. ¡°You can take a look at the draft that I¡¯ve designed for you,


    President Curtis. Do let me know if I should make any changes.¡±


    After going through the draft papers, Johnplimented with a pleased manner, ¡°These are great! As


    expected from a capable designer. I really like your designs, Miss Tillman.¡±


    Then, he poured a cup of tea for Anastasia. ¡°Do have some tea, and let¡¯s start discussing our contract


    after this.¡±


    ¡°Uhm, I¡¯m not thirsty since I just had dinner with my colleagues just now.¡± Anastasia rejected politely.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to see yourself as an outsider, Miss Tillman. How can you refuse a cup of tea when


    you¡¯re already at my house? Isn¡¯t that disrespectful?¡± John made it clear that he was upset.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia stared at the cup of tea and made a decision before she took the tea and drank it.


    ¡°President Curtis, it¡¯s alreadyte now, so why don¡¯t we sign the contract now? My colleague is still


    waiting for me outside.¡±


    ¡°Your colleague?¡± John¡¯s gaze wavered slightly.


    ¡°Yes. My colleague sent me over because I wasn¡¯t driving. Since it¡¯s hard to get a cab here, I still need


    his help to send me hometer on,¡± Anastasia exined with a smile as she tried to imply that someone


    was waiting for her and would definitely lodge a police report if she couldn¡¯t get out.


    ¡°Well, I still have to check the draft again since I didn¡¯t do so just now. Please wait for a moment,¡± John


    said before he started looking at the draft again. Nevertheless, he was observing Anastasia¡¯s reaction


    from the corners of his eyes. So what if your colleague is waiting for you when you¡¯ve already drank the


    tea? I can still buy his silence after everything is over.


    The tea that Anastasia drank just now was specially prepared by John, as he must get her by tonight.


    After that, he would use some money to buy her silence, and everything would be over. This was the


    tactic that John used every time, and all of thedies ended up wrapped around his finger after that, so


    he hoped that Anastasia


    would be obedient as well.


    While waiting for John to look through the draft, Anastasia suddenly felt cold sweat forming around her


    neck as well as a warm feeling around her chest before she wondered if the air conditioner in the living


    room wasn¡¯t strong enough.


    Upon noticing that, John quickly poured another cup of tea for her. ¡°Miss Tillman, you look like you are


    hot. Here, have another cup of tea!¡±


    Not noticing anything odd, Anastasia took the cup of tea and drank it. Although the cool tea soothed her


    momentarily, she didn¡¯t know that she had just consumed more of the drug


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Is there something wrong with the draft?¡± Anastasia asked worriedly as she really wanted to leave


    already.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with it, and I believe in your ability as well. Hold on. I need to go to the washroom


    for a while.¡±


    At this moment, John was trying to drag the time because the drugs needed some time to be activated.


    By the time that Anastasia was in her most afflictive, she would surely agree to whatever demands he


    had.


    On the other hand, Anastasia still thought that the air conditioner wasn¡¯t powerful enough because she


    was starting to feel really hot, and her face was flushed. It wasn¡¯t until a sudden strong sensation from


    the lower part of her body hit her that she realized that something was wrong.


    Why is my body starting to feel numb? It¡¯s like¡­ It¡¯s like there¡¯s a fire burning within my body and


    chipping away at my consciousness and rationality. Could it be that ¡­


    Anastasia turned toward her cup before she stared at the pot of tea. Suddenly, something hit her, and


    she immediately got up and ran out of the living room.


    When John returned to the living room and noticed that Anastasia wasn¡¯t there, he quickly ran after her


    and saw her staggering out of the yard.


    ¡°Where are you going, Miss Tillman?¡± John¡¯s devilish voice rang out.


    ¡°What did you put in my drinks?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman, you¡¯ve managed to capture my eyes. You¡¯re too beautiful, and there¡¯s no way that I


    wouldn¡¯t like you. Why don¡¯t you stay for the night? I¡¯ll be sure to be nice to you.¡± Right then, John¡¯s true


    colors were revealed as he exposed his true


    intentions.


    ¡°G-Get away from me. I do not provide any other services other than draft designing. Get away from me!¡±


    Anastasia roared.


    ¡°You got drugged. If you don¡¯t get a man to help you out, you¡¯ll feel very ufortable pretty soon.¡±

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    John chuckled coldly. To him, Anastasia was like a bird trapped in his cage,pletely under his control.


    At the same time, Anastasia was starting to feel a wave of dizziness ovee her. Right when John was


    about to grab her, a cold voice rang out. ¡°Let go of Miss Tillman.¡±


    Then, someone jumped over the wall andnded in front of Anastasia, blocking John¡¯s way. Staring at


    the man, who got in his way, John snapped, ¡°How dare you trespass into my private housing area? Get


    out of my way.¡±


    ¡°Please leave, Miss Tillman,¡± Rey turned around and said to Anastasia.


    ¡°Mr. Osborne?¡± Anastasia gasped in shock. However, she could only continue making her way toward


    the door while her body continued heating up ufortably. Right after she opened the door, she ran


    into a warm embrace before a strong pair of arms reached out to steady her, causing her to groan before


    her head snapped up abruptly. When she saw the man, who was one head taller than her, her eyes


    widened. Why is it him? Why is Elliot here?


    ¡°You¡¯re as stubborn as a mule.¡± Elliot had no intention of sounding nice, telling her off as soon as she


    came into view.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia was rendered speechless, and she couldn¡¯t deny that Elliot was way more


    reliable than John. Then, she reached out to grab Elliot¡¯s shoulder to steady herself. ¡°Help me¡­ Take me


    out of this ce.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Elliot instructed Rey, ¡°Teach him a lesson.¡±


    After that, he carried Anastasia, who curled up immediately, and headed to his car.


    On the other hand, Rey, who was initially blocking John¡¯s way, mercilesslynded a jab on John¡¯s face,


    following a roundhouse on his body. Instantly, the tycoon fell to the ground in pain. ¡°Who are you? Who is


    the man outside? I won¡¯t let you guys off the hook for this!¡±


    ¡°Who gave you the audacity to hit on President Presgrave¡¯s woman?¡±


    ¡°What?! Is the man outside¡­ Elliot Presgrave?¡± John eximed in shock before he pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­


    I made a mistake. Please let Young Master Elliot know that I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    After Rey left, John hunched down to the ground. He was in so much pain that he


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    couldn¡¯t say anything as cold sweat started forming.


    Anastasia actually became Elliot¡¯s woman? Although John had already noticed that Elliot seemed to


    have his eyes on Anastasia as well, he didn¡¯t expect the n to fall through.


    On the other hand, Anastasia felt her body burning up even more in the backseat of the car, and she felt


    even more ufortable in her half-lying posture. Suddenly, she clung to Elliot¡¯s neck as if grinding


    against him would make her feel better.


    ¡°Please save me¡­ Bring me to the hospital¡­¡± Anastasia stared at Elliot with teary eyes as if she was a


    pitiful rabbit.


    At this moment, Rey entered the car before he turned to the man in the backseat of the car and asked,


    ¡°Where are we heading, Young Master Elliot?¡±


    ¡°To the hospital,¡± Elliot replied.


    Then, Rey started the car engine and drove away.


    Nevertheless, Anastasia felt extremely ufortable. Under the streetlight¡¯s illumination, Elliot¡¯s


    handsome face wasn¡¯t as despicable anymore. Suddenly, she pulled herself up to hisp and wrapped


    her hands around his neck before nting a kiss on his seductive, thin lips.


    Immediately, Elliot stiffened up. How dare she kiss me forcefully?


    While he was shocked by Anastasia¡¯s amateur kissing skills, he still responded to Anastasia¡¯s soft body


    pressing against him. Suddenly, he pulled on the partition dividing the front area and the rear area of the


    car before he grabbed onto Anastasia¡¯s head and regained the dominance of the kiss.


    ¡°Mm¡­¡± Anastasia felt an electrifying sensation coursing through her bodyfortably before her arms


    ventured around the man¡¯s back while enjoying his electrifying kiss.


    At the same time, Anastasia¡¯s hands moving around Elliot¡¯s back caused him to tense up before his


    breathing became heavy, and he narrowed his eyes.


    Does this woman even know what she¡¯s doing?


    Nevertheless, the woman in his arms was surprisingly submissive. She had lost her stubbornness during


    the day, allowing Elliot to explore her lips, while he had lost his self-control and rationale as he kept


    kissing her instinctively.


    ¡°Mm¡­¡± Suddenly, Anastasia came back to her senses and pushed Elliot away. ¡°Elliot Presgrave, you


    a*shole! Get away¡­¡±


    Immediately, Elliot¡¯s face darkened. Why is she flirting with me and making me leave in one hand? How


    contradicting can she be?


    Despite that, the fiery sensation that Anastasia was feeling rushed up again when Elliot let go of her. At


    the same time, the car suddenly jerked, causing her to nt her face into Elliot¡¯s neck. Right when


    Anastasia came into contact with his skin, shetched her mouth onto it and started nibbling as if she


    was a leech and refused to let go.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Yet Elliot allowed Anastasia to do as she liked. It was as if he was equally affected by whatever that she


    had ingested, and he felt like he was about to explode as well.


    Looks like this woman is good at seducing men other than causing trouble for others.


    ¡°Are we reaching the hospital yet?¡± Elliot asked Rey, who was driving.


    ¡°We are almost there,¡± Rey replied before the car took a turn and reached the entrance of the hospital.


    Then, he quickly got out of the car and opened the door to the back of the car for his boss. Elliot got out


    and straightened his shirt before pulling the woman in the car out and carrying her into the hospital.


    Ten minutester, Anastasia ended up in the VIP ward of the hospital. After getting sedatives and an IV


    drip, she finally quietened down, and her eyes were closed while her face was flushed.


    Right then, Rey gave Elliot tissue paper. ¡°Young Master Elliot, there¡¯s a bloodstain around your neck. You


    should wipe it off.¡±


    Elliot wiped his neck with the tissue paper before seeing a light bloodstain on it. This woman¡¯s teeth are


    as sharp as a vampire!


    After Rey left, Elliot continued staying guard in the ward. A whileter, Anastasia, who was lying in bed,


    slowly regained her consciousness and blinked. However, she was shocked when she turned around


    and saw the man next to her.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Anastasia¡¯s face went pale as she still remembered everything that had happened in the car just


    now.


    ¡°This is the consequence of not listening,¡± Elliot remarked snarkily.


    Anastasia had really underestimated John¡¯s character. She initially thought that he wouldn¡¯t attempt


    anything at her after telling him that her colleague was waiting for her outside, but she didn¡¯t expect him


    to disregard her words.


    ¡°Thank you. Can I know the time?¡± Anastasia looked up and asked.


    ¡°9.30PM.¡±


    ¡°I should be going home now.¡± She suddenly didn¡¯t feel like staying in the hospital any longer as she


    nced at the IV drip that was still half full.


    ¡°If you¡¯re worried about your son, I can get Rey to take care of him until you finish your IV drip.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I¡¯m fine now.¡± Anastasia insisted in a stubborn manner.


    ¡°You better think about the consequences of not finishing the IV drip. What if the drugs start working


    again?¡± Elliot gritted his teeth and questioned.


    After contemting for a moment, Anastasia nced at her bag. ¡°Can you please hand me my bag?¡±


    After Elliot handed her the bag, she took her phone out and contacted Francis, trying to sound as natural


    as possible. ¡°Dad, I might be back around 10.00PM, orter, so I¡¯ll need you to help me get Jared to


    sleep tonight.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Don¡¯t worry and focus on your work!¡± Francis enjoyed looking after his grandson.


    ¡°Alright. Sure.¡± Anastasia hung up before she looked up to see the man, whose face was illuminated


    under the light. She noticed that the top of his white shirt was unbuttoned, and there was a red mark on


    his corbone.


    Immediately, she was mind blown. That mark wouldn¡¯t have been caused by me biting him, no? Besides,


    what we did in the car¡­ Oh God, I want to disappear right now. If I recall correctly, I took the initiative to


    kiss him before he reciprocated it¡­ I can still remember how his lips felt against mine¡­ Oh my God! I


    need to stop thinking about it! Anastasia held her head between her hands before she felt the drugs


    kicking in again.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling ufortable?¡± Elliot quickly asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Anastasia huffed before she buried her head in her chest. ¡°I lost my consciousness, and I can¡¯t


    remember what happened just now, so you don¡¯t have to remind me about it. I don¡¯t want to recall


    anything that happened anymore.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Elliot smirked. Is she trying to deny what happened just now?


    ¡°What are you going to do topensate me after you kiss me forcefully?¡± He refused to let things go


    and chose to make Anastasia recall what happened.


    ¡°1¡­ Just decide on your own!¡± Anastasia snapped in an embarrassed manner.


    When Elliot noticed that she was really embarrassed, he stopped trying to bother her any longer.


    ¡°You owe me a favor.¡± He harrumphed before taking a seat on the couch.


    Anastasia was speechless.


    Although she had heard of people owing favors because of money, this was her first time owing


    someone else a favor because of a kiss. Fine! This is a way to settle things as well, I guess. I bet he will


    forget about this sooner orter.


    Then, Anastasia sat through her IV drip. Immediately, she got the nurse to remove the needle from her


    hand while Elliot was scrolling his phone the entire time. After that, he stood up to apany Anastasia


    out.


    When they reached the entrance of the hospital, Anastasia decided that she should stop bothering Elliot


    anymore. ¡°I¡¯ll take a cab home.¡±


    ¡°Let me fetch you home.¡± Elliot refused to let Anastasia go home on her own because it was too


    dangerous for someone with her looks.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Anastasia insisted.


    Despite that, the man grabbed her arm forcefully and dragged her toward Rey¡¯s car.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    ¡°Hey! How can you boss me around like that?!¡± Although Anastasia kept shouting behind Elliot, he


    refused to let go, and she was pushed into the car just like that.


    Fine! Drop me off, then! At least I can save up from the cab fare.


    Once Anastasia got into the car, she told Rey her address and proceeded to act as if she had fallen


    asleep since she didn¡¯t want to talk to Elliot.


    Fortunately, Elliot wasn¡¯t nning to start a conversation as well, so the two of them sat by the opposite


    sides of the car in silence while staring at the night view outside of the window


    About an hourter, they finally reached Anastasia¡¯s ce, and she quickly thanked Rey, saying,


    ¡°Thanks, Mr. Osborne.¡±


    Before getting out of the car, Anastasia took a deep breath before she turned toward the man in the car,


    thanking him as well. ¡°Thank you for tonight.¡±


    Right then, Elliot¡¯s gaze met hers before he nodded slightly, indicating that he had heard her.


    Then, Anastasia closed the car door and left while the car slowly drove away after making sure that


    Anastasia had entered her apartmentplex.


    When she got home, Jared was already asleep, while Francis stayed by the side of his bed to


    apany him. When Francis saw Anastasiaing home sote at night, he took a card out of his


    wallet and gave it to her. ¡°Anastasia, there¡¯s 2 million in this card, and I think that you should have it. You


    shouldn¡¯t overwork yourself. If you¡¯re tired, just resign and take care of Jared with this money!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia was taken aback as she could feel Francis worrying for her. Nevertheless,


    she pursed her lips andmented, ¡°Naomi would surely get mad if she finds out about this.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m the one who earned this money, and no one can stop me from giving it to you.¡± Francis ced


    the card in Anastasia¡¯s hand. ¡°Take it.¡±


    Fathers often expressed their love in a silent manner. After doing so, Francis didnt say anything and left


    with his briefcase while Anastasia sighed. She knew that Naomi was the one who climbed into Francis¡¯s


    bed back then and forced him to marry her once she got pregnant. That was the only reason why Francis


    married Naomi after


    her biological mother¡¯s death. Although she hated Francis for doing so back then, she had already let go


    of the past.


    After showering, Anastasiay down by Jared¡¯s side before she leaned forward to nt a kiss on Jared¡¯s


    pale forehead. Then, she got tired and fell asleep as well.


    The next morning, Anastasia vaguely heard Jared¡¯s voice calling out for her. ¡°Wake up, Mommy. I¡¯m


    going to bete.¡±


    When she woke up, she quickly jumped out of bed as it was already 8.20AM, and Jared¡¯s ss was


    going to start in ten minutes. The sedatives from yesterday had shut down her biological clock.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you to school right now.¡±


    Anastasia quickly brought Jared to his kindergarten and sighed in relief. Then, she hurried to stop a cab


    to rush to work when she nced at her watch and realized that


    it was already 8.50AM.


    When Anastasia reached thepany, it was already 9.40AM as she entered her office with a sour look


    on her face. Looks like my attendance bonus for the month will be gone now. Besides, the deal with John


    is definitely off now. I can¡¯t believe I wasted so much effort on getting tricked by that man instead. Looks


    like I¡¯ll have to be smarter about things like this next time.


    At this moment, Felicia knocked on the door and came in. Before Anastasia could say anything, Felicia


    grinned and said, ¡°Anastasia, good job for sessfully negotiating the contract yesterday!¡±


    ¡°What? Is the deal on? Did John pay yet?¡±


    ¡°He transferred a hundred thousand over this morning as a deposit since the jewelry set that he


    customized is around 2 million, and everything will be ready for him by the end of the month.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Anastasia narrowed her eyes. What is John trying to do? Is he trying topensate me because he


    couldn¡¯t get what he wantedst night?


    She felt disgusted at the thought of John¡¯s face before she told Felicia, ¡°You should get someone else to


    follow up on his case. I¡¯m not interested in dealing with him anymore.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve already finished your draft, I¡¯ve already gotten someone to do the follow-up. By the way,


    you don¡¯t look well. Did you not sleep wellst night?¡± Felicia


    asked in a worried manner.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. Something upsetting happened yesterday.¡± In addition to what John did to herst


    night, she really regretted taking the initiative to kiss Elliot since he was Hayley¡¯s boyfriend, and Hayley


    was the person she hated the most in her entire life.


    Around 11.00AM, Anastasia went into the washroom, and she heard footsteps entering the washroom


    once she went into one of the toilets before the loud voice of a girl rang out. ¡°Guess what I saw just


    now?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I was lucky enough to take the same elevator as President Presgrave just now, and I saw a love bite on


    his neck! Oh my God! I can¡¯t help but wonder which woman would be so fortunate enough to give him


    such a huge hickey!¡±

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Another woman chimed in with a jealous tone,menting, ¡°Wow, they really went all in! I bet it¡¯s his


    girlfriend! You know, the one who came to thepany and got pped by Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help but wonder about Anastasia¡¯s background, since she managed to get out unscathed after


    hitting President Presgrave¡¯s girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°I guess President Presgrave was unwilling to fire her because of how pretty she is.¡±


    ¡°Do you guys think that President Presgrave likes her?¡±


    ¡°It is possible. Maybe her position in thepany will change once she gets into his bed.¡±


    ¡°Damn! I want to have her beauty, too! President Presgrave won¡¯t even spare any nces on ordinary


    employees like us.¡±


    Right then, Anastasia, who was still in the toilet, knew well that she was the person who left a hickey on


    Elliot¡¯s neck.


    As for her possibly getting into his bed, she could give them a definite answer. Never! Never in a


    thousand years!


    After the group of gossip girls left, Anastasia came out of the toilet and returned to her office before her


    landline rang.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Come to my office for a while.¡± Elliot¡¯s unique maic voice rang out.


    Before Anastasia could say anything, he hung up, causing her to sigh as he was the person that she


    didn¡¯t want to face the most today.


    Maybe he has something to discuss with me regarding work. At the thought of that, she started heading


    to the elevator.


    When Anastasia reached the entrance of the president¡¯s office, she knocked before entering the office to


    see Elliot reading through a document on the couch. He nced at her before he continued reading the


    document.


    ¡°Why did you look for me?¡± Anastasia asked.


    ¡°Is vour body alright now?¡± Elliot started scanning her up and down while Anastasia replied in a tense


    manner, ¡°I¡¯m fine now. Thanks for asking.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so stubborn next time.¡±


    She frowned. Did he ask me toe up here just to say these to me?


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about me, President Presgrave. I¡¯ll head back to resume my work now.¡±


    Then, Anastasia wanted to turn around and leave.


    Suddenly, Elliot asked, ¡°Do you like Nigel?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia turned around abruptly. ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Nigel?¡±


    Despite that, Elliot refused to answer her and asked again, ¡°Do you like him?¡±


    Without any hesitation, Anastasia answered, ¡°Of course I like him.¡±


    Nigel had been a great help to her and Jared, so she had already thought of him as her closest best


    friend. Nheless, she didn¡¯t notice that, because of her answer, the facial expression of the man


    sitting on the couch behind her darkened. Slowly, a thoughtful look appeared on his emotionless face.


    ¡°Then, it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t mention what happenedst night to him,¡± Elliot gritted his teeth before


    reminding her.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was stunned. Why would I tell Nigel about something as private as this?


    Still, I can now assume that Nigel and this man know each other.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t mention this to anyone for the rest of my life.¡±


    Then, her gazended on the visible hickey on the man¡¯s neck, right beneath his white shirt.


    ¡°Leave now then!¡± Elliot instructed coldly, as if he was trying to kick her out while she turned around and


    left.


    After the door was closed, the man on the couch closed his eyes and frowned.


    During the meeting, Felicia praised Anastasia for being able to seal a deal worth two million while all the


    other designers cheered on her despite being secretly jealous.


    Meanwhile, at the Tillman Residence, Erica was eliminated from the modelingpetition due to her


    height. The youngdy didn¡¯t have enough money to fuel her living expenses. As she was used to living


    luxuriously, she had to rely on Naomi to support her financially, as Francis only gave her ten thousand


    every month for her allowance.


    ¡°Mom, can you find an excuse to get Dad to give me more allowance for the month? I got my eyes on a


    Louis Vuitton bag, and I really want to have it for myself.¡± Erica pulled on Naomi¡¯s hand and whined.


    Unable to resist Erica¡¯s whining, Naomi stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go look around to see if your father left


    any cash at home.¡±


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    After entering the master bedroom, she opened the safe where Francis usually kept his cash to see a


    stack of cash in it, unsurprisingly. However, there was also a document file next to the stack of cash.


    Curious, Naomi reached out for the file and skimmed through it before a shocked look appeared on her


    face.


    Hubby actually bought amercial housing with two rooms and two living rooms in a high end


    residence located in the city center that cost about 8 million without telling me about it? Could it be that


    it¡¯s for someone else other than us?


    As expected, Naomi immediately got pissed off when she saw the ownership of the household.


    The house was actually bought under Anastasia¡¯s name.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    That damned Anastasia! Persuading Francis to buy a house for her as soon as she returns, even buying


    it without my knowledge! Ridiculous!


    Naomi gritted her teeth in anger before she took out her phone and dialed her husband¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Francis picked up.


    ¡°Francis, you bought Anastasia a house, but you didn¡¯t even tell me about it. What are you trying to


    imply?¡±


    ¡°Oh, but you¡¯re allowed to rummage my safe to give Erica pocket money?¡± Francis seemed to have


    guessed what she was doing instead.


    ¡°If you can fork out 8 million to buy a house for Anastasia, a mere ten or twenty thousand for my


    daughter won¡¯t hurt, now will it?¡± Naomi used.


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe for Anastasia to live in a rented apartment with a child. Also, Erica is staying at home with


    us. It¡¯s pretty nice.¡±


    ¡°So only Anastasia is pitiful to you? My daughter can¡¯t even afford a bag, but she¡¯s not pitiful at all to


    you? Francis, that¡¯s favoritism!¡±


    ¡°All right, quit yapping. I¡¯ve already bought the house, anyway. I actually wanted to tell you, but I feared


    you¡¯d make a fuss about it.¡±


    Naomi was so furious that she could emit smoke at any moment. What tactics did Anastasia use to trick


    Francis into liking her so well? 8 million to buy a house for her just like that! And the house would be


    Anastasia¡¯s private property, too!I haven¡¯t even confronted Anastasia about Francis babysitting her child


    yet!


    On the other end of the line, Francis had already hung up. Naomi took all the money from the safe, along


    with the contract. Then, she went downstairs and asked Erica, ¡°Tell me, where is Anastasia working? I


    want to see her right now.¡±


    ¡°Mom, why are you looking for her?¡± Erica asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Your dad bought her a house for 8 million behind our backs. I¡¯m now going to talk some sense into her.¡±


    Naomi couldn¡¯t find a ce to vent the fury inside her anymore.


    th


    ¡°What? Did Dad spend 8 million on her? What about me? I have nothing!¡± Erica was also pissed. She


    was his daughter too, so she wanted to have everything Anastasia had.


    Erica immediately got in the car and drove toward Bourgeois with her mother. At around 3 pm, Anastasia


    was working on her draft. She was on a roll nowadays, and the drafts and projects she held were


    progressing smoothly.


    ¡°Grace, fetch me another cup of coffee.¡± Anastasia made an internal call to her assistant so that thetter


    could get her some coffee to perk her up a bit.


    Not long after, Grace came in with a cup of freshly brewed coffee with ice, and the silky texture and


    cream topping only served to make the cuppa look ever so pleasing. Anastasia reached out and picked it


    up, proceeding to take a sip. ¡°Mm, not bad. It¡¯s delicious.¡±


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Anastasia, can you give me some tips to lose weight? How do you maintain such a good figure?¡± Grace


    was a cute girl slightly on the plump side, and she was constantly concerned about weight loss.


    Anastasia thought for a bit, then shook her head and smiled. ¡°I overwork my brain every day, so I


    slimmed down without meaning to.¡±


    In truth, she wouldn¡¯t gain weight, no matter how much she ate. Also, she had to take care of her son


    and go to work as well, so it was simply impossible for her to gain weight.


    Meanwhile, Naomi and Erica had arrived at the parking lot downstairs. They went


    straight to the elevator and headed right for the design department.


    As soon as she got out of the elevator, Naomi caught hold of a female assistant. ¡°Do you know where


    Anastasia¡¯s office is?¡±


    The female assistant quickly pointed in a direction. ¡°Thest office over there.¡±


    Naomi walked over with the real estate contract, while Anastasia was absorbed in her drawing when the


    door was suddenly thrown open. She immediately looked up to see Naomi and Erica walking in furiously.


    The look in Anastasia¡¯s eyes went cold as she asked harshly, ¡°What?¡±


    Naomi flung the contract she was holding onto the desk. ¡°Spill it, Anastasia. What tactics did you use to


    convince your dad to buy this house for you?¡±

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Anastasia was stunned, after which she reached out and took the contract, opening it to read. She was


    also shocked that her father bought a house for her, as he didn¡¯t even discuss it with her before making


    the purchase.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t know, Anastasia. The contract is right here; you can¡¯t deny it!¡± Erica pointed the


    finger at her and shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not! Yes, Dad bought it for me, so what? You have a problem with that?¡± Anastasia raised her


    eyebrow and asked.


    ¡°Your father¡¯s money belongs to the whole family, and he also has to get permission from me and Erica


    before buying you a house. Half of this house will belong to Erica.¡± Naomi immediately fought for some


    privilege for her daughter.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Anastasia found it ridiculous as she looked at Naomi. ¡°This property is under my name, so how can I give


    half of it to your daughter?¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll ask Dad to buy a house for me too, or give me 8 million,¡± Erica said haughtily.


    ¡°Go ahead and ask him, then! Whye to my office?¡± Anastasia put on a haughty expression as she


    spoke.


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯m here to give you a warning. If you keep asking your dad to buy stuff and give you money


    behind my back, I¡¯ll break off with him. You¡¯ll be responsible for our divorce when that happens,¡± Naomi


    threatened.


    Anastasia smiled wryly. ¡°If that¡¯s so, remember to notify me when you get divorced. I¡¯ll know when to find


    another woman for Dad, and I guarantee she¡¯ll be better than you.¡±


    ¡°You,¡± Naomi was so mad she could blow up.


    Erica also had a sunken expression. ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯ll make you lose your job right now.¡±


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± Anastasia narrowed her eyes and asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell everyone that you have an illegitimate child, a son you had from being someone¡¯s mistress!¡± Erica


    shouted, threatening to ruin her reputation.


    Anastasia snorted. ¡°Should I get a mic for you? So that you can say it louder?¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯m too scared to do that?¡± With that, Erica turned around and opened the door, leaving.


    Naomi was satisfied with her daughter¡¯s boldness, and she also wanted Anastasia to lose this job.


    In the main office, Erica shouted at the top of her lungs, ¡°I have some news for everyone! Anastasia


    Tillman is a mistress! She destroyed someone else¡¯s family and gave birth to a love child overseas! Be


    careful of her because she¡¯s a shameless and cunning woman!¡±


    Instantly, the employees in the office stood up and looked toward Erica, who was shouting. One of them


    immediately asked, ¡°Really? Miss Tillman is someone¡¯s mistress?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s real. Why would I lie? Also, she had been messing around five years ago, working at a


    club and selling herself for money¡­ That was why my dad chased her out.¡± Erica proceeded to bring up


    the events five years ago.


    While Erica talked animatedly, someone appeared behind her. In the next second, someone grabbed the


    youngdy¡¯s shoulder andnded a loud p on her face. It was none other than Anastasia because she


    had had enough of her sister¡¯s nonsense for the past five years. Now, she couldn¡¯t endure it anymore,


    especially when she heard Erica calling her son an illegitimate child, and that was when Anastasia lost


    all rationality.


    ¡°Ah=¡± Erica screamed and tried to hit her back, but Anastasia dodged it just in time. She gripped Erica¡¯s


    long hair and pinned it to the ground. When Naomi emerged from the office, the first thing she saw was


    her daughter getting hit, so she immediately blew up.


    ¡°Anastasia, you b*tch! How dare you hit my daughter! Let go of her!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s hair was instantly grabbed as Naomi pulled all the stops to save her daughter. However,


    Anastasia¡¯s grip on Erica¡¯s hair increased along with the pain she herself felt.


    ¡°Ah! It hurts! Let go, Anastasia-¡± Erica let out a shriek of pain because Anastasia¡¯s hand grabbed her hair


    in a death grip.


    ¡°Let go, you b*tch!¡± Naomi¡¯s heart ached for her daughter, so mad that she raised her arm and delivered


    a p across Anastasia¡¯s face.


    Anastasia endured the pain and ryed the p onto Erica¡¯s face. Erica was pinned to the ground,


    kneeling, and she couldn¡¯t get up or break free, putting her in a convenient position for Anastasia to p.


    ¡°Hit me once, and I¡¯ll hit her thrice. Try me.¡± Anastasia might look terrible, but her fearsome boldness


    made up for it.


    Immediately, Naomi let go of Anastasia, and thetter also saw Felicia bringing people over, so she let


    go of Erica as well. She held a fistful of broken hair in her hands, and Erica¡¯s swollen face was already


    pale in pain. Naomi pulled her daughter to her feet, ready for another brawl.


    Felicia shouted, ¡°Who are you people?! And why are you causing a ruckus in ourpany?¡±

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    Anastasia tidied her messy hair, the red shape of a palm obvious on her pretty face. ¡°Chase them out!¡±


    she said to Felicia.


    ¡°I am Anastasia¡¯s stepmother, and I have a private business to settle with her,¡± Naomi barked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are. This is apany, not the backyard of your house. If you refuse to leave, I¡¯m


    calling the police.¡± Felicia had no regard for Naomi.


    Naomi thought she couldn¡¯t involve the police in this matter, so she pulled her daughter along as she


    said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Erica. We¡¯ll continue thister.¡±


    Anastasia bit her red lip and let out a sigh as she watched the duo leave. As for the onlookers in the


    office, most of them couldn¡¯t help but see Anastasia in a new light. Despite her slender frame, she could


    actually put up a fight against the duo.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, Anastasia? How are peopleing over so often to pick on you?¡± Felicia and


    Anastasia were equally exasperated by the recent events, and thetter made a promise to her superior.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best not to bring personal matters to thepany.¡±


    Anastasia returned to her office, and she was about to tie her hair up when herndline rang. She


    reached out and picked it up. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Got into a fight again?¡± A man¡¯s deep and upset voice came from over the phone.


    Anastasia was speechless. How did this news travel to him so fast? But then she remembered that there


    were many busybodies in thispany.


    ¡°Good news. I won,¡± Anastasia replied cheekily.


    ¡°And you still have the courage to brag. You¡¯re a mother now; it¡¯s unbing to fight all the time,¡± Elliot


    said in exasperation.


    Anastasia grinned, but the movement affected the wound on her face, causing her to hiss. ¡°I¡¯ll hang up


    now. My face hurts.¡±


    She ended the call right away. Soon, Rey arrived at Anastasia¡¯s office, bringing an ice pack for her.


    ¡°President Presgrave asked me to deliver this. Please be more careful next time, Miss Tillman.¡±


    Anastasia gave Rey a look but epted the ice pack anyway. ¡°Thank you, Rey.¡±


    ¡°You should thank President Presgrave.¡± Rey smiled a little before leaving.


    Anastasia held the ice pack to her face, and the pain subsided when she realized that the contract was


    still with her. She sighed, for she couldn¡¯t believe that her father actually bought her a house. Therefore,


    she took her phone and dialed her father¡¯s number.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Dad, why didn¡¯t you tell me you bought a house for me?¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Naomi herself took the contract to my office. Dad, please don¡¯t do this next time, in case she gets upset


    again.¡± Anastasia still threw in a word of advice for her father.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling guilty about the past five years, so this is mypensation to you. You can move in


    next month.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡±


    ¡°I also want to give you and Jared a stable home,¡± Francis said.


    In the president¡¯s office, Rey pulled up a recording of the CCTV in the main office and yed it for Elliot.


    He stared at the girl rushing out on the screen, and as he heard her words, his eyebrows scrunched up


    tightly.


    Anastasia was a mistress, and her kid was a love child? She even sold herself for money at a club five


    years ago? What?


    In the recording, Anastasia stormed furiously and gave Erica a p. Then, she grabbed thetter by the


    hair and pinned Erica to the ground. Immediately after that, another woman rushed out and grabbed


    Anastasia¡¯s hair, pping her. Then Anastasia pped the girl on the ground a few more times before


    Felicia appeared and resolved the incident.


    He had to admit that this woman was a fierce fighter.


    ¡°Can you find out who fathered Anastasia¡¯s son?¡± Elliot asked Rey.


    ¡°Our people overseas could only find hospital information about Miss Tillman giving birth to her son.


    There wasn¡¯t any info on the child¡¯s father,¡± Rey reported.


    Elliot¡¯s gaze darkened. Could it be that this woman was really someone¡¯s mistress, and she had escaped


    overseas to give birth to a child she had to bring up on her own?And what of her selling herself at a club


    five years ago? Was she in dire need of money?Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Elliot closed hisputer. Only Anastasia had the answers to those questions, whether she really was


    once someone¡¯s shameless mistress who had destroyed the man¡¯s family in the end.


    ¡°Keep investigating,¡± Elliot ordered in a low voice.


    Rey voiced his affirmation and left, after which Elliot¡¯s dark gaze fell on a corner. She even gave birth to


    the child, so what exactly was he expecting?


    When Erica returned home, she ran back to her room where she dialed Hayley¡¯s number, for she could


    only vent her anger to Hayley.


    ¡°You caused trouble at Anastasia¡¯spany?¡± Hayley asked in shock.


    ¡°My dad bought her a house worth 8 million behind me and my mom¡¯s back. Why wouldn¡¯t I be pissed?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Anastasia could do that! Erica, you have to be careful. You mustn¡¯t let her snatch all of


    your father¡¯s property in the end,¡± Hayley reminded.


    ¡°Hmph! I¡¯ll never let her off the hook and I won¡¯t let her live in peace either,¡± Erica seethed. ¡°Are you at


    home, Hayley? Let¡¯s go out for drinks tonight!¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ I¡¯m not feeling too well these days, so I can¡¯t drink for now,¡± Hayley declined. ¡°You should get


    someone else to apany you.¡±


    Erica sensed that Hayley was being exceptionally secretive these days because they used to hang out


    rather often in the past.


    Over in the luxurious vi, Hayley ended her call with Erica as her gaze darkened. Anastasia¡¯s mother


    had saved Elliot, which meant that Anastasia could exploit that fact to request anything of him. She could


    even ask to marry him and it would most probably be done.


    As for the reason why Anastasia hadn¡¯t made this request yet, it had to be due to her personality. She


    was a stubborn person and definitely not one to lose her sense of self over riches. In short, she lived


    quite the sober life.


    Hence, she wouldn¡¯t marry someone just because she wanted to repay some kindness. She had said in


    high school that she hated the person who caused her mother¡¯s death, so could it be that Anastasia still


    hated Elliot for that?


    No matter what might happen, Hayley had to stop Anastasia from making that request and the best way


    to achieve that was to show Anastasia how intimate she herself was with Elliot. Then, Anastasia would


    hate both herself and Elliot even more.


    Hayley took a nce at the time. It was almost time for people to get off work, so she should also head


    off and pay Bourgeois a visit.


    She enjoyed the treatment that was fit for a rich youngdy when she drove in the sports car Elliot gave


    her. Whenever she was on the road before this, she could only admire the rich, beautiful daughters of


    wealthy families. Now, she herself had be the object of admiration too.


    All eyes would be on her whenever she stopped on the road. The young men would gape in awe and her


    vain heart would be immensely satisfied.


    Hayley got on the elevator and headed right for the design department at Bourgeois. Her appearance


    had brought about the looks of admiration and respect from all the female employees in the office


    because she was the wife of their boss.


    She immediately walked to the door of Anastasia¡¯s office and proceeded to open the door without so


    much as a greeting.


    Anastasia was gathering her things and ready to go home when she saw Hayley barging in. Her


    expression darkened as she asked, ¡°What are you here for?¡±


    Hayley was wearing a V-neck dress with a set of jewelry that shone brilliantly on her chest. It was the


    exact jewelry that was on disy that day. She touched it and said to Anastasia, ¡°Elliot gave me this.


    Does it look good on me?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re looking to show off, you have approached the wrong person.¡± Anastasia stared at Hayley coldly


    since she knew the woman well enough.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Hayley didn¡¯te from a rich family, but her vanity was second to none. As soon as she received


    something nice, she would show it off to everyone whom she knew.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to invite Elliot to dinner. We still have a romantic date waiting for us


    tonight, so I won¡¯t hold you up.¡± She was actually here to unt her rtionship with Elliot


    ¡°Although I have no idea how blind he had to be to see something in you, anyone with eyes would know


    that he deserves better,¡± Anastasia retorted mercilessly.


    Hayley¡¯s expression sank and she snorted. ¡°Anastasia, you don¡¯t know how he sees me at all. What right


    do you have to say that?¡±


    ¡°Then, tell me, how did you reel him in?¡±

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business. Whatever that needs to happen between us has already happened. You


    don¡¯t know how much he loves me. He gives me everything I ask of him.¡± Hayley raised her eyebrow


    gleefully.


    Anastasia was stunned for a few seconds. Looks like they have already slept together? Looks like I have


    underestimated Hayley¡¯s abilities.


    ¡°Anastasia, don¡¯t tell me you have fallen for him too?¡± Hayley asked tentatively.


    ¡°What? Are you scared that I¡¯ll snatch him from you?¡± Anastasia wasn¡¯t stupid. Of course Hayley was


    scared of her and wouldn¡¯t let her live in peace.


    ¡°Y-You won¡¯t be able to take him away.¡± Hatred shed across Hayley¡¯s eyes.


    Anastasia felt ufortable as she recalled the kissing incident in the carst night. If Elliot really slept


    with Hayley, Anastasia really didn¡¯t want to do anything intimate with him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything you¡¯ve used before is dirty to me,¡± she responded coldly.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll tell Elliot every word you said then.¡± Hayley sneered, assuming that Anastasia would be


    scared because she had said something wrong.


    On the contrary, Anastasia was quite generous about it. ¡°Then, make sure you don¡¯t miss even a


    syble. Try mimicking my tone so that you can be more convincing as well.¡±


    Shock was evident in Hayley¡¯s eyes. Anastasia was exuding confidence from head to toe, which was


    exactly what Hayley was envious about.


    Hayley still left in the end, after which Anastasia let out a sigh. If Hayley came looking to show off, she


    wouldn¡¯t be getting what she came for.


    In the president¡¯s office.


    Hayley knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± a man¡¯s deep and alluring voice responded.


    She opened the door to see a handsome figure seated on the couch before she called in a sickly sweet


    voice, ¡°Elliot.¡±


    Elliot narrowed his eyes and asked. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I got too bored, so I wanted to go for a walk.¡± With that, Hayley bit her red lips in a pitiful manner, then


    took a seat beside him and stayed silent.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Did someone bully you?¡± He could sense that she was upset.


    ¡°I went to see Anastasia just now. I wanted to apologize for what happenedst time, but she¡­ But she


    refused to ept my apology and chased me out. She even said¡­¡±


    Elliot frowned. ¡°What did she say?¡±


    ¡°She asked about our rtionship, so I told her that we have the most intimate rtionship. Then, she


    suddenly said that everything I¡¯ve used is dirty to her.¡± Hayley¡¯s eyes were filled with displeasure.


    Elliot immediately understood that he was the dirty one that the woman mentioned.


    He couldn¡¯t help but snort in secret. Me? Dirty? Then, why did she initiate that kissst night? Now she¡¯s


    saying that I¡¯m dirty? What an ungrateful woman.


    Hayley was secretly observing the expressions of the man beside her. However, she found him spacing


    out and lost in his thoughts with no intention offorting her. Doesn¡¯t Elliot know that Anastasia was


    insulting him?


    ¡°All right, don¡¯te to thepany anymore if there¡¯s nothing important. There¡¯s so much anger in this


    ce that you might get upset again.¡± Elliot quietlyforted her with the intention to instruct her as


    well.


    ¡°What if I miss you, though?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll visit you when I have the time. Otherwise, you can just give me a call, message me, or get me on a


    video call.¡± Elliot looked at Hayley. Even though she now gave him apletely different impression


    from 5 years ago, he still wouldn¡¯t mistreat her.


    As Hayley gazed at the man¡¯s perfect profile, she suddenly caught sight of a red mark on his neck. She


    gasped and hastily leaned closer to him to have a look. ¡°Elliot, what happened to your neck?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s just an allergic reaction.¡± Elliot adjusted his cor to hide the mark.


    ¡°How did you get it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m allergic to seafood,¡± he exined in a low voice as he got up. ¡°Please wait while I deal with some


    emails.¡±


    Elliot walked over to his desk while Hayley went to the washroom to fix her makeup.


    She rose to her full height and walked to the washroom, after which she opened the door and entered a


    cubicle. As soon as she went in, a few female employees also enteredThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Girls, I saw it clearly when I went to deliver the documents earlier. That mark on President Presgrave¡¯s


    neck is a hickey.¡±

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    ¡°Really? Then, is his girlfriend showing off their rtionship on purpose? That would exin why she


    would leave a mark on a spot as obvious as his neck.¡±


    ¡°Yes! This means that President Presgrave is a man as hot as fire. I wonder how it feels like to stir things


    up on the bed with him.¡±


    ¡°Wait, who in ourpany has the ability to get on his bed?¡±


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I think Anastasia has a good chance. She¡¯s beautiful, of course, but she has also dodged getting fired


    despite all the trouble she caused. I won¡¯t believe it if she isn¡¯t involved with President Presgrave in that


    sense. You do know that he fired Mr. Lawrence the other day, right? And Mr. Lawrence onlymitted a


    tiny mistake.¡±


    ¡°Could it be that the hickey wasn¡¯t from his girlfriend but Anastasia instead? And she ced it there as a


    challenge to President Presgrave¡¯s girlfriend?¡±


    The three female employees allowed their imagination to run wild, as if they were actually writers of


    detective novels.


    In the cubicle, Hayley¡¯s expression kept shifting. She had already suspected that the mark on Elliot¡¯s


    neck wasn¡¯t due to an allergy, but she never expected it to be a hickey.


    The girlfriend they were referring to must be Hayley herself, but the hickey had nothing to do with her. If it


    wasn¡¯t her, then some other woman must have done it.


    Who was with himst night? Was it really Anastasia?


    Hayley was green with so much jealousy that it seemed to overwhelm her. If not Anastasia, then who?


    Was there any other woman by Elliot¡¯s side that he would willingly get so intimate with?


    No matter who it was, Hayley wanted her gone. Elliot could only be hers and hers alone.


    She returned to the office to see Rey sitting on the couch, but Elliot was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Elliot?¡±


    ¡°Apologies, Miss Seymour. President Presgrave had matters to take care of at the


    main office, so he asked me to take you home instead,¡± said Rey courteously.


    Immense disappointment welled up in Hayley¡¯s heart. Although Elliot had fulfilled her material needs


    generously, he had never been intimate with her before. She felt like they were both close and distant at


    the same time.


    Moreover, she had helplessly fallen for him. She would think about him every day to the point where she


    wished to offer herself to him as soon as possible.


    She didn¡¯t want some materialpensation; she wanted his everything, to be his Mrs. Presgrave.


    ¡°I drove here myself. Rey, was Elliot working overtimest night?¡± Hayley asked curiously.


    Rey nodded. ¡°Yes! President Presgrave has been working overtime in thepany these days.¡±


    Hayley pursed her lips. ¡°Then, tell him to rest more often, and don¡¯t overwork himself.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Rey smiled.


    Then, Hayley took her bag and left. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder who was the woman apanying


    Elliotst night.


    At this moment, Hayley¡¯s phone rang. It was a call from Erica.


    ¡°Hayley, I¡¯m sad! Drink with me, please!¡±


    Hayley herself wasn¡¯t in a good mood either, so she responded, ¡°Sure, where are you? I¡¯lle and get


    you.¡±


    An hourter, she had removed all the jewelry she was wearing and tied up her hair to meet Erica. When


    Erica saw Hayley, she felt that Hayley was much prettier with a clearer skin.


    ¡°What are you up to these days?¡± Erica asked as she sat with Hayley in a music bar.


    ¡°I¡¯m frequenting a beauty salon these days.¡± Hayley also knew that she had be much prettier.


    ¡°Oh, hey, are you wearing thattest outfit from Chanel? I saw it online before.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a high quality replica. It was difficult for me to purchase it,¡± Hayley immediately lied.


    Erica hastily scooted over to touch the fabric. ¡°This fabric is excellent; it¡¯s like the real deal! Where did


    you get it? I want one too.¡±


    ¡°It was the only one in stock.¡± With that, Hayley changed the topic. ¡°How are you these days?¡±


    ¡°That b*tch Anastasia ruined my family. My dad is spending less time at home now as he¡¯s choosing to


    head to her ce whenever he has the time. He was even at her cest night until around 10


    something and it was almost early morning when he came back.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± a curious Hayley asked.


    ¡°Anastasia said that she had to work overtime, so she asked my dad to babysit her son. I think she¡¯s just


    ordering my dad around so that she can have fun outside.¡±


    Hayley could feel her mind buzzing. Rey had said that Elliot was working overtime in thepanyst


    night and Anastasia was also working overtime-at the same ce and time? Do such coincidences


    exist?

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Could it be that they had done something unspeakable in the office? Was Anastasia lying when she said


    that she didn¡¯t like Elliot? Was she already entangled with Elliot a long time ago?


    So, Anastasia had intentionally nted the hickey on Elliot¡¯s neck for Hayley to see. Hatred and jealousy


    burned brightly in Hayley¡¯s eyes as she thought, Anastasia is really wretched.


    Anastasia said she didn¡¯t like him, but she was secretly seducing him. How did she be so cunning


    in 5 years?


    Hayley decided she could not underestimate Anastasia after all.


    ¡°How shameless,¡± Hayley growled through gritted teeth.


    Erica immediately agreed. ¡°I know, right? She has no shame! She grabbed a bunch of my hair today and


    caused my face to be swollen. I won¡¯t let her off the hook so easily.¡±


    Hayley¡¯s words weren¡¯t only said on Erica¡¯s behalf, but it was also expressed for her own sake.


    ¡°How old is Anastasia¡¯s son?¡± Hayley asked curiously.


    Erica immediately took out her phone and flipped through her album before she stopped at a few photos.


    ¡°Here. I secretly took a few photos at home. I wonder who this mutt¡¯s dad is.¡±


    When Hayley took the phone and saw the boy¡¯s face in the photo, her pupils immediately wavered. She


    was so shocked that her mind wentpletely nk in an instant.


    How can this be? How can Anastasia¡¯s son resemble Elliot so much? She continued to look through the


    photos, and the more she did so, the more terrified she became. Her suspicions were even turning into


    confirmation.


    Anastasia¡¯s son wasn¡¯t any mutt from a random man. He was conceived from a seed nted by Elliot


    himself 5 years ago and she had quietly delivered the child abroad.


    ¡°How old is he?¡±


    ¡°That wretched Anastasia imed that he¡¯s 3, but I don¡¯t believe it. No 3-year-old would be this tall,¡±


    Erica answered, thinking that Anastasia was full of lies.


    As Hayley looked at the child on the phone screen, she could only feel a hand close around her heart


    and was close to gasping.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t know that Elliot was the man from 5 years ago, so she naturally didn¡¯t know that her son


    was Elliot¡¯s child.


    Now, Anastasia¡¯s rtionship with Elliot had turned far moreplicated than her mother¡¯s sacrifice in


    exchange for Elliot¡¯s safety. Now, the most important thing was that her son had the blood of the


    Presgrave Family running in his veins.


    Hayley was on the verge of despair. How was Anastasia so lucky? Just one night 5 years ago and she


    already has Elliot¡¯s child?


    She decided that she had to be together with Elliot as soon as possible. It was only through having


    Elliot¡¯s child that she would gain the necessary power to fight Anastasia.


    Then, Anastasia¡¯s son would mean nothing whereas it would be her own son being the heir of the


    Presgrave Family¡¯s empire.


    With that in mind, Hayley seemed to have revived herself.


    ¡°Hayley, why are you zoning out? Is everything okay these days?¡± Erica noticed that Hayley had a dark


    expression.


    11 TL


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was just too busy, so I couldn¡¯t think straight,¡± Hayley lied while wearing an exhausted


    front.


    Erica didn¡¯t doubt her. If she had known that Hayley was living the luxurious life and consuming only the


    finest goods possible, she would probably be mad with jealousy.


    It was because in Erica¡¯s eyes, Hayley was always following her.


    Hence, this was Hayley¡¯s deepest hatred. She had lived like a dog before, where no one acknowledged


    her. She swore that she would someday be the Young Mistress of the Presgrave Family, so that


    she could finally be proud and respected by everyone else.


    After getting off from work that day, Anastasia went to pick up her son. When they arrived at their little


    home at night, she cooked some dishes, one of which was her son¡¯s favorite chicken casserole. The boy


    could wolf down the entire thing.


    ¡°Mommy, Grandpa said that you¡¯re not young anymore and he wants you to find a life partner,¡± the little


    guy suddenly piped up.


    She couldn¡¯t help bursting intoughter. ¡°I have you with me and we¡¯re best partners, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°Mommy, Grandpa also asked me who my daddy is. Can you ask him toe back?¡± the little boy


    asked.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Anastasia stoppedughing and looked at her son earnestly. ¡°Jared, let¡¯s not look for Daddy, okay?


    Mommy can raise you all by herself.¡±


    ¡°Grandpa said that it¡¯s not right of my daddy to avoid taking responsibility, though. He has to be


    responsible toward you and me,¡± the little boy said with an adult-like expression.


    Anastasia was speechless. Why did her father talk about such things with her son?


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Grandpa said that he will grow old and one day won¡¯t be able to take care of us anymore.¡±


    She could now feel the tearsing. Her father was worried that he would grow old and frail, hence


    unable to take care of her and her son. She tried to suppress the tears as she responded, ¡°Be good,


    Jared. I¡¯ll be strong and take care of both you and Grandpa.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll also grow up quickly and be very tall, so I can take care of Mommy and Grandpa.¡± With that,


    the little guy returned to scarfing down his dinner.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart softened at his words. Her son was everything to her, so she absolutely must build a


    protective environment for him.


    The next day was a Saturday.


    It was early in the morning and she thought she wouldn¡¯t have to go to work, but then she received a call


    from Felicia.


    ¡°Anastasia, why aren¡¯t you here for overtime?¡±


    ¡°I have to?¡± Anastasia sat up and ced her hand to her forehead as she asked. Why was it necessary


    to work overtime when they were the local branch?


    ¡°Because we¡¯re putting out the newest release soon. It¡¯s customary to work overtime during these few


    weeks. Come on over now!¡±


    ¡°In that case¡­ Can I bring my son to the office?¡± Anastasia hastily asked.


    ¡°All right, sure.¡± Felicia agreed, for she knew Anastasia was a single mother.


    Anastasia immediately woke her son up with kisses and told him, ¡°Jared, let¡¯s go.


    Come with me to the office for overtime.¡±


    The little guy seemed to be still half-asleep, but he nodded anyway.


    She led her son downstairs and hailed a cab to the office. She had bought some bread on the way for


    breakfast and it was already 9:50AM when she arrived at thepany


    Grace was bringing in coffee when she saw the cute boy on the couch, which immediately stunned her.


    ¡°Wow! Oh my goodness! He¡¯s too cute!¡±


    The little guy wore a ck T-shirt paired with jeans. His ck hair had covered his full little forehead and


    a pair of huge bright eyes shone like jewels as they peeked out from under his dense and curly


    eyshes. His features were exquisite and pretty, like a beautiful doll.


    ¡°Hey, little guy, did you get your eyshes curled when you were still in your mother¡¯s stomach? They¡¯re


    so long and curly!¡± Grace said in admiration.


    Hearing that, Anastasia could only say that the host that night wasn¡¯t too shabby himself either.


    As Anastasia was perusing the documents with her head lowered, Grace took the opportunity to reach


    out with her hand.


    The little guy looked at her in anger. ¡°Miss, can you stop pinching my cheeks? It hurts.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sorry. Your face is just so squishy that I couldn¡¯t help it. I¡¯ll stop now,¡± Grace hastily apologized.


    At this moment, Anastasia answered a call from Felicia. ¡°Come to my office for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Grace, I¡¯m going to Director Evans¡¯ office for a while. Look after Jared for me while I¡¯m gone.¡±


    ¡°Of course! No problem.¡± Grace gestured with an ¡®okay¡¯ sign.


    At the underground carpark of Bourgeois, a low key yet luxurious Bentley had just pulled up whereby


    Elliot alighted from the driver¡¯s seat.


    He had just received a call from Larry, informing him that there was an important


    document he needed to sign. It was then that he realized that the entire Bourgeois staff was working


    overtime.


    Larry offered to bring the document over to him, but since Elliot was coincidentally in the area, he came


    to the office on his own instead.


    He pressed the elevator button and rode the elevator up to his office.


    Grace yed with the little kid for a while before remembering that there was a document she was


    supposed to get signed. She told the child, ¡°Jared, promise me you¡¯ll not wander anywhere. I¡¯lle


    back right after I deliver a document, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± The little guy nodded obediently.


    She hadn¡¯t been gone for long when Jared needed to head to the bathroom. He opened the office door


    and ran out to the bathroom located on the same floor, only to find a sign saying ¡®under maintenance¡¯


    hanging outside.


    The little guy immediately ran to the elevator and pressed the button to head up.


    Soon, the elevator doors opened with a ding.


    He looked up to see a tall man in the elevator. As soon as he raised his head, he asked, ¡°Sir, where is


    the bathroom? I need to pee.¡±


    Upon the child¡¯s sudden questioning, Elliot was surprised before his reserved dark gaze fell on the child


    whose height only reached his thighs. He was stunned for a few seconds as he saw the child¡¯s lifted


    face.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Where did this boye from?


    ¡°Sir, please hurry up and take me there. I can¡¯t hold it in anymore!¡± The little kid gripped Elliot¡¯s pants as


    he shouted with a red face.


    Elliot responded in a low voice, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take you there.¡±


    The elevator doors opened with a ding. He bent over and carried the child in his arms as he strode


    toward the bathroom.


    Elliot took the child inside and guarded as the little guy began to relieve himself.


    After the little guy was done, he sighed in contentment before he finally remembered to thank this


    handsome passerby.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your name? Why are you here?¡± Elliot couldn¡¯t help but ask in curiosity.


    ¡°My name is Jared Tillman and I came to apany my mommy to work,¡± Jared answered in a clear


    voice.


    Elliot frowned. ¡°Is your mother Anastasia Tillman?¡±


    ¡°Do you know my mommy, Sir?¡±


    He was only taking a stab in the dark as well. Anastasia was a single mother, so her son probably had


    herst name.


    The little guy ran out and washed his hands. As he looked at the reflection of the tall man in the mirror,


    he suddenlymented, ¡°Sir, we look like each other!¡±


    Elliot froze before he earnestly examined their faces and realized that they had indeed resembled each


    other.


    Their eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, and even the curve of their chins were exactly the


    same.


    ¡°Sir, are you single? Do you have a girlfriend?¡± The inquisitive little guy raised his head and asked.


    Elliot could see what the kid was thinking behind those huge eyes of his. However, despite knowing the


    child¡¯s intentions, he told the truth. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m single. I don¡¯t have a girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Then, will you consider my mommy? She¡¯s young, beautiful and has a good figure. She¡¯s also kind and


    gentle on top of cooking very well.¡± The little guy began advertising his mother. He wanted to solve his


    grandpa¡¯s troubles and also to look for a man to take care of his mommy.


    Surprise colored Elliot¡¯s eyes. This little guy is pretty interesting, he thought. He narrowed his eyes and


    responded, ¡°Then, you¡¯ll have to ask her whether she¡¯s willing to marry me. If she is, I¡¯ll be willing to take


    her hand.¡±


    The little guy blinked with hisrge eyes, happy to know that everyone had loved his mother.


    After all, this handsome man said he was willing to marry her right off the bat.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll ask for you. What¡¯s your name?¡± The little guy nodded earnestly, walking toward the elevator


    when he was done washing his hands.


    ¡°My name is Elliot Presgrave,¡± the man replied in his deep and alluring voice.


    ¡°Okay! Got it.¡± The little guymitted it to memory. For some reason, he wanted to stay with this


    handsome man for a bit longer.


    ¡°Sir, my mommy is in a meeting now, so can I go to your office to y?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Elliot nodded. He was just leading the little guy out when two employees came walking from


    the other direction. They were instantly shocked when they saw the little guy next to Elliot. President


    Presgrave has a son?


    ¡°President Presgrave, I assume this is your son? He¡¯s too cute!¡±


    ¡°Yes! He looks just like you!¡± The two female employees eximed in surprise.


    Elliot frowned as he looked at the little guy next to him. Do we look so simr? Me and this kid?


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Then, he looked at the little guy. Even though the child wasn¡¯t his son, he somehow still felt attached to


    him and couldn¡¯t help but want to pamper him.


    His grandmother was right to urge him to take care of the child because he could feel an indescribable


    affinity to this child.


    In the meeting room, Grace opened the door and rushed in with a panicked expression. ¡°Anastasia,


    Jared is missing.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Anastasia immediately rose to her feet and ran out of the meeting room without another word.


    She saw that her son was indeed missing from her office, and Grace had also rified that she had


    searched the entire floor, but to no avail.


    At this moment, an assistant arrived from the 8th floor to deliver documents and said to Anastasia, ¡°Miss


    Tillman, I saw a child with President Presgrave just now!¡±

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Anastasia hurriedly took the elevator to the 8th floor. She stood in front of the president¡¯s office and


    knocked on the door before she opened it without even waiting for a response.


    When she spotted her son seated on Elliot¡¯s couch, she immediately sighed in relief before shouting in


    anger, ¡°Jared, are you trying to give me the fright of my life?! Why did you run off like that?!¡±


    Jared didn¡¯t expect his actions to have frightened his mother so much that she went pale. He hastily ran


    over and wrapped his arms around her leg. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    Anastasia also realized that she had overreacted, so she hugged him and sighed again. ¡°Don¡¯t do that


    again.¡±


    ¡°Go back to work and leave him to me. I¡¯ll babysit him for you.¡± A man¡¯s voice rang out from behind them.


    She was stunned. This man must be trying to repay some kindness, but she didn¡¯t want to ept any


    help from him apart from work. Moreover, she didn¡¯t feel the need to bother him with a task like


    babysitting.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Thanks for the offer,¡± a reluctant Anastasia replied.


    ¡°Mommy, I like being with Mr. Handsome. Can you let me stay here until you get off work? Please?¡± The


    little guy asked happily with obvious anticipation on his face.


    Anastasia was speechless at her son¡¯s behavior. He could have chosen anyone to stick to, but of all the


    people, he chose Elliot.


    ¡°No. Come back to my office. I still have a meeting to attend, but I¡¯ll treat you to something lovely for


    lunch.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to! I want to y here in Mr. Handsome¡¯s office.¡± The little guy began to sulk, which was


    actually rare for him.


    Knowing that the meeting was still ongoing with theunch event for their new release on the agenda,


    Anastasia gritted her teeth. She looked up at the impressive man in front of her before saying, ¡°Then,


    please help me look after him for a while.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Elliot nodded.


    ¡°Jared, don¡¯t cause any trouble, okay? Mommy is going back to the meeting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be good,¡± the little guy promised.


    Anastasia turned and left for the meeting. The little guy happily sat on the couch again, then fished out a


    Rubik¡¯s cube from his backpack and began ying with it.


    Elliot sat right opposite him and watched the little guy skillfully rotate the cube. Jaredpleted the


    puzzle within 2 minutes, a clear indication of his marvelous IQ.


    ¡°Who taught you that?¡±


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I learnt it myself. Mr. Handsome, how long would you take toplete it?¡± The little guyughed as he


    asked.


    Elliot took the cube and scrambled it, then hepleted the puzzle within 10 seconds. He threw the item


    back to the little guy, who gaped as he looked at Elliot in admiration. ¡°You¡¯re awesome, Sir!¡±


    It was just a little kid¡¯s praise, but Elliot felt extremely good about it. He grinned andmented, ¡°You¡¯re


    quite good yourself too.¡± ||


    If one were to chance upon this scene, one would be amazed to discover that the two looked exactly the


    same when they smiled.


    Anastasia returned to the meeting room. Fortunately, Felicia didn¡¯t say much about the interlude and it


    was time for lunch by the time the meeting was done.


    Anastasia was wondering where she should bring her son for lunch when thendline rang. She reached


    over and answered, ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Jared ising with me for lunch. Come and join us. We¡¯re at the restaurant opposite thepany.¡±


    The man¡¯s low voice sounded, apparently not taking ¡®no¡¯ for an answer.


    Her mind began to buzz. Elliot has taken my son to lunch? Without my permission?Damn, this man just


    took my son away without any notice. How disrespectful!


    Anastasia grabbed her phone and bag before she hastily went out. The restaurant opposite thepany


    was of a higher status, and when she walked into the hall, she immediately spotted her son and Elliot


    seated by the window.


    Anastasia took a deep breath and walked over to sit next to her son. ¡°This lunch is my treat, as my


    thanks to President Presgrave for taking care of my son.¡±


    With that, she finally felt better about the situation.


    Elliot gazed at her with a meaningful gaze, his thoughtsplicated. This woman had refused even a


    little bit of kindness from him.


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Handsome only needs 10 seconds to solve the Rubik¡¯s cube,¡± the little guymented as


    he wanted his mommy to know how excellent Mr. Handsome was as a person.


    She smiled carelessly. ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    After having their orders taken, they were served some ice cream before the meal. The little guy happily


    took some right away and began to eat. As Anastasia knew that Jared had stomach problems since he


    was young, he couldn¡¯t eat too much alkaline food. Hence, she suggested, ¡°Let me try some too.¡±


    ¡°Here, Mommy.¡± The little guy scooped some ice cream up for her, which she hastily ate. Moments after


    that, he scooped up some more and looked toward the man sitting opposite them. ¡°Sir, do you want


    some too?¡±


    Anastasia immediately panicked as she hastily stopped him. ¡°Jared, I ate from this spoon earlier, so you


    mustn¡¯t offer it to someone else. It¡¯s not polite.¡±


    However, the man sitting opposite them narrowed his eyes, thinking, We¡¯ve already kissed before, so


    why do you care?

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    The little guy could only eat it on his own while Anastasia had also eaten a fair share of the ice cream.


    The man opposite them watched their interactions and couldn¡¯t help but find the scene interesting.


    He was suddenly extremely curious about the identity of the child¡¯s father. What sort of man did this


    woman sleep with to give birth to this child?


    At this moment, Elliot¡¯s phone rang. He took the device out and gave it a nce before picking up the


    call. ¡°Hello, Hayley.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, where are you? Can you have dinner with me tonight?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at thepany.¡±


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    ¡°You don¡¯t have to work overtime, right?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something important I have to attend to.¡±


    ¡°B-But I want you with me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you after I¡¯m done, alright?¡± Elliot coaxed her in his gentlest voice.


    Anastasia immediately knew that it was Hayley. She looked up at the man opposite her and noticed his


    gentle expression as he coaxed Hayley just like a lover would. It looks like Hayley never lied after all.


    It was true that she was someone important to Elliot.


    ¡°President Presgrave, is Hayley your girlfriend?¡± Anastasia¡¯s gaze was sharp as she looked at the man in


    front of her.


    ¡°We¡¯re just friends,¡± Elliot exined in a low voice.


    ¡°Mr. Handsome is single. He doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend,¡± the little guy suddenly testified.


    She turned to look at her son. ¡°And how do you know?¡±


    ¡°He told me himself. He also said that as long as you¡¯re willing to marry him, he¡¯s willing to marry you too.


    Mommy, let¡¯s not be picky, all right? Just get married!¡± The 4-year-old kid was worrying about his mother.


    Anastasia was dumbfounded. Then, she narrowed her eyes as she shot a warning re at the man


    opposite her. What did he tell Jared?


    However, she was met with aplicated and meaningful gaze.


    ¡°You can consider the proposal,¡± Elliot added in a low voice.


    She replied without hesitation, ¡°I shall not.¡±


    ¡°I quite like Jared and I¡¯m willing to take care of you both all my life.¡± He looked at the little guy and


    realized that the reluctance in his heart had disappeared without a trace.


    He was genuinely willing to take care of them.


    Anastasia had other ideas. She knew that the man had said those words without fully meaning it. He just


    wanted to repay the kindness and topensate for the fact that her mother had sacrificed herself to


    save him.


    And she wanted this man to remember how great her mother¡¯s sacrifice was, and it wasn¡¯t something


    that could bepensated with repaying kindness.


    Moreover, she was still greatly bothered about the fact that this man had slept with Hayley before. She


    had only kissed him that night, but she was already disgusted about it after she knew about the


    rtionship that Hayley and Elliot had. In that case, what were the chances of her marrying him?


    None. Never


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it, thanks,¡± Anastasia politely declined.


    Elliot looked at her as well and their gazes met; oneplex and messy while the other calm and clear.


    After lunch, Anastasia hurriedly left with her son. The little guy didn¡¯t forget to look back and bid the man


    goodbye. ¡°Goodbye, Mr. Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Elliot waved at the little guy. Anastasia had taken the afternoon off, for she wanted to take


    her son on a visit to the museum in the city.


    It was already evening by the time they had finished a round in the museum. Anastasia bought some


    groceries and returned to their apartment. Jared then went to y so that she could focus on preparing


    dinner. Then, a message notification rang on her phone at this time.


    It was from Nigel. ¡®I¡¯m getting off the ne at 10.00AM tomorrow. Will you and Jarede and pick me


    up?¡¯


    Anastasia thought that she would be holed up at home with her son over the weekend anyway, so


    meeting Nigel sounded like a good idea. She sent her reply, ¡®Sure! See you at the airport tomorrow.


    ¡®Can¡¯t wait to see you two.


    ¡®You¡¯ll see us when youe back tomorrow.


    ¡®Wait for me, I¡¯ll bring gifts.


    Anastasia smiled as she replied, ¡®It better not be the exorbitant ones or I won¡¯t ept them.


    She informed her son about itter that night. The little guy was also ted at the idea of meeting Nigel.


    After all, Nigel often came over to y with him when they were living abroad, just like a real uncle


    would.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    In a private luxury vi halfway up the mountain, Elliot received a call from his grandmother. Since her


    beloved grandson wasing back, she asked Elliot to search for the time to pick him up tomorrow and


    they would have lunch at the Presgrave Residence right afier that.


    Elliot agreed. Later, he asked his assistant to send Nigel¡¯s flight information over and saw that he should


    pick Nigel up at 10.00AM tomorrow.


    That weekend, Anastasia apanied her son to have breakfast at a restaurant outside at 8:30AM.


    After checking the time, she went toward the direction of the airport at her own pace. Then, she decided


    to look for a cafe to pass the time in the airport


    At 9:30AM, Anastasia apanied her son to watch the nes take off by therge windows. Finally, at


    9:50AM, she led her son toward the airport¡¯s arrivals section, but it was already crowded with people


    waiting for their loved ones. Holding her son¡¯s hand, she waited in the open space next to the arrivals.


    The travelers finally emerged one after another. Amidst the crowd was a particrly dazzling figure who


    soon stepped forward. The man was wearing a blue shirt and casual jeans while a pair of sunsses


    was perched on his thick hair. His facial features were handsome and charming, and he was surrounded


    by a superior aura. In fact, he was more eye-catching than celebrities.


    ¡°Mr. Nigel!¡± Jared ran over immediately while Anastasia also rushed over.


    Nigel immediately pushed his trolley aside, then squatted down and hugged the little boy. ¡°Hello, boy! Did


    you miss me?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yes I did.¡± Jared nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too.¡± After speaking, Nigel carried the little boy to ce him on the trolley and steadily


    pushed the trolley toward Anastasia, who also smiled at him as she waited for him toe over.


    At this moment, at the entrance of another passage, a handsome and mature figure quickly walked in


    with his assistant Rey. Elliot waste. However, he immediately saw Nigel at first nce and also saw


    that slender figure as well as the little boy sitting on the trolley at the same time.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Il turned out that Anastasia was also here.


    Just when Elliot decided to head over, he saw Nigel tightly hugging Anastasia. Seeing that, he halted all


    of a sudden among the crowd 10 meters away. His pupils shrank while he continued looking at the pair


    who were in a tight embrace. At this time, his mind was filled with extremelyplicated thoughts.


    ¡°President Presgrave, do we still go forward?¡± Rey asked.


    Elliot looked at the pair still in their embrace indifferently, his handsome face a little ugly.


    ¡°It seems that he doesn¡¯t need me to pick him up after all. Let¡¯s go back!¡± Elliot didn¡¯t wait for Rey to react


    before he turned to leave. The back of his figure seemed to emanate anger at this point.


    Anastasia, who was suddenly hugged by Nigel, froze for a few seconds before she patted the man who


    was hugging her tightly. ¡°Enough. You¡¯ve squeezed me for too long and I¡¯m almost out of breath.¡±


    Nigel smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you! How can you understand that without me hugging


    you?¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go!¡± she said to him.


    Thus, the group of three walked out of the airport. He didn¡¯t let anyone from his familye to pick him


    up while she had taken a cab here, so they could only wait for a cab.


    At this moment, a ck car drove over and the driver inside was Elliot¡¯s driver.


    ¡°Young Master Nigel, please get in the car.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Logan, why are you here?¡± Nigel asked in surprise.


    ¡°Young Master Elliot arranged for me toe,¡± Logan exined while getting out of the car, then


    hurriedly carried the luggage to ce it in the trunk.


    In the car behind, Elliot, who had not left, sat in Rey¡¯s car while staring at the person in front of him. Elliot


    saw Nigel hug the little boy and kiss him before cing him in the back seat. Then, Anastasia entered


    the car while Nigel took the front passenger seat.


    ¡°President Presgrave, it seems that Young Master Nigel and Miss Tillman have a good rtionship,¡± Rey


    commented.


    ¡°Return to Presgrave Residence,¡± Elliot ordered.

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    On the way, Nigel received a call from his grandmother. However, since he had already agreed to


    apany Anastasia and her son for lunch, he decided to only return to Presgrave Residence for


    dinner at night.


    In the restaurant, Nigel talked about his ns to return to the country. He had returned to inherit the


    family business this time.


    ¡°What exactly does your family do? Can you tell me specifically?¡± an inquisitive Anastasia asked.


    Nigel gave a mysterious smile; he had deliberately concealed his family background abroad and she had


    only known him as an ordinary hotel manager.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    At this moment, he didn¡¯t want to hide the truth anymore, so he pointed to the most luxurious hotel


    outside the window and said, ¡°That belongs to my family.¡±


    Anastasia turned to look out the window. It was a 7-star luxury hotel, yet it turned out to be owned by his


    family?


    ¡°My family has businesses in 36 countries around the world. The hotel that I interned at abroad is also


    owned by my family. Anastasia, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to hide it from you,¡± he apologized.


    She smiled. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I didn¡¯t expect you to be the young master of a wealthy family.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. To you, I¡¯m still me; nothing has changed,¡± he hurriedly exined.


    Anastasia shrugged and exined, ¡°I¡¯m also lucky to be able to be friends with you! I can proudly say to


    the outside world that I am friends with you!¡±


    Nigel looked at her with a wry smile. Why did she just want to be his friend? He wanted to have a more


    intimate rtionship with her. However, he was not in a hurry and could wait for her.


    In the afternoon, he apanied Jared to go shopping for clothes and toys. If Anastasia hadn¡¯t stopped


    him, he would probably have moved the entire Lego store home for Jared. She knew that he was


    wealthy, but he couldn¡¯t spoil her son so much because she was afraid that Jared would be a


    spoiled brat. The little boy was ted today because he had received many gifts, all of which were his


    favorites.


    The little boy went to the room to unpack the gifts in Anastasia¡¯s apartment. Then,


    she poured a ss of water for Nigel and asked curiously, ¡°Nigel, do you know Elliot?¡±


    He almost choked on the water when he heard that, after which he hurriedly covered his thin lips and


    coughed. ¡°Anastasia, you¡¯re not in love with him, are you?¡±


    After being stunned for a few seconds, Anastasia frowned. ¡°Why do you think so?¡±


    ¡°I admit that he is the only man more handsome and more attractive than me in this world. I am afraid


    that you will fall in love with him, and if that¡¯s the case, I won¡¯t be able to win the fight,¡± Nigel said


    somewhat jokingly.


    ¡°You know him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my cousin,¡± he exined.


    Hearing that, Anastasia was shocked and speechless. What? Is Elliot Nigel¡¯s cousin? No wonder his


    family is wealthy! It turned out that they¡¯re family!


    ¡°Anastasia, I know that he has acquired QR International Group and is now your new boss. Do you like


    him?¡±


    She retorted indifferently, ¡°No. Don¡¯t talk nonsense! Do you think I¡¯m such a superficial person?¡±


    A grinning Nigel immediately rxed. ¡°Of course, I know you have an entric character. Otherwise,


    based on my appearance alone, you would have fallen in love with me a long time ago.¡±


    Anastasia smiled before she looked at the time and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going back to your family for


    dinner? Go ahead! It¡¯s already 5:30PM.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll contact you tomorrow then.¡± Nigel returned to the room, said goodbye to the little boy, and then


    left.


    She was sitting on the sofa, still lost for words about how she got to know more of Elliot¡¯s family. No


    wonder Elliot didn¡¯t allow her to talk about what happened that night. So, was he also afraid of being


    humiliated?


    When Monday came, Anastasia sent her son to kindergarten. Seeing how obediently her son went to


    school, she also went to work with a great peace of mind.


    As soon as she arrived at the office, she was greeted by everyone¡¯s attention. She didn¡¯t know what had


    happened until a female assistant said to her, ¡°Miss Tillman, your boyfriend is so handsome!¡±.


    Boyfriend? What boyfriend?

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    She had just arrived at the office when she saw the young man sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed


    before noticing the stunning bouquet of red roses on her desk. Seeing all that, she didn¡¯t know whether


    tough or to cry.


    ¡°Young Master Nigel, why are you here so early in the morning?¡± Anastasia asked helplessly.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to see your working environment. This office is too small. Do you want me to ask my cousin to


    change it for you?¡± Nigel asked with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°No, I like it here a lot.¡± She didn¡¯t want to enjoy any extra privileges.


    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you at work and we can have lunch together at noon.¡± He seemed extraordinarily free.


    Anastasia smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t have to work?¡±


    ¡°Although I came back this time to take over the family business, I had already asked my dad for a two-


    week vacation.¡± Nigel¡¯s lips curled into a smile.


    During the period of his vacation, he didn¡¯t want to go anywhere; he just wanted to stay by her side.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait for me at the caf¨¦? You will affect my mood for wood.¡±


    ¡°What? Am I so handsome that you can¡¯t concentrate?¡± Nigel narrowed his beautiful eyes. This man had


    all the right to be this confident.


    Anastasia was amused by him and snorted. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll wait for you at my cousin¡¯s office.¡± After speaking, he picked up the bunch of roses and


    handed it to her. ¡°These are for you; do you like them?¡±


    ¡°Why are you giving me flowers?¡± She still reached out and took the flowers.


    ¡°If you like, I will send you a bunch of flowers every day in the future.¡±


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    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Anastasia politely rejected him.


    Hearing that, Nigel simply gazed deeply at her with affection. ¡°See you at noon.¡± After speaking, he


    reluctantly left.


    As soon as he left, an excited Grace knocked on the door and came in. ¡°Anastasia, wow! He¡¯s so


    handsome! Is he your boyfriend?¡±


    Without raising her head, Anastasia tidied up her office. ¡°He¡¯s just a friend.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. He¡¯s clearly interested in you. Look at these roses.¡±


    Anastasia was toozy to exin, so she said to Grace, ¡°Just get me a cup of coffee!¡±


    At the president¡¯s office, Elliot had arrivedte today, but he had already decided to permanently work


    from here. Compared to the office at Presgrave Corporation, the working conditions here were not that


    great.


    Before he entered the office, his female assistant informed him that a guest had arrived. He stepped into


    the office and stared at a slender, handsome figure without much surprise.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± he asked lightly.


    ¡°Elliot, I¡¯m here to pass the time. I¡¯ll wait for Anastasia to get off work and invite her to lunch at noon.¡±


    Nigel didn¡¯t hide his intention.


    Elliot sat in his ce and turned on theputer to manage his emails while a bored Nigel yed


    games on his phone. The two cousins tacitly agreed not to disturb each


    other.


    At this time, Elliot¡¯sndline rang, so he reached out to answer the call. ¡°Hello!¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, do you wish to attend today¡¯s departmental meeting?¡± Felicia¡¯s voice sounded on


    the other end.


    Elliot said that as long as it was a routine meeting of the design department, he had to be notified, so


    Felicia would ask him in advance every time.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll get off work in a while,¡± he responded.


    Anastasia was also notified that she needed to attend the meeting. She gathered the meeting materials


    and went out. However, she had just turned a corner when she suddenly bumped into someone along


    the corridor. Fortunately, she quickly responded and came to a sudden stop inches away from a man¡¯s


    chest.


    Raising her head, she saw the man¡¯s clean and dust-free shirt, then looked over at the man¡¯s sexy


    corbone, Adam¡¯s apple, and perfect jawline¡­


    Before she could finish her admiration of the man, he had passed her by and walked indifferently toward


    the meeting room. So, Anastasia could only follow his footsteps in awkwardness and walked to the


    meeting room as well.


    As soon as the door opened, Elliot sat in his seat while her position today was next to him.


    Noticing that, Alice looked at Anastasia with some jealousy. She felt that Anastasia was merely too lucky.


    Even though Anastasia had made a few mistakes, she still got to remain in thepany with no other


    punishment either. Thus, Alice deeply suspected that Anastasia had a secret rtionship with Elliot.

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    ¡°The subject of today¡¯s meeting is that each person will submit a market research report and regr


    design works at the end of this month. Anastasia and Alice should get ready to participate in the jewelry


    competition at the end of the month,¡± Felicia announced.


    ¡°Felicia, isn¡¯t there a rule in thepany that outsiders are not allowed toe in and out of the


    company at will? Why do Anastasia¡¯s family members, friends and boyfriends get toe in? It¡¯s not in


    line with the rules!¡± Alice immediately spoke up.


    Felicia was also a little awkward at this. She looked at Anastasia and mentioned, ¡°Anastasia, tell your


    boyfriend not toe to thepany often. By sending flowers to thepany, it will affect other


    employees in ourpany.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face was slightly hot when she heard that. Does everyone regard Nigel as my boyfriend?


    Then, she felt a deep and probing gaze on her as well.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Seeing that bunch of roses makes me jealous! Anastasia, your boyfriend is so handsome.


    How could you dare to bring him to thepany? Aren¡¯t you afraid that someone will steal him away?¡±


    another female designer joked.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll talk to him.¡± Anastasia simply admitted that Nigel was her boyfriend since it would be more


    troublesome to exin otherwise anyway.


    Elliot¡¯s gaze became a little moreplicated at that. Thinking of the time when Nigel and Anastasia had


    hugged each other at the airport, he remembered that the woman did not refuse the man¡¯s advances


    either. Now, she was even openly admitting that Nigel was her boyfriend.


    After the boring regr meeting was over, Elliot said with a sullen face, ¡°Anastasia stays while the others


    may leave.¡±


    Everyone in the room felt the surliness of the big boss, so they quickly rose and left for fear of being


    taken out upon by his anger.


    Anastasia was also speechless. Why does he have such an ugly expression?


    When the door of the meeting room was closed, he turned in his chair and an oppressive aura swept


    over her. Looking at her with cold eyes, he said, ¡°You should be aware of my rtionship with Nigel.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I do. What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Elliot¡¯s face became uglier. ¡°Remember that you owe me something?¡± He locked eyes with her deeply,


    exuding inexplicable danger.


    Anastasia thought for a while, but couldn¡¯t remember what she owed him, so she asked, ¡°Do I owe you


    anything?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve forgotten?¡± He flew into a rage all of a sudden because the woman had really forgotten.


    ¡°Give me a hint.¡± How could I have time to remember unimportant things?


    The man stood up abruptly before sping her wrist with his long arms. Pushing Anastasia¡¯s waist


    against the table, he pressed down upon her with his body raging with hormones. As Anastasia


    instinctively leaned back, the man¡¯s hand held the back of her head. Then, he pinched her chin and


    raised it coldly before his lips came to cover hers with a strong sense of fury.


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    And so, the kiss fell on the woman¡¯s soft lips without any advance notice. It was domineering, rough, and


    full of aggression as if it was some kind of punishment.


    Anastasia¡¯s beautiful eyes widened in shock; she couldn¡¯t believe that this man would do this to her in


    public.


    His breath swept through her without her consent, causing her mind to go nk. As such, her first


    reaction was to be annoyed. She pushed him with all her strength and shouted, ¡°Elliot, what are you


    doing?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me to remind you? This is what you owe me.¡± The man¡¯s voice was hoarse, while his


    eyes were dark, and his words were full of mockery.


    Taking a deep breath, Anastasia then lifted her hand and wiped her lips with disgust. When she thought


    that Hayley was in a rtionship with this man, and that he had touched Hayley before kissing her, she


    felt extremely disgusted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kiss me!¡± Anastasia shouted angrily. ¡°If you do this again, I will sue you.¡±


    Elliot stared at her eyes; she was like a ming rose. Her lips were incredibly soft, which made him


    unable to detach himself from her. It even reminded him of the touch of that night 5 years ago. In fact, it


    was indeed such a delicate feeling that made him go under. Why does this woman make me feel this


    way? She¡¯s obviously a stranger.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    An irritated Anastasia pushed open the door and left. This b*stard actually kissed me! How dare he?


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    Back in the office, she suddenly recalled thest time he was in the hospital. When he rescued her, she


    said she wanted to thank him, but he said she would owe him instead. So, was this kiss what she owed


    him?


    Ugh. In the future, I can owe anything to anyone, but I can¡¯t owe this man anything. It¡¯s grave! He¡¯s


    simply a beast.


    Nigel had just finished ying a game when he saw his unhappy cousin walking in. ¡°Elliot, what¡¯s


    wrong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Elliot sat down on the chair in a bad mood.


    ¡°Elliot, Bourgeois¡¯ office is so modest that it doesn¡¯t match your identity at all. Why don¡¯t you return to the


    Presgrave Corporation office?¡±


    ¡°What do you care?¡± Elliot snorted lightly.


    Nigel stared nkly at him. Elliot, are you in a bad mood? Who messed with you?


    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Anastasia?¡± Elliot asked him all of a sudden.


    Joy immediately shed in Nigel¡¯s eyes. ¡°Well.. You know! I like her, and I¡¯m pursuing her!¡±


    ¡°Have you seeded?¡± Elliot looked at theputer screen and asked again in a deep voice.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be soon.¡± Nigel was extremely confident that he would definitely capture Anastasia¡¯s heart when he


    launched a series of romantic attacks soon.


    ¡°Don¡¯t send flowers to her in thepany in the future; it will affect her work efficiency, and it will also


    make her colleagues have negative opinions of her,¡± Elliotmented


    Nigel was secretly surprised; how did Elliot receive the news of him sending flowers so soon?


    ¡°Elliot, give me a hand! How about using your power as her boss to give her a


    vacation and let me take her out to have fun? Or, if you arrange her office to be on the same floor as


    yours, it will be much more convenient for me to date her,¡± Nigel spoke with a naive smile.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Elliot snorted coldly.


    ¡°You are the big boss! You have this power.¡± Nigel gritted his teeth and tried again.


    Elliot raised his eyes icily. ¡°You need to depend on your ability to pursue her; don¡¯t expect me to help


    you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so mean.¡± Nigel huffed and continued to y his game. At this moment, a call came in and he


    answered, ¡°Hello!¡±


    ¡°Young Master Nigel, are you booking a reservation at Cardi Restaurant?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Cardi.¡± Nigel confirmed and hung up the phone.


    Elliot suddenly and unceremoniously drove him away. ¡°If you want to y games, go to the lounge next


    door. Don¡¯t disturb me at work.¡±


    Nigel obediently rose to his full height and went to the next door.


    Then, Elliot caressed his upper thin lip with slender fingers. The kiss in the meeting room earlier still


    lingered in his mind. Surprisingly, the soft touch made him very much wanting more.


    At this moment, Rey knocked on the door and came in. ¡°President Presgrave, where do you want to


    have lunch at noon?¡±


    Elliot¡¯s thin lips parted elegantly. ¡°Cardi.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll immediately reserve a ce for you.¡± Rey withdrew from the room.


    In Anastasia¡¯s office, the woman was still annoyed because all of the ideas in her head had disappeared.


    All of this was caused by Elliot¡¯s sudden kiss in the meeting room. When she thought that this man had


    kissed Hayley before, she felt ufortable in her heart. In the future, this kind of thing must never


    happen again.


    At noon in the Cardi Restaurant, Anastasia and Nigel sat by the window. She was so hungry that she


    picked up the menu and started ordering thereafter. At this moment, the waiter ushered in another two


    guests.


    She nced curiously at them, and instantly, her beautiful eyes widened at the sight


    of the figures of Elliot and his assistant Reying over.


    How could it be so coincidental?


    Looking in the direction that she was looking, Nigel was also surprised. Then, Rey politely greeted him,


    ¡°Young Master Nigel, good afternoon.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ Why are you guys eating here too? Would you like to join us?¡± Nigel immediately rose to his full


    height and walked toward Elliot and Rey.


    ¡°No need. We have work to discuss.¡± Elliot refused and walked to his reserved table, but he chose to sit


    where he could face Anastasia¡¯s way.


    Nigel was also busy trying to please his love interest, so he immediately returned to his seat. As for


    Anastasia, she stared at the menu while cursing her bad luck in her heart. How unfortunate it is that I


    keep bumping into Elliot everywhere!


    Raising her head, she abruptly nced past Nigel and her gaze fell on the man at the table opposite


    holding a cup of tea.


    Meeting those bottomless eyes, the light in Anastasia¡¯s eyes turned cold. Thinking about what this man


    had done to her in the meeting earlier, she was even madder.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    ¡°Anastasia, have you missed me after we¡¯ve been separated for so long?¡± Nigel held his chin and looked


    at her affectionately with seductive eyes.


    Anastasia retracted her gaze, and when she looked at Nigel, she smiled. ¡°Of course!¡±


    Then, he took out car keys with an attached crystal keychain. ¡°When I miss you, I¡¯ll take this out to look


    at it. What about the one I gave you? You didn¡¯t throw it away, did you?¡±


    She was slightly embarrassed. ¡°I think I forgot to bring it back here.¡±


    ¡°You! How could you not properly keep the gift I gave you? I¡¯ll buy you another er,¡± he scolded with


    a smile.


    ¡°Is it necessary?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll buy another pair. One for you, and one for me. When we don¡¯t see each other, we can look at


    them and resolve our lovesickness.¡± Nigel was also quite the romantic and all his thoughts were now on


    Anastasia.


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll select them and give you one.¡±


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°They must be a matching pair.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Anastasia nodded as she smiled. As she looked away, her eyes had once again met the cold


    eyes belonging to the man sitting not far away from her. For some reason, she felt that Elliot¡¯s gaze had


    be icier as if someone had offended him.


    Rey was called over for lunch by Elliot today, who said that he had some work to discuss, but after


    waiting for a long time, Elliot didn¡¯t talk about work at all. Instead, Elliot¡¯s expression had suddenly


    be worse, Rey had been with him for 5 years, and he was the closest person to Elliot, so he knew


    why Elliot¡¯s expression was dark.


    Soon, the sumptuous lunch came. Anastasia was hungry, so she decided to quickly begin eating


    ¡°This is delicious! Taste it.¡± Nigel picked up some food with his fork and held it in front of a startled


    Anastasia. She subconsciously opened her mouth and took a bite.


    ¡°How is it? Is it delicious?¡± he asked with a happy smile.


    Anastasia¡¯s face warmed slightly; she realized that this was something only couples did! However, she


    still nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s delicious.¡±


    The man on the opposite side looked at their lovey-dovey manner with a gloomy face. Facing the lunch


    in front of him, he had no appetite.


    ¡°Sir, have some lunch! We have to go back to the Presgrave Group for a meeting in the afternoon.¡± Rey


    tried to persuade his boss. Elliot shouldn¡¯t refuse to eat just because he was angry about Anastasia¡¯s


    public disy of affection!


    Anastasia had just finished eating a cheese shrimp, and she identally had a little cheese sauce on


    the corner of her mouth. She didn¡¯t realize it, but Nigel on the opposite side saw it. Thus, he immediately


    narrowed his eyes and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    Anastasia immediately stopped moving. She then blinked her beautiful eyes and looked at him as he


    stretched out his long arms to gently wipe his fingers across the corners of her mouth. ¡°You have sauce


    on your mouth.¡±


    At that, Anastasia¡¯s face flushed red; she hurriedly grabbed her napkin and wiped the corner of her


    mouth elegantly. Nevertheless, her current expression was extremely shy and dainty in the eyes of those


    who saw her. Not only was Nigel attracted by her, but even the man at the table opposite them also


    narrowed his eyes at the sight of her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom.¡± Anastasia got up and went off.


    Not long after she left, Elliot also followed suit. When Nigel turned around, he saw Rey alone.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my cousin?¡± he asked.


    ¡°President Presgrave went out to take a call,¡± Rey replied, although he saw that Elliot was clearly going


    to the restroom.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Nigel didn¡¯t think much about it.


    In the restroom, Anastasia had juste out after washing her hands when she suddenly saw Elliot


    smoking in the smoking area next to the corridor. His long fingers were pinching the cigarette as he blew


    a cloud of smoke that hid his cold but handsome face. She pretended not to see him and passed him


    while pretending to tidy her long hair. However, just as she approached him, the man¡¯s hand elegantly


    snubbed the cigarette out and as she passed him, he grabbed her with so much strength that she had no


    way to resist. Thus, she was pushed against the far wall of


    the smoking area.


    ¡°Elliot, what are you doing? It hurts¡­¡± Anastasia felt that her bones were about to be crushed by him.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    The man¡¯s eyes were cold and stern as a warning shed across his eyes. ¡°Anastasia, I won¡¯t allow you


    to y with Nigel¡¯s feelings. If you don¡¯t care about him, don¡¯t lie to him.¡±


    When his slightly smoky breath blew on her face, Anastasia turned away in disgust before she retorted,


    ¡°I am not ying with his feelings. We are friends.¡±


    ¡°If you just want to be friends with him, don¡¯t flirt with him.¡±


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± She red at him at once, wondering why he should meddle in her business.


    Elliot gritted his teeth and his tone was cold as he responded, ¡°I do care.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my business; what do you care?¡±


    ¡°You can y with other men¡¯s hearts, but not Nigel.¡±


    ¡°When did you see me ying with his heart? Don¡¯t speak nonsense without evidence.¡±


    ¡°Just now. I saw with both eyes.¡± Elliot snorted coldly. He wasn¡¯t blind, and he had seen her flirting with


    Nigel earlier with his own eyes.


    Anastasia was speechless. After all, she thought that it was just how she and Nigel got along even


    though they were really just friends.


    ¡°Let go of me¡­¡± Anastasia then realized that she was being trapped in such a tiny corner by this man,


    and his breath was thick.


    ¡°Only if you promise to keep your distance from him.¡± The man¡¯s gaze was full of warning


    As she stood in front of this man, Anastasia was filled with repulsion. She didn¡¯t feel likeplying and


    preferred to make him angry instead.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to intervene in my affairs with him.¡± Anastasia raised her eyebrows and spoke


    stubbornly.


    ¡°Do you want to marry him?¡± Elliot asked with a dark look.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll marry him. What¡¯s wrong with that?¡± Anastasia sneered. After all, marrying Nigel was fine too.


    Staring at her coldly, Elliot felt that this stubborn but beautiful face in front of him was really messing with


    his emotions. In fact, he was annoyed that he didn¡¯t know what to do with her.


    When Anastasia met his gaze, she was stunned too. What is this man going to do?


    But no matter what, if the man dared to touch her, she would scream.


    The man¡¯s eyes fell on her eyebrows and moved down to her eyes, her nose, and then to her extremely


    soft red lips. As a matter of fact, he knew how soft it was from his experience.


    After only staring for a few seconds, his gaze instantly darkened and became dangerous


    When Anastasia realized what the man wanted to do, he had already pinched her chin domineeringly,


    and his thin lips were already upon hers.


    As her mind went nk, Anastasia cursed inwardly about how persistent this man was. However, this


    man¡¯s kiss had an inexplicable kind of power that made her whole body go numb like it was being


    electrocuted. His kiss was full of possessiveness, and it was so domineering that it was unbearable for


    her. In addition, this was the smoking area of the restaurant, and anyone woulde over at any time.


    Thus, the nervousness Anastasia felt also made her feel disoriented.


    This man is really perverted.


    She pushed him hard with her hands, but her strength was taken away by him. The more she pushed


    him, the harder he kissed her and entangled his tongue with hers.


    As they kissed, his big hand restlessly tightened around her waist-it was as if the kiss had awakened the


    instinctive reaction of any man¡­


    At that moment, Anastasia suddenly came to her senses. Anxiously, she caught his tongue and bit it


    hard.


    The man let go of her in pain while his misty eyes stared at her angrily. Then, she hurriedly ran away


    from him and out of the ce. There was still a sweet smell of his blood lingering in her mouth when she


    returned to the main dining area. After taking a deep breath, she returned to the table where Nigel was


    sitting as if nothing had happened. Then, she picked up the ss and drank all the water in one go.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    He¡¯s just too much! Just too much! Elliot, this b*stard, is a terrible pervert.


    ¡°Why is your face so red, Anastasia? Are you running a fever?¡± Nigel asked worriedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I-I still have work in the afternoon, Nigel. I¡¯ll head back to thepany first.¡± Anastasia had no


    appetite at all.


    ¡°So soon? In that case, I¡¯ll see you off.¡± Nigel got up immediately, and when he got to the counter, he


    called out, ¡°Send the bill to the Presgrave Group.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Young Master Nigel,¡± answered the manager immediately.


    After a while, Elliot returned to his seat. Looking at the empty seats at the other table, his gaze was


    unfathomable.


    ¡°President Presgrave, Young Master Nigel and Miss Tillman have already paid the bill and left.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Elliot responded.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Anastasia refused to let Nigel send her up when they arrived at thepany, so he could only send her


    to the door. He felt a little puzzled as he watched her hurry in.


    How did the meal end so abruptly like that? He still had so many things to say to her!


    Anastasia covered her face when she returned to her office, for her mind was full of what had happened


    in the restaurant just now. It was too much to be taken advantage of twice in the same day by that man.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Meanwhile, in a luxury vi, Hayley hadn¡¯t been able to eat or sleep well recently-it was all because


    Anastasia had been haunting her like a nightmare.


    She had dreamed several times that Elliot got angry and told her to get out. No matter how she pleaded,


    Elliot hated her so much that he abandoned her without a thought. These dreams would wake her up


    every time, and her entire body would be drenched in cold sweat. Anastasia¡¯s presence seemed to be a


    boulder on her chest, and if she didn¡¯t get rid of her, she would live forever in these nightmares.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you ruin my ns, Anastasia.¡± Hayley bit her lip and clenched her fists fiercely. As she


    thought about it, a vicious light shed in her eyes. If she wanted to kill Anastasia, the best people to use


    were the mother and daughter of the Tillman Family. She knew that Erica hated Anastasia deeply


    because of their family assets, and Hayley felt that she could just take advantage of this.


    Didn¡¯t Anastasia love her child very much? In that case, she would let that child suffer a little!


    The thought of Elliot¡¯s blood flowing in that boy made her mad with jealousy. Thus, her resentment and


    hatred were all focused on the child.


    Soon, Hayley called Erica and began her malicious n.


    ¡°Hey, Hayley.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing, Erica? Has Anastasia returned the 8 million real estate yet?¡±


    ¡°She can¡¯t even wait to take everything from my dad now! Will she even return it?¡± Erica gritted her teeth.


    ¡°Well, you can¡¯t let her be-you have to teach her a lesson. Otherwise, she will think that you and your


    mother are doormats.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I have to teach her a lesson. When I find an opportunity, 1¨C¡±


    ¡°Erica, what opportunities exactly are you looking for? I know Anastasia is not easy to harm, but doesn¡¯t


    she have a three-year-old son? If you make this kid suffer a little, she will feel a hundred times more


    distressed than if you harm her.¡±


    Erica immediately replied, ¡°What do you really mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Just think of a way to bring this child back to your house and pretend to take him out to have some fun.


    Children are usually naughty at that age, so it¡¯s normal to lose him by ident. You¡¯ll be able to watch


    Anastasia go mad with worry by then.¡±


    Erica was fuming at the moment, so when she heard Hayley¡¯s suggestion, her eyes lit up. ¡°Yes! Why


    didn¡¯t I think of it? If Anastasia goes crazy and dies of anger, I¡¯ll be even happier.¡±


    Hayley knew Erica very well; thetter¡¯s mind had always been simple and easily influenced.


    ¡°Erica, you can¡¯t let her take away your father¡¯s assets under any circumstances. Now, she wants 8


    million worth of real estate. Next year, she will want a car worth one million, or she¡¯ll take the opportunity


    to ask for your father¡¯spany. By that time, it¡¯ll be toote. You must let her know how powerful you


    are first.¡± Hayley added fuel to the fire and made things sound even worse.


    Sure enough, the family assets were what Erica cared about most. Thus, the more she listened, the


    more panicked she became. ¡°Yes, I have to frighten her first. Otherwise, she will think that we are easy


    targets for her to bully.¡±


    Seeing that Erica had sessfully taken the bait, Hayley breathed a sigh of relief and waited for Erica to


    act on it. Moreover, Erica had to take Anastasia¡¯s phone away on that day¡ªonce the child was lost, he


    would not be able to contact her. If a child trafficker saw the child and abducted him away, Anastasia


    would surely live in grief for the rest of her life.


    Most importantly, this child of Elliot¡¯s would also disappear forever.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    As Hayley thought about it viciously, she realized that she now had to bribe someone from Bourgeois to


    help her as well as find the opportunity to take Anastasia¡¯s phone away.


    In the meantime, Anastasia was busy with work. After all, the announcement date of the jewelry


    competition¡¯s results was approaching, and she was looking forward to it. If she could win the prize, she


    would have a bonus of one million in her ount. For her son¡¯s future, she had be a shrewd and


    calctive woman to the point where she had to earn every coin she could.


    She wanted to save a lot of money for her son so that she would not have to worry about his school fees


    and his wedding expenses. Although her son was still young, she had already made several long-term


    ns.


    ¡°Anastasia, there is a shop tour this Friday night. You should make time for it!¡± Felicia came over to


    inform her.


    ¡°Friday night? What time does it start?¡±


    ¡°It starts at 6.00PM. You need to write a report which will be entered into the award assessment for the


    second half of the year.¡± Felicia reminded her.


    Since the half-year award was a considerable sum of money, Anastasia thought to herself that she had


    to win it too.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be there on time.¡± Anastasia nodded. After all, the loss of the attendance awardst time was


    regretful enough for her.


    A


    Since the day after tomorrow was Friday, Anastasia felt that she had no choice but to trouble her father


    and let hime over to take care of her son.


    In the cafe next to Bourgeois, Hayley had invited May Potter, a female designer, out. When May saw that


    it was Hayley Seymour-also known as President Presgrave¡¯s girlfriend¡ªwho had asked her out for


    coffee, she was excited and happy.


    ¡°Do you really want to order a set of jewelry from me, Miss Seymour?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! I admire your talent very much, so I¡¯ve decided to order a set of jewelry designed by you.¡± Hayley


    pretended to be haughty. ¡°Also, I want you to do something for me.¡±


    ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°You should be very clear about the rivalry between me and Anastasia. I want you to watch her for me


    and report her affairs to me at any time.¡± Hayley held the cup of coffee elegantly while pretending to be a


    high-ssdy.


    Since May was a neer, she was eager to get ahead in Bourgeois. A good opportunity had been


    presented in front of her, so how could she not seize it? Besides, she was also jealous of Anastasia¡¯s


    excellent resources and hated her design talent even more.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, I hate Anastasia as much as you do. She thinks she doesn¡¯t need to take others


    seriously just because she has good looks. In addition, I¡¯m annoyed by the fact that she¡¯s always trying


    to seduce President Presgrave.¡±


    Hayley snorted coldly. Has Anastasia always seduced Elliot in thepany?


    ¡°Thank you for sticking up for me, May. I feel utterly infuriated by her. As long as you help me, I will ce


    five million worth of jewelry orders with you.¡±


    Five million? May suppressed her surprise and happiness. She would have almost 200,000 in


    commission fees alone! God! I am going to get rich.


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I will keep an eye on Anastasia for you, Miss Seymour. If she dares to seduce President Presgrave, I


    will tell you as soon as possible.¡± May expressed her loyalty and obedience to Hayley.


    Upon sensing May¡¯s toadyism, Hayley nodded. ¡°Very well, I won¡¯t treat you badly if you help me out.¡±


    May was determined to curry favor with Hayley, so she would be Hayley¡¯s eyes to monitor


    Anastasia in thepany.


    Today, it was just another day with a regr departmental meeting. When Anastasia entered the


    conference room, she could not help but breathe a sigh of relief when she saw that Elliot¡¯s seat was


    empty. After all, she didn¡¯t like seeing Elliot very much now.


    However, at this moment, steady footsteps came from the door of the conference room, and a


    domineering figure soon entered. His powerful aura immediately felt oppressive on everyone present as


    Elliot walked in against the light like a god descending


    Upon seeing him, Anastasia was lost for words.


    Does he have nothing better to do? It¡¯s just a regr department meeting, so why does he need toe


    every time?


    Apart from Anastasia, all the female designers here weed Elliot, but the first person he looked at


    every time he sat down was always Anastasia. Thus, the women present all looked at her with jealousy,


    and May was no exception. Now that she was helping Hayley, she was extra observant about everything


    Anastasia said and did.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was twirling her pen in a bored manner. As the pen spun, it suddenly fell


    out between her fingers and rolled directly in front of Elliot.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    After being stunned for a few seconds, Anastasia then raised her head to meet a pair of unhappy eyes;


    Elliot was narrowing his eyes and ncing at her icily. He took her pen and ced it in front of him


    without any intention of returning it.


    Since Anastasia still had to note things down with that pen, she stood up in embarrassment as her face


    blushed. Then, she went over and forcibly took the pen back.


    Elliot nced at her, but he didn¡¯t speak nor show any signs of displeasure.


    Upon seeing this, Felicia coughed awkwardly. ¡°Okay, okay, let¡¯s continue the meeting and not do other


    things.¡±


    While her face turned even redder, Anastasia felt that bad things always seemed to happen with Elliot


    around.


    ¡°Anastasia, you and May will be grouped together for this Friday¡¯s event.¡± Felicia began to ce the


    designers into teams.


    May immediately pretended to be happy. ¡°Let¡¯s work well together, Anastasia.¡±


    The woman nodded and smiled at May. After Felicia divided everyone into teams, she began to analyze


    the design works and the market. Elliot didn¡¯t say a word, but he listened to everything. However, his


    gaze fell on Anastasia from time to time, and he kept staring at her for several minutes at a time as if he


    was distracted by her. This made the woman feel ufortable, for the man¡¯s eyes were like glue as


    they stuck themselves to her without moving away.


    Finally, the meeting was over. Anastasia couldn¡¯t wait to pack up and leave, but Elliot suddenly said


    coldly, ¡°Anastasia, I need you to stay back for a while.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s feet that were about to move stopped in ce. She turned to look at the indifferent man and


    asked, ¡°Is there something you need, President Presgrave?¡±


    The man didn¡¯t speak. Other designers wanted to listen in on their conversation, but they were all


    oppressed by Elliot¡¯s sweeping nce. Hence, they trembled and hurriedly left


    Meanwhile, Alice and May looked like they were about to die of jealousy. Anastasia was an exception in


    thepany and was treated favorably everywhere. It was as though Elliot was here in thispany for


    her alone, and he didn¡¯t pay attention to


    what the other employees did.


    When the door of the conference room closed, Anastasia started to get angry. She stopped pretending


    and mmed the table angrily. ¡°What the hell are you trying to do, Elliot?¡±


    ¡°I want to take you back to see my grandma next Monday.¡± Elliot spoke suddenly, his eyes calm.


    Anastasia was shocked. He wants to take me to see the old madam of the Presgrave Family? Her first


    thought was immediate rejection.


    ¡°I refuse. I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with your Presgrave Family¡± Anastasia refused bluntly.


    ¡°Is that so? Then you are not allowed to meet with Nigel, and you are not allowed to flirt with him.¡± Elliot¡¯s


    gaze was burning as he forced it on her.


    Anastasia looked at him speechlessly. ¡°He is my friend.¡±


    ¡°He is also a member of our Presgrave Family, Anastasia. Aren¡¯t you very determined to avoid us?¡± Elliot


    sneered.


    Anastasia sighed and said with some annoyance, ¡°President Presgrave, you have a lot of things to


    manage every day. You should go back to your Presgrave Group to work! How can such a small


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to care about where I work,¡± Elliot snorted.


    ¡°No, you have negatively affected my work.¡± Anastasia gritted her teeth.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t want to, you will meet my grandma on Monday.¡± Elliot¡¯s tone was final.


    Anastasia looked at him furiously. ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡±


    After she finished speaking, she pushed open the door and went out. The man¡¯s face behind her was


    dark and filled with rage.


    When Anastasia returned to the office, May was waiting for her. She said fawningly, ¡°Anastasia, I heard


    that the report of this shop tour will be considered for the half year award, so we must not be sloppy with


    it!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it will be my first time writing such a report. Let¡¯s do our best toplete it!¡±


    Anastasia said to her.


    May blinked and showed an adoring smile. ¡°Anastasia, you are the only one who got sent back from the


    headquarters by ourpany. You must be very good, so I will follow you in the future.¡±


    Anastasia curled her lips into a smile. She was indeed confident in her design talent, but she was not so


    involved in thepany¡¯s other paperwork.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s get to work!¡± Anastasia simply regarded May¡¯s ttery as something any rookie would do;


    little did she know that May was a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing.


    Due to the project, Anastasia could only make an appointment with her father in advance. She made a


    phone call to Francis, who was naturally overjoyed when he heard that he would be taking care of his


    grandson.


    ¡°Okay, I have the time. You can carry on with your busy work. I will take Jared to eat some delicious


    food.¡±


    After arranging her son¡¯s affairs, Anastasia felt more at ease. Later on, she received a call from Nigel. He


    was at the entrance of herpany and wanted to take her and her son to avish dinner in the


    evening.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t refuse either because she didn¡¯t have any friends here. Thus, it was great to have a


    friend like Nigel around.


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    At this moment, Elliot was processing emails in the office. Rey, who had just sent some documents in


    from outside, smiled and said, ¡°I just saw Young Master Nigel¡¯s car, President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Elliot narrowed his eyes.


    ed


    ¡°He¡¯s downstairs. I think he¡¯s waiting for someone, and it¡¯s probably Miss Tillman.¡±

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    After Rey finished speaking, he immediately tried to cover his mouth. He knew that Elliot didn¡¯t want to


    hear this.


    Upon hearing this, Elliot snorted coldly. Nigel really has nothing to do all day long; he¡¯s focusing all his


    efforts on pursuing women.


    As he narrowed his eyes, he reached out to dial the internal line.


    ¡°Hello, who is it?¡± Anastasia¡¯s sweet voice came from the other side.


    ¡°I warned you not to get too close to my cousin. Are you not taking it seriously?¡± Elliot said coldly.


    ¡°Why are you such a busybody, Elliot? You are the boss of thepany, but after work, you are nobody


    to me,¡± Anastasia retorted mulishly.


    Elliot¡¯s face darkened at once. This woman really had the ability to be irritating.


    ¡°If you dare to y with his heart¡ª¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just hanging out as friends. It¡¯s none of your business.¡± Anastasia hung up the phone as soon as


    she finished speaking.


    Elliot¡¯s face turned even gloomier. This woman is really uncouth. Why would Grandma want me to marry


    such a woman?


    After work, Anastasia was the first to rush out of the door of the office as she charged downstairs. Nigel¡¯s


    off-road vehicle was parked at the front door, and it was particrly eye-catching.


    Soon, Anastasia got into the passenger seat of the car before she said to him, ¡°Let¡¯s go pick Jared up!¡±


    Nigel looked at the woman, who was still in her work uniform, and his fascination with her shed across


    his eyes. ¡°You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in a uniform.¡±


    Anastasia felt delighted in her heart. ¡°I like to hearments like this.¡±


    When they picked up the little boy at school, he was very happy. He sat in the safety seat specially


    prepared for him in the back, and he even sang a song he had just


    learned aloud.


    ¡°Mom and Dad are going to work¡­ and I¡¯m going to school. I mustn¡¯t cry or make trouble, but be good


    and greet my teacher good morning¡­¡±


    His bright and loud voice sounded happy as he sang. Anastasia pped along to the tempo, which


    encouraged Jared to sing even louder. In fact, he sang it several times. Even Nigel hummed along, and


    there was a happy atmosphere in the whole car.


    At the high-end restaurant, Nigel ordered a big meal. As he looked at the little boy¡¯s handsome face, his


    wish to be the father of this child heightened in his heart. Although Jared was not his own child, he


    would definitely love Jared as if the boy was his biological son.


    Soon, his gaze fell on the woman opposite him. As long as she agreed, he would immediately marry her


    and give them both a safe and secure ce to call home.


    They walked around in the mall after dinner, and the little boy got a few more gifts. With that being said,


    Anastasia really disagreed with Nigel¡¯s way of showing affection for her son. Fortunately, her son was not


    the kind of child who would be addicted to getting gifts.


    At 9.30PM, Nigel¡¯s car was parked in front of Anastasia¡¯s apartment. He felt distressed when he heard


    that it was rented to her by thepany. Thus, it seemed that it was time for him to show his ability. He


    decided to give her arge apartment unit in the city center tomorrow so that they could live in the safest


    community.


    ¡°Come and give me a kiss before you go.¡± Nigel hugged the little boy, who kissed his cheek at once.


    Then, Nigel looked at the woman next to him and wanted her to kiss him too, but he didn¡¯t have the


    courage to ask. At this point, he didn¡¯t dare to show his intentions too much for fear of scaring her away.


    Anastasia waved goodbye as she held her son before heading back to her apartment. However, Nigel


    did not leave for a long time. As soon as Jared returned to the apartment, he asked the burning question


    that he had been thinking about all this time. ¡°Mommy, do you think Uncle Nigel is a nice man?¡±


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Yes, he is!¡±


    ¡°Do you like him?¡±


    ¡°I like him.¡± Anastasia neatly packed the toys away in the house while answering her son¡¯s question.


    ¡°In that case, do you want to marry him?¡± the little boy asked again.


    Anastasia¡¯s hands froze while packing the toys. She couldn¡¯t help but look back at her son as she


    smiled. ¡°Jared, I only think of him as a friend!¡±


    The little boy didn¡¯t quite understand the feelings between adults, though. Can¡¯t they be together if they


    like each other?


    ¡°Mommy, I think Uncle Nigel likes you very much.¡±


    A hint of helplessness shed in Anastasia¡¯s heart. She could also feel that Nigel clearly had some


    romantic interest in her, but she felt that she was not worthy of him -he deserved a better woman.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    That night five years ago, Anastasia was already tainted after being vited by a jerk. Ever since then,


    she had no interest in men anymore. Her son was everything in her life, and she didn¡¯t need marriage,


    love, or men.


    She had always regarded Nigel as a friend. When she was on the way to meet a client, she met him


    while he was involved in a car ident. Seeing that Nigel¡¯s car was filled with smoke, she rushed over


    without saying a word and dragged the injured man out of the driver¡¯s seat.


    In less than two minutes, his car exploded on the spot. At that time, she was drenched in cold sweat and


    was extremely afraid. Had she died there, her son would¡¯ve been orphaned.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Since Anastasia and Nigel had nearly faced death together, their rtionship was deeper than other


    friendships. After rescuing him, she left. Later on, Nigel found her and kept chasing after the woman to


    repay his debt to her. Gradually, they became acquainted and made friends with each other.


    When Francis came home in the evening, Naomi asked while picking up his bag for him, ¡°I¡¯m going out


    to meet some friends the night after tomorrow, Francis. Do apany me to attend the event.¡±


    ¡°The day after tomorrow? What time?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just going to have dinner that evening!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t have time, so I can¡¯t go.¡±


    ¡°What? Do you have to work overtime?¡±


    ¡°No, I need to take care of Anastasia¡¯s son. She has to work overtime at night, so I have to take care of


    Jared.¡± Francis didn¡¯t treat Naomi as an outsider, so he was forthright with her.


    Naomi¡¯s face turned ugly all of a sudden. She snorted and replied, ¡°You only think about your elder


    daughter all day long, don¡¯t you! Don¡¯t forget that she¡¯s the one who messed up our family.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult for her to raise a child alone. Naturally, I will try my best to help her,¡± Francis said helplessly.


    ¡°Help her? You know how to help her, but why don¡¯t you help our Erica?¡± Naomi immediately snorted,


    looking extremely upset.


    Francis was also stuck in the middle between his family and Anastasia, but he still firmly wanted to help


    thetter because he owed her a lot in the past five years.


    Meanwhile, Erica overheard their conversation on the second floor, and she knew that her chance had


    come.


    Soon, Francis took a shower and sat in the study room on the second floor to watch the news. After a


    moment, Erica came in with a te of fruits. ¡°I see that you haven¡¯t gone to bed, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Dad, I heard that you want to watch Anastasia¡¯s son for her. Actually, I want to take care of Jared with


    you. He is my nephew after all, and I want to do my best for him


    too.¡±


    Francis¡¯ eyes lit up with joy; it seemed that his younger daughter was quite sensible! He then praised,


    ¡°Erica, I¡¯m very happy that you have such good intentions. Okay, you cane with me the night after


    tomorrow!¡±


    Erica nodded obediently. ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s great, Dad, but don¡¯t tell her first. I¡¯m afraid she won¡¯t let me


    come when she hears that I want to tag along.¡±


    ¡°Okay! I won¡¯t tell her.¡± Francis didn¡¯t see through Erica¡¯s ns. To him, the happiest thing was that his


    two daughters could get along peacefully.


    In the blink of an eye, Friday arrived. When Anastasia sent her son to school in the morning, she told him


    that his grandpa woulde to pick him up from school in the evening. The little boy nodded sensibly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mommy. I will listen to Grandpa.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go earn more money for us.¡± Anastasia patted his little head and was very happy.


    Over the past two days, May had gone to Anastasia from time to time to ask for some advice. She also


    bought coffee and snacks to please thetter. Of course, Anastasia didn¡¯t want to ept these favors,


    but she did so since May insisted on it.


    At 2.00PM, Nigel appeared in Bourgeois while holding a gift and a bunch of flowers in his hands. In fact,


    hepletely looked like Anastasia¡¯s boyfriend. He was a handsome and cheerful man, so he attracted


    attention wherever he went. A group of


    female staff werepletely envious of Anastasia.


    ¡°Wow! Look at him sending a bunch of flowers again.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s hot!¡±


    ¡°Not only is he hot, he looks incredibly rich as well.¡±


    ¡°I think he¡¯s from one of those super rich families. The watch he¡¯s wearing is worth tens of millions.¡±


    ¡°Tsk-tsk, how did Anastasia get such good luck?¡±

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Chapter 51


    Anastasia had just finished drawing a design draft in the office, and her hands were a little sore. Just as


    she was rubbing her shoulders, the door to her office swung open before Nigel¡¯s figure suddenly


    appeared.


    ¡°Why are you here, Nigel?¡± Anastasia was still very happy to see him.


    ¡°I have a gift for you.¡± After Nigel finished speaking, he closed the door of the office before putting the


    flowers and the gift box on her desk. ¡°Look! Guess what it is?¡±


    Anastasia looked at the big characters of ¡®Cloud Residence No. 1¡¯ printed on the box. After feeling


    startled for a few seconds, she recalled that this was the name of the top real estate in the city center.


    expensive.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not expensive¡ªit¡¯s just a unit of more than 200 square meters. I initially wanted to buy a duplex on


    the top floor, but I thought that it would be too big and empty looking since only the two of you would be


    living there. Thus, I had to pick a smaller unit,¡± Nigel said helplessly, thinking that he could have given


    her a better unit.


    ** Anastasia was at a loss for words. Sure enough, those with money can do whatever they


    want! He can even cherry pick units from such high-end real estate. For an office worker like me, I can¡¯t


    even afford the bathroom of that unit even with a year¡¯s worth of sry.


    ¡°Nigel, we are friends. I won¡¯t ept any gifts from you other than your friendship.¡± Anastasia spoke


    seriously.


    ¡°You saved my life; do you know how much my life is worth?¡± Nigel retorted immediately.


    ¡°Your life is priceless, and it¡¯s not measurable by money.¡± Anastasia smiled and shook her head. ¡°Saving


    you is also a way of umting good karma for myself.¡±


    ¡°No. My life is yours, and my things are yours too. You must ept this house,¡± Nigel said stubbornly.


    Anastasia felt speechless again. ¡°You have helped me and my son a lot over the years. If you are going


    to send gifts like this one again, then I won¡¯t dare to befriend you in the future. Besides, my dad has


    already bought me an apartment unit, and I can move in next month.¡±


    ¡°That will definitely not be asfortable as Cloud Residence No. 1,¡± Nigel said anxiously.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t need this house. Anyway, I have a meeting soon, so please go back!¡± After Anastasia


    finished speaking, she picked up her notebook and went outside.


    Nigel immediately thought of another way as he bit his thin lips. He took the gift box and went to the


    president¡¯s office where Elliot was dealing with some work in his hands at that time. ncing at the


    uninvited guest, he looked back down at his work.


    ¡°Do me a favor, Elliot!¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Well, I bought a house at Cloud Residence No. 1 for Anastasia. Can you give it to her in the name of the


    company? For example, you can say this is a year-end bonus for her.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s hand that was signing the documents paused. Then, he said curtly, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why? I wanted to give it to her just now, but she rejected it. I don¡¯t know what else to do!¡± Nigel leaned


    on the desk and spoke helplessly.


    ¡°If she doesn¡¯t ept it, it means that she¡¯s not interested in you.¡± Elliot scoffed. He had also offered a


    house in this property and was rejected by Anastasia.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it! Anastasia likes me very much; I have the ultimate confidence in this,¡± Nigel said to himself.


    Elliot frowned and said mockingly, ¡°Don¡¯t be too confident.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mock me, Elliot! I¡¯m definitely going to marry Anastasia. Whether it¡¯s three years, five years, or ten


    years, I¡¯ll wait for her as long as she doesn¡¯t marry another man.¡± Nigel looked like he was determined to


    make the woman his wife.


    ¡°Then do you know which man her child belongs to?¡± Elliot asked coldly all of a sudden.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Chapter 52


    Nigel¡¯s handsome face looked shocked, for this was the only thing Anastasia didn¡¯t tell him. He had also


    tried hinting at her many times, but she just didn¡¯t want to let him know.


    ¡°Do you know who it is, Elliot?¡± Nigel asked, a little curious that Elliot was also interested in this kind of


    employee gossip.


    ¡°Thest time her sister came to thepany to make trouble, she announced that Anastasia was the


    mistress of a man five years ago. She even sold her body in the club to make money.¡±


    Nigel suddenly widened his bright eyes as he listened to the sudden new information in disbelief. He


    immediately retorted, ¡°Impossible! Anastasia is not that kind of person, and she would never do such a


    thing.¡±


    ¡°How much exactly do you know about her?¡± Elliot looked at his cousin, hoping that he wouldn¡¯t bother


    with Anastasia anymore.


    Nigel didn¡¯t want to think more about it. He said firmly, ¡°I don¡¯t care what her past was like. I just want to


    spend my future with her, and I don¡¯t want to know who her child¡¯s father is. Anyway, I¡¯m willing to


    apany her to raise the child together and treat him as if he¡¯s my own.¡±


    Elliot really underestimated his cousin¡¯s determination to pursue this woman. He gritted his teeth and


    snorted, ¡°What¡¯s so good about her?¡±


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Nigel curled his lips and smiled. ¡°Anastasia has a unique kind of beauty. Sometimes, she¡¯s as bright as


    fire, sometimes as elegant as a rose. No matter which side of her, I am deeply fascinated by this


    woman.¡±


    In Elliot¡¯s heart, he only had three adjectives to evaluate Anastasia: unreasonable, barbaric and uncouth.


    ¡°Elliot, will you help me out?¡± Nigel couldn¡¯t help sitting on Elliot¡¯s desk as he looked at him pleadingly.


    ¡°No,¡± Elliot replied very coldly.


    ¡°You¡¯re really terrible. Do you still think of me as family?¡± Nigel pouted.


    Elliot decided to ignore him, and Nigel eventually left in unhappiness. He decided to


    continue persuading Anastasia until she epted the gift, so he returned to her office. After a while, she


    came back. Upon seeing that he was still there, she had no choice but to say, ¡°Nigel, I really cannot


    ept your gift. Go back!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t leave if you don¡¯t ept it,¡± Nigel replied mulishly.


    Anastasia thenughed and said, ¡°You know this doesn¡¯t work on me.¡±


    Nigel immediately shook his head and answered unhappily, ¡°Anastasia, can¡¯t you be a little more


    materialistic? That way, I can buy you with money.¡±


    Anastasia burst outughing. ¡°I¡¯m very much interested in money, but I only like the money I make.¡±


    At this moment, Nigel¡¯s phone rang. He picked it up and took a look before saying into the phone


    seriously, ¡°Hello, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Come over to thepany, Nigel. I have something to hand to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯lle over now.¡± Nigel¡¯s vacation wasing to an end, and from tomorrow onward, he had to


    go back to work at thepany obediently.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go back to meet my dad first. Call me if you need anything-I¡¯ll be there whenever you need me.¡± Nigel


    looked at Anastasia affectionately.


    ¡¤ Anastasia deliberately pretended not to see it and simply said to him, ¡°Go! Don¡¯t


    make your father wait.¡±


    After Nigel left, Anastasia sighed slightly. At this moment, May called and said, ¡°Anastasia, we are almost


    ready to get off work.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Okay,¡± Anastasia responded.


    After that, May hid in an empty corridor and called Hayley, who told her to do something on the other end


    of the phone. She told May to ensure that Anastasia¡¯s phone was left in the office no matter what, and


    not to let Anastasia take it away with her.


    May agreed immediately. Although she didn¡¯t know why Hayley had asked her to do this, she only


    needed to be obedient.


    Soon, May arrived at Anastasia¡¯s office and saw that she was sorting some documents while her bag


    was on the sofa. As she deliberately sat next to Anastasia¡¯s bag, she then: said to the woman who was


    packing the documents, ¡°Anastasia, have youpleted


    your designs that are supposed to be submitted at the end of the month? I still have several left to do! I


    am so worried about them!¡± Whileining, she deliberately adjusted her posture. With Anastasia¡¯s


    line of sight obstructed, she reached out and grabbed the woman¡¯s phone in her bag and stuffed it down


    the sofa.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Chapter 53


    Anastasia didn¡¯t notice what May had done at all. After she put the documents in the cab, she


    nced at the time and said to the woman, ¡°Okay, we should go too. There are three stores to be


    inspected tonight, so we¡¯re a bit rushed for time.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go!¡± May immediately took the initiative to hold the bag. ¡°I¡¯ll hold your bag for you,


    Anastasia.¡±.


    As soon as Anastasia went out, she still took over her bag. ¡°I¡¯ll hold it myself!¡±


    May immediately returned it to her, and the two went downstairs. Since they both had no cars, they could


    only travel by cab.


    Unfortunately, it was just in time for the cab shift, and no cabs were stopping for them. Anastasia was


    getting frustrated just then before a Rolls-Royce Phantom suddenly drove over. The window rolled down,


    revealing a handsome man in a ck suit who was sitting elegantly in the driver¡¯s seat. He looked


    domineering, mysterious, and particrly charming.


    May was stunned at the sight. Is this President Presgrave¡¯s car?


    ¡°Get in the car. I¡¯ll take you both there,¡± Elliot said with unprecedented kindness.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Anastasia replied politely, ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, thank you.¡±


    However, Elliot had no intention of leaving at all. His deep eyes locked on Anastasia¡¯s stubborn face, and


    then he repeated a second time, ¡°Get in the car.¡±


    May couldn¡¯t wait to sit in Elliot¡¯s car. If she could just take advantage of Anastasia¡¯s luck and ride in it


    once, she would be the luckiest girl on earth.


    ¡°Anastasia, we can¡¯t get a cab right now. We¡¯re going to bete, so let¡¯s take President Presgrave¡¯s car!¡±


    After speaking, May took the initiative to open the passenger¡¯s door and pulled Anastasia into the car.


    Anastasia was naturally not very happy about it, but since Elliot insisted on sending them to the


    destination and May had already opened the car door, she said to May, ¡°You sit in the front.¡±


    After that, she opened the back door and sat in the back seat.


    Upon hearing that, May was going crazy with joy. She was fortunate enough to sit in


    the front passenger seat with Elliot. After she sat in, she didn¡¯t even dare to even breathe. Her whole


    body was tense, and she was so nervous the whole time.


    As for Anastasia, she was sitting in the back seat. As soon as she raised her head, she met the man¡¯s


    deep eyes from the rearview mirror. She quickly looked out the window as the car slowly drove away,


    heading for themercial street they were going to.


    ¡°How do you know that we are going there, President Presgrave?¡± May asked in surprise.


    ¡°I¡¯ve read the information,¡± Elliot replied.


    Half an hourter, Elliot¡¯s car parked in front of a store in amercial street. May got out of the car


    uncertainly, while Anastasia said quickly to the man in the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Following that, Elliot watched them walk into the Bourgeois store. He parked his car at a nearby location,


    but he didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he got out of the car and walked toward the store.


    At the store, Anastasia introduced herself to the store manager, and was immediately assigned to a


    reception room. At this moment, a man stepped into the entrance. He was dressed in a straight suit,


    which set off a superior and mysterious temperament. Under the lighting, he exuded a kingly aura.


    ¡°President Presgrave.¡± The manager was taken aback when she saw that the big boss had suddenly


    come without warning. It caught her off guard and she panicked.


    Is there something wrong with this store?


    ¡°Where are Anastasia Tillman and the others?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Miss Tillman is in the reception room, and I¡¯ve given her the customers¡¯ information.¡± After that, the


    manager hurried over to usher Elliot into the reception room.


    Anastasia was looking at the information of recent customers and the sales records of the store¡¯s most


    popr items when the door suddenly opened and a slender and handsome figure walked in.


    May¡¯s eyes widened at the sight at once. Why is President Presgrave here?


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was only surprised but not happy at all. This man is following me


    everywhere persistently!


    ¡°Carry on with your work,¡± Elliot said in a low voice as he sat down beside them.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Chapter 54


    Anastasia was speechless. Is this man supervising my work? Forget it, I¡¯d better finish the job! After all, I


    must get this year-end bonus.


    At this moment, Francis had brought Erica to pick up Jared and they were having dinner in a restaurant.


    Erica looked at Jared under the lighting and felt jealousy surging in her heart. With which man did


    Anastasia give birth to this child? When he grew up, he would look astoundingly handsome. If this little


    boy married a rich girl in the future, Anastasia would not be short of money.


    ¡°Dad, let¡¯s take Jared to the nearby yground after dinner! It¡¯s fun there,¡± Erica suggested.


    Since Francis was an old man, he was naturally not as good at having fun as young people.


    Nheless, he also wanted to take the little boy to the yground. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll take Jared to the


    ygroundter.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°Eat more, Jared.¡± Francis looked at his grandson with doting eyes.


    Upon seeing that, Erica secretly felt resentful. Sure enough, Anastasia¡¯s best weapon to win her father¡¯s


    heart was this little boy devil. Francis had always wanted a boy, but Naomi couldn¡¯t give birth to any more


    children. Now that Anastasia had given birth to a boy, Francis was overwhelmed with delight.


    Thus, Erica was sure that Anastasia deliberately gave birth to a son and came back to rob her of the


    family assets!


    The more she looked at this boy, the more disgusted she became. She wished that he would be


    kidnapped by some bad guys immediately, and that he would never appear in her house ever again in


    this life.


    After they were finally done eating, they drove away and tried to find parking near the yground. Since


    the avable parking space was far away, Francis was afraid that they had to walk a long way, so he


    asked them to get off at the entrance of the yground first.


    This happened to fit Erica¡¯s evil n, so she hurriedly said to the little boy, ¡°Come on, Jared. We¡¯ll get off


    here first. Your grandfather has to park some distance away!¡±


    ¡°Be a good boy and go with your aunt first, Jared,¡± Francis said gently to the little boy.


    Jared nodded obediently before following Erica out of the car. As Erica watched her father¡¯s car leave,


    she sneered in her heart, and a vicious light shed in her eyes. She stared coldly at the little boy beside


    her, feeling as much hate for him as she had for Anastasia.


    ¡°There are some delicious snacks over there. Let¡¯s go buy some first!¡± Erica wasn¡¯t going to take him into


    the yground because there would be staff who would look after his safety. On the contrary, she


    wanted to take him to the busy streets where no one would care about him.


    The little boy had no choice but to follow her. When Erica saw the chaotic crowd, she said to Jared, ¡°Wait


    for me here and don¡¯t go running around! I¡¯ll go buy some fruit.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± The little boy nodded.


    ¡°Do you have a smartwatch?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The little boy shook his head.


    At once, Erica was secretly delighted. If such a young child got lost, it would be terribly difficult to find


    him. Moreover, there were many people here¡ªthere could even be child traffickers lurking around. Thus,


    Erica left the little boy and went off.


    10 minutester, Erica went straight back to the entrance of the yground to wait for her father.


    Jared waited in the same ce for a long time, but he did not see Ericae back. As soon as he


    looked up, he saw a huge crowd of people all around him. He was still a small child, and he couldn¡¯t tell


    where he was at all. As he blinked his big eyes, there was a bad premonition in his heart as he felt that


    he had gotten lost. In fact, he didn¡¯t even know where to find his grandfather.


    Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t panic or cry. He simply walked into a store and said to the clerk inside, ¡°Excuse


    me, I¡¯m lost and I can¡¯t find my family. May I borrow your phone to call my mommy?¡±


    ¡°Are you lost, little boy? Okay, here you go.¡± The clerk immediately gave him the phone.


    Jared dialed his mother¡¯s number and it rang on the other side, but no one answered. He made two calls


    in a row, yet no one picked up. Apart from his mother¡¯s number, he didn¡¯t have anyone else¡¯s number.


    ¡°Did you mommy answer the phone, little boy?¡±


    Jared shook his head, so the clerk said to him, ¡°Well, you can wait a while before calling again. Don¡¯t


    worry, I¡¯m a good person. I¡¯ll take care of you.¡±


    The little boy nodded immediately and decided to call againter¡­


    As for Francis, he hurried to the entrance of the yground after he parked the car, but as soon as he


    arrived, he saw his daughter Ericaing over while sobbing. She said to him sadly, ¡°Dad, something


    bad happened¡ªI¡¯ve lost Jared! I took him to buy some ice-cream, but he ran off and I couldn¡¯t find


    him¡­¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Chapter 56


    Although Anastasia remained calm and rational, she didn¡¯t feel optimistic. She sat in the passenger seat


    in Elliot¡¯s car as they drove toward thepany immediately.


    Anastasia was so anxious that tears brimmed in her eyes. She held onto May¡¯s phone, hoping that her


    father would have good news for her soon.


    ¡°Your son looks very smart, so he will be fine.¡± Whileforting her, Elliot weaved past the other cars


    deftly, and the ck car rushed all the way to the Bourgeois Building


    When the car came to the entrance, Anastasia pushed open the front passenger¡¯s door and hurried


    toward the steps, but because she was in a hurry, she tripped and fell. Upon hitting her left leg on the


    sharp corner of the steps, she felt pain shooting through her leg and it hurt so badly she couldn¡¯t stand


    up for a while.


    At this moment, a strong arm wrapped around her waist and lifted her up. Elliot wanted to check her


    injury, but she limped away from him and continued to run up the steps.


    Then, Anastasia knocked on the entrance door anxiously. The security guard on duty inside recognized


    her and hurriedly opened the door for her, but he was even more surprised that Elliot was right behind


    her.


    After that, Anastasia walked all the way to the elevator. As she pressed the elevator button, she was


    trembling nervously while blood oozed from her knee.


    Elliot nced coldly at her. When the elevator arrived, Anastasia rushed in, and he also stepped forward


    with long legs.


    ¡°Jared will be fine. Jared will be fine. Although he is young, he is very smart¡­ No, my son will not be in


    trouble.¡± Anastasia was about to lose her mind and her body was about to copse; she couldn¡¯t help but


    murmur to herself as if trying tofort herself.


    In the depths of Elliot¡¯s eyes, there was a hint of distress that he himself didn¡¯t even realize. Soon, the


    elevator stopped at the design department floor. Then, Anastasia rushed out and went straight to her


    office. She dialed her own number with May¡¯s phone and heard her phone ringing from the corner of theProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    sofa.


    After digging into the sofa, Anastasia took out her phone with trembling hands. As she opened it up, she


    noticed 16 missed calls. Except for her father¡¯s contact, there


    was an unknown number who had called multiple times. She held her breath and hurriedly called the


    number back.


    Soon, the other end answered. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hello, did a child call this number with your phone?¡±


    ¡°Yes, are you the mother of the child?¡±


    ¡°I am. Is my son by your side?¡±.


    ¡°Yes, I had him wait for you in my store. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s fine and I¡¯ll watch over him.¡± The female voice


    on the other end sounded very young but kind.


    The boulder weighing down on Anastasia¡¯s chest was finally lifted, and at this moment, her son¡¯s tender


    voice came to her ear.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mommy. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Jared¡­ My baby¡­¡± Anastasia¡¯s emotions were in turmoil at this moment, and her tears slipped down


    her cheeks. ¡°My baby! Thank God! I¡¯m going to pick you up right


    now.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Mommy. I¡¯m fine.¡± The little boyforted her from the other end.


    The girl answered the phone again and said, ¡°Miss, I¡¯ll send you the location of our store. Pleasee


    over quickly!¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you! I¡¯lle right over.¡± Anastasia hung up the phone. All of a sudden, she felt dizzy. Now


    that her tense nerves suddenly rxed, blood rushed to her head and caused a bout of dizziness.


    She instinctively reached out and grabbed something nearby. What she happened to grab was a man¡¯s


    arm, and she held on to it tightly to prevent herself from falling.


    The next second, another arm wound itself around her waist, and her whole body was pulled toward a


    firm chest. However, she didn¡¯t struggle because she needed to rely on him urgently and waited for the


    dizziness to subside.


    As he lowered his head, Elliot looked at the woman who was breathing heavily in his arms. Her face was


    pale with a rare look of weakness. It was very different from her usual look, and at this moment, she


    looked like she badly needed someone to protect


    her.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    Chapter 57


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Elliot asked in a deep voice.


    The head-rush that made Anastasia sway on her feet was ebbing, but it was then that she suddenly


    realized Elliot was holding her in his arms. She quickly stepped backward to create some distance


    between them, only to bump into the table behind her.


    ¡°Ow!¡± she eximed. The next second, she was pulled back into Elliot¡¯s embrace, even though she had


    burrowed out of it mere moments ago.


    When her face collided against the muscled nes of his chest, she heard a thud followed by a dull ache


    that spread over her cheekbone.


    However, before she could fully register the pain, she felt arge palm sp over her wrist. She was in a


    stupor as she was pulled to the car that was parked by the curb. When the door on the passenger¡¯s side


    opened, Elliot pressed her firmly into the seat.


    As soon as she sat down, she fished out her phone and called her father¡¯s number, only to hear Francis¡¯


    panicked cry on the other line. ¡°Anastasia, Jared hasn¡¯t been found yet.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dad. Jared is just fine. He¡¯s safe, and I¡¯m on my way to pick him up right now.¡±


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°What? Where¡¯s Jared? Where is he?¡±


    ¡°A kind shopkeeper is watching over him now and I¡¯m heading over to pick him up.¡±


    ¡°Give me the address and I¡¯ll be right there as well.


    Erica is supposed to be with Dad this evening, and because Erica is a dangerous person, there is no


    way I¡¯ll let her near Jared. With that in mind, Anastasia responded hastily, ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re tired, so


    you should get some rest. I¡¯ll go and pick up Jared myself.¡±


    ¡°No, I need to make sure that Jared is alright,¡± Francis insisted; he was so beside himself with worry that


    he thought his stomach might turn inside out.


    ¡°I know, but I¡¯ll be right over to see you after I have picked Jared up,¡± she cated. She could get to the


    bottom of how Jared had gone missing by the end of the night since she suspected that Erica had


    something to do with it.


    She hung up the phone and next to her was Elliot already driving over to the location of the store. As the


    car sped through the streets, Anastasia kept her eyes closed while she tried to rpose herself. Only


    heaven knew how terrified she had been earlier; she nearly lost her wits.


    This was the first time since Jared¡¯s birth that she had found herself at the mercy of fear.


    Atst, they pulled up outside a boutique. Anastasia saw her son sitting on the couch as soon as she


    walked through the door and she broke down in tears of relief as she cried, ¡°Jared!¡±


    ¡°Mommy, Mommy, you¡¯re here!¡± The little one ran up to her and threw his arms around her. She


    crouched low as well and pulled him into her embrace, her tears silently streaming down her face.


    Meanwhile, the shopkeeper who had been watching over Jared noticed the man standing behind


    Anastasia, after which she immediately thought in surprise, Wow, what a catch! This has to be the kid¡¯s


    father. They look exactly like each other!


    With his handsome features and tailored suit, Elliot looked dazzling where he stood tall and straight


    beneath the lights. There was no mistaking the grace and elegance that he emanated. Although he didn¡¯t


    say anything, he seemed relieved as his gaze fell upon the embracing pair of mother and son.


    Anastasia straightened her posture and unsped the ne she was wearing, which was the only


    valuable thing she had on her person at the moment. She took the female shopkeeper¡¯s hand and


    thanked, ¡°I don¡¯t have my purse with me, but take this ne of mine as a reward for your kindness;


    the ne is worth twenty thousand.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, there¡¯s no need for that. Anyone else would have done the same thing. The kid is precious.


    Make sure you keep an eye on him next time,¡± the shopkeeper gently responded as she nudged


    Anastasia¡¯s hand away in her refusal to ept the reward.


    ¡°Thank you so much. You¡¯re my son¡¯s lifesaver. Could we at least get your number?¡± Anastasia gazed


    upon the shopkeeper, the gratitude pooling in her eyes.


    The girl seemed a little flustered as she urged, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so formal with me. Take your child


    home now and get some rest.¡±


    Upon seeing how the girl had so adamantly turned down the reward, Anastasia had no choice other than


    to profusely thank her. The little one next to her looked up at: Elliot at that moment and asked, ¡°Mr.


    Handsome, were you the one who drove my


    mommy over here?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, buddy. Do you know how terrified your mom was? You gave her quite the fright,¡± Elliot said


    as he crouched down and pulled the boy into his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mommy. It was my fault; I never should have run off on my own,¡± Jared apologized guiltily,


    realizing the gravity of the situation.


    After thanking the shopkeeper, Anastasia turned to him and asked, ¡°Jared, can you tell me how you got


    lost?¡±


    ¡°Grandpa was parking the car when Aunt Erica told me she was going to buy me yummy snacks, but she


    went and never came back. I wanted to look for her, but I got lost,¡± the little boy answered frankly.


    Burning rage filled Anastasia when she heard this. Gritting her teeth, she thought, You were trying to


    abandon my son on purpose, weren¡¯t you, Erica?

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    Chapter 58


    For a child this small to be left alone in a crowd, Jared could have been kidnapped by some ruffian


    working for a syndicate and no one would have noticed at all.


    The amusement park was not too far away from here. Elliot drove over and pulled up outside the parking


    lot. At present, there weren¡¯t a lot of people at the amusement park entrance and only Francis stood


    there, waiting with Erica and Naomi in tow. When Erica heard that Jared had been found, she started to


    be evasive and


    immediately denied having anything to do with his going missing.


    The mysterious car was gleaming under the lights as it rolled to a stop. Then, the door swung open as


    Anastasia stepped out of the car with Jared in her arms. Francis practically flew over to them and hurried


    to crush Jared against his chest, his tears streaming down his face as guilt ate away at him. ¡°Oh, my


    darling grandson. You gave me a fright!¡±


    However, in the midst of this joyous reunion, Anastasia¡¯s murderous gaze was fixed on Erica. The rage


    that boiled within her was urging her to look for an outlet; otherwise, she mightbust on the spot.


    At the sight of the baleful look on Anastasia¡¯s face, a wary Erica took two steps backward and


    demanded, ¡°Why are you looking at me like that, Anastasia?¡±


    It was when she saw how uneasy and evasive Erica was that Anastasia¡¯s anger renewed. She raised a


    hand and brought it down hard across Erica¡¯s face, the p resounding in the crisp evening air.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Erica shrieked, her eyes wide in bewilderment. ¡°You just pped me! You¡¯re out of your mind,


    Anastasia!¡± She darted behind Naomi for cover while whining, ¡°Mom, she just pped me!¡±


    Naomi instantly wrapped her arms protectively around her daughter as she turned to snap, ¡°How dare


    you strike my daughter, Anastasia!¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t take care of my son, Erica, then don¡¯t offer to do it! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you were


    nning to do,¡± Anastasia seethed as she glowered at Erica mutinously.


    ¡°You little wench! Do you have proof that Erica lost your son on purpose?¡± Naomi countered defensively,


    shielding her daughter.


    Francis knew that he bore the bigger responsibility in this, so he walked up to the


    women and interjected in a pained voice, ¡°Anastasia, it was my fault. Don¡¯t me Erica.¡±


    Fueled by intense anger, Anastasia maintained her gaze on Erica as she warned darkly, ¡°Stay away from


    my son! If you so much as get close to him or try to hurt him, I¡¯ll kill you where you stand!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go around making baseless ims, Anastasia,¡± Erica retorted, refusing to admit to her misdeed.


    To the side, he felt his heart twist when he saw his two daughters snapping at each other. He turned to


    Anastasia and cajoled, ¡°Anastasia, it was my fault. It really was. I promise I won¡¯t let Jared out of my


    sight anymore.¡±


    Jared, on the other hand, pouted. ¡°Mommy, don¡¯t be mad. I shouldn¡¯t have walked away on my own.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s rage was quelled by the sound of Jared¡¯s voice. What mattered most was that her son had


    returned safely, so she swallowed her anger and turned to remove Jared out of Francis¡¯ arms. ¡°Dad,


    thanks for helping tonight. I¡¯m sure Jared is badly shocked too. I¡¯ll take him home now and you should


    get back and call it a day.¡±


    Having said that, she cast Elliot a brief look and turned to saunter back to his car.


    Meanwhile, Erica kept her eyes on Anastasia and it was only then that she noticed the man next to


    Anastasia. Her eyes widened in surprise when she registered the man¡¯s features in the dim lighting. Why


    does this man look like Anastasia¡¯s son? Could he be the kid¡¯s father?


    By the time Erica tried to get a second glimpse of the man, he had turned away from her and all she saw


    was the elusive silhouette of his back.


    When Elliot¡¯s car drove away, Francis let out a sigh of relief and said to Naomi and Erica, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s


    head home.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to me Erica for what had happened to Jared. After all, she had no


    experience in babysitting whatsoever, and while she had been careless, it didn¡¯t necessarily mean she


    was at fault.


    Naomi, however, was belligerent that her daughter had to suffer Anastasia¡¯s wrath. She didn¡¯t do


    anything wrong, so why was she the one to be pped? This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    However, only Erica knew that she had truly intended to abandon Jared at a ce that was somewhere


    crowded. In fact, she had so viciously wished that the boy would


    be kidnapped. s, the universe was against her, for it brought the child back in one piece. More


    importantly, she wanted to know who that mysterious man was. It had taken her all but one look to


    discern that he had the innate grace of nobility, and he definitely wasn¡¯t just some average Joe.


    Meanwhile, Elliot had stopped outside the apartmentmunity where Anastasia lived. When he saw


    that there was a pharmacy next to it, he headed in without a word, leaving her baffled as she stared after


    him with Jared in her arms.


    Not long after that, Elliot came back with a carrier bag of something.


    Being extremely grateful for his help this evening, Anastasia said, ¡°Thank you so much for what you¡¯ve


    done tonight, President Presgrave. It¡¯s gettingte, and you should be going back.¡±


    Elliot looked at her and offered, ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you to your apartment.¡±


    Anastasia spun on her heels and headed into the elevator with Elliot in her wake. They made their way


    up the building, and upon arriving at her apartment, she opened the door and turned on the lights. The


    little one shuffled over to the couch and sat down on it, looking like a sad puppy waiting to be lectured.


    ¡°Mommy, I was wrong. Please don¡¯t be mad anymore.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry, just¡­ flustered. I was too flustered and Ished out,¡± she confessed. She knew that her


    son saw the violent confrontation she had with Erica.


    Suddenly, Elliot reached out to grab Anastasia by the wrist and pulled her into a sitting position on the


    couch. She gaped at him, but before she could ask, the man crouched down in front of her. Hisrge


    hand sped her left calf, and it was only then that she noticed the bloody gash that measured up to


    about two inches in length on her leg.


    Given how she had not tended to it in time, the blood had crusted over, even though the wound was still


    there.

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    Chapter 59


    Chapter 59


    ¡°You¡¯re hurt, Mommy!¡± Jared eximed, sounding pained at the sight of Anastasia¡¯s injury.


    Anastasia was stunned as well. This guy went into the pharmacy just so he could get some ointment and


    bandages for me?


    She watched as Elliot dabbed an antiseptic-soaked cotton bud over the gash that ran along her leg


    before carefully bandaging the area. He tended to the wound deftly as though having done this routinely


    before, and it didn¡¯t take long for him to wrap things up.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Anastasia said a little stiffly. She thought he had done far too much for her this evening.


    Eliliot ced the carrier bag of first-aid stuff on the coffee table and said, ¡°Change the dressing on your


    own for the next few days.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thank you.¡± Given how rudely she had been with him earlier that day, she dared not look at him


    for too long. What was more, all his help this evening only made her feel worse.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Handsome,¡± Jared chimed, looking up as he eyed Elliot with immense gratitude.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Elliot reached out and rubbed Jared¡¯s head affectionately. Then, he cast a long look at


    the woman who had her head down. Wordlessly, he sauntered over to the front door, opened it, and left.


    It was only then did Anastasia let out a sigh of relief. She pulled Jared into her arms, holding him close to


    ease the knots in her stomach and calm her wildly-beating heart. Simrly, Jared threw his arms around


    her in response to the embrace.


    I will never leave my son with vicious people like Erica and her mother ever again, because I¡¯d rather die


    than trust them.


    That night, she felt a chill run down her spine while watching Jared sleep. She was terrified, and she was


    sure that she would lose the will to live should anything happen to her child.


    Shey down and pulled Jared into her arms. As she curled around him protectively, she felt a sharp


    pain radiate from her knee. She let out a low hiss and found herself


    thinking about how Elliot had stayed with her for a better part of the night while she was looking


    frantically for Jared. He had be her personal driver who sped through the streets in the city and


    supported her when she swayed on her feet.


    Anastasia suddenly felt an overwhelming surge of guilt. She had treated him like how a porcupine might


    treat a stranger, and that had definitely been uncalled for. Looks like I¡¯ll have to be more amiable with


    him. Didn¡¯t he say something about wanting me to meet his grandmother? I suppose I could entertain the


    idea and make things even between us.


    That would work out for the best. She could meet with Old Madam Presgrave and dissuade the olddy


    from wanting to repay Amelia¡¯s selfless deed all those years ago. After all, Amelia had only been carrying


    out her duty as a policewoman when she sacrificed her life to save Elliot¡¯s.


    The next morning, Francis came over to the apartment with fruits and gifts in hand. This time, he came


    alone without Erica and Naomi¡¯spany. In any case, he understood that Erica had a role to y in


    allowing Jared to go missing yesterday.


    Nheless, she was still his daughter at the end of the day, and he couldn¡¯t bring himself to think of her


    as being capable of such cruelty.


    Having heard Francis¡¯ repeated apology, Anastasia finally said in constion, ¡°Just let it go, Dad. It¡¯s all


    over now, so we don¡¯t have to talk about it anymore.¡±


    Francis stopped spewing guilt-riddled words, but his eyes were filled with self-me. Even Jared was


    beginning to feel sorry for the man as he sat next to him and promised solemnly, ¡°I won¡¯t ever run away


    on my own again, Grandpa. Pinky promise.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a good kid, Jared,¡± Francis muttered, seeminglyforted as he rubbed the little boy¡¯s head.


    Meanwhile, over at the Tillman Residence, Erica was sprawled on her bed as she told Hayley aboutst


    evening¡¯s incident. On the other end of the phone, Hayley couldn¡¯t resist pointing out sourly after hearing


    the details, ¡°This won¡¯t bode well for you, Erica. I bet Anastasia¡¯s going badmouth you in front of your


    father and tell him that you allowed her son to wander off on purpose. Who knows how much of the


    family fortune you would get after this?¡±


    Erica nched upon hearing this, and a fiery anger rose from the pit of her stomach. ¡°If that b*tch so


    much as says a single bad word about me to my father, I¡¯ll give her hell for it!¡±


    ¡°She pped youst night even while your dad was watching, so I wouldn¡¯t be


    surprised if she decides to spew nonsense about you!¡± Hayley said darkly out of her spite for Anastasia.


    Erica pondered on the possibility of this and realized that there was some truth to it. Anastasia has


    probably told Dad about what a horrible person I am. It¡¯s bad enough that I barely mean anything to Dad


    as it is. He could be convinced by her and leave her everything in the family fortune while I get nothing at


    all! What should I do then?


    ¡°Anastasia won¡¯t even know what¡¯sing! I won¡¯t let her get away with this.¡± A sudden thought crossed


    her mind after she said this, and after a while, she muttered, ¡°I saw Anastasia with a manst night, and


    admittedly, he and Jared looked simr. I don¡¯t know who he is, though.¡±


    ¡°Well, what did he look like?¡± Hayley pressed, curious to know who the mysterious man in Anastasia¡¯s


    life was.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    Chapter 60


    Hayley waszing around the opulent vi, looking like the very picture of privileged insouciance with a


    morning ss of red wine in hand and an expensive nightgown draped over her frame. Spread before


    her was an indulgent br¨¨akfast that the maids had decked out earlier that morning.


    Just then, an iing call interrupted her conversation with Erica, and Hayley quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to


    you soon, Erica. I need to take another call.¡± With that, she hung up the call with Erica and put May¡¯s line


    through. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Miss Seymour, it¡¯s me, May.¡±


    ¡°You did wellst night.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Seymour. There¡¯s something important I need to tell you, though


    -Anastasia was with President Presgravest night.¡±


    The color drained from Hayley¡¯s face. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I was supposed to be writing up an evaluation report with Anastasiast night, but President Presgrave


    was there as well, and the both of them left together shortly after.¡±


    Unbridled hatred shed in Hayley¡¯s eyes as she thought seethingly, So Elliot was the man who


    apanied Anastasiast night? Could he be the man Erica was talking about?


    The one who looked a lot like Anastasia¡¯s kid? Damn it! Anastasia must have put on quite the act to earn


    his sympathy and prompt his protective side!


    Hayley had a feeling that Anastasia had set her eyes on Elliot. She wouldn¡¯t discount the possibility that


    the past five years had turned Anastasia into a greedy and shallow woman, though in all fairness, no


    woman in her right mind would turn away a fine specimen like Elliot.


    Does this mean she¡¯s trying to steal my man? Hayley gritted her teeth and vowed that she would not let


    Anastasia get away with her dirty tricks.


    That weekend, Anastasia refused to let her son out of her sight, and this continued until Monday rolled


    around.


    When she had dropped Jared off at the kindergarten and watched him skip happily through the mainThis content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    entrance, she let out a sigh of relief. Then, upon ncing at the time, she hurried off in the direction of


    thepany.


    After arriving at her office, she took a sip of water. Now that the time was past 10.00AM, she summoned


    her courage and grabbed the phone on her desk, thereafter dialing the extension line for the president¡¯s


    office.


    It wasn¡¯t long before a low and husky male voice sounded on the other line. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Anastasia. I¡­ I¡¯ve decided that I would like to meet your grandmother,¡± Anastasia said


    hesitantly, slightly fumbling with her words. After that night¡¯s event, she thought she ought to stop giving


    Elliot such a hard time.


    For a few seconds, there was nothing but silence on the other end of the phone. She thought her heart


    might drop straight through her stomach when she suddenly heard him ask in a low baritone, ¡°When are


    you free?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be free as long as it¡¯s before 3.00PM¡± she answered. She needed to pick Jared up from schoolter


    in the day, and she didn¡¯t have time tonight, either.


    ¡°Okay, then we¡¯ll go right now,¡± he said, his voice deep and alluring as he drawled each word over the


    phone.


    At that moment, it was as if Anastasia¡¯s mind had imploded. Wait, what? Right now? That¡¯s too soon!


    ¡°But I have work,¡± she said, though even she could hear how forced the excuse sounded.


    ¡°Take the morning off, then.¡±


    ¡°But I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do I have to do it for you?¡± he pressed in amusement.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll do it myself.¡± She didn¡¯t want to trouble him, and she couldn¡¯t very well risk having more


    rumors about them flying around after this.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you at the main entrance in ten minutes,¡± the man said conclusively and rather


    authoritatively before he hung up the call.


    As such, Anastasia made her way over to Felicia¡¯s office and asked for a day off, iming that her son,


    having been traumatized from the events of that night, needed herpany. Naturally, Felicia did not


    question her and agreed to her request.


    May had only just walked up to Anastasia¡¯s office when she saw thetter packing up her stuff and


    grabbing her purse to leave. She asked curiously, ¡°Are you going somewhere, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°I need to head out for a bit.¡±


    ¡°But I wrote this report and I was hoping you¡¯d go over it for me.¡±


    ¡°Just leave it on my desk!¡± Anastasia said as she brisk-walked over to the elevators. May blinked and


    hurried to catch up.


    ¡°Well, I was going down to get some tea to-go, anyway.¡±


    They were both standing at the entrance, and May was scrolling through her phone on purpose while


    she hid behind the ss door. She watched as Anastasia stepped forward at the sight of the familiar


    Rolls-Royce idling by the curb. Upon looking around to make sure that no one was watching her,


    Anastasia quickly opened the door to the passenger seat and slid into the vehicle.


    Behind the ss door, May felt her jaw drop wide open. Is Anastasia going on a date with Elliot during


    office hours? She hastily snapped a picture of the car and sent it to Hayley.


    Meanwhile, Hayley was strolling through the mall and seekingfort through mindless shopping when


    she heard the subtle beep of a new text. She pulled out her phone and clicked into the text from May,


    which read, ¡®Miss Seymour, this is a picture of Anastasia boarding President Presgrave¡¯s car. They look


    like they¡¯re going on a date!

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Chapter 61


    Hayley¡¯s good mood instantly crashed as she thought, Anastasia¡¯s getting more shameless by the day!


    She¡¯s actually seducing Elliot in broad daylight during work hours! She bit down on her lip and decided


    that it was time she resorted to desperate measures.


    Hayley gave up on her shopping, ran back to the car and started the engine. She nced at the low wall


    next to the parking lot, and without another thought, she mmed on the elerator and drove her car


    into the structure. The reaction from the impact caused Hayley to knock her head against the steering


    wheel.


    The pain that followed was so intense that she had to take several sharp breaths to snap out of it. Now


    that she crashed the car and had sufficient reason to cry, Hayley inhaled deeply and took her phone


    before dialing Elliot¡¯s number.


    At that exact moment, Elliot¡¯s phone, which was connected to the car¡¯s system, rang with an iing


    call, thereby disrupting the silence in the vehicle.


    Hayley¡¯s name appeared on the screen affixed to the dashboard. Anastasia was already feeling


    unsettled, and when she caught sight of the name, she felt even worse.


    She turned away from the screen; it seemed as though looking at the name offended de her greatly.


    Elliot hesitated upon seeing this, but he decided to answer the call


    anyway. ¡°Hey, Hayley. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I crashed the car, Elliot!¡± Hayley let out a pained whimper. ¡°I¡¯m so scared. Could youe help me,


    please?¡± She started to sob and whine for help.


    The car slowed momentarily as Elliot pressed out of concern, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°My head hurts, and I feel like I¡¯m spinning. Elliot, I need you here. It really hurts¡­¡± Hayley sobbed


    miserably.


    Sure enough, that prompted him to want to rush over to her location at once. ¡°Send me the address and


    I¡¯ll be right over.¡±


    Next to him, Anastasia snorted when she heard Hayley¡¯s voice. It¡¯s been five years since west saw


    each other, but even I have to say her damsel-in-distress act is somewhat impressive.


    Presently, Elliot hung up the call and nced at the address Hayley had sent him. He turned around and


    said to Anastasia in a low voice, ¡°Mind if we take a detour?¡±


    Anastasia shrugged in some sort of a half-hearted agreement. She figured she could go and take a look


    at the damage Hayley had done.


    Elliot steered the car toward thergest mall downtown and drove down to the third floor of the basement


    parking lot. Hayley¡¯s Porsche was still in the same state it had been in when it crashed into the wall,


    while the reckless driver herself was crouching next to the totaled car, looking as if she was trying to


    keep her head from cracking. down the middle. At that moment, she looked up and saw Elliot getting


    down from his car. She didn¡¯t seem the least bit surprised that Anastasia hade along, though.


    At once, she flew into Elliot¡¯s arms like a stunned baby bird. ¡°You¡¯re finally here, Elliot¡­¡±


    And here I was thinking that her head would be caved in and bleeding from the impact, but she¡¯s hopping


    around just fine. What a shame that the car is the only thing damaged here, Anastasia thought bitterly.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Anastasia?¡± Hayley asked, feigning surprise as she tightened her arms


    around Elliot¡¯s waist.


    Anastasia narrowed her eyes and pointed out mockingly, ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing to acknowledge you as a


    female road-user, Hayley. Did you only get your driver¡¯s license through bribery or something?¡±


    Hayley chewed on her lip and stared at Anastasia with red-rimmed eyes as she demanded, ¡°Why do you


    have to be so mean, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m being mean, am I? I thought you would have lost an arm or a leg or something from the crash.


    In fact, I was going to light up fireworks to celebrate the joyous asion of your fatal ident!¡±


    Anastasia scoffed.


    Upon hearing this, Elliot frowned and turned to shoot her a look, as though agreeing that her words were


    completely uncalled for.


    ¡°Anastasia, you..¡± Hayley¡¯s eyes turned red at that moment, and she looked like she could barely stand


    on her own feet. With a hand pped over her forehead, she swayed and stumbled into Elliot¡¯s arms.


    Possessed of lightning reflexes, he reached out and steadied her before asking frantically, ¡°What¡¯s


    wrong, Hayley?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s just putting on an act! She¡¯s perfectly fine,¡± Anastasia interjected sardonically, immediately seeing


    through Hayley¡¯s act.


    Elliot bit out darkly, ¡°Could you just stop talking for a bit, perhaps?¡±


    Anastasia chewed the inside of her cheek. Since she refused to stay and watch him coddle Hayley, she


    rolled her eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯ll get going then.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t go,¡± he called after her, stopping her in her tracks.


    She turned and gave him a long look. What, do you actually have time to bring me home to see your


    grandmother?


    Elliot looked down at Hayley and muttered, ¡°Hayley, Rey is on his way right now. I¡¯ll have him send you to


    the hospital so you can get a full check-up, okay? If the doctor says you¡¯re fine, just go back home and


    get some rest.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Chapter 62


    ¡°No, Elliot-I want you to go to the hospital with me,¡± Hayley pouted as she clutched onto Elliot¡¯s sleeve


    tightly like a child terrified of losing affection.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go with you because I still have stuff to do. Be good and let R¨¨y take you to the hospital,¡± Elliot


    cajoled patiently.


    ¡°No. I want you to go with me, or I won¡¯t go at all,¡± she whined stubbornly.


    He frowned pensively. Given that she was still in shock after the ident, it made sense for him to take


    her to the hospital and stay with her throughout the check-up. However, just as he was considering this,


    Anastasia suddenly snorted. ¡°So don¡¯t go to the hospital then, Hayley. President Presgrave and I still


    have things to do. Come on, President Presgrave, we have to get going!¡±


    Hayley¡¯s chest rose and fell erratically when she heard this, and she started trembling as she groaned, ¡°I


    feel dizzy, Elliot!¡± With that, her eyes rolled to the back of her head and her legs buckled under her. It was


    only because Elliot moved quickly enough to catch her that she did not copse onto the ground.


    He swept her into his arms and carried her into the backseat of the car, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll get you to the hospital


    now, Hayley.¡± He then addressed Anastasia, who stood firmly in ce, ¡°Could you get a ride back to the


    company?¡±


    Anastasia watched as his car sped out of the parking lot, leaving her behind. She heaved a sigh and


    headed back to thepany.


    Over at the private hospital that was run by the Presgrave Corporation, Hayley had gone through several


    tests, and it was concluded that she was fine aside from the shock and the concussion that came with


    the ident. The doctor also mentioned that she would be fine after a few days¡¯ rest.


    Elliot was presently seated by her hospital bed. Taking in the bump on her forehead and her pale face,


    he consoled her by saying, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll just have to stay here for a couple of days for observation


    purposes.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, what were you doing with Anastasia? Were you both going out for work or something?¡± Hayley


    asked as shey demurely in bed, feigning curiosity.


    He shook his head. ¡°I was going to bring her to the Presgrave Residence to meet my grandmother.¡±


    Hayley was in shock as she asked, ¡°Why do you want her to meet your grandmother?¡±


    ¡°I was kidnapped once when I was only a child, and it was Anastasia¡¯s mother who sacrificed her life to


    save mine. My grandma¡¯s been waiting to repay the deed ever since,¡± Elliot exined frankly.


    ¡°What? You were the kid Anastasia¡¯s mother saved back in the day? Anastasia and I were ssmates


    throughout elementary and high school. I heard about how her mother had died while on duty, but I didn¡¯t


    think you were the person she saved. Her mother was a selfless woman,¡± Hayley pointed out with


    admiration. ¡°I¡¯ve always looked up to her mother.¡±


    ¡°Did something happen between you and Anastasia?¡± Elliot asked curiously. He could tell that Anastasia


    harbored enmity toward Hayley to the extent that her hatred for thetter was unmistakable.


    Hayley had long since thought of an answer, and she lied with a sigh, ¡°Anastasia came to save me once


    when I was being taken advantage of, but in the end, she ended up getting assaulted instead. She¡¯s


    been holding it against me ever since.¡±


    ¡°Assaulted?¡± He nched at this, wondering if Hayley was perhaps referring to some other kind of


    assault.


    ¡°Yes. Some gigolo ended up viting her. It was because of me that she had to suffer something as


    horrible as that,¡± Hayley went on to say as tears of guilt glistened in her eyes. She buried her face in her


    hands and muttered in anguish, ¡°I could never make it up to her, not even if I were to spend the rest of


    my life trying to atone for my faults.¡±


    Elliot felt his heart leap to his throat. Anastasia was assaulted by a man before this? ¡°Are you sure she


    was.¡± The words died on his tongue as he fixed his gaze on Hayley, unwilling to ept what he had just


    heard.


    Hayley¡¯s tears streamed down her face as she nodded firmly and said, ¡°Yes, her chastity had been


    cruelly taken away from her that night against her own will. That was her first time and I¡­ She was


    assaulted because of me, and I can¡¯t ever make it up to her. She¡¯s hated me since that horrific ordeal,


    and I deserve it. I deserve to be loathed by her for the rest of this lifetime.¡±


    Just as she was saying this, Hayley thought darkly, I just need to let Elliot know that Anastasia isn¡¯t someThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    virtuous and puredy. Now, regardless of how pretty she is, she will forever be tainted goods to him!


    Elliot, on the other hand, felt as if he was caught in the aftershock of an earthquake. He was so stunned


    that his handsome features seemed frozen in ce, and his eyes were wide as he contemted what he


    had just learned.


    ¡°It¡¯s only right that she hates me. There is nothing I can do to atone for this sin of mine, Elliot. I know that


    I had the same experience as she did, but I was lucky


    Anastasia, though; she met a scoundrel who slept with her and abandoned her as soon as the deed was


    over.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean the kid belongs to that gigolo?¡± Elliot pressed in a low voice, his fist clenching where it


    rested atop his knee. I can¡¯t believe she went through something like that.

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    Chapter 63


    ¡°I have no idea. She left for abroad after that day and we lost contact with each other,¡± Hayley said slowly


    while shaking her head. Then, she looked up nervously at Elliot and urged tearfully, ¡°Elliot, you have to


    promise me not to ask Anastasia about this. I don¡¯t want you to prod into the scars of her past, okay?


    Besides, if she finds out that I was the one who told you all about what happened to her, she¡¯ll only hate


    me more.¡± ..


    Elliot knew that going through something as horrific as this was traumatizing for any woman. As such, he


    nodded and said in a fit ofpassion, ¡°I promise I won¡¯t mention a word about this to her.¡±.


    Burying her face in her hands, Hayley began to sob and snivel again, though she was actually smirking


    into her palms with the corners of her lips tipped up viinously. Now that Elliot knows of your dark past,


    would he still want someone as tainted as you, Anastasia?


    Presently, Elliot reached out to pat Hayley¡¯s shoulder. ¡°There, now-stop crying and get some rest. I¡¯ll be


    going back to the office.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go, Elliot.¡± Hayley grabbed the hem of his shirt and eyed him piteously. ¡°Can¡¯t you stay with me for


    a while longer?¡±


    He had only just risen from his seat, but now that Hayley had asked him to stay, he did as told and sat


    down once more. This made him think of that fateful night from five years ago, when he had been so out


    of his own mind that he ravished Hayley like a monster. He could still hear her sobs from that night like


    haunted, disembodied tunes in the back of his mind, and he could still feel the way she struggled to


    break free from under him. And yet, he never stopped, merely pinning her down so that he could have


    his ruthless ways with her.


    ¡°That night¡­ It was my first time as well, Elliot,¡± Hayley mumbled shyly as she looked up at him with her


    pretty eyes.


    He nodded and said gently, ¡°I know.¡± He had known, indeed, for he had noticed the drops of blood on the


    couch when he woke up after the brutal deed. The thought of this only made him want topensate


    her more.


    ¡°Elliot, I¡­ I want to keep being your woman,¡± she added boldly, abandoning all subtlety as she


    confessed her feelings for him.


    His gaze was warm and steady as he said, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about this after you get better. I have a lot of things


    going on at the moment.¡±


    She could hear the rejection behind his carefully-chosen and empty words, but that did not deter her at


    all. ¡°Elliot, please don¡¯t turn me down. I know I¡¯m not beautiful, but I¡­ I really like you.¡±


    Just then, Elliot¡¯s phone rang, and he rose to leave the room. ¡°I have to take this call.¡±


    Hayley watched as his tall and straight figure marched out of the hospital room. As she pursed her lips in


    disappointment, she still fervently believed that one day she would be his woman indeed.


    The person on the other line was Harriet, who had been waiting for a really long time for Anastasia¡¯s


    arrival. When the guest of honor never showed up, she began to grow frantic and decided to call her


    grandson for an exnation. ¡°Elliot, why isn¡¯t Miss Tillman here yet?¡±


    ¨C


    ¡°Something happened on the way, Grandma. I¡¯ll bring her over to the house tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mostly my part.¡±


    ¡°Fine, then! Bring her over tomorrow morning. Better yet, we should have lunch


    Beste together!¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll arrange for it immediately,¡± Elliot answered respectfully.


    He hung up the call and paused for a moment, then spun on his heels to return to the hospital room.


    After pushing the door open, he then said to Hayley, ¡°They need me back at the office, so I¡¯ll be going off


    now. Get plenty of rest.¡±


    Hayley dared not force him to stay, so she merely nodded obediently as she said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    With a small nod of relief, Elliot turned and left the hospital room.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia had hailed a ride back to thepany, which took up two hours of her time. As


    such, she immediately leafed through the documents and started tying up all the loose ends in the office,


    but she had barely drawn anything when her phone rang.


    She picked it up and asked, ¡°Hello, who is this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Elliot replied.


    ¡°Oh, look who¡¯s back. Did Erica decide to let you go?¡± Anastasia asked with a raise of her brow.


    ¡°I¡¯ve rescheduled your meeting with my grandmother to tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Well, then, as long as you¡¯ve spoken to her. Anyway, I have to get back to work now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to buy you and Jared dinner tonight,¡± Elliot suddenly offered.


    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Anastasia replied. She didn¡¯t feel much like entertaining him after seeing how he and


    Hayley were all huddled up today at the parking lot.


    If she had to be honest, she hated Hayley with a passion. They were both once as close as sisters, but


    clearly that friendship had been nothing more than a joke to Hayley, who did not hesitate to stab


    Anastasia in the back at first chance and push her off the cliff into a dark abyss.


    If it weren¡¯t for Jared, Anastasia didn¡¯t think she could ever be saved from the agony that followed the


    incident which left her scarred. She would¡¯ve spiraled into depression and hatred. She could still


    remember how the man¡ªthat scoundrel who


    thinking she was going to die.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

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    When the clock finally read 4.30PM, Anastasia grabbed her purse and left thepany 10 minutes


    earlier than usual, hoping to g a taxi downstairs by the pavement. However, for some reason, there


    were no taxis driving past the area.


    She was just about to walk over to the bus station nearby when a gleaming ck Rolls-Royce pulled up


    next to her soundlessly. The driver¡¯s side window rolled down to reveal the man behind the wheel, and


    he was eyeing her with his piercing gaze as he said, ¡°Get in.¡±


    Anastasia waved her hand to dismiss his offer. ¡°No, thanks.¡± She would much rather take the bus.


    Just then, the man stopped the car and opened the door. He got out of the vehicle and walked up to her,


    though she wasn¡¯t sure what he was nning to do.


    Before she could react, the man opened the car door on the passenger side before reaching out to deftly


    grab her by the wrist. Then, without another word, he shoved her into the passenger seat.


    ¡°Hey! I will not be sitting in your car, Elliot!¡± she snapped at him, having never encountered a man as


    boorish as him.


    He ignored her, and after seeing that she had reluctantly settled into her seat, he closed the door and


    pressed his key. He had locked the car door, and now that Anastasia could not escape, she watched with


    wide eyes filled with despair as the man rounded the car to slide into the driver¡¯s seat. Then, still paying


    no mind to her usatory re, he elegantly started the car and pulled away from the curb.


    Given that she didn¡¯t have time to waste now that she was runningte to pick Jared up from school, she


    decided to let this matter go. She buckled up her seat belt and pointed out exasperatedly, ¡°Just because


    you¡¯re my boss and you helped me out big time doesn¡¯t mean that you can just disrespect me like this.¡±


    ¡°I would have been more reasonable had you been more obedient,¡± Elliot said coolly as he kept his eyes


    on the road ahead.


    ¡°And what have you done to warrant my obedience?¡± she countered incredulously.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been good at handling rejection,¡± he said bluntly while throwing her a sideways nce.


    She felt the urge to scoff. As it turned out, a man like him did not appeal to reason at all. Upon deciding


    to go with another topic, she took on a snide and wicked tone as she asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s the verdict on


    your girlfriend¡¯s damages? Is she now a certified idiot?¡±


    ¡°Hayley is not my girlfriend; she¡¯s just someone I have to care for,¡± Elliot answered unaffectedly.


    Anastasia scoffed. ¡°Go on, you can admit that you¡¯re seeing her romantically. I saw how you guys were


    hugging and all that.¡±


    ¡°That is between me and her,¡± he said while frowning. For some reason, he wasn¡¯t in the mood to dissect


    the details of his rtionship with Hayley.


    ¡°Fine, then! You slept with her, didn¡¯t you?¡± Anastasia wasted no time in going straight to the point.


    He stiffened at this, and he turned away from her slightly as though to physically evade the question.


    ¡°Do you not know if you¡¯ve slept with her?¡± she pressed, not wanting to let the matter drop. Is he actually


    trying to show how good and innocent he is in front of me? Why won¡¯t he just admit that they¡¯ve totally


    screwed each other?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about this,¡± he replied firmly.


    ¡°Come on, own up to your dirty deeds,¡± Anastasia chided with a snort. ¡°You men are all trash.¡±


    However, he did not get riled up by this, for he knew that her hostility toward men was founded in good


    reason. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t generalize us that way,¡± he managedmely for argument¡¯s sake.


    Anastasia chewed on her lip and decided to keep quiet. She had thought about herself and her own


    predicament. At the very least, Elliot was willing to take care of Hayley after sleeping with her, which


    meant he was a man of principle. As for the scoundrel who ruined me five years ago, I hope he rots in


    hell!


    They soon pulled up in front of the school gates. Anastasia got down from the car and went into the


    kindergarten to pick Jared up while Elliot waited by the entrance. It didn¡¯t take long for her to return with


    her son in tow, and after she opened the door to the backseat for the kid, he greeted politely, ¡°Hello, Mr.


    Presgrave.¡±


    Elliot turned to assess the little one who looked adorable and proper in his school


    uniform. He couldn¡¯t help wondering how his life would be more perfect if he had a son around Jared¡¯s


    age, and he suddenly felt a surge of envy for Anastasia.


    Having already made a reservation at the restaurant, Elliot began to drive toward the establishment


    In the backseat, Jared was telling his mother about everything that had happened today, and his greatest


    aplishment of the day was being crowned first ce in eating. Anastasia was ted when she


    heard this and kissed him gently on the forehead. ¡°Good job, my darling! Keep it up.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Jared replied earnestly with a nod.


    After they were led to their table at the restaurant, Elliot swiftly ordered the dishes. Throughout dinner,


    Anastasia kept an eye on Jared at all times, making sure that he ate without making a mess. She was a


    mother, after all, and it was part of her maternal instincts to ignore her own dinner while making sure her


    son ate well; she would worry incessantly otherwise.


    At a table not too far away from theirs sat a youngdy of nobility whose gaze flickered over to them


    every once in a while, and she even took out her phone to snap a few pictures of Elliot and hispany.


    As it turned out, this youngdy happened to be the one who had humiliated Anastasia during the


    jewelry exhibition the other day. The youngdy had be fast friends with Hayley, who grew popr


    among the rest of the youngdies of the upper-crust society after she made a name for herself as


    Elliot¡¯s date and subsequently became a medium through which the elites intended to climb the social


    ladder.


    The youngdy had noticed Anastasia right off the bat, for she had been jealous of Anastasia ever since


    the jewelry exhibition. He took particr care of her during the exhibition, and now he¡¯s having dinner


    with her in private too. Who is that child, though? Could he be Elliot¡¯s nephew? Judging by their strong


    resemnce, they have to be rted somehow!This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 65


    The youngdy took a few more pictures and sent then all to Hayley with a caption that read, ¡®Miss


    Seymour, you may want to keep a close eye on your man because this woman here is trying to seduce


    him!


    Hayley was lounging in her hospital room and scrolling through videos on her phone when she clicked


    into the new text. When she saw the pictures of Anastasia and Elliot, her eyes widened in disbelief while


    anger rose in her chest. Anastasia is on a date with Elliot with her son in tow!


    She wondered furiously if it meant Anastasia intended to have Elliot be her son¡¯s new father. A


    single mother like Anastasia had little to no prospects on the marriage market, and she could very well


    be using Amelia¡¯s sacrifice from all those years ago to trap Elliot in a marriage in the guise of repaying a


    selfless deed. Not only that, she¡¯s trying to get Elliot to ept her son as well!


    Hayley thought she had already seen through Anastasia¡¯s plot, and she swore she would not let the


    latter seed.


    It looked like it was time for her to approach Elliot¡¯s family and let them know that she had given up her


    chastity just to get Elliot out of a tight spot as well.


    Meanwhile, under the lights of the restaurant, Elliot was practically glimmering with elegance as he


    sipped on his red wine, the shadows and lights interying over his delicately-chiseled features.


    He looked up and gazed at Jared from across the table. At that moment, he had a sudden feeling that he


    and this boy met under the most particr of circumstances, which inevitably led to his affection for the


    little boy.


    Likewise, Jared felt the same thing. He had only met Elliot on a few asions, but he inexplicably


    warmed to him and found him very much like a safe harbor. As far as he was concerned, Elliot was a


    man he could trust.


    Jared was only a child, and for a child to feel safe around someone they did not live with was a rare


    situation indeed.


    After dinner that evening, Elliot dropped them off at the apartment. Anastasia held Jared by the hand and


    helped him down from the car before turning to address Elliot, ¡°Thank you for this evening.¡±


    With that, she led Jared away from the car and toward the apartment.


    Just then, Jared suddenly piped up, ¡°Mommy, since Mr. Presgrave bought us dinner, shouldn¡¯t we at


    least have him up to the house for tea?¡±


    Anastasia froze. She had no intention of asking the man to drop by her house for a cup of tea, but now


    that Jared had mentioned it, it would seem rude of her not to extend an invitation to Elliot. ¡°Would you


    like toe up for a cup of tea?¡± she asked, having turned around to ask the man in the driver¡¯s seat.


    She had assumed that he would say no, what with his busy schedule and all. It was only a matter of


    courtesy on her part to ask him to stay for a cup of tea, and it was the only way she could get her kid off


    her back about being a polite host.


    However, she most certainly did not expect Elliot to turn off the car engine and emerge from the driver¡¯s


    seat. His straight and tall silhouette came down from the car and walked up to the entrance. ¡°I suppose I


    could do with a cup of tea,¡± he said as he approached them. All of a sudden, Anastasia felt pressured as


    she took in his towering figure. I shouldn¡¯t have asked, she thought darkly while regretting her decision.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you can drop by my house for a ss of water!¡± Jared offered with a happy jump like he


    was in a pantomime.


    And just like that, Anastasia brought the man home. She rummaged through the cab for a spare cup,


    but when she could find none, she resorted to filling Jared¡¯s cup with water. When she handed the mug


    with the cartoon printed on it to Elliot, she said, ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind using my son¡¯s cup.¡±


    The man wasn¡¯t bothered in the slightest as he took the cup and drank from it. Meanwhile, the little one


    was building bricks next to the couch. He nced over at the boxes of toys stacked up on the couch, and


    at first nce, none of them looked cheap.


    Elliot immediately guessed that the toys had been bought by Nigel. Without dwelling on it, he turned his


    attention on Jared, who seemed engrossed in building bricks, and the somber gleam in his eyes


    disappeared as a look of warmpassion reced it.


    Meanwhile, it looked like it was going to rain soon. Anastasia was bringing in theundry from the


    balcony, but just as she was making her way across the living room, a pink piece of clothing fell out of the


    heap in her arms. She didn¡¯t notice this, but Elliot, with his eagle eyes, did.


    The pink fabric that had fallen wasdies¡¯ underwear.


    He rose from the couch and grabbed the flimsy garment off the ground. Then, he


    headed into the room after Anastasia and said, ¡°Hey, you dropped this.¡±


    She turned around, and her pretty eyes widened by a fraction when she registered her underwear


    hanging on the tip of Elliot¡¯s finger. She hurried over and snatched the garment out of his grip, blushing


    as she muttered, ¡°Thanks.¡±


    At that moment, a purple streak of lightning shed across the dark sky, and this was followed by a


    deafening p of thunder.


    A childish scream sounded from the living room as Jared cried out, ¡°Mommy!¡± He had abandoned his toy


    bricks and had both his hands pped over his ears, looking terrified.


    Elliot instantly walked back to the couch and scooped the little boy into his arms, drawing the child close.


    The little one was pressed into Elliot¡¯s well-toned chest, shrinking into the man¡¯s embrace as he hid from


    the thunder.


    When Anastasia hastily walked out of the room, she was greeted by the sight of Elliot protectively


    holding Jared close.


    Another loud crack of thunder echoed in the sky, and this time, a torrential downpour followed. The gray


    tes of rain showered across the balcony, and just as Anastasia was assessing the weather beyond the


    window, a white lightning tore through the sky ferociously. The thunder that came after was loud and


    violent, causing Anastasia to instinctively cover her ears. She seemed to shrink into herself, looking


    terrified as well.


    At that exact moment, Jared clutched tightly onto Elliot, equally terrified. It was then that Elliot realized


    with a tug of his heartstrings how the fear for thunderstorms was clearly a shared trait between mother


    and son.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

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    Chapter 66


    The downpour didn¡¯t look like it would stop anytime soon. Looking over at the man on the couch,


    Anastasia offered, ¡°I¡¯ll get you an umbre right away.¡±


    However, Elliot eyed her in mild amusement as he said matter-of-fa?tly, ¡°I¡¯m staying here for the night.¡±


    Stunned, she blinked at him for a moment and asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because Jared needs me.¡± As if to make a point, Elliot stroked Jared¡¯s head with hisrge palm like he


    was some kind of guardian deity, and the little one looked up at him with an imploring expression and


    begged, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, Mommy and I are terrified of lightning and thunder, so can you please stay with


    us and keep us safe for the night?¡±


    Anastasia immediately interjected, ¡°Absolutely not, Jared. I¡¯m more than capable of keeping you safe


    during the storm.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re terrified of thunder too, Mommy!¡± Jared argued, mercilessly calling her bluff.


    ¡°I am not. I¡¯m just¡ª¡± She was about to make her case when the universe, determined to prove her


    wrong, called upon yet another bout of lightning that slithered past the sky and tore through the night. As


    always, this was followed by another violent p of thunder.


    She shuddered, flinching as she sped her hands to her ears quickly.


    She waited out the thunder and looked at Elliot, and she did not miss the amusement glittering in his


    eyes. Flushing, she mumbled through gritted teeth, ¡°Bottom line is that you can¡¯t stay here. It isn¡¯t the


    most convenient for any of us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go as soon as the thunder stops,¡± he insisted.


    At the sight of how tightly Jared was clinging onto Elliot, Anastasia nodded and said in resignation, ¡°Fine,


    then. You can¡¯t go back to your car anyway, what with the storm outside.¡±


    She then left him in the living room with Jared and headed back into her bedroom. When she saw the


    undergarment that he had retrieved earlier, she was seized with the urge to kick herself. Of all the things


    to drop from the pile ofundry, it just had to be underwear!


    The thunder was relentless, and the storm outside the window raged on. There was even a weather alert


    that urged everyone to stay safe because it was likely that the thunderstorm would go on for the rest of


    the night.


    Anastasia thought grimly, Surely I can¡¯t let the man stay here for the whole night? If everyone finds out


    that we spent the night together at my ce, the rumor mill will have a field day churning out gossip!


    More importantly, she wasn¡¯t exactly staying at the most amodating of abodes. With the apartment¡¯s


    limited space, she didn¡¯t have an extra room to put Elliot in, and the only beds here were hers and


    Jared¡¯s.


    As it gotter and the thunder finally waned in its ferocity, Jared was dragged into the bathroom by his


    mother so that he could wash up for bed. A whileter, Anastasia emerged from the room with a better


    part of her clothes sttered by bathwater. . Having settled Jared in the living room, she decided to hop


    into the bath herself.


    Just then, Anastasia¡¯s phone beeped with a new message. Jared immediately grabbed her phone and


    keyed in the pin before reading the text. ¡°It¡¯s a message from Mr. Nigel!¡± he dered in pleasant surprise.


    Elliot narrowed his eyes as he bent to read Nigel¡¯s message, which was clearly penned out of concern as


    it read, ¡®Anastasia, are you and Jared alright? Do you need me to go over and keep you guyspany?¡¯


    Jared had no idea how to reply to a text, so he set the phone down and busied himself with his Legos


    once more. Elliot reached for the pink phone, and with his long fingers clutching the device, he typed out


    the reply, ¡®No need!


    However, that did not deter Nigel from his enthusiastic efforts. ¡®You know I¡¯m just worried about you and


    Jared, Anastasia. I¡¯lle over right now, how about that?¡¯


    ¡®No, you can¡¯t. It isn¡¯t suitable for you to drop by right now, came Elliot¡¯s reply as his gaze darkened.


    ¡®Why won¡¯t it be suitable? I stayed over at your ce plenty of times while we were abroad, remember?¡¯


    Elliot¡¯s face was as stormy as the sky outside as he thought, Which base did they get to? Have they hit a


    home run?


    Before he could reply, yet another text came from Nigel. ¡®Anastasia, all you need to do is say yes and I¡¯d


    be more than happy to take care of you and Jared for life. I¡¯d stand guard over the both of you, and my


    embrace will be the safest harbor for you This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    both


    Seeing his cousin¡¯s heartfelt confession made Elliot want to die inside. He cringed and tossed the phone


    to the empty space next to him on the couch, refusing to read any more.


    He rose and appraised the apartment with mild interest. When he came to Jared¡¯s bedroom, he perused


    the photographs on the table, one of which was a picture of Anastasia and Nigel. Jared was propped up


    on Nigel¡¯s shoulders, and anyone who didn¡¯t know any better would think it was a family photo.


    Elliot¡¯s gaze darkened. Just then, Jared shuffled tiredly into the room, rubbing his eyes as he muttered, ¡°I


    want to go to bed, Mr. Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡± Elliot crouched down and scooped Jared into his arms. As though he was being pulled into


    a motherly embrace, Jared let out a small yawn and fell asleep while Elliot cradled him.


    Anastasia had washed her hair and blow-dried it before she emerged from the bathroom, only to see her


    son sound asleep while resting on Elliot¡¯s shoulder.


    She froze, for she had truly put Elliot through too much trouble this evening. He had be an


    impromptu babysitter in the span of a few hours.


    Upon noticing her approaching figure, Elliot put a finger to his lips, making a shushing motion to warn


    Anastasia not to make a sound or she would wake the sleeping child. She knew what he was saying and


    pointed at Jared¡¯s room before whispering, ¡°Here, I¡¯ll carry him over to his bed.¡±


    Elliot followed Anastasia into the room while cradling the little boy, whereupon she plucked Jared


    carefully out of his arms. The sudden close proximity between them allowed Elliot to take a whiff of her


    pleasant fresh-out-of-the-shower scent, and he couldn¡¯t help stiffening like an electric current had just


    gone through him.


    A sudden primal urge seized him as he registered her natural and deadly charisma, and he felt his heart


    skip a beat.

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    Chapter 67


    Elliot felt like he was in a trance as he watched Anastasia hold Jared close to her before settling the little


    boy down into bed.


    Jared was probably so exhausted that the moment his head hit the pillow, he immediately wriggled to


    find afortable position and slept¡­.


    Having tucked her son in, Anastasia turned and gestured for Elliot to leave the room quietly.


    He did as he was told and took long strides to get out of the room with Anastasia in his wake. After


    closing the door behind her, she let out a small sigh and said, ¡°Thanks for tonight.¡±


    ¡°How will you thank me?¡± he asked, his voice low and maic as he eyed her curiously.


    She frowned, and there was a bewildered look in her pretty eyes as she thought, How else can I thank


    him other than to literally say thank you¡¯? ¡°Uh¡­ I could buy you a meal or something if you¡¯d like?¡± she


    guessed, unsure if that was what he had been angling for.


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need for that,¡± he said dismissively.


    She let out a breath of relief. Good, because I don¡¯t have the time anyway.


    Her phone vibrated just then, and they both turned to nce at the phone lying on the coffee table. Even


    from this distance, Elliot could see the caller ID on the phone screen; it was a call from Nigel.


    Anastasia went over to pick up the phone. The only private space she had in the small apartment was


    her own bedroom, which was where she went in to take the call, though she left the door ajar.


    ¡°Hello, Nigel. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, let me go and stay with you for the night!¡± Nigel offered cheerily and relentlessly on the other


    line.


    ¡°Why would you do that? Don¡¯t you see how the weather is brutal out there? You¡¯ll be soaked before you


    even get into the car!¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m really worried about you and Jared. You¡¯re both terrified of thunderstorms.¡±


    Anastasia felt her heart squeeze as she remembered that Elliot was still lingering around the apartment.


    She hastily replied, ¡°No, no, don¡¯te over. Jared and I are about to call it a day anyway. Okay, that¡¯s


    all. Bye!¡±


    With that, she hung up the phone and turned around, only to jump when she saw that Elliot¡¯s unhallowed


    presence had suddenly materialized in her bedroom. Not to mention, he was standing right behind her,


    gazing down at the woman like he was assessing her.


    ¡°President Presgrave, you-¡°She blinked her wide eyes at him. Heaven¡¯s sake, why did he have to scare


    me like that?


    ¡°Have you slept with Nigel?¡± Elliot demanded tactlessly.


    She gaped at him, rendered speechless by his question. Doesn¡¯t he know it¡¯s rude to pry? She didn¡¯t


    think he had a right to inquire into her personal life, but she was frank nheless as she answered,


    ¡°No, why?¡±


    ¡°How intimate have you been with him?¡± he pressed, as if he simply must get to the bottom of this


    pertinent matter.


    Anastasia decided to be patient with him on ount of all the help he had given her thus far. ¡°We


    hugged as friends, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re asking.¡±


    ¡°Have you kissed?¡± he asked, getting more specific with each question.


    She blinked, as if unable to process what was going on at the moment. Why should I tell him everything


    just because he asked? Also, this guy is definitely getting more dangerous with each passing minute. I


    can¡¯t have him stay here any longer! With a small smile, she pointed out, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, President


    Presgrave. Maybe you should be getting back.¡±


    He stared at her for a long while. She had only just showered, and she smelled clean, fragrant and


    particrly alluring. He narrowed his eyes all of a sudden, and he could feel his primal urges taking over


    his reasoning faculty as he eyed her like how a predator might eye its prey.


    Anastasia had only just brushed past him when his arm darted out and grabbed her around the waist.


    She staggered backward out of surprise and ended up tripping over his foot. In a tangle of legs and


    arms, they fell onto the bed with him on top of her.


    For one still moment, her breath intermingled with the testosterone in the air. Just as she was about to


    say something in protest, Elliot cupped her face and pressed his lips


    against hers, sealing her voicepletely. She let out a muffled whimper as her mind turned nk.


    Against her own volition, she felt her veins thrum with a buzz akin to a mild electric current; her body was


    actually caving into his kiss.


    Elliot¡¯s kiss was daring and aggressive. He offered her no room for negotiation nor air as he tasted her.


    At the same time, his broad and well-built frame pinned the breath out of her. Anastasia could do nothing


    but let him have his way with her, and it wasn¡¯t until she sensed the danger of this that she felt her


    senses rush back to her. Her eyes flew open, and as she glowered at him, she pushed him away hard.


    He finally released her, and as the tips of their noses brushed and the lines of vision met, the air seemed


    to grow thick with tension. They were both panting with the heat of the moment washing over them.


    She began to bite out through gritted teeth, ¡°Let me go, Elliot. I¡¯m warning you¡ª¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Chapter 68


    Elliot cut her off by pushing the t of his finger against Anastasia¡¯s parted lips and muttered hoarsely,


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too loud or you¡¯ll wake the kid.¡±


    Anastasia immediately fell silent, but when she saw the wicked amusement in his eyes, she went on to


    push him.


    When he got off her, she couldn¡¯t help noticing the sudden change in him from the waist down. This


    made her flush as she thought, Oh, for heaven¡¯s sake, must he be so obvious?


    Elliot was frustrated as well, and there was a pained look on his handsome face as he drawled in a low


    and husky voice, ¡°I¡¯ll get going, then.¡±


    Without another word, Anastasia mbered off the bed and went over to open the front door for him.


    She watched him leave and vowed never to let him past the threshold ever again. She knew now how


    dangerous Elliot could get; there was a beast in him that could attack at any given moment.


    Presently, the rain had yet to stop, and it wasn¡¯t until after Elliot had gone out of sight that Anastasia


    realized she had not given him an umbre. He had parked his car some distance away from the


    apartment, and at this rate, he would be soaked before he got to his car. She was about to sympathize


    with him when she figured that he needed to cool off under the rain, what with the abrupt and heated


    moment they had shared just minutes ago.


    Meanwhile, over at the hospital, Hayley was tortured by the thought of Anastasia and Elliot hanging out


    together. That girl probably has some trick up her sleeve that she¡¯ll use to seduce Elliot. With that in


    mind, Hayley barreled out of the hospital that same night.


    It was dawn when Hayley called the number of the driver Elliot had assigned to her. The driver was


    supposed to ensure that she was safely driven from one point to another.


    ¡°Mr. Connell, can I ask if you know where the Presgrave Residence is?¡± Hayley asked as soon as she


    boarded the vehicle.


    ¡°Do you wish to drop by the Presgrave Residence, Miss Seymour?¡± Bruce asked, surprised.


    ¡°Yes, please drop me off there. It¡¯s an emergency,¡± she said imperiously.


    Bruce had seen how kind and gracious Elliot treated Hayley, so he did not question her as he pulled


    away from the curb, thereafter driving over to the Presgrave Residence.


    Half an hourter, Hayley found herself standing before an opulent manor fronted by elegant columns.


    She swallowed. When it came to the heart of the city, real estate was scarce and expensive, and to own


    such a stately home here took more than just wealth.


    In fact, it took real power. Hayley suddenly realized how little she knew about the Presgrave Family;


    everything she knew about Elliot she had gleaned from magazines and newspapers as well as


    introductory pieces from the media. Now that she was standing here and taking in the grandeur of his


    family home, she felt her ambition grow.


    She wanted more than anything to be the mistress of this fine home. She wanted to live here and


    be Elliot¡¯s wife.


    Hayley still had two brothers who came after her, and her position in her own family had always been


    overshadowed by her male siblings. She had spent her whole life frantically trying to escape that life.


    She would always be overlooked, be it at home or in society, and she lusted after a life of indulgence and


    luxury. She wanted to make something on her own, or have power to wield.


    As of now, she had a shortcut to achieving her dreams, and she would do all that she could to hold on to


    it.


    She would not hesitate to cut down those who got in her way-more specifically, Anastasia and her son.


    With renewed determination, Hayley squared her shoulders and rang the bell next to the side door. A


    maid came up to the door and spoke through it, asking politely, ¡°Are you looking for someone, miss?¡±.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m here to see Old Madam Presgrave,¡± Hayley replied. She had read from the papers that Old


    Madam Presgrave, Elliot¡¯s grandmother, was the matriarch of the family.


    ¡°Could you please fill in your details here? We¡¯ll let you in after we¡¯ve verified your


    identity.¡± The maid handed her a clipboard with a form on it.


    Hayley did as she was told and even handed over her identity card. After waiting outside for ten minutes


    or so, she was finally allowed to pass through the door.


    At that moment, Harriet was having breakfast in an elegant pavilion when she heard that a young woman


    wanted to see her. Stunned, she wondered briefly if the woman in question was Anastasia. ¡°Is it Miss


    Tillman?¡±


    ¡°No, Old Madam Presgrave. It¡¯s ady by the name of Hayley Seymour; she said that she¡¯s a friend of


    Young Master Elliot.¡±


    Elegantly dabbing the corners of her lips, Harriet said, ¡°Send her in!¡±


    Not long after, she was greeted by the sight of a young woman who had followed the maid through to the


    pavilion. Harriet had initially nned on seeing Anastasia today, but this unexpected guest certainly had


    her guessing. Who in the world is this girl?This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 69


    Chapter 69


    Hayley looked at Harriet with her gray hair, which gave off an aura of a domineering matriarch of the


    house. Thus, she didn¡¯t dare to misbehave in front of the old madam. Soon, she walked up to Harriet and


    politely greeted her. ¡°Greetings, Old Madam Presgrave. My name is Hayley Seymour. I¡¯m your


    grandson¡¯s girlfriend.¡±


    Harriet frowned and asked in surprise, ¡°You¡¯re Elliot¡¯s girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Well, Elliot and I haven¡¯t dated long enough for me to drop by and say hi, so I¡¯m sorry about that, Old


    Madam Presgrave.¡± Hayley acted like she was beating herself up.


    Harriet had always known that Elliot didn¡¯t like her arrangements, which made her wonder whether


    Hayley was behind the reason why her grandson didn¡¯t want to marry Anastasia. ¡°Hayley, can you tell me


    how you came to know Elliot?¡± The old madam sized Hayley up, noticing her ordinary appearance as


    she was also able to tell that Hayley wasn¡¯t from a wealthy family.


    However, the biggest question that bothered her was whether Elliot was dating Hayley.


    When Hayley kept her head down and pursed her lips in silence, a curious Harriet then asked, ¡°What¡¯s


    wrong? Why are you being so quiet?¡±


    Hayley bit her lips and looked at the old madam. ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°Why? What could be embarrassing? Just tell me the story.¡± Harriet¡¯s curiosity grew even stronger.


    Hayley then pretended to muster her courage and shared about the incident that happened five years


    ago with Harriet. Since she was able to guess how Anastasia and Elliot¡¯s intimacy had happened, she


    managed to tell the story, as if she was the one who experienced it herself. Upon hearing Hayley¡¯s story,


    Harriet was left with her eyes wide open as she couldn¡¯t believe her grandson was responsible for taking


    away ady¡¯s virginity


    ¡°The watch was the clue that helped Elliot look for me before he told me he¡¯ll make it up to me for the


    rest of his life.¡±


    Harriet¡¯s eyes were filled with sympathy after she heard Hayley¡¯s story. After all, she reckoned Hayley


    deserved her sympathy for having sacrificed her virginity in exchange for her grandson¡¯s life. ¡°Hayley, I¡¯dThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    like to apologize to you on Elliot¡¯s


    behalf. Besides, I¡¯ll see that he makes it up to you.¡±


    The old madam ced herself in Hayley¡¯s shoes and was able to empathize with the youngdy as a


    woman herself. Well, Hayley was probably 19 when that happened to her. That was when ady was in


    her golden years, yet something like this befell her. I bet she must have suffered from it a lot.


    ¡°Have you had breakfast, girl?¡± she asked in a concerned manner.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t¡­¡± Hayley shook her head.


    ¡°Somebody! Please prepare breakfast.¡± Harriet ordered her maids while Hayley kept her head down with


    acent look that shed across her face. Deep down, she believed the positive change in Harriet¡¯s


    attitude was a sign that her ce was getting more important in the Presgrave Family.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was going through some files in her office at Bourgeois when her phone rang. She


    then picked it up and asked, ¡°Hello, who is speaking?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you at the door. Get down here now,¡± Elliot spoke with a voice so deep and charismatic


    that no other man could speak like him.


    She held her breath for a split second when memories of the man forcefully kissing her vividly haunted


    her and flooded her mind. At the thought of that, she felt reluctant to see Elliot. Thus, she turned the


    man¡¯s invitation down. ¡°I¡¯m busy today, so I¡¯m not going to your grandmother¡¯s house.¡±


    ¡°Are you going toe down, or do I have to go up there to get you myself? Take your pick,¡± the man


    replied unhappily.


    Anastasia bit her lips, realizing it wasn¡¯t right for her to renege on her words. Therefore, she packed her


    stuff and grabbed her purse before leaving the office. When she arrived downstairs, she was greeted by


    the sight of a ck sedan. Then, she opened the car door and sat inside as the man wearing a ck suit


    gave off an intimidating aura.


    Not long after Anastasia entered the car, she looked the other way and set her eyes outside the window


    while feeling a rush of adrenaline all over her body as soon as she recalled Elliot¡¯s unexpected reaction


    the night before.


    On the other hand, Elliot fixed his gaze on thedy¡¯s nk while starting the car engine and driving away


    from thepany. For the next few moments, the car¡¯s interior was shrouded in silence until he


    suddenly elerated on the highway. Frightened by that, she anxiously held onto her seatbelt and


    screamed in horror,


    ¡°Elliot, the speed limit here is 50 miles per hour!¡±

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    Chapter 70


    What is this man doing? Is he trying to show off how fast his car can go by speeding all the way from 30


    miles to 70 miles?! Man, this is giving me a heart attack!


    Elliot curled his lips into a smile before he said, ¡°I thought you were mute.¡±


    Anastasia looked back at Elliot, feeling annoyed that the man sounded like he was cursing her. ¡°You¡¯re


    the mute here,¡± she retorted.


    Nheless, Elliot wasn¡¯t angry but he was instead amused with Anastasia¡¯s response as he reacted


    with an even wider grin. As the car slowed down on the road, she decided not to entertain him anymore


    and kept quiet until they arrived at the Presgrave Residence.


    Upon looking up, she was greeted by the sight of the magnificent-looking gate in front of the mansion. It


    was then that she finally realized how wealthy and powerful Elliot was when she linked it to what she


    heard from the media that no one could urately estimate how much his fortune was worth. After all,


    what they had discovered about Elliot¡¯s fortune was merely just a tip of the iceberg.


    Soon, Anastasia quickly fixed her attire, hoping to present her best self in front of Harriet.


    In the meantime, Elliot walked through the door with Anastasia following right behind him, as if they were


    entering a garden in a royal pce with all kinds of expensivendscape and rare nt species around


    the area. Meanwhile, Harriet was talking with Hayley when she heard about Elliot¡¯s arrival from the maid.


    While Harriet told Hayley to excuse herself, Hayley seized the opportunity to ask the maid, ¡°Did Elliot


    bring Miss Tillman along with him?¡±


    ¡°You know Anastasia, Hayley?¡± A stunned Harriet turned and brought up her puzzlement to Hayley.


    ¡°Yeah, I do. She was my good friend when we were in primary and high school.¡± Hayley smiled and


    added, ¡°We subsequently drifted apart from each other due to some misunderstanding, though.¡±


    ¡°Does she know what happened between you and Elliot?¡± Harriet asked.


    ¡°Yes, she does.¡± Hayley nodded.


    Harriet let out a sigh, finding it hard to believe that Hayley, thedy who gave her


    virginity to Elliot, was the former schoolmate of Anastasia whose mother had saved her grandson¡¯s life. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    When Elliot and Anastasia showed up at the parlor¡¯s door, the man was stunned at the sight of Hayley


    sitting beside his grandmother because he had no idea she would be there. At the same time, Anastasia


    couldn¡¯t find Hayley¡¯s presence any more annoying as her eyes filled with bigotry and hatred whenever


    she saw Haytey in front of her.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Elliot approached Hayley, looking like he was interrogating her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Elliot. I just wanted to meet your family, so.¡± Hayley bit her lips and looked down like she was


    afraid of being scolded.


    On the other hand, he fixed his gaze on her face, thinking that she must have said something she


    shouldn¡¯t have to Harriet.


    ¡°Here you are, Miss Tillman. Pleasee in and have a seat.¡± Harriet could barely hide her liking for


    Anastasia.


    Anastasia politely greeted the old madam. ¡°Good day, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Miss Tillman, I¡¯ve been looking forward to meeting you. Now that we are standing here face to face, you


    look even prettier than I imagine!¡± Harrietplimented Anastasia, indirectly expressing her liking for the


    latter.


    On the other hand, Hayley, who was watching their interaction, couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous of Anastasia


    due to the notion that the Presgrave Family was in Anastasia¡¯s debt because her mother had saved


    Elliot. For that, Hayley wished she could swap ces with Anastasia and im her ce as the Young


    Mistress of the Presgrave Family.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Anastasia,¡± Hayley greeted Anastasia.


    Anastasia only gazed at her coldly before turning her attention to Harriet. ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, we¡¯d


    like to speak to you in private.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Elliot squinted as he wondered whether Anastasia was going to turn down his


    grandmother¡¯s favor.


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯d like to have a word with you, anyway.¡± Harriet seized Anastaisa¡¯s hand. ¡°Come. Let¡¯s sit down


    and talk.¡±


    Soon, Anastasia and Harriet made their way to the garden outside the living room


    where there was afortable couch with some beautiful scenery. Not long after that, the maid


    thoughtfully served the twodies with some fruits and pastries. ¡°Here: is your tea, Miss Tillman.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Old Madam Presgrave.¡± Anastasia raised her teacup and took a sip of the tea that was


    radiating a pleasant aroma.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, I¡¯ve been wanting to thank you for the time when your mother saved my grandson back


    then. While I¡¯m sad about your mother¡¯s passing, I¡¯ve actually been trying to look for a chance to make it


    up to you and your family,¡± a sincere Harriet said.


    Sensing Harriet¡¯s guilt, Anastasia shook her head and replied, ¡°Please don¡¯t take it to heart, Old Madam


    Presgrave. My mom saved your grandson because it was the right thing for her to do.¡±


    ¡°Girl, I want you to know that the Presgrave Family will always be your second home as long as you


    don¡¯t mind it. Meanwhile, I would like to be your grandmother and do my best to take care of you and


    your son,¡± Harriet tearfully noted.

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    Chapter 71


    Anastasia was grateful upon hearing Harriet¡¯s kind intention, but nheless, she shook her head firmly.


    ¡°You have no idea how thankful I am to know that you¡¯ve never forgotten about my mother, but I don¡¯t


    need you to repay me any favor. In fact, I only came here to say hello, not to ept any kind of offer.¡±


    An agitated Harriet seized Anastasia¡¯s hand. ¡°Girl, your mother is gone, which makes it my responsibility


    to take care of you. Please! Let me treat you as my granddaughter.¡±


    Anastasia had no one else in her family other than her father ever since her grandparents passed away.


    Therefore, she couldn¡¯t help but feel touched in the face of Harriet¡¯s benevolent smile.


    ¡°Girl, just think of me as your rtive whom you can visit once in a while, okay? I know you and your


    mother are both righteousdies, and I¡¯m not asking for a lot because all I ever want is for you to live


    happily and peacefully.¡± Harriet sincerely gazed at Anastasia while looking forward to hearing her


    answer.


    Soon, Anastasia eventually surrendered because she had no idea how to turn down the old madam.


    Although it was her first time meeting Harriet, she somehow had an intimate feeling that she hadn¡¯t felt


    for a long time. Thinking that she was blessed and fortunate to have a grandmother like Harriet,


    Anastasia nodded and responded, ¡°Alright, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    Then, Harriet smiled happily and replied, ¡°Great! Then, I have one more granddaughter now.¡±


    ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, it¡¯s time for you to take your medication now.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah! I still have to take my medication, Anastasia. Please take a seat first or take a walk around the


    garden. I¡¯lle to youter.¡±


    ¡°Sure, please go ahead and take your medication.¡± Anastasia nodded and watched Harriet leave, making


    her way to the garden as she was reluctant to head to the living room because she didn¡¯t want to see


    Hayley¡¯s face.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was showing Hayley around the Presgrave Residence when they took a stroll in the


    garden. Then, he stared at her face with his piercing gaze and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that youProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    came to visit Grandma, Hayley?¡±


    Nheless, little did Elliot know that Hayley was actually just doing what she could


    to protect her interest because she wanted to keep her position level with Anastasia. If she is going to


    make the Presgrave Family pay her back, I¡¯m going to earn their approval to even the odds.


    ¡°I¡¯m in love with you, Elliot. I want to take things further with you.¡± Hayley gazed at the man with


    admiration as shepletely bared her heart.


    ¡°Hayley, I¡¯ll make it up to you by giving youfort and money,¡± Elliot answered gently, knowing clearly


    what he was doing. Deep down, he was sure that he would only make it up to her withoutpromising


    his rtionship status.


    Meanwhile, Hayley was about to tell that he had been treating her really welltely by giving her


    everything she wanted, but unfortunately, she wanted more than that. ¡°Elliot, are you in love with


    Anastasia?¡± She looked up and asked, her eyes filled with resentment and bigotry.


    Nheless, Elliot only squinted without giving her an answer.


    Hayley pretended to smile bitterly. ¡°Well, Anastasia hates me, especially now that she knows we were


    once together before. Furthermore, she was vited in the past, which left her scarred and distrustful


    toward men.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s face froze for a few seconds. Deep down, he somehow didn¡¯t like to hear anything about


    Anastasia with any other man. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough,¡± the man replied, appearing a little absent-minded.


    At that moment, she suddenly caught a glimpse of a silhouetteing in their direction from behind the


    bushes and quickly realized it was Anastasia. Thus, she immediately copsed into Elliot¡¯s embrace on


    purpose, tightly wrapping her arms around his waist. ¡°Elliot, you¡¯re the first man I ever gave myself to, but


    I swear I will never fall in love with any other man in my life. I love you, Elliot.¡±


    He froze, keeping his head down with his eyes on Hayley as he was caught off guard by her unexpected


    confession. He calmlyforted her in panic and said, ¡°Please don¡¯t do this, Hayley.¡±


    ¡°No! I can still remember your kiss and your every breath that night, the way you went wild when you


    were on me¡­¡±


    In the meantime, Anastasia was disgusted by Hayley and Elliot¡¯s touchy-feely interaction when she


    thought her walk in the garden would be peaceful and undisturbed. Oh gosh! Can¡¯t they pick some ce


    else to do what they¡¯re doing? This is embarrassing!

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Chapter 72


    Elliot then pushed Hayley¡¯s hand off him and backed away, distancing himself from her while keeping his


    eyes on her face. ¡°I know I must be responsible now that I have found you.¡±


    Meanwhile, Hayley looked like an injured kitten, pouting as the tears swam in her eyes. ¡°Alright, I trust


    you, Elliot. You¡¯re the person whom I trust the most in this world. Therefore, all I ever want is to stay by


    your side throughout my life and go nowhere else. I want to be protected and feel needed by you.¡±


    A sympathetic Elliot patted her shoulder. ¡°Alright, just stop crying, okay? You aren¡¯t going to look pretty


    with a tear-stained face.¡±


    Soon, she kept her head down bashfully like a flower and set her eyes somewhere on the bushes far


    away, feeling gleeful that Anastasia must have heard their conversation. At the same time, Elliot was


    able to detect movements behind him with his keen hearing as he shouted, ¡°Who is there? Show


    yourself!¡±


    Nheless, Anastasia had no intention to continue hiding, so she emerged from behind the bushes


    with nothing to fear. When Elliot saw her, his gaze was filled withplicated emotions because he


    couldn¡¯t help but wonder whether she had heard the conversation between him and Hayley.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Anastasia¡­¡± Hayley eximed.


    Anastasia curled her lips and smiled cially. ¡°Carry on. Just pretend that I¡¯m not here because I¡¯m just


    passing by.¡±


    ¡°What did Grandma tell you, Anastasia?¡± Hayley immediately approached Anastasia, referring to Harriet


    as Grandma in an intimate manner.


    ¡°Why should I tell you?¡± Anastasia raised her eyebrow coldly.


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking, so please take it easy,¡± Hayley responded with a brittle smile.


    ¡°Stop feigning innocence, Hayley. You and I both know what kind of person you are.¡± Anastasia wished


    she could just unmask Hayley¡¯s hypocrisy and expose her true nature to Elliot.


    Hayley seemingly abandoned her ego and tearfully apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Anastasia. ¨C If it hadn¡¯t been


    for me back then, you wouldn¡¯t have¡­¡±.


    Anastasia¡¯s face turned pale as she coldly interrupted thedy, ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t make me hate you even


    more.¡±


    After being stunned, Hayley turned to Elliot forfort. In the meantime, he knew which incident they


    were referring to and was able to tell from Anastasia¡¯s pale face that she had experienced a nightmarish


    experience that she would never want to talk about again.


    ¡°Wait for me in the parlor, Hayley. I¡¯d like to have a word with Miss Tillman in private.¡± Elliot spoke to


    Hayley.


    Despite her reluctance to give them the opportunity to speak with each other privately, Hayley didn¡¯t dare


    to risk rubbing Elliot the wrong way, so she decided to nod obediently and walk away.,


    Watching Hayley leave, Anastasia wanted to ignore him after hearing Hayley mention her one-night


    stand with him. Ew! It¡¯s disgusting to even think about it. To imagine how he was wild when he was on


    top of Hayley really makes me want to puke. Soon, she began to conclude that his desire had made him


    eager and desperate when she recalled how touchy-feely he tried to be with her as well. I guess that¡¯s


    why people say men never behave themselves until the day they die.


    ¡°Anastasia, Hayley told me what happened to you, but since what¡¯s done is done, let¡¯s just put it behind


    you and move on.¡± Elliot watched as she walked away andforted her.


    Anastasia stopped in her tracks, knowing what Hayley was up to. Deep down, she knew Hayley would


    only exaggerate her checkered past and made her story sound even more pathetic than it was to Elliot.


    Therefore, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder whether the man was showing her pity, but nheless, she


    wasn¡¯t about to ept his sympathy.


    After all, the man, with whom she had a one-night stand, had done her mentality a great deal of harm,


    but fortunately, her son¡¯s presence managed to heal her trauma and almost made her forget what


    happened that night five years ago. For that, she didn¡¯t even bother to think about it, let alone bring it up.


    ¡°Worry about yourself, Young Master Elliot!¡± Anastasia grunted.


    ¡°In that case, what can I do for you?¡± Elliot fixed his gaze on thedy¡¯s pale face, his heart pounding.


    ¡°Yes, from now on, take Hayley with you and stay away from me.¡± She walked away as soon as she


    finished her sentence.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    Chapter 73


    As he watched Anastasia walk away, Elliot could sense the tenacity and strong will from her despite her


    petite figure, which made him feel helpless. At that moment, a maid came over to him and announced,


    ¡°Young Master Elliot, Old Madam Presgrave is waiting for you in the dining area.¡±


    While Elliot nodded and walked away with the maid, Hayley was on her way to the parlor but became


    lost in the huge garden. Therefore, she was forced to follow her gut while making her way out of there,


    somehow finding her surroundings rather quiet. Then, she saw an ancient-looking pavilion not far away


    and thought that she could ask somewhere there for directions.


    However, just when she approached, she heard an olddy¡¯s voice from behind the curtains. ¡°Old


    Madam Presgrave, are you sure you¡¯re going to make Young Master Elliot marry Miss Tillman? What


    about Miss Seymour?¡±


    Then, the old madam firmly replied, ¡°My decision remains the same. The only woman whom Elliot should


    ever marry is Anastasia. As for Hayley, I¡¯ll make sure Elliot makes it up to her with money andfort.


    For some reason, I just don¡¯t seem to click well with Hayley as I can¡¯t help but feel that she is a little too


    scheming and maniptive. Anyway, Anastasia is the only granddaughter-inw I¡¯ll ever approve of.¡±


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Upon hearing that, Hayley held her breath in horror as soon as she recognized Harriet¡¯s voice. Oh dear!


    Despite the show I tried to put this morning, she is still not satisfied with me? What¡¯s worse is that she


    only wants Anastasia to be her granddaughter-inw.


    Hayley was overwhelmed by her resentment when she suddenly heard footsteps approaching her. Thus,


    she quickly hid in the bushes under a tree and tried to remain as still as possible.


    ¡°Are you looking for me, Grandma?¡± Elliot¡¯s voice was heard.


    Harriet looked at her grandson and lectured, ¡°What happened back then, Elliot? How did you end up


    doing something as absurd as having a one-night stand with Hayley?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Grandma. I was set up and deprived of my sober mind to think straight.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re taking the responsibility you should for your mistake, so I don¡¯t me you for that, but how


    are you going to settle your issue with Miss Seymour?¡± Harriet -questioned her grandson harshly.


    ¡°I¡¯m already doing what I can to make it up to her.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m not going to interfere with your matter, but I want you to remember one thing-the only


    granddaughter-inw I¡¯ll ever approve of is Anastasia. If she agrees to marry you, she¡¯ll be the


    Young Mistress of the Presgrave Family, but if she doesn¡¯t, you better treat her right for your whole life,¡±


    she spoke to Elliot in an unwavering manner.


    Although Hayley couldn¡¯t see the expression on the man¡¯s face, she felt like she had just fallen into a


    pool of ice water. I only want to live afortable and wealthy life, but why won¡¯t Anastasia stop getting


    in my way? No! I will not let Anastasia take away what¡¯s mine!


    Soon, she heard Elliot¡¯s terse reply that sounded as if it was a sharp de that plunged through her


    heart. ¡°Okay.¡± So, Elliot has no n to marry me from the beginning. Not long after that, she quietly


    sneaked away and ran into a maid, whom she asked for directions to make her way back to the parlor.


    While lunch was ready a few momentster, Anastasia eventually decided to stick around due to her


    awkward schedule in spite of her initial reluctance to do so. After everyone had gathered around the


    dining table, Harriet politely told Hayley to dig in. ¡°Please help yourself, Miss Seymour. Just make


    yourself at home.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Grandma.¡± Hayley smiled and nodded while hoping that the old madam was dead.


    ¡°You too, Anastasia. Help yourself.¡± Harriet gazed at Anastasia, as if she was her own granddaughter.


    ¡°Alright, sure.¡± Anastasia proceeded to help herself with the meal.


    After lunch, Harriet went on to treat the twodies to some dessert while Elliot made his way upstairs for


    some rest. Lying on the couch, the man appeared to be disturbed and distraught as he couldn¡¯t stop


    thinking about Hayley and Anastasia. The most there is between me and Hayley is the one-night stand


    we had five years ago, but I doubt I¡¯ll ever find the same breath I had with her that night from now on. For


    some reason, it seemed to Elliot that Hayley felt more like a stranger rather than someone he shared a


    strong chemistry with.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    Chapter 74


    However, Elliot couldn¡¯t seem to forget the intimacy he had that night while the woman tearfully made


    futile efforts to resist him amidst the dark. Although she was only enduring his madness because he was


    under the influence of drugs, he could still remember the sweet moments during his intimacy with her


    until that day. Before he passed out, he even made a promise to himself that he would take full


    responsibility for what he did to her.


    At that moment, Anastasia¡¯s face somehow kept appearing in Elliot¡¯s mind. For some reason, his intuition


    told him that the feeling he had with Anastasia was the one he experienced that night. Then, he took a


    deep breath to keep his imaginations from running wild. Anyhow, I¡¯m going to make it up to these two


    ladies. While I must repay my debt to one of them, I¡¯m bound by honor and my responsibility to make it


    up to the other.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was in the garden where she told Harriet that she had to leave for an important


    taskter in the afternoon. In the meantime, Harriet decided not to make her stay, knowing that it wasn¡¯t


    easy for Anastasia to raise a kid all by herself. Thus, she quickly told the maid to send for Elliot and


    asked him to take her home.


    When Hayley saw that, she immediately feigned that she also had an appointment with her friends as


    she wanted to leave with Anastasia. Since Harriet was just right in front of her, Anastasia had nothing to


    say since the old madam was allowing Hayley to do her thing


    Harriet merely told the maid to bring the two presents to thedies. Soon, the table in the parlor was


    seen with two premium bangles, but nheless, Harriet didn¡¯t specify which bangle was for whom.


    Instead, she smiled and asked, ¡°Come and have a look, girls. Which one do you like more?¡±


    Blinded by greed, Hayley was instantly able to tell which bangle was pricier and set her gaze on the


    shinier one. After that, she turned her attention to Anastasia and asked, ¡°Anastasia, I like this one, but I


    don¡¯t think you¡¯d mind, right?¡±


    Anastasia calmly responded, ¡°This is from Old Madam Presgrave, so you should probably ask her.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mind it. As long as you like it.¡± Harriet nodded with a smile.


    As Hayley took the box that contained the bangle she wanted, Anastasia looked at Harriet and inquired,


    ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, this is exorbitant. I can¡¯t ept it.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Hayley was stunned as she thought that Anastasia was trying to embarrass her.


    Thus, she awkwardly ced the bracelet down and said, ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right! This gift is too expensive. I


    can¡¯t ept it!¡±


    ¡°No, they are not expensive at all. It¡¯s the thought that counts after all, so please ept them!¡± Harriet


    smiled gracefully like a benevolent sag¨¨.


    On the other hand, Anastasia found herself caught in a dilemma because she could tell from the


    appearance of the bangles that they had a market value of about tens of millions. However, she knew


    that they were just small gifts to Harriet and was aware that the situation would turn ugly if she insisted


    on rejecting the old madam.


    Therefore, she nodded and thanked Harriet. ¡°Thank you, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    At the same time, Harriet sized bothdies up in a shrewd manner and eventually rested her gaze on


    Anastassia, thinking that Hayley seemed more like a petty snob who was greedy. Anastasia is such a


    graceful and decentdy, and there is no one else even more perfect than her to be my granddaughter-


    inw.


    While Hayley was a ve to greed and hunger for money, she had no idea that Harriet was actually


    testing her character. At the same time, Hayley didn¡¯t sense anything wrong with her behavior since she


    had never seen something so valuable since she was a kid, which was why she subconsciously tried to


    im it as hers.


    Not long after that, the twodies entered Elliot¡¯s car that was parked in the courtyard just when Hayley


    tried to assert her dominance by riding shotgun. On the other hand, Anastasia sat in the backseat,


    thinking it wasfortable to sit there while searching for a suitable spot by the roadside to get off. After


    all, she would rather take a cab than share a ride with Hayley.


    Soon, Elliot drove away from the Presgrave Residence as Hayley shed her bangle at him. ¡°See, Elliot.


    Grandma gave it to me. How does it look? Does it look good on


    me?¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

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    Chapter 75


    Chapter 75


    ¡°Yes, it does.¡± Elliot nced at the bangle on Hayley¡¯s wrist and nodded.


    ¡°Grandma treats me pretty well and seems to like me a lot.¡± Hayley intentionally made sure Anastasia


    heard her words, for she wanted thetter to know that she was important to Harriet.


    ¡°Just make sure you keep it with you.¡± Elliot shifted his gaze to the rear mirror and observed thedy in


    the backseat through the reflection. Anastasia continued to keep her eyes outside the window, and the


    side view of her face made her seem like a sacred goddess who was worshiped by many.


    Atst, Anastasia grew tired of staying in the car. The moment they made it to the road, she then spoke


    to the man in front of her. ¡°Please pull over, President Presgrave.¡±


    Elliot pulled over by the roadside and looked at thedy with a frown. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I want to get out of the car now.¡± Anastasia finished her sentence and swiftly opened the door, stepping


    out of the vehicle without a single thought of hesitation.


    Upon witnessing Anastasia¡¯s reaction, Elliot was stunned as he wondered whether she was reluctant to


    ept his ride, but Hayley was happy to see her leave since that meant she could be alone with the


    man. Nevertheless, Elliot got out of his car the next moment, leaving Hayley in surprise as she watched


    him catch up to Anastasia. At the sight of this, she couldn¡¯t help but feel overwhelmed by her bigotry


    even more, thinking that Anastasia was trying to seduce Elliot on purpose.


    On the other hand, Anastasia noticed Elliot catching up to her but decided to ignore his presence. She


    then found a suitable spot and stood there as she tried to hail a taxi.


    ¡°I can drop you off at your destination, so why are you taking a taxi?¡± Elliot frowned unhappily.


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business. Just take Hayley with you and leave,¡± Anastasia looked back and


    answered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take her home and drive you to the office after that,¡± Elliot replied with a deep voice that sounded like


    he was trying to coax her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like sharing a ride with thatdy, so it¡¯s either me or her whom you¡¯re


    driving. Take your pick.¡± Anastasia jutted her chin in a haughty manner.


    Elliot paused briefly even though he was no stranger to her unreasonable attitude. Soon, he seized her


    wrist and said, ¡°Anastasia, can¡¯t you be more reasonable?¡±


    However, Anastasia retracted her arm in frustration. ¡°I can be reasonable to anyone but you! Take your


    hand off me now!¡± At that moment, a taxi arrived before she . opened the door and sat inside, leaving


    Elliot with an annoyed frown on his face. Oh, man! Thisdy is really a stubborn one, isn¡¯t she?


    In the meantime, Hayley was still mad at Anastasia even though thetter had already left, feeling


    disgusted with her coy behavior. Isn¡¯t she acting like such a drama queen right now? When Elliot


    returned to the car, she instantly noticed his darkened expression and immediately seized the chance to


    y on his heart strings. ¡°Did Anastasia leave because of me? If I had known earlier, I should have taken


    a taxi instead.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. She just has something important to attend to back in the office.¡± Elliot¡¯s eyes seemed to


    have be gentler.


    Hayley pretended to let out a sigh. ¡°Anastasia and I can never be as close as we used to be back then,


    and I¡¯ll never be able to make it up to her for the harm I caused her ever again.¡±


    Elliotforted thedy and said, ¡°Whatever it was, it¡¯s already over. Let¡¯s not bring it up again.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia has hated me for five years, which is as long as I¡¯ve med myself for. In fact, when I think


    about how she looked after her vition every night, I feel like pping myself in the face. Why? Why did


    something so cruel happen to her?¡±


    Meanwhile, Elliot tightened his grip on the steering without himself knowing it when he heard what


    Hayley was saying. At the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder whether Anastasia had ran into some


    sick pervert who put her through so much suffering


    On the other hand, Hayley wouldn¡¯t stop emphasizing how much Anastasia was hurt and vited in


    hopes that she could make Elliot lose interest in her. After all, she believed that no man would ever


    ept a woman who had been vited by another man, but little did she know that she was wrong


    about how she thought Elliot would


    think.


    In fact, Hayley¡¯s emphasis on Anastasia¡¯s stigma only made Elliot feel even more sympathetic for her.


    Instead of feeling disgusted by Anastasia, he was driven by a


    strong urge to protect her more than ever. Also, his perception about Anastasia had changed from his


    initial reluctance of marrying her to his willingness to make her his wife, but nheless, he somehow


    failed to win her heart over.


    ¡°What¡¯s done is done, so let¡¯s not talk about it anymore. Just make sure you don¡¯t beat yourself up for


    that and move on.¡± Elliotforted Hayley while staring at thedy¡¯s guilty face.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    Chapter 76


    At the same time, Hayley forced some tears out of her eyes and pretended to wipe them off with her


    hands until they arrived at the mansion. Then, she gazed at the man in excitement and asked, ¡°Elliot,


    would you like toe inside and have a cup of tea before you go?¡±


    ¡°No, thanks. I have a meeting to attendter.¡± Elliot turned thedy down.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not going to take you long to enjoy a cup of tea, plus I feel a little lonely being here by myself.¡±


    ¡°As I¡¯ve told you before, you can always invite your family to move in with you if you feel lonely,¡±


    suggested Elliot.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told them about it before, but they don¡¯t think they¡¯d be used to living with me here.¡± Hayley¡¯s knee-


    jerk reaction was to lie because she would never want to share everything she had with the family she


    hated. After all, they had brought nothing else but pain and suffering into her life, which was enough to


    justify her resentment toward them.


    ¡°Persuade them to keep youpany then,¡± said Elliot. He then took a look at his watch and continued,


    ¡°I have to go now.¡±


    Despite knowing that it wasn¡¯t possible for her to make Elliot stay, Hayley lost herself in the man¡¯s


    charming smile before she eventually mustered her courage and leaned closer to hug and kiss him.


    Nevertheless, Elliot was one step ahead by resisting her with his palms when he could sense her breath


    just a few inches away. Then, he gave an unwavering stare and said, ¡°Get out of the car now!¡±


    In the face of the man¡¯s cold rejection, Hayley had no choice but to step out of the vehicle in


    embarrassment. As she watched Elliot drive away with her face flushed, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder


    why the man had no lustful desires for her.


    Does he have another woman by his side?


    Hayley couldn¡¯t help remembering the hickey on his neck from the other day. If the hickey did note


    from Anastasia, it was definitely from someone else.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was killing boredom by reading her text messages in the taxi, only to be


    surprised when she saw her replies to Nigel that she didn¡¯t ¨C remember typing herself. She tried to recallThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    what had happened the day before and remembered that she was in the shower around 9.00PM. While


    she didn¡¯t think her


    son could have replied to Nigel, Elliot was the only possible suspect since he was at her ce. Was it


    him? Yeah, I think it was probably him! Damn it! How dare he deprive me of my privacy and reply on my


    behalf?! Anastasia¡¯s intuition told her that it was Elliot who had texted with Nigel behind her back.


    However, she waster amused when she read Nigel¡¯s confession. After all, she had already gotten


    used to his confessions as he had been doing that pretty often in a sentimental manner.


    In the meantime, Anastasia arrived at her office just in time to attend the meeting held by Felicia to


    discuss preparations for the jewelry exhibition next week. While Alicia and Anastasia¡¯s masterpieces


    were both nominated, Felicia hoped they could both win an award for the sake of thepany¡¯s


    reputation. However, that also made Alicia and Anastasiapetitors in the jewelry fair. Alicia appeared


    confident in the meeting, but despite the woman¡¯s provoking gaze, Anastasia remained unbothered and


    determined because of the lucrative prize.


    While Bourgeois was situated in the east, it was overshadowed by a building that was none other than


    Presgrave Group. In fact, it towered among the clouds like a pir that stemmed from the ground to the


    sky. Due to its height, the other buildings that surrounded it looked just like obedient followers who


    bowed down to their leader. At that moment, Elliot was sitting in his chair in the meeting room at


    Presgrave Group, looking like a king on his throne. Nheless, there was barely any emotion seen on


    his handsome face as he stared nkly in an absent-minded manner despite his stern appearance.


    ¡°President Presgrave¡­ President Presgrave?¡± The finance departmental head called out to Elliot


    because he needed his approval right after presenting his proposal.


    Soon, Elliot took his eyes off where he was looking and turned his attention to his subordinate with a


    cial gaze. ¡°Please tell me the issue again.¡±


    Upon hearing that, the finance departmental head was surprised as he quickly cleared his throat and


    repeated his presentation, but fortunately, Elliot was finally paying attention this time.


    As soon as the meeting was over, Elliot stood in front of his window and cast his eyes on Bourgeois,


    feeling helpless about how distracted he was thinking about Anastasia. Damn! This is the first time I¡¯ve


    ever lost myself in my train of thought. Soon, he took a look at his watch and returned to the inte


    before dialing a number. ¡°Get ready ande with me to Bourgeois.¡±


    ¡°Alright, President Presgrave.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was already done with her tasks for the day half an hour before she got off work.


    She was getting ready to leave and pick up her son from school


    when she heard her telephone ringing. Thus, she answered it and said, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Pleasee to my office.¡± The man¡¯s maic voice could be heard.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, President Presgrave?¡± Anastasia¡¯s tone implied her reluctance to see Elliot.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    Chapter 77


    ¡°It¡¯s work-rted.¡± Elliot finished his sentence and hung up the call before Anastasia could do so.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia had no choice but to make her way to the president¡¯s office. Upon knocking on the


    door and entering the office, she was greeted by the sight of the man who was wearing a white shirt.


    There was an attractive look in his eyes which seemed like they were trying to charm her. She walked


    closer and asked, ¡°What are your orders, President Presgrave?¡±


    Elliot looked at the woman calmly. ¡°Are you confident with your design in the jewelry fair this time? Do


    you think you¡¯d be able to win the prize?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m confident.¡± Anastasia curled her lips and smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯ve raised the prize from 100,000 to a million, so if you can win the prize, the money will be all yours.¡±


    Elliot sluggishlyy back in his chair, his eyes lighting up like a charming womanizer.


    In the meantime, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but think about Elliot¡¯s alternative careers if he wasn¡¯t a


    businessman. He could even be a superstar in the entertainment industry with


    his good looks. On another note, Anastasia was confident that she could win the reward to worth one


    million; she was even nning to save the money for her son so that he


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    wouldn¡¯t have to worry about his futureter on. ¡°It¡¯s about time. I need to make a move now.¡± Anastasia


    implied that she had to get going.


    ¡°I¡¯m almost done as well. Let me give you a ride to pick Jared up.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, but thanks for the offer anyway.¡± Anastasia turned down Elliot¡¯s kind offer.


    Elliot squinted and stared at her without blinking. ¡°I promised my grandma to look after you and your


    son.¡±


    Although Anastasia had no problem getting along with Harriet, she didn¡¯t feel the same way with Elliot,


    so she rejected him once again. ¡°We don¡¯t need you to look after us.¡±


    Ten minutester, Anastasia made her way downstairs and stood by the sidewalk to g down a taxi


    when a ck silhouette pulled up in front of her. Then, the car ¨C window rolled down as Elliot said firmly,


    ¡°Get in.¡±


    However, Anastasia responded with an unfriendly gawk. She found him annoying because he wouldn¡¯t


    stop following her despite her rejection.


    At that moment, a taxi pulled up before Elliot¡¯s vehicle and Anastasia promptly pulled open the door


    before entering it. As soon as the taxi started moving, Elliot followed right behind the car in his Rolls-


    Royce Phantom.


    As Anastasia turned around and eyed the tailing vehicle coldly, she cursed in her heart and questioned


    the man¡¯s intentions in a frustrated manner. What is this guy trying to do?


    By the time Elliot arrived at the school gates, he saw Anastasia entering the school shortly before she


    came back out while holding Jared¡¯s hand. When the little boy saw the handsome man leaning against


    his car with his eyes on them, he happily let go of his mother¡¯s hand and greeted him in excitement by


    saying, ¡°Mr. Presgrave.¡± He then scurried toward the man the moment he finished his sentence.


    Needless to say, Elliot happily crouched down and embraced the child with his arms. The next second,


    he carried the boy and allowed him to sit on his muscr arm with immense joy. At the same time, they


    were approached by a father and son who asked, ¡°Jared, is this your father?¡±


    Jared looked at his ssmate and shifted his gaze to the man, ready to shake his head in response just


    when Elliot smiled and replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Jared¡¯s father indeed.¡± While Jared was stunned to hear that,


    Anastasia, who was walking closer, red at the man and grumbled to herself about his questionable


    motive to pose as her son¡¯s father.


    As soon as the father and son left, Jared turned his attention to Elliot. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, can you be my


    daddy for the time being?¡±


    ¡°Do you really want me to be your dad?¡± Elliot asked.


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Anastasia interrupted the man and the child¡¯s conversation, berating Elliot for echoing her


    son¡¯s childishness.


    ¡°Mom, my teacher said there will be a parent-child program this month, and everyone will bring their


    father along. Therefore, I¡¯d like Mr. Presgrave to do me a favor and act as my father for the time being so


    that I can participate in the program.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a program for mothers to attend with their children?¡±


    ¡°There is one, but only girls get to attend that program with their mothers. The boys have been told to


    participate in this event with their fathers,¡± Jared answered.


    After hearing her son¡¯s exnation, Anastasia was surprised that Jared¡¯s kindergarten didn¡¯t consider


    those children who were fatherless, but she didn¡¯t me the school for that.


    Elliot replied firmly, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take part in this parent-child program with you.¡±

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Chapter 78


    ¡°Awesome!¡± Jared happily nodded.


    ¡°Jared, perhaps we should invite Mr. Nigel instead. What do you say?¡± Anastasia reckoned that Nigel


    was a better choice.


    ¡°Nigel just took over hispany, so he won¡¯t have time to attend the event.¡±


    ¡°Let me ask him and see what his n is.¡± Nheless, Anastasia reckoned it was necessary for her to


    ask.


    ¡°No, Mommy! Fred just heard that Mr. Presgrave is my father, so if Mr. Nigeles with me, our cover


    will be blown.¡± Jared disagreed.


    After hearing her son¡¯s exnation, Anastasia felt helpless while cursing Elliot deep down inside for


    telling the others that he was Jared¡¯s father. Why would this fe falsely admit that he is my son¡¯s dad?


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Elliot smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯ll y my role as your father well.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to that.¡± Jared pped his hands.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll treat you to a fancy meal.¡± Elliot then opened the car door and was about to put the boy


    inside his car when Anastasia came over and grabbed her son.


    ¡°We¡¯re good, President Presgrave. I¡¯m preparing dinner tonight.¡±


    Upon returning to his mother¡¯s embrace, Jared looked up and gazed at Elliot. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, would you


    like toe to my house and try my Mommy¡¯s cooking? She is a very good cook¡­¡± The child was about


    to show a thumbs-up, but he was blocked by his mother¡¯s hand.


    While covering Jared¡¯s mouth with her hand, Anastasia looked at the man and replied, ¡°My cooking


    sucks, so I don¡¯t think I should count you in.¡±


    Elliot gave a smile and answered, ¡°I don¡¯t mind that.¡± He then sympathetically shifted his gaze to the


    child whose mouth was being covered by his mother¡¯s hand. ¡°Stop doing that to the kid.¡±


    It was only then did Anastasia realize what she was doing and quickly took her hand ¨C away from Jared.


    After that, the boy gasped for breath and blinked at his mother.


    ¡°Mommy, why are you lying about your cooking? You¡¯re a good cook.¡±


    Upon hearing Jared¡¯s words, Anastasia looked helplessly at her son, feeling rather frustrated that he had


    just exposed her right in front of Elliot due to his naive nature s! I guess I can¡¯t me my son for


    telling the truth. After all, I¡¯ve always taught him not to lie, and I¡¯m pretty confident with my cooking skills


    as well.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, Mommy is going to buy some ingredients to prepare for dinner. Do join us.¡± The child


    looked up shortly before he entered the car without giving Anastasia a chance to say no. Nheless,


    Anastasia soon realized she should perhaps treat Elliot to a meal when she recalled the time that he had


    helped her, as well as his willingness to do Jared a favor by attending the parent-child program with her


    son. Therefore, she followed Jared and got into Elliot¡¯s car, whereupon he drove them to a nearby


    shopping mall.


    Then, she told her son to wait in the car with the man while she did a quick round of shopping and


    returned with a bag full of groceries that couldst them for the night. before they returned to Anastasia¡¯s


    apartment,


    Upon arrival, Anastasia somehow felt that her house was too small with Elliot around. After all, she had


    always thought that an apartment unit with two rooms and a living room was big enough for her and her


    son.


    ¡°You could keep Jaredpany while I prepare in the kitchen.¡± Deep down, the only thing Anastasia


    wanted was to prepare the dinner as soon as possible so that Elliot could leave shortly after.


    Meanwhile, Jared reckoned he was old enough to be independent without needing anyone¡¯spany,


    so he told Elliot to give Anastasia a hand. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, why don¡¯t you help my mom out in the


    kitchen? I¡¯m going to do my homework now.¡±


    ¡°Alright, go ahead then!¡± Elliot set his eyes on the petite figure in the kitchen.


    As soon as Jared returned to his room to do his homework, Elliot walked toward the kitchen to offer


    Anastasia some help, but little did he know that she was approaching the refrigerator to grab something


    at the same time. Therefore, both of them came face to face with each other at the kitchen¡¯s entrance


    just before Anastasia bumped her head on the man¡¯s chest, but fortunately, Elliot was quick enough to


    wrap his arm around her slim waist and pulled her toward him. Shocked by what just happened,


    Anastasia wanted to back away but identally tripped over the threshold at the kitchen¡¯s entrance. In


    that instant, her knee-jerk reaction prompted her to grab the man¡¯s hand just as he snaked his arm


    around her waist even tighter this time. With that, she found her arms tightly wrapped around the man¡¯s


    muscr waist as well.


    The next second, Anastasia freed herself and backed away frantically. Then, she berated Elliot in an


    annoyed manner by saying, ¡°Can¡¯t you just sit on the couch


    quietly? You¡¯re creating a mess here.¡±


    In the face of thedy¡¯s mean scolding, Elliot felt sympathetic for himself, thinking his kind and innocent


    intention should be repaid with something else better than her mean scolding. I came by to see if she


    needed help and saved her from falling twice, but all I get is her harsh scolding. He then squinted and


    asked, ¡°Do you need help?¡±

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Chapter 79


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± Anastasia frowned while giving him a reply.


    Thus, Elliot returned to the couch and sat down, keeping an eye on thedy as she prepared a meal for


    all three of them in the kitchen. At that moment, he somehow felt as if there was an energy in the small


    apartment that rid him of his tiredness and made him feel rxed.


    Within an hour, Anastasia made Jared¡¯s favorite mushroom chicken, several vegetable dishes, and corn


    soup made with bone broth. On the other hand, Elliot remained seated on the couch while watching her


    for that one hour, somehow feeling he couldn¡¯t have enough of it the longer he kept his eyes on her.


    What¡¯s wrong with me?


    Meanwhile, Jared intentionally hid in the room because he wanted to give Elliot and his mother some


    private space so that they could grow on each other. Deep down, he wished that Elliot could be his father


    one day. Despite the child¡¯s young age, he could tell that his mother only treated Nigel as her friend,


    thinking that she had no intention of marrying him at all. Therefore, he was trying to see whether


    Anastasia would fall for Elliot instead.


    When Anastasia served the dishes, she coldly stared at the man who was sitting on the couch in a


    graceful and handsome manner. ¡°Dinner time.¡± Then, she went to her son¡¯s room and knocked on the


    door to tell him that dinner was ready.


    Jared opened the door and looked back at the man on the couch. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, let¡¯s wash our hands


    and get ready for dinner!¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Elliot took Jared to the washroom and made sure he washed his hands properly. Then, he


    walked toward the dining table and was greeted by the sight of those appetizing dishes. Although they


    were all home-cooked dishes, he found them even more tantalizing than the food from a five-star


    restaurant.


    In the meantime, Anastasia wiped her hands and stepped out of the kitchen before she caught sight of


    the manying the table. She started digging in after making sure that her son was able to pick up the


    dishes and ce them on his te. This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Help yourself, Mr. Presgrave.¡± Jared ced some dishes on Elliot¡¯s te. ¡°How is my mom¡¯s cooking,


    Mr. Presgrave?¡± he asked.


    -¡°Not bad.¡±


    ¡°You should drop by more often and join us for dinner then.¡± Jared told the man.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Elliot answered almost immediately.


    Anastasia, who was chewing her food, nearly spat it out as she looked at her son in puzzlement. What¡¯s


    wrong with my boy? Why is he trying to make my life so hard? It¡¯s tiring enough for me toe home


    from work after a long day, and now I¡¯m supposed to cook for one more guest? Like hell I¡¯m going to do


    that.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, can you raise my mom¡¯s pay? The boy looked at the man with his smiling eyes.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia paused when she was eating and stared at Elliot who was sitting opposite


    her, wondering if he would really raise her pay. Soon, the man looked at Jared and directly answered,


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll raise her pay tomorrow.¡± Then, Anastasia pondered for a while and realized the next day was


    the fifth of the month, which was the day that she usually received her pay. Therefore, she couldn¡¯t help


    but think to herself if Elliot would keep his word.


    After dinner, Anastasia began washing the dishes in the kitchen while Jared took Elliot to his room and


    yed with him. By the time it was 8.30PM, Anastasia looked at the man who was sitting on her son¡¯s


    bed and told him the time, implicitly suggesting that he should leave. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, President


    Presgrave.


    Then, Elliot rubbed Jared¡¯s head and said, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time for me to go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you during the parent-child program, Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯ll be there.¡± Elliot promised the child that he would be present on that day.


    When Elliot stepped out of the apartment unit, Anastasia pointed to a bag of garbage and gazed at the


    man. ¡°President Presgrave, please take the trash out for me. There is a dumpster at the entrance.¡±


    Despite his status as the Presgrave Family¡¯s great son, Elliot took the trash with him withoutining


    at all, and it melted Anastasia¡¯s heart a little. Well, I guess he is quite a nice person, although he may be


    somewhat domineering at times.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    Chapter 80


    At that moment, Anastasia received a call from her father. ¡°Hello, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, your new house is ready, and I¡¯ll send someone to help you move your stuff there in two


    days. After all, that¡¯s going to be your home, so you need to make sure you¡¯refortable with it.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll pack everything and be ready in two days.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯m sorry about what happened to Jaredst time. That wouldn¡¯t have happened to him had I


    been more careful.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Dad. What¡¯s done is done, so don¡¯t take that to heart.¡± Anastasiaforted Francis, thinking


    it wasn¡¯t her father¡¯s fault at all.


    ¡°Alright, when you¡¯re done moving, we should probably have a meal together.¡±


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯ll put Jared on the line with you, Dad.¡± Anastasia passed the phone to her son and proceeded to


    pack her clothes.


    The next morning, the entire office was filled with an energetic atmosphere because


    it was the day that everyone would receive their pay. Bourgeois was one of the few etpanies that


    could provide promising careers and attractive sries to its


    employees, but ever since it was acquired by the Presgrave Group, everyone received an increment in


    their basic pay which made it even more lucrative.


    At 8.00AM, most of the employees in the office received a text message informing them that their sry


    had been paid. At the same time, Anastasia also heard the notification alert from her phone, whereupon


    she opened the text message that mentioned her pay and bonus worth 68,000bined. Although she


    had almost been taken advantage of by John, she was d that he eventually paid everything he was


    supposed to; she was naturally happy about this because of themission she was entitled to. After


    all, her basic pay was only slightly more than 10,000 without themission. At that moment, she


    couldn¡¯t help but feel sad for herself when she recalled the reward worth 1,800 that she had lost earlier.


    Not long after that, Anastasia received another text message. When she opened and read it, she learned


    that her bank ount bnce had an extra 100,000. Wait a second. Did I just receive 100,000 from the


    ¡°What?! You want to drop by my house for dinner? Are you kidding me? Since when did I agree to let you


    join me for dinner again and again?¡± Anastasia was speechless.


    ¡°I¡¯m paying you 100,000. Is that not enough for you to prepare my share?¡± Elliot didn¡¯t seem to


    understand Anastasia¡¯s rejection.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about the money; I don¡¯t want to cook your share in the first ce.¡± Anastasia grunted.


    ¡°Have it your way, but I¡¯m still going to visit for dinner whether you ept my


    money or not. By then, don¡¯t you dare to use me of being a freeloader.¡± Elliot finished his sentence


    and hung up the call.


    Anastasia was rendered speechless while wondering what Elliot was up to. Is my cooking so good that


    he can¡¯t stop thinking about it? No way! Judging from the excuse he is using to give me the money, this


    man is doing more than just to repay me. At the thought of that, she decided to withdraw the cash and


    give it back to Elliotter that afternoon.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    Chapter 81


    It was around 10.00AM when Hayley was browsing through the Louis Vuitton store at the premium mall.


    Just as she was ncing at the bags on disy, her phone rang. She answered the call brusquely, ¡°Hey,


    Mom.¡±


    ¡°Hayley, you don¡¯t happen to have some money to spare, do you? Your brother needs to fork out


    payment for school, so we were wondering if you could help tide us over for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Where would I get the money, Mom? I don¡¯t even have enough to keep myself afloat at the moment, so


    no, I can¡¯t help you guys out,¡± Hayley replied, swiftly turning her mother down.


    The next moment, her mother¡¯s shrill voice filled the other line. ¡°Just what the hell have you been up to


    these days? You¡¯re probably justzing around, aren¡¯t you? I raised you only to have you be so


    worthless that you can¡¯t even fork out 2,000 to help us out! Consider yourself my greatest failure!¡±


    Hayley was indifferent as she took her mother¡¯s harsh words in stride. When the older woman had dealt


    every single insult she coulde up with in the short span of time, she hung up. It was only then that


    Hayley turned to look at the retail assistant, and in a tone that sounded as if she needed an emotional


    outlet, she snapped and said, ¡°Ring up every bag on this shelf right now.¡±


    The assistant stared at her in bewilderment. She had heard everything Hayley said on the phone earlier,


    so she could hardly believe that the girl had money to pay for these bags.


    s, with a deft swipe of her unlimited ck card, Hayley paid for the bags and left the store in a huff.


    That afternoon, May was sitting on the edge of her chair across from Hayley as she nced around the


    high-end restaurant. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve been to somewhere as fancy as this, Hayley! This is


    unbelievable!¡±


    Hayley brought her cup to her lips as elegantly as she could and took a sip. ¡°Tell me about Anastasia¡¯s


    recent developments, May.¡±


    ¡°You know that jewelry designpetition that¡¯s been recently organized? Apparently, Anastasia¡¯s


    design has made it to the finals, and the winner will be ¨C dered next week. If she wins, she will receive


    a million in prize money!¡± May


    informed the woman as jealousy gleamed in her eyes.


    Even Hayley was astonished when she heard this. ¡°What? A million?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Apetition like this typically caps the prize money at around 100,000, but I heard that


    President Presgrave is really going all out this year and racked up the prize to a million. It¡¯s


    groundbreaking.¡±


    Hayley tightened her grip around her cup. If she were to sp it any tighter, the cup might break. So


    Elliot was the one who hiked up the prize money?


    ¡°President Presgrave is so generous,¡± May mused with a wistful sigh.


    Hayley immediately thought of this as one of Elliot¡¯s ways to repay Anastasia¡¯s mother¡¯s deeds, which


    meant that Anastasia was set to win thepetition and walk away with a million in cash prize.


    Elliot wielded power in various industries under the conglomerate, and it was only child¡¯s y for him to


    manipte the results of a jewelry designpetition. As things were, it would not be the least bit


    surprising if Anastasia won first ce.


    No, I can¡¯t let Anastasia walk away with that money so easily. I can¡¯t let her win thepetition without


    even breaking a sweat! Hayley was filled with spite and rage that she wanted to throw Anastasia out of


    Bourgeois and have her removed permanently from the design industry. I want her reputation to be fed to


    the dogs!


    The jewelry designpetition this time was the best opportunity for Hayley to get rid of Anastasia. Let¡¯s


    see how you¡¯ll fare when you fall hard from grace.


    After lunch, Anastasia returned to the office with 100,000 in cash on hand. She took the satchel of


    money and walked up to the president¡¯s office, whereupon she knocked on the door. It was Rey who


    opened it from within, and at the sight of him, she asked, ¡°Is President Presgrave in at the moment?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is,¡± Rey answered courteously.


    She nodded. ¡°I have some things to discuss with him.¡± With that, she marched through the doorway and


    saw that Elliot was seated on the couch, looking preupied as he went through a mountainous pile of


    documents.


    Upon sensing her entry, Elliot merely looked up at her once, then turned his attention to the documentsThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    before him as he asked absentmindedly, ¡°Is there something I can help you with?¡±


    Without another word, Anastasia put the stack of cash in front of him and said, ¡°I¡¯m here to pay you back


    the 100,000 I owe you.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s pen paused on the page for a moment, but he recovered and signed off on the document before


    closing the folder. Having done so, he looked up at her and said coldly, ¡°Stop right there, Anastasia. Take


    your money back.¡±


    For all her love of money, Anastasia did not want to keep something that she did not deserve. She turned


    on her heels and said, ¡°Donate your money to charity if you truly have nothing else to spend it on. There


    are others in this world who would appreciate your generosity.¡±


    Hearing this made Rey speak up on his boss¡¯ behalf from where he stood at the sidelines. ¡°Miss Tillman,


    President Presgrave already has a charitable foundation under his name, and he donates billions every


    year into said foundation,¡± he said.


    When Anastasia heard this, she faltered and let out an awkward dry cough. ¡°Well then, pretend I said


    nothing.¡± With that, she flushed sheepishly and left.

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    Chapter 82


    When Anastasia picked Jared up from school that afternoon, she got the details for Family Day that was


    set on Friday. The teams would be made up of a maximum of two students each, and ideally, the


    students were to show up with their parents.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, I heard from Jared that his father will be here for Family Day as well. Here¡¯s the thing-


    we¡¯re going to need his father¡¯s height and weight so that we¡¯ll be able to get his shirt ready for the


    program. The shirts will be made ording to the family teams.¡±


    At once, the image of a tall and handsome figure surfaced in Anastasia¡¯s mind as she asked the teacher,


    ¡°Does it have to be matching family outfits?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a school requirement, Miss Tillman, and it sets out a uniform dress code for the kids¡¯ Family Day


    here. It wouldn¡¯t be as fun if everyone wore whatever they wanted to the games,¡± the teacher said kindly,


    though she was making it clear that the requirement was absolutely mandatory.


    Well, Elliot was the one who promised the kid he¡¯d join Family Day, so he¡¯ll have to wear the shirt no


    matter how ugly it is, Anastasia thought with dark amusement. ¡°In that case, his father¡¯s height is about


    six feet three.¡±


    ¡°Wow, Jared¡¯s father is a tall one, isn¡¯t he? What about his weight?¡±


    ¡°He has a pretty standard figure.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then. Now, if you could just transfer us the payment through the parent teacher group chat, that¡¯d


    be great!¡± Having taken down the details, the teacher walked off to attend to her other duties.


    Presently, Anastasia had only just arrived home with Jared in tow when Francis called to tell her that he


    was here and that he would like to bring them to go house-seeing.


    The new ce was a two-bedroom apartment, but theyout measured up to over a hundred square


    meters. In spite of the two bedrooms, the living room was spacious and held plenty of design potential.


    Anastasia could already visualize how she would divide the space and set up a kiddy¡¯s corner in the


    living room that would be perfect for Jared.


    The new ce also featured two balconies, one for airingundry and the other for ¨C nts. Once sheThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    added a small table for coffee and work, and she could turn it into


    her own outdoor workspace.


    Anastasia liked the ce that Francis had chosen for her, and she appreciated how he had gone against


    Naomi and Erica just so he could provide a home for her and Jared.


    ¡°Pack up your stuff and move in whenever you want. If there¡¯s anything you need at all, the mall is just an


    elevator ride away!¡± Francis said cheerily as he sat on the couch with Jared in hisp.


    Anastasia nodded and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go back and pack up our stuff tonight. We don¡¯t have much, so we


    should be done with the move by tomorrow afternoon. We could start cooking our first meal here


    tomorrow evening!¡±


    ¡°Great, then I¡¯ll drop by and have dinner with you both,¡± Francis said with a grin.


    Naturally, Anastasia would love to have her father over, but even she could not hide her worries in front


    of him. As if sensing her thoughts, he added hastily, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be dropping by alone.¡±


    Anastasia truly did not wish to have Naomi and Erica over. She nodded and said readily, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Over at the Tillman Residence, Naomi was still unhappy about her husband buying an apartment unit for


    Anastasia. The fact was very much a thorn in her side, and she had ns on asking Francis to splurge


    on a new apartment for Erica as dowry.


    However, she knew that Francis couldn¡¯t afford another apartment even though hispany had been


    doing well recently. It was almost as if the universe was helping him; all his bids had been sessful,


    and everything was smooth-sailing over at thepany, not to mention the ledgers were looking


    positive. After all, it wasn¡¯t easy for a smallpany with only millions in its assets to be a listed


    entity.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was in his office at Presgrave Corporation, and he would be returning after his visit to


    Bourgeois this evening to tie up some loose ends at work. Just then, Rey approached him with a folder in


    hand and said, ¡°President Presgrave, a new bid from Francis¡¯pany just came in, and we¡¯ve already


    approved of it.¡±


    Elliot nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Very well.¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, I don¡¯t think Francis knows that you¡¯re the one who has been secretly supporting


    hispany and allowing it to grow into its current state.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for him to know. His wife had sacrificed her life for mine, and it¡¯s only right that I treat


    his family well to repay her selfless deed.¡± Elliot rubbed the space between his brows as he felt


    exhaustion wash over him.


    ¡°President Presgrave, we¡¯ve also given word to the panel working on the jewelry designpetition.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Elliot said in acknowledgement, his eyes suddenly lighting up in anticipation.


    ¡°You should be getting back, sir. It¡¯s already 9.00PM¡± Rey pointed out gently.


    Half an hourter, Elliot returned to his vi in the hills. When he stood in the spacious living room, he


    couldn¡¯t help noticing how empty his home felt. It made him think of Anastasia¡¯s small but cozy


    apartment. Perhaps a woman¡¯s touch is just what this house needs, he thought. A child would liven


    things up too.


    As his mind wandered, he thought about Anastasia and Jared. Anastasia was a stubborn soul who


    refused to take the easy way out. Moreover, she was independent, decisive, and never one to bend her


    will for the sake of money. She wasn¡¯t someone he could buy, and for all the power he had, he knew he


    couldn¡¯t make her marry him.


    More importantly, he was the one who owed her a favor. As things were, he found it much harder to win


    over Anastasia than it was to manage arge corporation with a billion-something worth.


    He couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Anastasia and the curves of her silhouette. The more he thought about


    her, the stronger the heat that coursed through his entire body. All of a sudden, his pants felt very


    constricting.

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    Chapter 83


    He lowered his head in shock. How could the thought of her make my body react this way? Now that


    she¡¯s found out about the one night stand between me and Hayley five years ago, I bet she¡¯ll hate me


    even more.


    Elliot¡¯s phone chimed right then, and he unlocked his phone to see a message from Anastasia along with


    a picture of a yellow t-shirt.


    ¡®This is the uniform for Family Day. Are you sure that you want toe?¡¯


    What an ordinary t-shirt. I bet you can easily get these store-bought shirts in a simr pattern and cutting


    online for several bucks.


    ¡®I¡¯ve already made a promise to Jared, so I¡¯ll definitely go. Elliot quickly typed a response to Anastasia¡¯s


    message.


    ¡®Still, this doesn¡¯t really fit your image, and I think it¡¯ll be better if you don¡¯t take part in this. I can let the


    teacher know and take over your ce anyway.


    After reading Anastasia¡¯s reply with narrowed eyes, Elliot texted back determinedly. ¡®I¡¯ll definitely be


    there.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    At the same time, Anastasia was texting Elliot whileying in bed. Upon seeing how Elliot insisted on


    coming despite her attempts to deter him from doing so, she replied with one sentence. ¡®Fine! See you at


    2.00PM this Friday:


    ¡®Sure. Is Jared asleep yet?¡¯ Elliot asked.


    ¡®He¡¯s asleep


    ¡®What are you doing now?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m talking to you while lying in bed. Anastasia¡¯s reply came in quickly.


    ¡®Anastasia, what if I give you 10 billion to marry to me?¡¯ Elliot suddenly asked.


    Upon seeing that, Anastasia¡¯s mind went nk. 10 billion to marry him? Haha! Does he really think that


    he can do anything he wants to just because he¡¯s loaded?


    ¡°Go and look for Hayley if you¡¯re in need of a woman! Even if I¡¯m lonely, I will never ¨C take Hayley¡¯s


    leftovers. She rejected Elliot in a headstrong manner.


    In the mansion, Elliot¡¯s face immediately darkened as the atmosphere around the couch that he was


    sitting on became tense. Does she really hate me that much?


    He looked up with a sharp glint in his eyes. Just you wait, Anastasia. I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll be touched by


    my actions one day in the future. After all, we still have so much time together for the rest of our lives!


    Right then, Elliot¡¯s phone started ringing. When he noticed that it was a call from Hayley, he epted the


    call with a frown on his face. ¡°Hey, Hayley.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, I¡¯m scared¡­ Can youe over to apany me?¡± Hayley asked with a pitiful voice as she


    tried to get him to feel protective over her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get Mrs. Collins to go over and keep youpany.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I just want you¡­ Elliot, I had a dream about that night five years ago, and I really miss you¡­ I


    want to feel it all again¡­¡± Hayley sounded ambiguous and needy.


    Nevertheless, Elliot paused. How could she miss what happened five years ago when I hurt her so badly


    that night?


    ¡°Hayley, do you even remember how I treated you that night? It should have been a nightmare to you,¡±


    he asked calmly.


    Upon hearing that, Hayley whined. ¡°I was afraid that night, but¡­ I¡¯m not afraid anymore when I think of


    you as the pain turned into pleasure.¡±


    ¡°You should stop thinking about it. I don¡¯t want you getting traumatized,¡± Elliot said.


    ¡°Alright, then! By the way, I want to visit thepany and have lunch with you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Elliot replied. ¡°I need to shower now.¡± With that, he hung up.


    At the same time, Hayley, who was staying in a mansion at the city center, had cold sweat all over her


    forehead. Elliot almost found out about the truth! From his tone of voice, I bet he realized how much he


    tortured Anastasia that night. Still, he was out of his mind, and it was Anastasia¡¯s first time, so I bet she


    was badly tormented by someone like him.


    Even so, Hayley couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous. If only I had been the one there that night.


    I would have been able to experience how Elliot was like when he went all out. She felt her _body


    heating up at the thought of Elliot¡¯s buff build.


    Even if it¡¯s just once, I really want to be his woman.

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    Chapter 84


    On Thursday, Anastasia had taken a half-day leave and moved all of her luggage from the apartment to


    her new ce with Francis¡¯ help. While Francis went to pick Jared up, she started decorating the house


    in peace. Since there was a mall downstairs that allowed Anastasia to get all her daily necessities,


    everything was progressing smoothly.


    At night, she cooked and made them a hearty meal. From now onward, they had a ce where they


    belonged within the city.


    ¡°Dad, how¡¯s yourpany¡¯s growth recently?¡± Anastasia asked curiously.


    ¡°Everything is progressing smoothly! We¡¯ve recently gotten a deal that can give us about 100 million in


    profit if we are able to get our hands on the project.¡±


    Hearing that, Anastasia felt happy for Francis. Seeing how Francis wasn¡¯t getting any younger, he would


    be apprehensive if thepany¡¯s operation wasn¡¯t smooth.


    Suddenly, Francis looked at Anastasia and asked in all seriousness, ¡°Anastasia, are you nning to


    continue your venture in the designing field forever? Have you never thought of learning how to manage


    apany?¡±


    Immediately, Anastasia caught onto what Francis was implying. Does he want me to take over his


    company? I guess he¡¯s anxious now that he¡¯s almost reaching his sixties.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m good at that, Dad,¡± Anastasia replied in a self-deprecating manner.


    ¡°Well, at least you¡¯re more mature than Erica, and I¡¯d feel more relieved if thepany is in your hands,¡±


    Francis exined truthfully, as Erica had beenpletely spoiled by Naomi and didn¡¯t know how to do


    anything other than spending his money.


    ¡°You¡¯re still young, though. Why don¡¯t you decide again in two years, Dad? I¡¯d still have to wait until Jared


    gets bigger before I have the time to help you out anyway,¡± Anastasia suggested after pondering for a


    moment.


    Although Francis was just asking, he was still happy to know that Anastasia had ns to help him out.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll manage thepany for two more years before I make the decision to let you take over the


    to help her expand her connections, but she had rejected him.


    ¡°I have his contact number, and I can contact him anytime.¡±


    Hayley smirked with satisfaction. ¡°I¡¯m nning to get Anastasia and him in one bed before taking a


    picture of it and revealing it during the awards ceremony. By then,


    she definitely won¡¯t be able to win any awards and will even be aughingstock in the designing field.


    What do you think?¡±


    Although Alice thought that the n was risky, she really couldn¡¯t stand Anastasia any longer. If


    Anastasia was really set to be the winner of thepetition this time internally, the reward of a million


    would end up in her pockets, and that didn¡¯t sit right with Alice.


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯m willing to help you by asking the chairman out, but how can you get Anastasia to fall into the


    trap?¡± Alice asked curiously.


    ¡°I have my own ways. Ask the chairman out this Saturday at night and set up the surveince camera


    beforehand. I¡¯ll definitely get Anastasia to show up in his bed in time.¡±

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    Chapter 85


    Now that Hayley was loaded, she was more daring and opinionated, and she definitely wouldn¡¯t hesitate


    to pull dirty tricks.


    ¡°Alright. It¡¯s set, then,¡± Alice nodded and agreed to work with Hayley.


    On Friday morning, Anastasia received a text from Jared¡¯s teacher. ¡®The family activity will start at 2.00


    PM today. We hope all parents will be able to attend on time.


    After forwarding the message to Elliot, herndline started ringing in no time, and guessing that it was


    probably Elliot, she picked up the phone. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Meet me at the parking lot at 1.00 PM sharp.¡± A man¡¯s maic voice rang out before Anastasia


    replied, ¡°Alright.¡±


    After Elliot hung up the call, Anastasia went speechless as she started regretting her decision to let Elliot


    act as Jared¡¯s father to join the family activities.


    Isn¡¯t that just me asking to get upset? I should have asked Nigel instead.


    Not knowing what kind of games would be held during the family activities, she could only hope that they


    could be normal activities instead of those involving too much interaction.


    When it was 1.00 PM, Anastasia grabbed her bag and entered the elevator. At the same time, May, who


    had been observing Anastasia, quickly followed after her and asked with a smile, ¡°Are you going out,


    Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I have to leave to do something.¡±


    Then, Anastasia pressed on the first basement floor while May got down on the first floor before she


    quickly ran down from the staircase at the side to follow after Anastasia.


    While she was on the way down, she saw Anastasia entering Elliot¡¯s private car. Immediately, May¡¯s


    eyes widened. Is Anastasia going on a date with President Presgrave during working hours again?


    They¡¯re not on the way to the hotel, are they?


    She quickly took her phone out and reported what she saw to Hayley. After learning ¨C about what


    happened, Hayley felt so angry she could go mad¡¯at any second.


    Looks like Anastasia had really been using work as an excuse to go out on dates with Elliot. What a


    maniptive person! I can now confirm that the hickey on Elliot¡¯s neck was definitely left by her on


    purpose. I guess Elliot only looks like he didn¡¯t have any desire or biological needs, because Anastasia


    has been secretly satisfying him. How despicable. How dare she criticize Elliot in front of me but seduce


    him behind my back using all sorts of dirty tricks?


    Meanwhile, Anastasia started feeling like she was insane to allow Elliot to act as Jared¡¯s father while they


    were on the way to kindergarten.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you¡­ not go instead? I¡¯ll exin it to the teacher.¡± She turned toward the man and suggested


    that she didn¡¯t want him to ruin his image by going with her.


    Nevertheless, Elliot continued looking ahead of him and said with determination, ¡°I promised Jared to


    go.¡±


    ¡°I can exin to Jared that you can¡¯t make it because you¡¯re busy. Jared won¡¯t be mad at you since he¡¯s


    a forgiving person. I¡¯m begging you, Elliot, can you not go?¡± Anastasia gave him a pleading look.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Am I embarrassing you?¡± Elliot turned to give her a look.


    Yet, this wasn¡¯t about any one¡¯s reputation, as Anastasia just didn¡¯t want Elliot to act as Jared¡¯s father


    because she wouldn¡¯t be able to exin herself if anyone found out about this.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. You really shouldn¡¯t go. I¡¯ll promise to treat you to a meal if you don¡¯t go


    -no, I¡¯ll treat you to an entire day of meals. How about that?¡± She tried her best to persuade Elliot to


    change his mind, but Elliot remained unmoved. ¡°I¡¯m going.¡±


    ¡°What do you want me to do for you to not go, then?¡± Anastasia tried to negotiate with him.


    ¡°If you marry me right now, I won¡¯t go,¡± Elliot turned around and answered thoughtfully, while Anastasia


    gave him a speechless look. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    Then, he continued driving emotionlessly, and they reached the kindergarten in no time. Just then, there


    were already many parents there, although they had arrived 15 minutes earlier. After ncing at her


    watch, Anastasia suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t we wait in the car for a while before entering? Jared is probably


    still taking his nap right now.¡±


    Elliot nodded in agreement before she started using her phone to check thetest news to kill time.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Meanwhile, the man next to her, who didn¡¯t have the habit of mindlessly scrolling through his phone,


    fixated his gaze on her.


    At this moment, Anastasia¡¯s long hair was pushed to the back, leaving a few strands of baby hair to


    entuate her full cheeks. Her cheeks were soft and bouncy, showing how well her skin was.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    Chapter 86


    Right then, Elliot¡¯s gaze shifted to Anastasia¡¯s lips instinctively. Her lips were plump and soft, sending off


    signals to invite the man over.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia, who was in the midst of reading thetest news, felt a pair of eyes staring at her


    before she turned around to meet Elliot¡¯s deep gaze. When she sensed what he was thinking about, she


    was taken aback.


    Is he getting aroused again?!


    ¡°It¡¯s time. Let¡¯s go!¡± Anastasia kept her phone and got out of the car.


    At the same time, the lustful look in Elliot¡¯s gaze vanished before he got out of the car and headed


    toward the kindergarten together with Anastasia. Just then, the two young female teachers that were


    ushering at the kindergarten entrance were stunned when they saw the couple heading toward them.


    The man walking next to Anastasia was giving off an arrogant and noble aura. Although he was just


    wearing a white dress shirt along with ck cks, his 6¡¯2 height made him look as if he was royalty. Is


    this the definition of perfect? Oh my God, is that Jared¡¯s father? What a handsome man!


    ¡°Miss Tillman, is this Jared¡¯s father?¡± one of the female teachers asked curiously.


    ¡­ ¡°Uh¡­¡± Anastasia pursed her lips.


    ¡°Yes. I am Jared¡¯s father.¡± The man next to her admitted with a deep voice.


    ¡°Come on in. The activity is starting soon.¡± The teachers took a few more nces at Elliot. My goodness!


    Jared¡¯s mother must really be enjoying this view! It must be nice to marry such a good-looking man and


    conceive a good-looking son as well.


    ¡°Jared and his father bear so much resemnce to each other!¡± one of the teachers chimed in.


    However, Anastasia was speechless when she heard the teacher. Seriously? How can my son look


    simr to this man? Do all good-looking people look simr? Still, it¡¯s impossible to look so alike that


    even strangers think they look like father and son, isn¡¯t it?


    Since the program would be held at the kindergarten¡¯s field, they had built a stage -along with chairs for


    the parents. As Anastasia enrolled Jared in an ordinary


    kindergarten, it was understood that the types of equipment were slightly aged.


    At this moment, the children came out one by one, holding onto the hems of the shirt of the person in


    front of them. All of the children looked adorable and happy as their faces lit up proudly when they saw


    their parents.


    When Jared saw the people he was expecting, he broke into a smile, revealing his white teeth, before


    Elliot waved at him. Right then, Elliot¡¯s presence was not just fan service to the teachers but also eye


    candy to all the young mothers. All of them stared at Elliot intently, as if he would be theirs if they


    stared long and hard enough.


    Even the fathers started scanning Elliot up and down while thinking to themselves, How unfair is it for


    this man to get all the benefits when we are all men? How can he be handsome and have a great build


    while looking elegant, smart, and rich?


    Nevertheless, Elliot had his arms crossed gracefully before his gazended on Jared. At that moment,


    his gaze was gentle and soft, as if he was really staring at his own


    son.


    Right after the headmistress finished giving her speech, the teachers started bringing the kids up on


    stage for their ss performances. For the Grade 3 ss, every child came up as adorable looking


    angels before the Grade 2 ss children came in dancing adorably to a lovely song, and Jared was part


    of it as well.


    Following that, the youngest children who were in Grade 1 came on stage before a few of them started


    crying, causing some of the parents below the stage to start chuckling as Anastasia giggled as well.


    When she looked up and met the gaze of Elliot, who was sitting next to her, she suddenly noticed that he


    had a gentle look on his usually cold face.


    ¡°Alright. We want our parents to change into the outfits prepared for the activitiester on because our


    family activities are starting soon.¡±


    After getting the outfits, everyone, including Elliot, went to the washroom to change. A whileter,


    everyone came out while Elliot stood in the middle of the crowd in a yellow t-shirt. Although he was just


    wearing an ordinary t-shirt, he made it look somewhat expensive, as if it cost tens of thousands.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    Chapter 87


    Even Anastasia took a few more nces at Elliot. It was rare to see him in such a sight, and she really


    wanted to take a picture of him as a keepsake.


    ¡°We would like to request for parents to stand next to their children because we are starting our first


    round of family activities now.¡±


    When Elliot went over to stand next to Jared, the boy gave him a hug happily while Anastasia heard the


    pair of women next to her gossiping. ¡°He¡¯s the hottest dad I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    ¡°I know, right? I thought he was some celebrity initially!¡±


    Then, they gave Anastasia an envious look before one of them mustered up the courage to go toward


    Anastasia and asked, ¡°Is that your husband and son?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia felt her face flush a deep red before she nodded in acknowledgment. The


    first round of family activity was a dribbling game held on stage, and there would be three groups


    competing at the same time. Every child would be paired up with their fathers, and the fathers would


    need to pass the balls to their children, while the children would be needed to bring the balls to the


    endpoint.


    All the parents below the stage were entertained when thepetition started. When it was Elliot¡¯s turn,


    he quickly threw off the two other father-and-son pairings with his fast movements, while Jared quickly


    carried the ball and dashed toward the endpoint, making them the winner of the round. Then, every


    winning group continued into the eliminations before Elliot and Jared finally ended up in the first ce.


    Upon seeing Jared¡¯s pleased smile, Anastasia, who was below the stage, felt herself tearing up as this


    was her first time seeing Jared looking so proud and pleased while the man next to Jared bent down to


    wipe Jared¡¯s sweat off gently. At this moment, she finally came to a realization that she really owed Jared


    for not providing him with aplete family.


    Following that was a ball hoop game where every father had to quickly turn around six times while


    carrying their children before throwing the ball into a hoop, and the group that could make the fastest and


    most urate throw would be the winner.


    While everyone else got dizzy after making too many turns, Elliot had already ¨Cpleted ten sets of


    turns and threw the balls into the hoops at lightning speed with


    insane uracy, impressing the crowd.


    ¡°My goodness! That dad is so good at this game! How cool!¡± one of the mothers couldn¡¯t help but


    exim loudly.


    Having said that, it was what all the mothers present thought as well. This father is the GOAT!


    Everyone below the stage was full of praises for Elliot, while Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened in shock, as this


    was her first time seeing Jared so happy.


    They won again.


    After Jared won twice consecutively, the headmistress went on stage and announced, ¡°Let¡¯s invite


    Jared¡¯s mother toe up on stage with us.¡±


    Immediately, Anastasia¡¯s mind went nk. What is the headmistress trying to do?


    However, she knew that she couldn¡¯t cower away from getting up on stage, so she took a deep breath


    before she went up with a smile. Right then, the headmistress asked excitedly, ¡°Jared¡¯s mother! Firstly, I


    would like to ask where you ended up finding yourself such an outstanding and handsome man as your


    husband?¡±


    Immediately, Anastasia blushed before she pursed her lips into a smile and stuttered, ¡°W-Well¡­ I guess


    it¡¯s fate!¡±


    ¡°Jared¡¯s father was really amazing! May I know what his upation is?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m currently working in the finance field.¡± Elliot¡¯s maic voice was extremely mesmerizing


    ¡°Wow! I bet you¡¯re good at earning money!¡± Right then, even the headmistress, who was already in her


    forties, nced at Elliot a few times because this was her first time seeing such a good-looking father.


    ¡°Alright. Coming up next, let¡¯s get Jared¡¯s father to tell his mother: you¡¯ve done well, wifey.¡± The


    headmistress suddenly requested.


    During the entire time, Elliot had kept a small smile on his face, and his smile deepened upon the


    request. After taking the mic that the headmistress passed to him, he stared at Anastasia before saying


    with a deep voice, ¡°You¡¯ve done well, wifey.¡±


    Upon meeting the man¡¯s scorching gaze, Anastasia felt her face heating up. In fact, she was almost


    afraid to know what the headmistress was going to do next.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get Jared¡¯s mother to confess to his father and say: I love you, hubby!¡± the


    headmistress dered while Anastasia was rendered speechless.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    Chapter 88


    Oh my God! I want to kick myself so badly!


    Although the mic was already passed to her, Anastasia¡¯s mind waspletely nk, as she couldn¡¯t say


    it.


    ¡°Say it, Mommy!¡± At this moment, Jared, who was standing next to her, pulled on her pants anxiously.


    Just then, Anastasia had no choice but to say into the mic quickly, ¡°I love you, hubby.¡±


    After saying that, she wanted to leave the stage immediately, but the headmistress¡¯s relentless voice


    rang out again.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we let Jared¡¯s father give Jared¡¯s mother a hug now?¡±


    While Anastasia was dumbstruck, Elliot¡¯s arm came snaking around her waist before she was pressed


    against his chest and started smelling the scent of his male pheromones. Meanwhile, the crowd started


    apuding before Anastasia finally came back to her senses and pushed Elliot away instinctively.


    When they went down from the stage, Jared quickly went back to his seat while Elliot returned to his seat


    next to Anastasia. However, Anastasia was afraid to look at Elliot and only wanted the family activities to


    end as soon as possible.


    Fortunately, the activities following that were family activities between children from other sses with


    their mothers. Around 4.00 PM, the awards ceremony started, and Jared came back pleased with a mini


    ss trophy of his own. Finally, Anastasia sighed in relief when the headmistress announced the end of


    the ceremony because she couldn¡¯t wait to leave with Jared.


    When they got into Elliot¡¯s car, all of the parents noticed that Elliot was driving a Rolls-Royce Phantom


    that cost millions.


    Meanwhile, in the car, Jared eximed, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you were so cool today!¡±


    ¡°I bet you¡¯re tired! Let me treat you to dinner tonight,¡± Elliot turned around slightly and offered.


    However, Anastasia rejected him. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m taking Jared home.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave shouldn¡¯t have to treat us to a meal because it¡¯s the other This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    way round instead. Why don¡¯t we head out to have a meal tonight? Your treat.¡± Jared had already had


    everything nned out.


    On the other hand, Anastasia didn¡¯t want to appear stingy and ungrateful in front of Jared. Besides, she


    realized that Jared was right, and she should repay Elliot for helping Jared out today.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll treat you to a meal, then.¡± Anastasia told the man who was driving.


    ¡°Sure. Where are we heading?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the restaurant that serves local cuisine below my house!¡± She didn¡¯t want to travel far


    because she still had to clean her son up afterward.


    ¡°We stay here,¡± Jared informed Elliot when he stopped by the street where Anastasia bought her new


    ce, after which Elliot nodded at the young boy.


    The restaurant served local dishes, and the business was doing well. After Anastasia picked a table


    close to the window and got seated, she ordered a few local delicacies, and their food was served in no


    time. At the same time, Jared was still toying with his trophy on his seat.


    ¡°Eat up! Although this isn¡¯t some fancy restaurant, the dishes here are not bad,¡± she offered the man


    sitting in front of her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not picky.¡± Elliot grabbed his utensils and started eating, while Anastasia picked some food for Jared.


    From an outsider¡¯s perspective, they looked just like a family of three. Right then, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help


    but feel relief that Jared was in an ordinary kindergarten, and the parents here didn¡¯t have wide social


    circles, so Elliot wasn¡¯t recognized.


    After dinner, while she was paying the bills, Jared walked around without paying any attention to his


    surroundings and was about to run into a waitress who was rushing over with a few dishes.


    ¡°Jared, be careful.¡± Elliot quickly,pulled Jared behind him to protect him while the waitress got scared


    before her tray tilted, and all of the dishesnded on Elliot¡¯s arm.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± The waitress, who was an intern, started crying due to shock before she tried to


    clean his arm in a hurry.


    As Anastasia witnessed Elliot soiling his shirt to save Jared, she quickly rushed over to console the


    crying waitress. ¡°It¡¯s alright. We stay nearby anyway.¡±


    After leaving the restaurant, she had no choice but to invite Elliot over to clean himself up.


    ¡°Fortunately, the t-shirt that you wore for the parents¡¯ activities just now is still in the car. You don¡¯t mind


    changing into that, do you?¡± Anastasia asked Elliot.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll take a shower at yours.¡± Obviously, a clean freak like Elliot wouldn¡¯t choose to go home in a


    soiled shirt. After getting the t-shirt from the car, Anastasia went home along with Jared and Elliot.


    When Elliot saw Anastasia¡¯s new ce, he realized that it was bigger than the apartment that she used


    to stay in, and it was cozier than before.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Chapter 89


    Anastasia realized Elliot didn¡¯t take the t-shirt with him after he entered the bathroom. While Jared went


    back to his room to y with his Lego, she started tidying the living room and lost track of time.


    When Anastasia heard the door to the bathroom opening, she turned around instinctively to see Elliot,


    whose hair was wet,ing out wearing nothing but his cks.


    Under the light¡¯s illumination, his strong physique waspletely exposed, revealing his refined


    shoulder des and cor bones, as well as his defined abdomen muscles. As Elliot didn¡¯t have his belt


    on yet, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but feel threatened by his presence right there and then.


    Nevertheless, she couldn¡¯t help but go into a trance as this was her first time seeing such a perfect male


    built. As a perfectionist, Anastasia really wanted to sneak a few more nces at Elliot.


    ¡°Are you done with staring?¡± Elliot¡¯s sore throat made his voice sound slightly hoarse, while Anastasia¡¯s


    face flushed quickly before she lowered her head and wiped the table in a hurried manner to act as if she


    was busy.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ Your t-shirt is on the couch,¡± she reminded.


    Then, Elliot took long strides toward the couch before wearing the yellow t-shirt. Just then, his gaze


    landed on Anastasia¡¯s slender waist. Suddenly, he felt unwilling to end the day just like that.


    At this moment, he got more agitated due to the shower before he headed to Anastasia¡¯s room and


    asked, ¡°Where¡¯s my phone?¡±


    At the same time, Anastasia was shocked. Although she hadn¡¯t seen Elliot¡¯s phone, she was sure that


    his phone wasn¡¯t in her room.


    ¡°It¡¯s not in my room,¡± Anastasia said before she quickly followed him to her bedroom.


    While Elliot was looking around the bed, she reached his side before she was grabbed by her arms and


    forced to fall into the man¡¯s firm chest. Within the next second, Anastasia¡¯s chin was grabbed before she


    was forced to look up while Elliot lowered his head and kissed her against her will.


    Upon tasting the sweet scent of Anastasia¡¯s lip, Elliot tensed up as Anastasia¡¯s soft lips


    were so addictive it kept making him yearn for more. Since when did this woman be so charismaticThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    that she could arouse me with just a kiss?


    On the other hand, Anastasia was dumbstruck. God damn it. How dare he trick me into my room to take


    advantage of me?!


    Nevertheless, Jared¡¯s room was just next door, and she didn¡¯t want Jared to run into this scene since the


    house was small, so she could only try to push Elliot away forcefully while refusing his kiss.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was shocked. Why does this feel so familiar? This is just like what happened that night


    five years ago. This sweet, unforgettable scent, this moan of hers, and the way she pushes me away¡­


    are all too familiar.


    Still, Anastasia knew that Elliot got more possessive the more she tried to push him away, as it triggered


    his urge to dominate her. Right then, someone¡¯s leg tripped onto another, and the two of them fell down


    onto the soft bed within the next second.


    Finally, Anastasia managed to get away from Elliot¡¯s grip before she red at the man on the bed with a


    disheveled look and cursed, ¡°Elliot, you a*shole!¡±


    At the same time, the man in the bed looked stunned as well. Just a while ago, there was a strong urge


    within him to keep her for himself and dominate her. Elliot could feel himself going crazy, as he wasn¡¯t


    able to do that.


    1. ¡°I want you to leave my house now. You¡¯re not weed here any longer.¡± Anastasia


    red at him before she rubbed her lips angrily to indicate her disgust.


    Meanwhile, Elliot lowered his gaze before a conflicted look shed past his face.


    After he came out, he didn¡¯t say anything and left after grabbing his car keys and phone on the couch


    while Anastasia sat on the couch with her forehead propped against her palm. I can¡¯t keep allowing the


    wolf into my house again and again. This man is too dangerous, and I can¡¯t let hime over anymore.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Chapter 90


    During the night, Anastasia apanied Jared until he fell asleep before she returned to her own room.


    As shey in bed, she kept having shbacks of what happened before an electrifying sensation ran past


    her body.


    How is this even possible? I¡¯ve been avoiding men and any physical contact with them other than


    asional contact with Nigel after what happened five years ago, but it¡¯s strictly tonic between the


    two of us, so why did Elliot manage to arouse me? Is it because he¡¯s way too charismatic? No. That¡¯s


    impossible. Elliot is Hayley¡¯s man, and I¡¯ll never allow anyone with any association with Hailey to touch


    me again.


    On Saturday morning, Anastasia woke up and checked her phone instinctively to see if she had any


    notifications before she noticed a message from an unknown number. Initially, she thought that it was a


    spam message, but the content of the text made her sit up abruptly in shock.


    ¡®I was the man from five years ago. Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you gave birth to my


    son?¡¯


    Upon seeing that, Anastasia had her face go pale as she stared at the message in shock before her


    mind went nk.


    How is this even possible? How did the man from five years ago find out about Jared? Did Hayley or


    Erica tell him about it?


    Nevertheless, the thing that she was the most afraid of was finally happening. The bast*rd was finally


    showing up to steal Jared.


    Hayley must have been the one who told him about it! Since she arranged everything in the first ce,


    she must have stayed in contact with him.


    Still, Anastasia forced herself to calm down before replying to the text message. ¡®I don¡¯t know what


    you¡¯re talking about. You got the wrong person.


    Anastasia Tillman, you better listen to me if you don¡¯t want me to take your son away from you, or I¡¯ll


    definitely take him away.


    She felt a murderous intent rising when she saw the man¡¯s reply. How dare a person who hadmitted


    a crime try to snatch my son away from me?


    ¨C ¡®I¡¯ll kill you if you try to take my son away from me. Hatred was evident in Anastasia¡¯s


    reply.


    ¡®I want you to meet me at my appointed ce, or you can just wait for your son to be snatched away


    from you!¡¯


    Jared was Anastasia¡¯s biggest weakness, and she¡¯d do anything for him, including risking her own life.


    Since the b*stard of a man finally appeared, there was no way for her to avoid him even if she didn¡¯t


    want to meet him.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll meet up with you.¡¯ Anastasia replied to the message.


    At the same time, Hayley, who was in her luxurious mansion, smirked evilly when she read Anastasia¡¯s


    reply to her. The show just started. As long as I can control this character well, I can get Anastasia to do


    anything due to her fear of losing Jared.


    Despite that, Hayley still had another n for tonight.


    On the other hand, Anastasia had been in fear and anxiety the entire day. After that, she contacted


    Francis to get him toe over during the noon to take care of Jared because she needed to go meet


    that man.


    Anastasia really hoped that Jared would have a great father, but the man was an a*shole. After settling


    Jared down, she checked her phone to see an address as well as a message from the man. ¡®Be here on


    time. If you refuse toe, I¡¯ll make sure you pay for it.


    Around 5.30 PM, Anastasia took a cab to the agreed meet-up location. Since she wasn¡¯t sure about the


    precise location where they were meeting, she got down from the cab around the agreed meet-up


    location before realizing that she was in a remote alley with no people there. Right when she wanted to


    ask the man about his whereabouts, a person suddenly covered her mouth from behind before she


    inhaled the drugs that caused her to faint. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Immediately, Anastasia was dragged inside a van before the van drove away, revealing a sports car


    behind it, while Hayley, who was in the car, sent a message. ¡®Send her to the appointed hotel.


    Then, she contacted Alice to make sure that she had done everything from her side as well. ¡°I told


    Chairman Morris to meet me at the hotel room at 10.00 PM tonight. Are you sure that Anastasia is going


    to be there?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Anastasia is in my hands right now, and I¡¯m sending her to the room for Chairman Morris to


    enjoyter on.¡± Hayley smirked because her n was progressing smoothly, as she would be able to get


    the footage of Anastasia and Ben Morris tomorrow morning. Once she yed the footage during the


    awards ceremony, everyone would know that Anastasia won by getting into Ben Morris¡¯s bed.


    By then, she would surely lose all her credits and be theughingstock in the field. Even if Elliot


    were to try to help her out in Bourgeois, Anastasia would still be humiliated and wouldn¡¯t be able to make


    aeback anymore.

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    Chapter 91


    On the other hand, Anastasia was lying unconscious in the backseat of the van. At that moment, her hair


    was let down in a messy manner, and her intrinsic facial features gave off an unguarded look for what


    wasing next.


    The two men in the van were sweating, as they weren¡¯t skilled in what Hayley wanted them to do despite


    collecting money from her.


    ¡°She won¡¯t wake up, will she? Was the drug strong enough?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. I only took the rmended dose based on the instruction book. If it was too


    strong, she¡¯d probably remain unconscious for a bit longer.¡±


    Once they reached the hotel, the two of them wore caps before dragging Anastasia into the hotel


    elevator. When they reached the presidential suite, Alice, who was in the ce, opened the door for


    them. Although she noticed that Anastasia was dragged inside, she remained calm.


    ¡°ce her on the bed before you let her drink that cup of water on the table.¡±


    After Anastasia was ced on the couch, she was forcefully fed with half a cup of water that was spiked


    with aphrodisiac. Right then, Alice chuckled coldly as she looked at Anastasia. This is what you get for


    trying to snatch the money away from me.


    The two men quickly left after cing Anastasia in bed while Alice left after. I guess Ben will be reaching


    anytime soon.


    As expected, Ben quickly came in after scanning his room card. When he couldn¡¯t find Alice, he quickly


    contacted her.


    ¡°Hey, Alice, where are you?¡± Ben asked in a displeased tone as he sat down on the couch.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Chairman Morris! I had to leave because of an emergency, but my colleague was still


    there. Have you seen her? She¡¯s drunk, so you¡¯ll have to take care of her!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Ben stood up quickly from the couch and entered the master bedroom to see a


    woman with a slender and curvy body lying on the white bed. When he saw her face, he waspletely


    stunned.


    Ben didn¡¯t expect to see a prettier and sexier woman than Alice on his bed. As he was


    a perverted and daring man, he was happy that he finally had something to do for the night.


    ¡°Alice, you better not stand up on me next time. Is your colleague someone who is easy to get on with?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Just do as you wish. I can assure you that it¡¯ll be alright.¡± Alic¨¨ assured him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help myself, then.¡± Ben panted with anticipation.


    At the same time, Alice, who was in her car, contacted Hayley. ¡°Miss Seymour, I¡¯ve gotten the men to


    ce Anastasia in bed, and Ben is in the hotel room now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. After tonight, Anastasia will be ruined,¡± Hayley dered chirpily.


    ¡°Are you sure that Anastasia won¡¯t try to pin us on this?¡±


    Hayley chuckled coldly. ¡°She won¡¯t dare to do so. Since she still has to think about her son, she would


    choose to deal with the humiliation instead.¡±


    Besides, this is not her first time getting yed by men anymore.


    Meanwhile, Ben was toying with the tools that he had brought over next to the white bed. As he was into


    kinks, he would often torture the women that he slept with.


    At the same time, Anastasia, who was still in a daze, regained consciousness after feeling a sudden


    surging heat. After opening her heavy eyelids slowly, she was shocked by the luxurious-looking hotel


    chandelier above her before she got up in an abrupt manner. Then, she turned around to see a man


    toying with a bunch of disgusting-looking tools next to the bed.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Anastasia asked weakly.


    Since Ben was a recidivist, he obviously knew that this woman was ced in front of him without her


    consent. Still, he wasn¡¯t nning on letting her go, as it had alreadye to this point.


    ¡°What¡­ What have you done to me?¡± Anastasia felt dizzy as she held her forehead and tried to get


    down from the bed. However, her legs gave in almost immediately before she fell to the ground.


    Right then, Anastasia came to a horrifying realization that she was tricked when she realized that she


    lacked strength and could feel a familiar burning sensation within


    her body.


    ¡°Hey, pretty girl! Why are you so anxious? I¡¯ll be sure to be nice to youter on,¡± Ben said before he tried


    to hold Anastasia.


    ¡°Do not touch me! Get away! Stop touching me¡­¡± Anastasia pushed him away harshly before she


    staggered out of the master bedroom and tried to look for her bag to get


    help.


    However, Ben, who was behind her, dashed out and ran after her. Although he was already in his fifties,


    he was still stronger than Anastasia because he was a man. Nevertheless, Anastasia¡¯s fight-or-flight


    response was triggered when she had a devastating realization that Ben was about to drag her back into


    the bedroom.


    Immediately, she bit Ben¡¯s hand harshly before she dragged her strengthless body to the couch to grab


    her bag. However, Ben was already waiting for Anastasia with a smirk on his face at the entrance of the


    suite when she wanted to make her escape.


    ¡°Where are you trying to go, honey? Why won¡¯t you let me love you?¡±


    Anastasia felt revolted when she heard Ben and felt like she was about to puke what she ate yesterday.


    Upon seeing that her route to escape was obstructed, she turned around and noticed the washroom


    before dashing over and closing the door before locking it.


    ? Immediately, Ben ran toward the washroom and banged on the door. ¡°Open up,


    honey. You won¡¯t be able to escape me tonight.¡±


    At the same time, Anastasia was rummaging through her bag anxiously. When she found her phone, the


    first person that came to her mind was Francis, but Francis was still taking care of Jared, so she decided


    to call Nigel instead. However, no one epted the call despite the call being connected.


    Right then, Anastasia had her heart in her mouth as Ben¡¯s angry shouts and door banging kept ringing


    out.


    She knew that she could lose her consciousness again anytime soon as she was still feeling strengthless


    after drinking the spiked drink, and she thought of another person before she quickly grabbed her phone


    and contacted Elliot.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    Chapter 92


    ¡°Hello?¡± The call was epted within three seconds before Elliot¡¯s deep voice rang out.


    ¡°Help me¡­ Elliot, please help me.. I got tricked, and I¡¯m now hiding in the washroom of a suite. There¡¯s a


    man outside who wants to hurt me¡­ I¡¯m feeling really dizzy: ¡ª Please help me¡­¡±


    As Anastasia trailed off, Elliot¡¯s anxious voice quickly came in. ¡°What hotel are you at? Which suite?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I was taken here¡­ I¡¯ll send you my location now¡­ Elliot¡­ Please save me¡­¡± Then, she


    felt her consciousness drifting away before she fainted in the washroom.


    At the same time, a ck car sped out of Presgrave Group¡¯s parking lot before it dashed to the hotel that


    was being pinpointed. The handsome man who was driving had a cold look on his face. Who would try to


    plot against Anastasia? Who would dare to trick her?


    Within 15 minutes, Elliot¡¯s car entered the hotel¡¯s parking lot before he started making his way to the


    hotel reception. Although he tried calling Anastasia, no one epted the call, indicating that she had


    already lost consciousness.


    ¡°Get your manager over now. My friend is getting assaulted at your hotel, and I want the hotel to take full


    responsibility if anything happens to her.¡±


    When the manager came and saw Elliot, he started perspiring. Isn¡¯t this the young master of the


    Presgrave Family?


    ¡°I¡¯ll check the surveince camera right away, Young Master Elliot.¡± The manager quickly entered the


    surveince room before he found the footage of an unconscious girl getting carried into the elevator


    within two minutes. She was taken by two men in caps, and they took her to the presidential suite.


    After getting the suite number, Elliot dashed to the elevator while the manager followed along with two of


    his employees. While the elevator started heading up rapidly, he felt his heartbeat increasing by BPMs


    along with it.


    Come on! Move faster! Faster! Has Anastasia been¡­ No. I won¡¯t let that happen. I won¡¯t allow ¨C


    Anastasia to get assaulted again. Right then, Elliot was feeling murderous as he tried to This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    figure out who would try to harm Anastasia.


    Back at the presidential suite, Ben had made sure Anastasia fainted in the washroom. As expected, he


    started picking the lock to the washroom, as he didn¡¯t dare to ask for help from the hotel. At this moment,


    he was picking on the washroom door with a tool before the entrance to the suite was kicked open.


    Then, an angry figure came in. Right then, Elliot looked like Satan himself paying a visit to Ben. Before


    the cunning old man could react, Elliot brought his le? down on him with a disgusted look on his face.


    After he kicked Ben away, the manager quickly got his employees to unlock the door under Elliot¡¯s


    instructions, as Anastasia had lost consciousness in the washroom.


    The employees came back in a hurry within a minute with the keys before they unlocked the door to the


    washroom and found a disheveled-looking woman leaning against the wall. Despite the illumination of


    the light on her pale face, her beauty was still astounding


    ¡°Anastasia¡­¡± Elliot called out anxiously before he carried her up from the ground.


    At the same time, Ben finally recognized Elliot, after which he fell to the ground in shock and disbelief


    that he had tried to cross his woman.


    Before Elliot left with Anastasia, he instructed the manager coldly, ¡°I want you to nie lodge a police report


    and have this man detained.¡±


    Immediately, the manager got his employees to restrain Ben while he went to contact the police.


    On the other hand, Anastasia felt relieved when she sensed the familiar scent of the man carrying her


    before she wrapped her arms around the man¡¯s neck tightly to reduce the burning sensation that she had


    been feeling.


    Despite that, Elliot didn¡¯t leave with Anastasia and brought her to another room instead. After he ced


    her on the bed gently, she refused to let go of him, as she knew Elliot was the one carrying her before


    she opened her beautiful teary-looking eyes.


    Upon meeting Anastasia¡¯s gaze, Elliot felt his breath hitching. Even though he knew he shouldn¡¯t be


    having these feelings at this moment, it was impossible for any man not to feel tempted at the sight of


    Anastasia right then.

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    Chapter 93


    When Anastasia regained some of her consciousness, she curled up in a nket with her hair spread


    out messily after knowing that she was safe. Despite that, the drug¡¯s effect was still tormenting her


    endlessly.


    Upon noticing Elliot, she felt her rationale slipping away before she suddenly felt like hugging him.


    ¡°Can¡­ Can you hug me?¡± Anastasia was experiencing chills and heat shes simultaneously, and she


    was feeling extremely ufortable.


    Knowing that she wanted, Elliot reached out to pull her into his embrace before hugging her tightly.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia looked up to observe the man¡¯s chiseled brow ridge and nose. From her point of


    view, she could see a gentle look in the man¡¯s eyes, and it was calling out for her.


    Elliot¡¯s gaze felt like a feathery touch to Anastasia¡¯s heart before her impulsive self made her do


    something out of character. In the next second, she sat up and held Elliot¡¯s face before nting a kiss on


    his lips.


    At the same time, Elliot tensed up. Is she trying to use me as a cure?


    Still, he knew that everything that was happening wasn¡¯t something that Anastasia would willingly do


    since she wasn¡¯t thinking rationally, so there was no need for him to be happy about it.


    In fact, she might regret what happened when she regained consciousness. Still, rejecting Anastasia put


    Elliot¡¯s self-control to the test.


    When he tasted Anastasia¡¯s lips, he felt his self-control leavingpletely before he grabbed her slender


    waist with his strong arms. Then, Elliot pulled Anastasia toward him and took the lead before the two of


    them fell onto the bed.


    The kiss opened the pandora box, and there was no way to stop it now.


    Nevertheless, Elliot didn¡¯t actually try to attempt to do anything to Anastasia. While she was still in a


    daze, he picked her up and headed to the bathroom before cing her in the bathtub. Since it was a


    summer night, the water was cooler than usual. Right then, Anastasia¡¯s body was immersed underwater


    as she propped her head by the edge of the bathtub and moaned weakly.


    Now that her rationale was starting to return, she looked up before her mind went


    nk momentarily. Aftering back to her senses, Anastasia felt so embarrassed she wanted to


    disappear. Did I just kiss him forcefully?


    In fact, she also recalled herself trying to offer herself up to him.


    ¡°Have you finallye back to your senses?¡± Elliot stood by the bathtub as he looked at her with a


    worried look. Nevertheless, he felt as if he needed a cold shower as well because his body felt extremely


    warm right then.


    There was no way Elliot would be able to handle watching Anastasia getting out of the showers after


    getting teased by her back then.


    On the other hand, Anastasia started making connections as to why she ended up in that old man¡¯s bed


    after she came back to her senses. Everything started because of the text message that she had


    received, and she was drugged at the alley where she was supposed to meet the man before she ended


    up waking up on the bed.


    It was obvious that she was sent to the old man. At this moment, Anastasia checked that she still had all


    her garments on before sighing in relief.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she looked up and thanked the man standing by the entrance of the bathroom. If Elliot


    hadn¡¯t rushed over to save her, she couldn¡¯t imagine what could have happened to her.


    ¡°Why did something like this happen? Who drugged you before sending you to this


    ¡¤ man¡¯s bed?¡± There was an annoyed look in Elliot¡¯s eyes. Why can¡¯t she do a better job of


    protecting herself?


    Meanwhile, Anastasia sighed before she stood up from the water. However, she quickly sat back in the


    bathtub as the water had drenched her outfit and revealed her body shapepletely.


    ¡°Can you get me something to change into?¡± Anastasia gave Elliot a pleading look.


    Then, Elliot went to get the housekeeping staff to get Anastasia an outfit before he left the bathroom,


    allowing Anastasia to take a shower before changing into her new outfit. When she came out in the beige


    dress with her waist-level hair down, Elliot, who was on the couch, was stunned before he rejoiced


    secretly that nothing had happened to her tonight.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    Chapter 94


    Just then, Anastasia heard a notification ringtone. Hence, she tensed up and went to sit on the couch,


    taking her phone to read the new message, which was threatening.


    ¡®Anastasia, you¡¯d better pretend nothing happened tonight, or you¡¯ll face the consequences. I¡¯ve warned


    you.


    ¡°Think of our son! The second message was even more confusing.


    Hatred shed in the depths of Anastasia¡¯s eyes. So this is the jerk that tricked me here!


    ¡°Where¡¯s that jerk?¡± Anastasia asked the man.


    ¡°Probably on his way to the police station.¡±


    Anastasia walked over to the bed and called up the front desk, asking when the receptionist picked up,


    ¡°Has that jerk been sent to the police station?¡±


    ¡°Miss, you¡¯re the victim just now, right? The police are on their way right now; our security guards are


    keeping the man under control.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the security room?¡± Anastasia asked.


    ¡°The 3rd floor.¡±


    Anastasia hung up and turned around to look at the man. ¡°Thank you for tonight, President Presgrave. I


    have matters to deal with, so I¡¯ll leave first.¡±


    With that, Anastasia opened the door, intending to leave right away. However, the man behind her strode


    over and followed her. When Anastasia got in the elevator, he also followed suit. His ck eyes were


    trained on her as he asked, ¡°What happened?¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t want to blow things up, so she bunched some of her hair together as she said, ¡°Nothing


    much, just some stroke of bad luck. Someone plotted against me.¡±


    Elliot saw that she didn¡¯t want to talk about it, and he felt angry for some reason. Hisrge hand gripped


    her wrist as he asked once again, ¡°Anastasia, tell me what exactly happened. Why would you be toyed


    with by this man?¡±


    Of course, Anastasia didn¡¯t want the entire world to know that her son¡¯s father was a ¨C despicable and


    shameless escort. Hence, she raised her clear and calm eyes to look at


    the man. ¡°Don¡¯t ask. I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    When Anastasia finished talking, they had arrived on the 3rd floor, and she wriggled her wrist free and


    walked toward the security room.


    Just then, in the security room, Ben Morris was making a fuss about getting hiswyer, flustered as he


    shoved two security guards. When he saw Anastasia, he was frightened and looked away in shame.


    Anastasia really wanted to just stab this old pervert to death, but the one who deserved death the most


    was the jerk behind the scenes.


    ¡°Let him go. I won¡¯t hold him responsible,¡± Anastasia said to the security guard, gritting her teeth.


    Everyone present was shocked. Ben red at the security guard in embarrassment and shame,


    intending to leave as soon as possible. Suddenly, a long leg mmed against his waist, forcing him to


    fall to the ground. The next second, someone had mercilessly stepped on his back so that his face met


    the ground again after he attempted to get up.


    ¡°Ow¡­¡± Ben whined.


    ¡°Who allowed you to leave?¡± Elliot didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of letting him off the hook.


    Anastasia turned to look at Elliot. Remembering the threat that jerk sent, she walked over to Elliot and


    said, ¡°Just let him get lost.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, do you know the things that would¡¯ve happened to you if I hadn¡¯t rushed here?¡± Elliot¡¯s


    handsome face had a terrible expression, and his gaze was cold and sharp like des when he looked


    at her.


    Anastasia knew that, of course. I¡¯m the victim, so how can I not?


    However, she wanted to protect her son more, so she didn¡¯t want that jerk from five years ago to appear


    in front of her son and destroy his peaceful world.


    This old pervert is only part of the trade.


    ¡°Elliot, this matter concerns me, so I have the right to make the decisions.¡± With that, Anastasia went in


    front of him and pushed his leg away. Under him, Ben was frightfully sweating buckets, and he


    scrambled as he fled out the door.


    It really was an unlucky night for him actually to run into Elliot, of all people. In reality, he almost died.


    Anastasia watched the old pervert leave, then she turned and talked to the man with a handsome but


    gloomy face. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    Anastasia was about to leave, but the man grabbed her hand. She could feel the man¡¯s fury, and as soon


    as the elevator doors opened, he forced her against the wall of the elevator.


    With their faces meeting and their noses almost touched, she could feel his angry breaths on her face.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    Chapter 95


    Anastasia red at Elliot as she tried to push him away, and her voice wasced with warning as she


    said, ¡°What are you doing, Elliot?¡±


    The man¡¯s gaze was dark and deep, like a knocked-over pot of ink. He gritted his teeth and growled,


    ¡°Anastasia, I can satisfy you if you need a man.¡±


    A buzz shot through Anastasia¡¯s mind. What nonsense is this man saying?


    Just then, the elevator doors opened with a ding. A few hotel guests were standing outside, gaping at


    their intimate pose. Immediately, Anastasia pushed the man on top of her away and ran out of the


    elevator, fleeing the scene. She decided to let him off the hook for once, since he literally saved her


    tonight.


    Afterward, Anastasia decided to hail a cab home, but she couldn¡¯t see any cabs at the hotel entrance at


    this hour. As she was about to walk further to the main road for her ride, a man¡¯s low voice rang out


    behind her. ¡°I¡¯ll take you home.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t want to trouble you,¡± Anastasia replied, turning to look at the man.


    ¡°Why? Am I so untrustworthy to you?¡± Elliot was angry as hisrge hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her


    with him as he walked toward his car. Since she couldn¡¯t break free, she could only follow him to his car


    before he opened the door to the passenger seat and pushed her in.


    Anastasia helplessly got in. She had gone through enough surprises tonight, so her legs were wobbly,


    and she felt like her body was emptied out. Being reminded of something, she quickly grabbed her


    phone and nced at it to find that the man hadn¡¯t replied.


    At that moment, she really wished that the man would just disappear from her world once and for all,


    never appearing ever again.


    Elliot hadn¡¯t driven for long when Anastasia¡¯s phone rang. It was a call from Nigel.


    Anastasia picked it up. ¡°Hello, Nigel.¡±


    As soon as Anastasia finished talking, she could feel a sharp nce directed at her.


    ¡°Hello, Anastasia. Did you call? I was busy just now, so I didn¡¯t notice.¡± Nigel¡¯s voice ¨C was terriblyThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    apologetic.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine now, don¡¯t mind me. I identally pressed the wrong button,¡± Anastasia said while trying to


    seem as natural as possible.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow at noon, and then we can have lunch together.¡±.


    ¡°Sure! See you tomorrow at noon, then.¡±


    ¡°Did you miss me? I miss you a lot.¡± Nigel took the opportunity to confess.


    ¡°All right, see you tomorrow!¡± Anastasiaughed as she ended the call. As she stashed her phone back


    into her bag, a man¡¯s low and upset voice asked beside her, ¡°So, the first person you called for help was


    Nigel?¡±


    T LETTER


    Anastasia was stunned, but she nodded earnestly. ¡°Yes, but Nigel didn¡¯t pick up.¡±


    ¡°So when you get in trouble, the first person you think of isn¡¯t me but Nigel?¡± the man questioned again,


    as if looking for confirmation.


    ¡°Thank you for tonight.¡± No matter what, Anastasia was sincerely grateful for his help.


    ¡°How are you going to thank me?¡± Elliot turned to look at her, a meaningful look in his eyes.


    Anastasia pursed her lips. ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to a meal.¡±


    ¡°All right, then. Cancel the lunch appointment with Nigel tomorrow, and treat me to lunch instead,¡± the


    man said on purpose.


    Anastasia was puzzled. Why is he insisting on tomorrow?


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll treat Nigel to dinner instead, so the lunch is yours.¡± Anastasia rearranged her schedule.


    Unexpectedly, this arrangement made the man even more upset. ¡°So Nigel is more important than I am


    to you?¡± he asked with a snort.


    Anastasia went speechless.


    What is this man getting all jealous about? I¡¯ve known Nigel for a few years, but Elliot and I only knew


    each other for a short while!Also, isn¡¯t Nigel his cousin? What¡¯s his deal?


    Anastasia sighed and smiled in exasperation. ¡°All right, then, President Presgrave. What about this? I¡¯ll


    treat you to both lunch and dinner tomorrow.¡±


    He¡¯ll have the entire day to himself, so he should be happy now, right?

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    Chapter 96


    However, Anastasia¡¯s forced tone didn¡¯t manage to lift the man¡¯s mood. Instead, Elliot felt as if she was


    forced to treat him to meals.


    ¡°Why did you let that jerk go instead of handing him over to the police? And how did you even appear at


    the hotel in the first ce?¡± Elliot still wanted to know the reason.


    Anastasia lied casually, ¡°I got tricked into the hotel; I don¡¯t even know that man.¡±


    ¡°Who tricked you?¡±


    ¡°Someone I knew over a meal.¡±


    ¡°So you needed him?¡± Elliot kept interrogating.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t keep telling stories anymore, so she mumbled, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Remember this, Anastasia. Whatever you need, you should ask me first before asking anyone else. At


    least I won¡¯t do something sneaky on you,¡± Elliot reminded.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t quite ready to agree with him, for he had taken advantage of her many times, and she


    could hold him responsible if she wanted.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Okay, sure.¡± Anastasia paid him lip service.


    The more Elliot thought about it, the more furious he got when he remembered how they just let that jerk


    go like that. Just then, Elliot¡¯s car phone rang, and Hayley¡¯s name popped up on the control panel.


    He did not pick up the call, merely looking at it, but when Anastasia saw Hayley¡¯s name, disgust flitted


    across her eyes.


    The ringtone was still sounding, but Elliot didn¡¯t move to pick up the call, allowing the ringing to stop on


    its own.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you pick up the call? What if your girlfriend was in an emergency?¡± Anastasia asked him on


    purpose.


    ¡°Hayley isn¡¯t my girlfriend; we¡¯re just friends,¡± Elliot retorted.


    -¡°Oh! Friends with benefits.¡± Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but throw in an insult.


    Elliot eyed her, then asked in a hoarse voice, ¡°So you¡¯re bothered about the thought that I slept with


    her?¡±


    Anastasia returned the question. ¡°Why should I be? I don¡¯t care who you sleep with; it¡¯s none of my


    business.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s face darkened, and his eyebrows scrunched up. Every word this woman spoke was provoking


    him.


    The atmosphere in the car turned awkward and heavy, so heavy that Anastasia felt ufortable about


    it. While the man drove, she secretly studied him as the street lights cast dark shadows on his handsome


    face. He wore a fitting white shirt, and despite the day¡¯s activities, the shirt was still free of wrinkles. His


    profile was clear and well-defined, as if God Himself had drawn perfect lines on him.


    She had to admit that this man was so perfect that no one could find anything wrong with him. Noticing


    that she was about to arrive at hermunity, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh. Home! Atst!


    No matter what, this man helped a lot to ensure her safe return.


    ¡°President Presgrave, thank you so much for tonight.¡± Anastasia thanked him again, and she was


    absolutely sincere with her words.


    ¡°If you run into simr trouble in the future, I should be the first person you ask for help. If you ask any


    other man to help you, I won¡¯t help you anymore,¡± Elliot ordered.


    Anastasia was speechless.


    Do I even have to consider his priorities when asking for help? What sort of reasoning is this?


    Still, reasoning or not, her main goal was to appease the man, so she nodded. ¡°All right, got it.¡±


    Elliot watched her get out of the car, the look in his eyesplicated and dark. Every time she left his


    side, he would feel a sense of longing, as if hoping that she would stay with him forever. His thoughts


    made him frown, for he was a little mad at the power the woman held over him.


    As Elliot watched Anastasia walk through the main entrance of themunity, he slowly drove away.


    Just then, Hayley called him again. Finally, Elliot answered the call this time. ¡°Hello. What¡¯s the matter,


    Hayley?¡±


    ¡°Elliot, where are you? I just took a nap and had a terrifying nightmare. I¡¯m so scared. Pleasee over


    and stay with me.¡± Hayley¡¯s voice sounded as if she were still shaken.


    ¡°I have urgent business to attend to. I¡¯ll send my assistant, Daniel Lancaster, to apany you,¡± Elliot


    said in a low voice.


    ¡°No, I want you. No one can make me feel safe except for you. Please, Elliot, I beg of you. Come over!¡±


    Hayley¡¯s voice was now tinted with sobbing.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t go right now, Hayley. Please, be a good girl.¡± Elliot could onlyfort her over the phone.


    On the other end of the line, Hayley¡¯s voice sounded disappointed, but she still obeyed. ¡°Fine, then. You


    don¡¯t have to send anyone over. Just give me a present aspensation tomorrow, and I¡¯ll let this slide.¡±


    ¡°Sure, what do you want?¡±


    ¡°I just bought a white dress, but I don¡¯t have any jewelry to go with it. You can give me a set!¡±


    ¡°Oh. Sure.¡± Elliot¡¯s reply was quick and decisive, for he would ratherpensate with material things


    than make it up to her emotionally.


    Meanwhile, in the luxurious vi, Hayley had just ended her call with Elliot. There was a fire burning in


    her eyes, for her ns tonight were ruined.


    Half an hour earlier, Hayley had received a call from Alice saying that Anastasia had found someone to


    save her. More importantly, that someone was none other than Elliot himself.

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    Fortunately, Hayley managed to y the role of the escort as she threatened Anastasia not to call the


    police, hence letting Ben go. More than 10 minutester, she received news that Ben had escaped from


    the hotel in one piece.


    So, Hayley figured out that Elliot was with Anastasia, and Elliot hadn¡¯t picked up her first call because


    Anastasia was with him! Her ns tonight were met with surprises, but no damage was done. She felt


    like she had wasted her efforts, since she didn¡¯t manage to get Anastasia to fall for her original n.


    However, if she kept ying the role of the escort, she would have Anastasia dancing in the palm of her


    hand.


    Alice also recognized that Anastasia¡¯s rtionship with Elliot was quite unusual, so it was as clear as day


    that Anastasia had backing in thepany, so Alice probably wouldn¡¯t be able to hit the jackpot herself.


    However, if the opportunity arose in the future, she would still try to remove Anastasia from Bourgeois,


    for Alice was an ambitious woman. She wanted to be the chief designer and then work her way up


    to Felicia¡¯s level, proceeding to be the director of the design department.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t just her rival but also the obstacle that blocked her path.


    When Anastasia came home, she found that her father had taken good care of her son. Shey on the


    bed, listening to her son¡¯s calm breathing next to her, but she herself couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Whenever she closed her eyes, she would see the image of her being entangled with Elliot in the hotel. If


    she remembered correctly, she was the one who made the first move.


    It¡¯s so embarrassing


    Under the influence of the drug; she had thrown away all sense of shame as she hugged him and kissed


    him all over. If Elliot hadn¡¯t declined, she probably would¡¯ve gone further.


    I really want to delete this part of my memory.


    ¨C Fortunately, the man didn¡¯t mention the incident afterward, or she would¡¯ve


    shriveled up and died of shame.


    Meanwhile, at the Tillman Residence, Francis came homete once again. Naomi sat on the couch,


    nagging furiously as she looked at the man who had just returned.


    ¡°You were babysitting for your eldest daughter again, weren¡¯t you? This home isn¡¯t yours anymore, and


    your home should be over there. Why did youe back here?¡±


    Francis exined, ¡°Anastasia was upied.¡±


    Naomi could worry less about the grandson. She was more concerned that her husband was favoring


    Anastasia, and he might put Anastasia in charge of hispany in the future. She still had a clear grasp


    of where her own daughter stood in all this.


    Anastasia was more capable and responsible than her daughter, and anyone with eyes could tell. She


    was just scared that her own daughter wouldn¡¯t be able to put up a fight against Anastasia.


    ¡°Francis, I don¡¯t ask for anything else. I just want you to give Erica the same things you gave Anastasia.


    You can¡¯t be favoring one over the other, or this family should just fall apart. There would be no reason to


    stay together anymore.¡± With that, Naomi¡¯s eyes reddened as she began to sob.


    ¡°All right, all right. I¡¯ll treat you and Erica well too.¡± Francis stillforted her. After all, they were his wife


    and daughter, so he wanted to treat them equally.


    ¡°You¡¯d better keep your word.¡± Naomi buried herself in his arms, binding him with her womanly


    meekness.


    Francis¡¯s heart softened a little. ¡°Of course! I will do everything I promised to do.¡±


    Early in the morning, after dropping off her son, Anastasia went to work. The results of the jewelry


    competition would be announced tomorrow, and she felt even more motivated to work. Moreover, now


    that Presgrave Corporation had bought Bourgeois, the future was bright for them.


    In the office, Anastasia remembered that she was supposed to treat Elliot to lunch at noon, so she could


    only call Nigel to tell him that she had to cancel her lunch with him. To smooth things over, she could only


    lie. ¡°Nigel, we have a meeting at noon, so I can only have a quick lunch in the office. Let¡¯s have lunch


    together next time.¡±


    ¡°Is it so busy over there? So much so that you don¡¯t even have time to eat? Your job is _hopeless,


    Anastasia. Come work for mypany instead!¡± i This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Come on. I love my work. I¡¯ve said all I have to say now, so I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    ¡°Hey¡­ ¡± Nigel was about to say something, but Anastasia ended the call before she could hear more.


    At the morning meeting, Alice¡¯s re of rivalry was trained on Anastasia, but she didn¡¯t know that Alice


    had taken part in the incidentst night.


    Her fearsst night proved useless, for Anastasia hadn¡¯t received any messages from the gigolo ever


    since.


    Phew! That¡¯s a relief indeed.

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    Chapter 98


    After the meeting ended, Alice suddenly stopped Anastasia. ¡°Anastasia, let¡¯spete fairly if you have


    the skills. If you win the prize just because of your connections, you¡¯re barely worth my time.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t know where Alice wasing from. Why is Alice saying such things to me, anyway?


    Since we¡¯re both rivals, and Alice was rude to me first, I have every right to defend myself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯ve always gotten by with my skills.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Alice snorted and left.


    At around 11 am, Anastasia took a deep breath and made a call to the president¡¯s office.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Elliot¡¯s exclusively alluring voice rang out.


    ¡°Anastasia here. Would you have time for lunch together at noon, President Presgrave?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯ll make the reservations,¡± Elliot answered.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Anastasia felt a little awkward now. If this man made reservations at a high-ss restaurant, her wallet


    would be in trouble.


    ¡°I know a ce with good food. Why not,¡± Anastasia attempted to save her wallet.


    ¡°Why? Not willing to splurge on me?¡± the man questioned her mockingly before she finished her


    sentence.


    ¡°Of course not. Never mind, you can make the reservations,¡± Anastasia replied boldly.


    The call ended, and she couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh. Since Elliot wanted to break her bank with food,


    she would have to allow it. She decided to go all out, since he had saved herst night after all. It was


    almost half-past eleven when Anastasia received a private message from Elliot. ¡®See you in the parking


    lot in 10 minutes.¡¯


    Anastasia replied with a ¡®ok.


    ¨C She took her bag and went out, heading directly toward the elevator. After she got in,


    she pressed the button that would take her to the second basement, where the VIP


    car park was.


    When Anastasia emerged, she didn¡¯t notice a gray sports car at the side that had just pulled up. Inside, a


    man was about to get out of the car when he spotted her and stared at her through the window in


    disbelief.


    Then, the man watched as she opened the door of a Rolls-Royce and got in.


    That¡¯s Elliot¡¯s private car. That¡¯s my cousin¡¯s car. Nigel¡¯s eyes went wide, quite unable to believe that


    Anastasia had canceled her date with him, only to go on a date with his cousin.


    Where are they going?


    Unable to keep his curiosity in check, Nigel started his car and tailed Elliot¡¯s car right away. As Anastasia


    sat in Elliot¡¯s car, she wondered which restaurant this man was taking her to.


    This city was full of private kitchens that boasted premium ingredients, and a single meal could cost 10


    thousand or even up to 100 thousand. This might be the normal price of a meal for a man of Elliot¡¯s


    stature, but formon folks like her, it was an unbelievable number.


    Suddenly, Anastasia recognized the familiar street. She gasped in surprise, for it was the route back to


    her home.


    ¡°President Presgrave, you made reservations at a restaurant near my house?¡± Anastasia asked


    curiously.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the man replied calmly.


    Then, Anastasia found her residential area right next to them, and the man had pulled up in a parking


    space at the entrance of her ce. She was stunned and looked at the man in confusion.


    ¡°Get out of the car with me. We¡¯ll buy some groceries, and you¡¯ll cook for me.¡± Elliot turned around and


    stared at her.


    Anastasia could hardly react. This man didn¡¯t want her to treat him to lunch at a restaurant; he wanted


    her to make him lunch!


    _¡±I¡¯m toozy to cook. Let¡¯s just go to a restaurant.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want to bring him home. After all,


    her son wasn¡¯t at home, so things would be awkward if it were just the two of them.


    .


    ¡°Anastasia, this is my request. You¡¯d better satisfy my needs.¡± With that, Elliot opened the door and went


    out.


    Anastasia was speechless. However, she didn¡¯t have the capacity to decline, since he really did save her


    last night.

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    Chapter 99


    Chapter 99


    Fine, my wallet would be safe this way. If Anastasia cooked lunch, she wouldn¡¯t have to spend more than


    100.


    When she was getting out of the car, she was lost in her thoughts. She was about to run over to the


    supermarket on the other side of the road when an electric car sped near her, not giving her time to even


    respond. Instantly, the man behind her held her waist at lightning speed, pulling her into his embrace to


    get her out of danger.


    Anastasia red furiously at the speeding electric car, shouting, ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going!¡±


    When she was done, she realized a strong arm was still wrapped around her waist. Therefore, she


    reached out and pushed him away. ¡°Just wait here. I¡¯ll get some ingredients at the supermarket over


    there.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll go together.¡± With that, the man crossed the road with her.


    They failed to notice that in one of the cars near them, a pair of surprised eyes were watching them.


    Disappointment flitted across the depths of Nigel¡¯s eyes. Anastasia declined a lunch date with me and


    chose to go shopping with my cousin?


    Nigel thought that they were just buying things and they would go back to the carter. Hence, he


    decided to wait for them.


    In the supermarket, Anastasia was picking out some vegetables. Elliot said she could just cook whatever


    dishes she was best at, and he wouldn¡¯t be choosy. Hence, she just bought ingredients for some dishes


    she usually cooked for her son. Well, it¡¯s easier for me this way.


    When she paid for the ingredients, the total was below 100 as expected. The cashier had just finished


    putting the items in the bag when she saw the bag being lifted and carried by Elliot. While attempting to


    steal another look at him, the young cashier messed up the calctions, and she had to count the


    money again with a blush on her face. After Anastasia paid for the items, the two left together.


    They walked across the street toward Anastasia¡¯s residential area. Meanwhile, Nigel was still hiding in


    the car when he watched Elliot carry the bag of groceries, chatting with Anastasia as they walked


    through the entrance.


    ¨C The sight of the duo gave Nigel the shock of his life. Why did they enter a residential area? He


    immediately remembered that Anastasia¡¯s father had bought a house for


    her, so could it be that the aforementioned house was the whole residential area?


    So, my cousin is going to Anastasia¡¯s house with her? And they¡¯ll have a date with a home cooked meal?


    Nigel began to fret, a huge wave of disappointment washing over him. Could it be that Anastasia


    preferred mature men like Elliot? Is this the reason she kept rejecting me?


    Nigel returned to his car, his handsome face forlorn. Soon, he reached out and grabbed his phone, then


    dialed Elliot¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello, Nigel,¡± Elliot¡¯s voice said over the phone.


    ¡°Elliot, are you free right now? I can treat you to lunch.¡±


    ¡°I have an appointment, so maybe next time!¡± Just as expected, Elliot declined.


    ¡°How important is this appointment? It¡¯s not every day I offer to buy you lunch, so can¡¯t you cancel the


    appointment and have lunch with me instead?¡± Nigel was poking at his cousin to get an answer out of


    him.


    ¡°It¡¯s an important client, so I can¡¯t cancel. I¡¯ll treat you next time, all right?¡± With that, he hung up.


    Nigel felt like a knife was stabbed in his chest. Elliot knew very well that Nigel was 1. pursuing Anastasia,


    so was he trying to snatch the woman Nigel fell for?


    In the elevator, Anastasia was tense as she listened in on Elliot¡¯s phone call with Nigel. She had rejected


    Nigel today, and she felt a bit guilty for that.


    Elliot swept a meaningful gaze over her, and then he narrowed his eyes with aplex look. Upon


    arriving, Anastasia invited him in, after which she began busying about in the kitchen. She was wearing a


    white blouse with a ck skirt, looking very professional. However, with this man around, she deemed it


    unfitting to change, so she just donned an apron before getting to work.


    However, little did she know that her cutting vegetables in the kitchen in full business attire was like a


    seduction to men who loved themselves some good uniforms.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

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    Chapter 100


    Elliot was drinking water as he leaned against the doorway, watching Anastasia bustle about. When


    Anastasia turned to look, she realized straight away that the mug in the man¡¯s hand belonged to her.


    She went hot in the face. ¡°This is my mug.¡±


    ¡°Oh! What¡¯s the problem?¡± The man raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing in a smile.


    Anastasia suggested a little awkwardly, ¡°We have disposable cups here, so why don¡¯t you use that


    instead?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve kissed before, so what are you worried about?¡± Elliot¡¯s lips curved into a grin as he mused about


    how ridiculous she was acting.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Anastasia decided not to bother him anymore, and at that moment, she was even more convinced that


    letting him into her house was not a good idea.


    Therefore, Anastasia continued cutting and washing vegetables in the kitchen. She had casually pinned


    her originally loose hair behind her head with a hair clip, and the few loose strands of hair added to her


    allure. The man continued drinking from her mug as he let his mind wander. The more he thought, the


    thirstier he became.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit on the couch? I¡¯ll feel pressured if you stand here, and it¡¯ll affect my performance.¡±


    Anastasia turned to look at the man. She simply didn¡¯t like the idea of him staring at her; it stressed her


    out a lot.


    Elliot smiled and turned to walk back to the couch. However, he still picked a spot where he could watch


    her, after which he continued appreciating her in hiszy yet appealing manner. He didn¡¯t know when he


    started to get attracted to every movement this woman made. It was as if he could never have enough of


    her.


    Anastasia stir-fried the vegetables while she got some soup cooking, so busy that she began sweating.


    She realized toote that she really should have insisted on eating out, so she wouldn¡¯t be so tired right


    now.


    Finally, the meal was ready. Anastasia ced the food on the table, then found the man on the balcony.


    Herundry was hanging just above his head, and he could see her underwear if he looked up.


    ¨C ¡°Ahem¡­ President Presgrave, lunch is ready.¡± Anastasia hastily¡¯ called him in.


    However, Elliot had already seen all there was to see, realizing the woman¡¯s cup size wasrger than he


    had expected. It made him happy for some reason, as if he were involved somehow.


    The man was true to his word, for he wasn¡¯t picky with the food at all. He ate gracefully, as if he were


    dining at a high-ss restaurant. While Anastasia drank a bowl of soup and ate some food, she found


    that the man had a pretty good appetite. She was already done with her meal, but he was still savoring


    his food bit by bit.


    She couldn¡¯t help but feel a little proud. Perhaps her cooking was really that remarkable?


    Anastasia went to the bathroom and washed her face, then reapplied some light makeup on her face, as


    her previous makeup had faded because of her sweat.


    Finally, the man finished eating, after which he drank from her mug again. She was a little thirsty too, so


    she could only get a disposable cup and drink cold water from it.


    Anastasia moved the dishes into the kitchen and decided to wash themter that night. She looked at


    her watch and said, ¡°President Presgrave, we should get going.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s rest for a while.¡± With that, Elliot raised his head, then closed his eyes and rested on her couch.


    Anastasia was speechless. Is he trying to take a nap at my house?


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t force him to leave, so she took the opportunity to clean up the house. She saw a pile


    of her son¡¯s toys on the couch and went over to pick them up. She then spotted some Lego pieces


    scattered next to the man, so she reached over to take them as well. Just then, the man¡¯s lush eyshes


    fluttered open to reveal a predator¡¯s haughty re. Hisrge hand swiftly grabbed her wrist and pulled


    her.


    Anastasia was yanked into the man¡¯s arms, and she fell on top of him. In the next second, her waist was


    held tight, and with a quick turn, the man was now pinning her onto the couch.


    ¡°You¡­ Elliot, watch yourself.¡± Anastasia sent him a warning re. She knew it wasn¡¯t a good idea to let


    him in, for this man was a beast who could get in the heat without warning:

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    Chapter 101


    Chapter 101


    ¡°What do you mean? Last night you cupped my face and kissed me, so shouldn¡¯t you have watched


    yourself too?¡± Elliot asked in a hoarse voice because Anastasia had taken quite the initiativest night.


    Anastasia blushed as she struggled to exin. ¡°Last night¡­ I-I wasn¡¯t myself. I don¡¯t remember anything


    fromst night.¡±


    The man snorted. ¡°Oh, really? Shall I help you remember?¡±


    ¡°No-¡°Before she could finish, the man had already made the decision for her. His thin lips began to tackle


    her red lips forcefully. Instantly, her mind went nk. If this man wanted to kiss her, he should just say so


    instead ofing up with so many excuses.


    However, for some reason, every time this man kissed her, she would panic and resist at first, but she


    would soon lose all sense as the man kept going. As her face and ears went a deep red, she could


    almost taste the happiness of a kiss.


    No¡­ She absolutely refused to admit that kissing him was even a tad enjoyable. Finally, save for the


    kiss, she had also felt a sense of danger from the man.


    Anastasia began to panic, for if she allowed Elliot to go on, the consequences would be unthinkable.


    ¡°Mm¡­¡± Anastasia reached up and hit his back but found that his back was so hard that her own fists


    hurt.


    Elliot broke the kiss, but he didn¡¯t get up to release her. Instead, he admired the woman with messy hair


    in his arms, for she looked like an alluring fairy. However, when he remembered how that jerk had treated


    her in a simr way, he felt the urge to kill rising within his heart.


    Out of nowhere, Anastasia felt pain in her scalp, and she realized that strands of her hair were stuck on a


    button of the man¡¯s shirt. The man realized it as well, so he lowered his head and gazed at her with a


    cunning look. ¡°Undo it yourself.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s scalp was getting numb from the pain. Soon, she proceeded to pull at her hair, but the


    strands wouldn¡¯t budge. In the end, she would have to undo the button.


    Hence, she could only blush as she undid the third button of the shirt. In an instant, her sight was filledThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    with the man¡¯s firm, honey-colored chest. She hastily averted her gaze, refusing to look.


    ¡°Are you satisfied with my figure?¡± the man asked in a teasing manner.


    ¡°No.¡± Anastasia provoked him on purpose as she humphed.


    ¡°Which part of it do you not like?¡± The man was still on top of her, and his eyes narrowed as he continued


    asking.


    Anastasia¡¯s breathing paused for a while, for this topic wasn¡¯t quite family-friendly. She gritted her teeth


    and said, ¡°All of them. Get off me.¡±


    Suddenly, Elliot pressed against her, letting her feel his pride. He asked again in his hoarse voice, ¡°Are


    you sure?¡±


    Anastasia was going crazy at this rate. She reached out and pushed him forcefully before he finally


    allowed her freedom. He sat up, a suggestive tint still lingering on his handsome face.


    ¡°All right, we should get back to thepany.¡± Anastasia let her hair loose, recovering her aura of a


    professional woman.


    The man behind her took his phone and followed her out. Downstairs, Nigel had already left with a


    broken heart. Elliot drove Anastasia back to thepany. Along the way, Anastasia didn¡¯t offer to chat,


    but she made a mental note to never let this man into her house again instead.


    ¡°The results of the jewelrypetition will be out tomorrow. Are you excited?¡± Elliot turned around to ask


    her.


    Anastasia was excited, of course. She wanted to win the huge cash prize, but she wasn¡¯t quite willing to


    tell him.


    ¡°What can I say? My rivals are all very talented, so I may not be able to win.¡±


    ¡°Have more confidence in yourself and just anticipate it,¡± the man said meaningfully.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t think too much about it. At that moment, she just wanted to get back to thepany as


    soon as possible.


    Just then, Elliot¡¯s car phone rang, and the disy indicated that the caller was Hayley. Anastasia


    frowned, somewhat furious when she remembered what the man had done to her just now.


    ¡°Elliot, I¡¯m warning you. I hate Hayley, and I hate it more when you touch me.¡± Anastasia turned her


    head, having no regard for the fact that he was her boss.


    Elliot frowned a little, but he didn¡¯t pick up the phone.

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    Chapter 102


    Anastasia suddenly reached out and pressed the touch screen, answering the call for him. Elliot turned


    to look at her, but she simply red back with glee.


    ¡°Hello Elliot, I¡¯m at thepany now. Why aren¡¯t you here yet?¡± Hayley¡¯s cutesy voice rang out.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± Elliot answered in a low voice.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll be waiting!¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t forgotten your gift for me, right? It¡¯s your fault for not apanying mest night,¡± said


    Hayley in a spoiled manner.


    Anastasia listened without any expressions while Elliot nced at her, then told Hayley, ¡°We¡¯ll talk when I


    get back to thepany.¡±


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    With that, he hung up. Anastasia noticed how fast he had ended the call, so she suddenly sneered. ¡°Is


    there anything I shouldn¡¯t be hearing?¡±


    ¡°We are just normal friends,¡± Elliot exined in a low voice. Ever since he found Hayley, he had


    maintained a certain distance between them because he simply wanted topensate her. Other than


    that, he had no other thoughts of her.


    Anastasia¡¯s gaze went cold, disgust apparent in her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me ever again.¡±


    Panic flitted across Elliot¡¯s eyes. ¡°Anastasia, I can¡¯t change what happened in the past.¡±


    ¡°Everything Hayley touched is dirty to me.¡± This time, Anastasia said it loud and clear in person.


    After her im, Elliot¡¯s expression fell. On the way back to thepany, Anastasia ignored Elliot, and


    thetter¡¯s expression was also terrible. From the way it seemed, her words had probably struck a nerve.


    The car had just pulled up at the underground car park when Anastasia opened the door and left right


    away. Elliot followed behind her, and when the elevator was about to close on him, Anastasia didn¡¯t hold


    the door open for him. She didn¡¯t want to be on the same ride as him, but the man¡¯s slender arms still


    reached her. Sensing an object in the way, the elevator doors opened again, allowing Elliot to enter.


    There was a pressuring aura about him, as if he were a sharp, brandished de.


    Anastasia crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. She could see Elliot¡¯splex and deep gaze


    in the mirror, sharp as a crouching beast in the forest. His fiery eyes were trained on her.


    Finally, the elevator door opened. Anastasia walked past him in order to leave, but the man held her


    waist and spoke in her ear through gritted teeth. ¡°No matter how dirty I am, you mustn¡¯t despise me.¡±


    Anastasia broke free from his grasp and left the elevator, snorting inside. I¡¯ll still despise you, anyway. So


    what?


    When Elliot returned to his office, Hayley was already sitting on the couch waiting for him. She had


    dressed up meticulously for the asion, and she was indeed prettier than she used to be. Everything


    she wore was branded, and she had spent a lot of effort on her makeup as well.


    Regardless, Elliot could care less. A woman who could attract him would do better than look pretty on


    the surface; she must also possess an innate charm that reached the depths of his heart.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Elliot.¡± Love and admiration spilled forth from Hayley¡¯s gaze as she got up to wee him.


    Elliot nodded, then made a call to Rey through the internal phone system. ¡°Bring the present.¡±


    The disappointment was evident in Hayley¡¯s eyes. Why? Why didn¡¯t he go in person to choose the


    present for me? Why did he ask the assistant to do the work for him?


    Soon, Rey walked in with a set of jewelry before handing it to Hayley. ¡°Miss Seymour, is this to your


    liking?¡±


    Hayley opened the box to see a three-piece set, and the design and diamonds were absolutely stunning.


    In the end, she pursed her lips and smiled. ¡°I love it, thank you.¡±


    Hayley looked back to see Elliot lost in thought,pletely overlooking her existence.


    ¡°Elliot, I made reservations at a restaurant tonight. Let¡¯s have dinner together!¡± Hayley took the initiative


    to invite the man, but he raised an eyebrow and declined. ¡°Hayley, I have an appointment at night. I can¡¯t


    cancel it.¡±


    ¡°But I really want to have a meal with you,¡± Hayley begged with a pleading look in her eyes.


    ¡°I have to meet a very important client tonight, so I can¡¯t cancel. We¡¯ll do it next time, all right?¡± Even


    though the words sounded normal, when Elliot spoke them, his voice would carry an undeniable power


    with it.


    None would dare to defy his wishes.


    Hayley bit her red lip, but she could only nod pitifully. ¡°If you say so.¡±

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    Chapter 103


    ¡°Just go back first. I still have work to do,¡± Elliot continued.


    Hayley looked at him longingly. Every time she visited him, she woulde with joy and expectation, but


    she would always leave in disappointment. Remembering how he had gone to save Anastasia without


    another word, she felt Anastasia must be more important to him than anyone else.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia returned to her office, void of all inspiration. A sense of annoyance stopped her


    from working, but she couldn¡¯t figure out what it was. Just then, a figure strode out of the elevator, and it


    was none other than the man himself-Nigel.


    Nigel was about to go to Anastasia¡¯s office when he bumped into Alice. When Alice saw Nigel, she


    immediately smiled and greeted him. ¡°Hi, Handsome. Here to see Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Is she in her office?¡±


    ¡°Handsome, a word of advice. Anastasia¡¯s rtionship with our boss is kind of suspicious. As her


    boyfriend, you have to be careful.¡±


    Nigel¡¯s handsome face froze as he spoke to Alice. ¡°Tell me. What sort of unspeakable rtionship does


    Anastasia have with your boss?¡±


    Alice immediately pointed toward the deserted pantry. ¡°We¡¯ll talk there.¡±


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Nigel followed Alice to the pantry out of curiosity. Alice gazed at him with a pitiful look as she said,


    ¡°Handsome, you probably don¡¯t know this. Anastasia joined a jewelrypetition, and ourpany has


    prepared a cash prize of 1 million for the winner.¡±


    Nigel had heard Anastasia mention it before; it was something along those lines.


    ¡°In order to win the prize, your girlfriend is doing everything she can to suck up to our boss. They were


    flirting in the office, and she even went on dates with him quite often. They were so intimate, and I¡¯m only


    telling you this because I can¡¯t stand it anymore. Handsome, you have to be careful in case your


    girlfriend gets stolen.¡± As Alice gazed at Nigel¡¯s handsome face, she felt that it was too unfair.


    Where did Anastasia find such a handsome boyfriend?


    Nigel emerged from the pantry and went straight to Anastasia¡¯s office. Anastasia was still upied with


    her troubled thoughts when she saw Nigel walk in all of a sudden. She was stunned for a few seconds.


    ¡°Nigel, what brings you here?¡± Anastasia smiled as she got up to wee him.


    Nigel looked at her, unable to believe the scenes he had witnessed today. He smiled. ¡°Nothing much, just


    thought I¡¯d drop by to see you.¡±


    ¡°Do you have time tomorrow? I can treat you to a meal.¡± Anastasia still felt guilty about canceling her


    ns with him today.


    ¡°Anastasia, I heard some rumors in the office just now. It¡¯s about you and my cousin,¡± Nigel said on


    purpose.


    Anastasia tensed up. ¡°What did you hear?¡±


    ¡°I heard that you seduced my cousin just to win the jewelrypetition. Is it true?¡±


    ¡°What are those people saying? How could I do such a thing?¡± Anastasia thought it ridiculous. Of course,


    she wouldn¡¯t appeal to Elliot just to win a prize.


    ¡°Do you honestly don¡¯t have those kinds of thoughts about my cousin?¡± Nigel earnestly locked his gaze


    on her as he asked.


    Anastasia said without hesitation, ¡°Of course not! I¡¯m just his subordinate.¡±


    Nigel bit his thin lip, then asked again, ¡°Then were you really having lunch in thepany this


    afternoon?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I wasn¡¯t. I treated someone else to lunch. I owe him a lot, so I had to treat him.¡± Anastasia was


    honest now because she couldn¡¯t lie when she looked into Nigel¡¯s pure eyes.


    ¡°Then where did you bring him for lunch?¡±


    ¡°Home. I cooked for him.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want to lie, so she came clean.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you eat out? Do you really have to go home and cook?¡± Nigel asked.


    ¡°He probably thought my cooking was good,¡± Anastasia answered without overthinking it.


    At that moment, Nigel instantly realized something because Anastasia couldn¡¯t possibly seduce his


    cousin. On the contrary, his cousin had fallen for her, and he was trying to win her over in his own way!


    ¡°Do you want some coffee?¡± Anastasia asked him.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m leaving for a while to get something done.¡± With that, Nigel left right away, leaving her


    confused.


    Where is he going?

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    Chapter 104


    Where else would Nigel go? Of course, he went upstairs to see the man who was trying to get his


    woman. No matter who they were, Nigel wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to touch Anastasia.


    The door to Elliot¡¯s office was pushed open before someone entered. Elliot looked up to see Nigel


    walking in with the aura of a young cheetah ready to attack.


    Elliot narrowed his eyes as he looked at Nigel. ¡°What brings you here? You should¡¯ve told me you were


    coming.¡±


    Nigel ced his palms on the desk, his eyes full of warning. ¡°Elliot, are you trying to court Anastasia?¡±


    Elliot¡¯s fingers that were typing away on the keyboard came to a pause, after which he said calmly, ¡°What


    are you getting at?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia is the woman I set my eyes on. You¡¯re not allowed to take her away, and you definitely


    mustn¡¯t get involved with her in the name of work.¡± Nigel defended his prey with all his might. No one will


    get near her, not even Elliot! No!


    Elliot nced up with a distant look as he said calmly, ¡°She doesn¡¯t belong to anyone. Everyone has the


    right to pursue her.¡±


    Nigel¡¯s handsome face froze as he instantly sensed an oppressive aura. If any other man were to pursue


    Anastasia, he wouldn¡¯t be so stressed out. However, if it were Elliot, Nigel would be ovee with the


    panic that came from having a tricky rival.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    There was a certain sense of helplessness and frustration in Nigel¡¯s heart. If he seeded, Anastasia


    would be his wife. If he failed, she would be his cousin¡¯s.


    No, he definitely wouldn¡¯t give up.


    Nigel wasn¡¯t one to admit defeat easily, even if his rival was his own cousin. At that moment, he decided


    that he would do everything in his power to get Anastasia¡¯s hand. He no longer had eyes for any other


    woman; his heart was already full of Anastasia.


    Nigel looked at the man on the chair, who was exuding a certain mature charm. He took a deep breath


    and said, ¡°Fine, let¡¯spete on fairgrounds and see who gets her in the end.¡±


    With that, Nigel turned and left.


    Elliot narrowed his eyes, for he had never thought that he and Nigel would fall for the same woman at the


    same time. In reality, Elliot wasn¡¯t anxious at all. If Anastasia really loved his silly little cousin, he wouldn¡¯t


    fail to woo her for two whole years.


    The events that happened to Anastasia had caused her to avoid men as much as she could. She


    guarded herself heavily with thick armor, and she wouldn¡¯t entrust her heart and body so easily to any


    man.


    As long as he knew this, even if Nigel pursued her with everything he had, it would just be a waste of


    effort. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to move this woman¡¯s heart.


    In the office, Anastasia¡¯s phone suddenly rang. Instantly, she lifted her phone to see that it was a call


    from Harriet, so she immediately answered the call.


    ¡°Hello, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, are you busy?¡± Harriet¡¯s gentle voice asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m all right. I¡¯m not too busy right now.¡±


    ¡°If you are, just tell me. I¡¯ll get Elliot to decrease your workload. You still have a child to take care of, so


    don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Old Madam Presgrave. I¡¯m not overwhelmed at all. Do you have something to tell me?¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t want to bother Elliot, much less get special treatment from him.


    ¡°Are you free this Friday? I¡¯d like to invite you to a charity banquet under my name.¡±


    Anastasia was dumbfounded. Attend a banquet?


    ¡°Anastasia, many VIPs will be attending this banquet, so it will be very helpful for your work in the future.


    I can help you establish connections with people of a higher ss and expand yourwork. This will


    help you a lot in your future circle.¡±


    Anastasia knew Harriet meant well, and it would be rude for her to decline.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll attend the banquet,¡± Anastasia agreed.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll see you there. I¡¯ll send you the invitation cardter.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the invitation, Old Madam Presgrave. I¡¯m honored.¡±


    ¡°Okay, see you. Take it easy, and just ask Elliot to help you if you run into any problems.¡±


    ¡°All right. Thank you for your concern, Old Madam Presgrave,¡± Anastasia said with a smile.


    When the call ended, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but sigh in relief. She decided that when the day came, she


    would just hang around the banquet for a bit before leaving.


    After all, she didn¡¯t like such asions.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    Chapter 105


    Elliot was going through some of Presgrave Corporation¡¯s documents when his phone rang. ¡°Hello,


    Grandma,¡± he uttered after reaching to pick it up.


    ¡°Elliot, I told Mark to pass you one of the invitation cards for the party, and I want you to pass it to


    Anastasia on behalf of me.¡± Harriet¡¯s voice came from the other end of the line.


    ¡°Are you inviting her?¡± Elliot¡¯s eyebrow went up a little as he spoke. ¡°Yeah. She agreed toe. I¡¯m


    trying to create opportunities for you here, Elliot; you need to make good use of them. I¡¯m not asking


    Hayley to join us,¡± Harriet said.


    Naturally, Elliot didn¡¯t wish to disappoint his grandmother after seeing how much the old woman was


    trying to put Anastasia and him together. ¡°Okay. I got it,¡± he replied. Mark came over with the invitation


    card about an hourter, but he didn¡¯t send it directly to Anastasia-he sent it to Elliot¡¯s office instead.


    After getting the invitation, Elliot used thendline to make an internal call to Anastasia. ¡°Hello, Anastasia


    speaking,¡± the woman said through the phone.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°I want you toe to my office,¡± Elliot ordered in a deep voice.


    ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Collect your invitation card!¡± He ended the call right after that. Anastasia had no choice but to let out a


    sigh before walking out of her office and toward the direction of the elevator. She knocked on the door


    once she arrived. ¡°Come in,¡± the man said.


    She entered the room to see thenky man crossing one leg over the other where he sat on the couch.


    ¡°Give it to me!¡± she muttered after ncing at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget about dinner tonight,¡± the man said while he took the invitation card out from his stack of


    documents. Anastasia froze for a moment. Last night, she had been the one who promised to buy him


    both lunch and dinner. ¡°I¡¯m not free tonight, so I won¡¯t buy you dinner.¡± She refused to pay for him.


    ¡°What happened to keeping your promise? Are you changing your mind now?¡± Elliot stood up and edged


    closer to her all of a sudden as if he had been seriously offended by what she just said. She instinctively


    took a step back before speaking in a sheepish tone. ¡°It¡¯s just dinner, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like people who go against their words.¡± Elliot looked her in the eye. ¡°You have to buy me dinner


    tonight.¡±


    ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll see you at the restaurant downstairs.¡± Anastasia decided to buy him dinner, but she also made


    a mental note not to owe him anything in the future. It was too hard to repay a person like him.


    ¡°Did Nigel ask to see you?¡± Elliot asked out of nowhere.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? How is our rtionship any of your business?¡± Anastasia uttered in a rather displeased


    tone.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you this before. You shouldn¡¯t give him hope if you don¡¯t like him. I don¡¯t want you to y with


    his feelings,¡± Elliot warned. She frowned as she thought, Isn¡¯t he just sticking his nose into other people¡¯s


    businesses? Nigel and I are just friends.


    ¡°Nigel and I are just friends. I¡¯m not ying around with anyone¡¯s feelings,¡± she retorted.


    ¡°But Nigel¡¯s feelings for you are real, and you¡¯re going to hurt him someday.¡± Elliot¡¯s expression was


    calm, but there was a deep, mysterious look in his eyes.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll keep our rtionship the way it is, and I won¡¯t hurt him.¡± Anastasia turned and left the room


    after making this promise. Elliot narrowed his eyes upon hearing her words. He had a much clearer view


    of the situation as a third party, and he could tell that Anastasia would never fall for someone like Nigel.


    So, Elliot figured that the only way to protect his cousin was to get him to give up on Anastasia. The


    more involved Nigel got in this rtionship, the more he would get hurt, anyway. After what happened to


    Anastasia, it was hard for her to fall for any man too easily.


    Anastasia felt a little overwhelmed when she thought about how she had to buy Elliot dinner. It was time


    for her to get off work, but she had to pick her son up in a while. She was even more troubled when she


    recalled how much her son loved Elliot. She took a look at the time. I don¡¯t want Elliot to send me home,


    so I have to go down earlier to hail a cab before leaving


    After packing up a little, Anastasia headed out of the office a little earlier than everyone else. As she


    stood by the lobby entrance and waited for a cab, she saw from the corner of her eye the nuisance of a


    car that seemed to follow her everywhere. When she saw the Rolls-Royce Phantom, she jogged out of


    the building and away from it as if she were running away from something. She could hear the engine


    starting behind her.


    Right then, a gray sports car zoomed in from the entrance, and it directly sped past the Rolls Royce


    before going after Anastasia. She was shocked, so she jumped aside to hide away from it. The sports


    car screeched, and it came to a firm halt before the man in the driver¡¯s seat stepped out. The man was


    none other than Nigel, of course.

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    Chapter 106


    ¡°Nigel?¡± Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but stare at him dumbfoundedly. Nigel gave her a boyish smile as he


    held the passenger¡¯s door open before pulling out a bouquet of roses and handing it to her. ¡°Here. It¡¯s for


    you.¡±


    ¡°Why are you giving me these flowers?¡± she asked in a rather clueless voice while she took the bouquet


    from him.


    ¡°Do you like them?¡± He gazed at her longingly. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner tonight!¡±


    ¡°Tonight? Um¡­ Okay!¡± Right after Anastasia finished her words, she intentionally turned to nce at the


    luxury car with its oppressive presence. Nigel turned and pretended that he had only just noticed the car.


    He smirked before walking over to greet the person inside.


    The car window went down, and Elliot turned to meet gazes with the other man. ¡°Are you done with


    work, Elliot?¡± Nigel greeted him before changing the topic intentionally. ¡°I¡¯m here to pick Anastasia up for


    dinner. We¡¯ll leave now.¡± With that said, Nigel walked back to Anastasia before he put an arm over her


    shoulder in a practiced manner. He opened the passenger¡¯s door, and his body leaned close to hers as


    he helped her into the car.


    Anastasia sat in his passenger seat with the bouquet of flowers still in her hand. Once Nigel got in, he


    stepped on the elerator and sped off. Nigel¡¯s n had been to drop by to snatch the woman away


    from Elliot, and he was surprised that his n had actually worked.


    Elliot¡¯s ck car slowly made its way out of its parking spot. The tinted sses made it impossible for


    anyone to look through the windows, so no one knew the expression that Elliot wore on his face as he


    drove off. However, after the ck Rolls-Royce drove for a while more, it sped up and weaved between


    cars on the road as if the driver was raging.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia felt an odd sense of relief as she sat in Nigel¡¯s car. Now that Elliot knows I¡¯m


    having dinner with Nigel, I¡¯ll have a reason not to buy him dinner. She pulled her phone out to drop the


    man a text. ¡®I don¡¯t have time to buy you dinner tonight. You can eat on your own!¡¯


    ¡°How have you been?¡± Nigel asked. This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Not too bad!¡± she uttered while rubbing her brow.


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to rent an office building near your workce, Anastasia. I¡¯ll be moving my office over, so


    we¡¯ll be really close to each other in the future,¡± he said.


    ¡°Are you renting an entire office just to be closer to me? Do you have too much money to spare?¡±


    Anastasia let out an amusedugh.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the whole story. I don¡¯t like my father¡¯s office¡ªit¡¯s a little too old-fashioned for me. So, I


    figured I¡¯d renovate a whole new space for myself. Then, for the sake of being able to have lunch with


    you, I decided that I would pick a ce nearer to you!¡± Nigel had made up his mind to give it his all in


    chasing after Anastasia.


    ¡°A regr woman like me can never understand what rich people like you think,¡± she muttered


    tly.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s pick Jared up before we go for dinner.¡± Nigel had already been driving in the direction of


    the kindergarten. While Anastasia went down to pick the little kid up, Nigel waited at the front gates.


    Soon enough, all three of them went to a restaurant nearby for dinner.


    Anastasia stole a look at her phone to see that Elliot hadn¡¯t responded to her-she wasn¡¯t even sure if he


    had seen her text. After dinner, Nigel brought Jared to shop for presents as usual. Anastasia knew better


    than to stop Nigel from doing such things. As Nigel held Jared in his hand, it seemed like Nigel was an


    uncle who was bringing his nephew around. Nigel was a little too young to seem like he was a father.


    After they were done at the mall, Nigel sent them to the entrance of their residential area. When he


    recalled how Anastasia and Elliot had brought groceries back home earlier that day, he decided that he


    wanted to visit Anastasia¡¯s house too.


    ¡°Can I go to your ce for a while? I need some water,¡± he said.


    ¡°There¡¯s a convenience store just there,¡± she replied while pointing in a direction.


    Nigel couldn¡¯t care less about the convenience store. ¡°I want to drink it in your house.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s go, then!¡± It was Nigel¡¯s first time in Anastasia¡¯s new house, and he looked all


    over the ce as if he were searching for some sort of clue or evidence.


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Anastasia asked as she handed him a ss of water.


    ¡°This is just a reminder, Anastasia, but you shouldn¡¯t bring random men back to your ce! You¡¯re a girl,


    so you need to ensure that others don¡¯t take advantage of you,¡± he said.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    Chapter 107


    Anastasia¡¯s smile stiffened for a few seconds before she let out a light cough. ¡°Of course I know that.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, you shouldn¡¯t trust any other guys apart from me.¡± Nigel was tempted to just state Elliot¡¯s name


    explicitly


    ¡°I got it.¡± Anastasia nodded. Right then, Jared identally knocked into her bag on the couch, and a


    bunch of things fell out. Among the items were her keys, her lipstick, and an invitation card.


    Nigel¡¯s sharp eyes immediately caught sight of it, and he picked it up. ¡°Did you receive my grandmother¡¯s


    invitation as well? My grandmother¡¯s the one who is hosting this charity dinner.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yeah.¡± Anastasia pressed her lips together into a smile. She didn¡¯t want to mention that her mom


    had once saved Elliot. Nigel was ted to hear this, and he quickly gave her a reminder. ¡°You have to


    come! I¡¯ll be there too, and I can introduce you to my mom and dad.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Anastasia nodded thoughtfully. She had already told Harriet that she would be there, so she had


    to attend the dinner. ¡°Oh, by the way, I¡¯ll prepare an evening gown for you,¡± he offered.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Anastasia immediately rejected him. But Nigel didn¡¯t want to be rejected, so he continued


    insisting on his wishes. ¡°I¡¯ll show you how good my taste is! Trust me. I¡¯m leaving now.¡± Anastasia sent


    him to the elevator. ¡°Drive safe,¡± she uttered.


    He turned around to give her another stern reminder. ¡°Promise me that you won¡¯t bring other men home,


    okay, Anastasia?¡± For the sake of reassuring him, she gave him a firm nod. ¡°Okay, okay. I know you care


    for me. I¡¯ll take note of what you said.¡±


    Once he got into the elevator, she heaved a sigh of relief before returning home to give Jared a bath.


    She read a book with him before she went to shower. When she came out of the shower, she heard her


    phone ringing, and she rushed over to see Elliot¡¯s name on her screen.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She picked up the call.


    ¡°Are you home?¡± The man¡¯s voice was deep and thick, which made Anastasia¡¯s ear tingle. She knew that


    it was wrong for her to have stood him up, but she didn¡¯t have much of a choice. It¡¯s not my fault that


    Nigel showed up all of a sudden, right?


    ¡°It¡¯s nearly 10.00PM. Of course I¡¯m at home,¡± she replied.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on between you and Nigel?¡± The man¡¯s voice carried a hint of distaste as he questioned


    her. ¡°We¡¯re more than good friends,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I told you not to fool around with his feelings. If you don¡¯t want to get married to him, then you shouldn¡¯t


    give him hope.¡± The man gave her a stern warning.


    Anastasia felt like he was too much of a busybody, so she rolled her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with us being


    friends? Furthermore, you are in no position to warn me about my rtionship with Nigel. What are you


    going to do if I fall for him and decide to marry him?¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to tell him about how you forcefully kissed me twice?¡± The man¡¯s voice


    sounded extremely sinister all of a sudden. She was taken aback by his words, and she immediately let


    out a cry. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense, Elliot!¡±


    ¡°What? Does he know about how the lines are blurred between us?¡± he asked.


    ¡°There are no blurred lines between us. Things are clear between you and I-there¡¯s nothing going on


    between us at all,¡± she replied with a determined look in her eyes.


    ¡°You owe me dinner. You have to make up for this in the future.¡± The man scoffed before ending the call.


    Anastasia held onto her phone and gritted her teeth in anger. How can there be a man as annoying as


    him? He¡¯s really sticking his nose into all aspects of my life.


    Anastasiay on her bed for a while, but she couldn¡¯t seem to fall asleep as she knew that the prizes


    would be revealed the next day. Furthermore, there was going to be an award ceremony at 3.00PM. If


    she won a prize, she wouldn¡¯t just get the trophy; she would also win a cash prize of 1 million. Anastasia


    needed the money, so she naturally hoped to be the lucky winner. Such thoughts made it hard for her to


    fall asleep.


    Meanwhile, Hayley was also losing sleep in her luxurious vi. Ever since she took up her fake identity of


    being Anastasia, she had been enjoying her life as a rich girl. However, she still felt empty with just


    materialistic pleasures-she didn¡¯t have the rtionships she desired. She desperately wanted her


    rtionship with Elliot to blossom. Ideally, she¡¯d be able to get physical with him.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    Chapter 108


    If Hayley got another child, she would be able to better secure her position as Mrs. Presgrave. But how


    am I supposed to get Elliot into bed with me? Even though he¡¯s nice to me, he has never given me the


    chance to get close to him. If I didn¡¯t initiate hugs with him the past few times, he would have never been


    the first to hug me. Ultimately, Anastasia¡¯s the only one he approaches willingly. Ever since they slept


    together five years ago, he has been searching for her. It¡¯s obvious that he fell for her the first time their


    bodies touched. I have to find a way to get Elliot drunk so that I can get my chance. Maybe I should bribe


    one of the people around him to help me with this. But would any of them listen to my orders?


    A cold look shed in her gaze. She had done all sorts of things in the past, and she had dated a few


    men, so she was far from being a pure, chaste woman. Elliot had a male assistant, Daniel, who had


    delivered items to her in the past. This male assistant was an educated man who had good looks and a


    well-built figure-he was much more qualified to be her boyfriend than all her previous boyfriends.


    Hayley¡¯s ultimate goal wasn¡¯t just to conquer Elliot¡¯s heart, but also to own the entire Presgrave


    Corporation. So, she was willing to take all sorts of risks just to achieve this. After taking a nce at the


    time, she gave Daniel a call.


    ¡°Hello, Miss Seymour.¡± Daniel sounded rather surprised to receive her call.


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you free toe over, Mr. Lancaster? There¡¯s a huge rat in my house, and I¡¯m a little scared,¡± she


    lied.


    ¡°What? Okay. I¡¯lle over right now.¡± It was Daniel¡¯s duty to fulfill all of Elliot¡¯s orders, and taking care


    of Hayley was one of his jobs. He arrived at her house 30 minutester, and Hayley already had a sexy


    nightgown on under her shirt. When Daniel saw how Hayley looked, he twisted his expression into one of


    panic. Hayley told him to check the master bedroom, and he walked in obediently while Hayley stepped


    aside to get him a ss of water.


    Daniel gulped down the whole ss as he was thirsty from all the nervousness that he felt. After he was


    finished with the water, he felt like his whole body was on fire. When Hayley leaned forward to hug him,


    he was afraid for a few seconds, but he allowed her to take over him just momentster. They had a


    heated session in Hayley¡¯s master bedroom.


    It was about 5.00AM by the time Daniel held his head in his hands and sat by the edge of the bed. He


    was filled with regret and self-criticism. Right then, a soft arm wrapped itself around his waist. ¡°I belong to


    you now, Daniel. You have to take responsibility for me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Seymour. I made a huge mistake.¡± He pushed her aside hastily. Her gaze darkened as


    her voice turned cold. ¡°Do you think Elliot will forgive you if he finds out that you slept with me, Daniel?¡±


    He stared at her with a look of pure helplessness in his eyes, so she softened her voice a little as she


    continued speaking. ¡°Daniel, the two of us are the only ones who know about this. However, from now


    on, I want you to obey me. You will do whatever I tell you to do, okay?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t do anything illegal,¡± he uttered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to do anything illegal. I just want you to tell me all about Elliot¡¯s daily schedule and the


    women he interacts with,¡± she ordered. Daniel didn¡¯t want his life to be ruined, and he


    was fine with whatever Hayley wanted him to do. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll tell you exactly whatever President Presgrave


    does every day.¡±


    ¡°Well, tell me-have there been any important things that Elliot has been up totely?¡± Hayleyy down on


    the bed like she was a queen, ring at the man as she questioned him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you about his work-rted stuff, but he will be attending the family¡¯s charity dinner this Friday.


    You will be able to see him,¡± he replied.


    ¡°What? This Friday? It¡¯s already Wednesday-why haven¡¯t I received an invitation?¡± Hayley frowned.


    ¡°I heard that all the invitations have been sent out. Didn¡¯t you receive anything?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No! Who¡¯s hosting it?¡± she cried.


    ¡°It¡¯s a charity dinner hosted by Old Madam Presgrave. You should have received an invitation!¡± he


    replied. A resentful look shed in Hayley¡¯s eyes. It seems like Old Madam Presgrave values Anastasia


    more than she values me. I can¡¯t believe she didn¡¯t invite me to such an important event. I bet she invited


    Anastasia, didn¡¯t she?

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    Chapter 109


    Does she think I won¡¯t go just because she didn¡¯t invite me to it? Well, that makes me want to go even


    more. ¡°Great. From now on, I want you to tell me everything about Elliot. Also, I want you to keep an eye


    on Anastasia. If she has any intimate interactions with Elliot, I need you to tell me immediately.¡±


    Daniel held a rtively important position in thepany, although he wasn¡¯t as powerful as Elliot¡¯s


    head assistant, Timothy. Regardless, Daniel still had ess to most of Elliot¡¯s daily schedules. After


    Daniel left, Hayley still felt too furious to go to bed. What does Old Madam Presgrave mean by this? Is


    she looking down on me? Does she want me to stay away from Elliot? Hayley was especially furious


    because of the unfair treatment .


    The next morning, Anastasia rushed to her office after sending Jared to school. Today was a day she


    had been looking forward to. When she arrived at the office, Grace opened the door and came over to


    give Anastasia some words offort. ¡°Don¡¯t mind all the nonsense that they say about you, Anastasia.


    I trust that you and President Presgrave are innocent.¡± Anastasia could no longer be bothered by these


    things-she felt that there was no point in rifying such matters, and that she shouldn¡¯t be living her life


    based on others¡¯ments.


    It was about 10.00AM when Anastasia¡¯sndline rang. ¡°Hello?¡± She picked the call up.


    ¡°You need toe for a meeting, Anastasia. I have the list of winners with me.¡± Felicia¡¯s voice came


    from the other end. Anastasia felt her heart skipping a beat. Is it out already? I thought it¡¯d only be out by


    the afternoon. She headed to the meeting room with a mixture of fear and excitement coursing through


    her veins.


    The rest of the staff members from the design department were already there, but Felicia had yet to


    arrive. Alice shot Anastasia a cold re as Anastasia sat down opposite her. Anastasia merely cast her


    an uninterested nce.


    ¡°I wonder if it¡¯s Alice or Anastasia who won the prize! I¡¯m so excited! That¡¯s 1 million worth of cash right


    there.¡± One of the junior designers made the atmosphere tenser on purpose.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out once the director arrives,¡± another person replied. Right then, Felicia walked into the roomThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    and nced at the twopetitors before taking a seat at the table. ¡°The sponsored meal that you guys


    have been waiting for has been approved. Would you guys like to eat together tonight?¡±


    ¡°Of course! We¡¯d love a feast, Director Evans,¡± someone cried. Both Alice and Anastasia exchanged


    nces. Judging by the look on Felicia¡¯s face, they could tell that someone in thepany must have


    won a prize. The winner had to be one of them.


    A look of jealousy shed in Alice¡¯s gaze. It¡¯s obvious. It has to be Anastasia. ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s organize


    dinner for tonight! Well, I¡¯m going to proceed with announcing the winners and the prizes that they will


    receive. Firstly, I¡¯d like to congratte the champion of this jewelry designpetition


    -Anastasia! You¡¯ve won a total of 1 million!¡±


    Anastasia heard a loud ringing sound in her ears before Felicia even finished her sentence. Me? Am I


    the winner? Does the 1 million belong to me? Her heart was filled with joy at that moment-she had finally


    gotten the money she needed for her son.


    Felicia turned to Alice before she continued speaking. ¡°Thepany decided to also provide some


    rewards to those who were selected, so Alice gets 20,000 as a constion prize.¡± Alice curled her lips up


    into a sarcastic smile. A constion prize, huh? What a joke.


    Right then, the room erupted into apuse as Anastasia found herself drowned by a bunch of wishes.


    She hastily thanked the people who congratted her before turning to thank Felicia. ¡°Thank you for


    your encouragement and support, Director Evans.¡±


    ¡°You got this because of your own skills, Anastasia. Continue to work hard, okay? Alright, the meeting¡¯s


    over. You guys can decide on a ce to have dinner tonight.¡±


    Felicia stepped out of the room, and Anastasia was just about to leave when Alice crossed her arms and


    let out a scoff. ¡°Don¡¯t you feel any shame for taking this 1 million, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Why should I feel ashamed?¡± Anastasia asked in return. She was confident about her own work.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should thank Director Evans. Maybe you should thank President Presgrave instead-I


    bet you only got this prize because he put in a good word for you. He was the one who gave you this 1


    million. I wouldn¡¯t have the nerve to take this money if I were you!¡±


    Alice let out a scoff and walked out after finishing her sentence. Anastasia was the only one left in the


    meeting room after that, and her mind went nk for a few seconds.

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    Chapter 110


    Could there have been a hidden reason I got this prize? Did Elliot help me win this? Did I not win this


    with my own skills? The cash prize had been increased from 10,000 to 1 million-outsiders might see this


    as thepany¡¯s generosity, but it doesn¡¯t seem that simple to me now. The more I think about it, the


    more this seems to be one of Elliot¡¯s acts. He intentionally raised the cash prize, and he intentionally


    gave me the chance to win this. He¡¯s indirectly trying to repay me.


    Anastasia felt her face turning hot as a mixture of shame and anger filled her insides. She grabbed her


    phone from the table before leaving the meeting room. On the way out, a bunch of people congratted


    her. Anastasia often got things her way in thepany, and she was close to the boss, so none of the


    staff members had the guts to trigger her. Instead, all of them tried to suck up to her.


    Once Anastasia walked into the elevator, she pressed for the eighth floor without any hesitation. That


    was the level Elliot¡¯s office was on. She bumped into Rey right after the elevator doors opened, and she


    immediately questioned him. ¡°Is Elliot inside?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave is¡­¡± Rey was about to ask for a reason Anastasia wanted to meet him, but she


    had already pushed the door open.


    A handsome man was seated on the couch, and he shifted his gaze up to see a woman walking while


    panting. With a calm, unfazed expression, he looked into her eyes. ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Tell me-did you have anything to do with the International Jewelry Design Competition?¡± she asked in an


    interrogative tone. Behind her, Rey shot Elliot a nervous look. However, Rey turned and shut the door


    behind him after exchanging nces with Elliot.


    ¡°Felicia told me that you won first ce in it. Congrattions.¡± Elliot narrowed his eyes for a moment


    before speaking. There was only one thing Anastasia wanted to know then. Did I win first ce with my


    own skills? If this guy arranged for me to win it, then I wouldn¡¯t feel aplished at all. There would be


    no meaning to this title.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have any confidence in yourself at all?¡± He curled his lips into an icy smirk.


    ¡°Of course I have confidence in myself¡­ But-¡°Anastasia fixed her mesmerizing eyes on him. The man


    cut her off before she could finish her sentence. ¡°Do you think I have nothing better to do, Anastasia? Do


    you think I would mess around with such tinypetitions? If you don¡¯t want the money, thepany


    can always save it instead of handing it to you.¡± He spoke in a domineering and arrogant tone that


    allowed him to take full control of the situation in the room.


    Anastasia felt herself losing the courage she had earlier after he threatened to withdraw the cash prize.


    She desperately needed the money-she didn¡¯t want her father to worry, and she wanted Jared to go to a


    better school. ¡°Elliot, you¡¯d better give me the cash prize if you¡¯re sure that you didn¡¯t meddle with the


    results.¡± Anastasia turned to leave right after finishing her words.


    The man curled his lips into a thoughtful smile after she left. Once Anastasia got back to her office,


    Felicia walked over to congratte her. Felicia got Anastasia to attend the award ceremony and told her


    to ce the trophy among the rest of the showcased items in thepany.


    Anastasia nodded obediently. At 3.00PM sharp, she brought her assistant, Grace, to collect the


    trophy before setting it at the most conspicuous spot on the shelf. There was even a picture of Anastasia


    on the trophy which made it more eye-catching than ever.


    That evening, the staff members discussed and agreed on a location to have dinner together. Alice was


    the only one who didn¡¯t attend the dinner, while Anastasia was the main highlight of the night. The dinner


    was mainly organized to celebrate her win, after all,


    Anastasia requested for Felicia to take some money out from her cash reward to pay for the dinner, but


    Felicia rejected this idea immediately. Before the dinner celebration, Anastasia had phoned her father


    and asked if he had the time to pick Jared up. ¡°I have a dinner that I have to attend,¡± she exined. It


    had been a while since Francis saw his grandson, so he dly agreed to pick Jared up. Perhaps it was


    due to his age, he was increasingly appreciative of having a grandson to care for.


    Thepany dinner was hosted at a restaurant nearby their office. More than 10 of the staff members


    gathered at a long table, and the restaurant served all sorts of dishes that filled the table. None of them


    had to worry about the price of the food they ordered since it was all paid for by thepany.


    Anastasia sat beside Felicia, and they talked about thepetition that had just passed. There had


    always been greatpetition among the jewelrypanies in their local industry, yet none of the more


    established businesses managed to win any prizes this time. All of the designers were furious when they


    heard that Anastasia was the one who won the prize!C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

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    After the dishes were served, most of the staff members started drinking. They were all rtively young,


    so they were prepared to get drunk that night-some of them had even hired personal drivers. ¡°Cheers,


    Anastasia!¡± One of the male designers sitting opposite Anastasia stood up.


    ¡°Sure. Thank you.¡± Anastasia held her ss up. She hadn¡¯t expected all of the other people to clink


    sses with her, but everyone was in a good mood that night, and they quickly turned Anastasia into


    their target for drinking. ¡°More beer for Anastasia!¡± someone cried.


    ¡°You have to drink with us, Anastasia! At least one sip!¡± another cried.


    ¡°Everyone else clinked sses with you, Anastasia. I¡¯d feel bad if I didn¡¯t do it. Here, cheers!¡± another


    one said.


    Anastasia had only arrived at thepany a while ago, so she felt pressured to go along with everyone,


    especially since most of the staff there were seniors. She lost count of the number of beers she had by


    the time she clinked sses with everyone. ¡°Alright, stop. Anastasia has to go home to care for her kid,


    guys!¡± Felicia finally spoke up.


    Everyone calmed down a little after that. Anastasia had already downed a few sses even before she


    got a chance to eat her meal, and she pressed her palm against her forehead as she felt herself getting


    tipsy. ¡°Are you okay, Anastasia?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m feeling a little dizzy, so I might need to stop for a while.¡± Anastasia waved her hand before she


    lowered her head and held her palms up to make a surrendering gesture. Right then, Felicia¡¯s phone


    began to ring. She only took one nce at the caller ID before she instantly picked the call up. ¡°Hello,


    President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Are you guys eating now? Is Anastasia there?¡± the man asked in a deep voice.


    ¡°Of course she¡¯s here. This dinner is meant to be a celebration for her. Would you like to join us,


    President Presgrave?¡± Felicia asked with a smile.


    ¡°No, thanks.¡± Elliot was just asking.


    ¡°The rest of them got Anastasia to drink quite a bit, so she¡¯s rather tipsy now. I think I might have to send


    her home in a while,¡± Felicia exined.


    ¡°She¡¯s drunk?¡± There was a hint of anxiousness in Elliot¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Are you free to pick her up, President Presgrave?¡± Felicia asked.


    ¡°Sure. Send me your location,¡± he ordered.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Felicia sent Elliot her location right after ending the call. When she turned to gaze at Anastasia,


    who was sitting near the drinks, a hint of jealousy surfaced in her gaze. Felicia could tell that Elliot truly


    cared about Anastasia after speaking to him on the phone. Yet, Anastasia didn¡¯t know a single thing


    about this-she was resting her chin on her palm while watching two other male staff y drinking games.


    ¡°You should eat a little more, Anastasia. I¡¯ll get you home in a while,¡± Felicia said. Anastasia


    nodded and began to munch on a few of her favorite dishes. However, her stomach was full from all the


    alcohol. She didn¡¯t feel anything when she was drinking earlier, but the tipsiness was starting to hit her


    after a while. :


    She had just stood up to walk to the washroom when she was struck by a pang of dizziness. She felt as


    if she were stepping on clouds, and she couldn¡¯t stand straight at all. ¡°How are you feeling, Anastasia?


    Are you really drunk?¡± Felicia hastily held onto her arm.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not drunk. I¡¯m not.¡± Anastasia waved her arms around. Those who were drunk were


    especially stubborn-she insisted on iming that she was still sober. Felicia ordered one of her


    assistants to help Anastasia to the washroom. Anastasia had just returned from the washroom when


    Felicia received a text from Elliot.


    ¡®Bring her out.¡¯ His orders were simple.


    ¡®Got it. We¡¯lle out in a bit, she replied. Right after that, Felicia turned to Anastasia before informing


    her of the n. ¡°I¡¯ll get someone to send you home now, Anastasia.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Anastasia nodded. I should go home now. I need to sober up-how else am I going to take care of


    my son otherwise? But Anastasia didn¡¯t know who her driver was and simply assumed that Felicia had


    gotten one of thepany¡¯s drivers to send her home.


    Felicia helped Anastasia out of the restaurant, and Anastasia quickly noticed a sleek, ck Rolls Royce


    parked by the side of the road. Its ck paint looked extra shiny under the light, and its ssy and


    elegant design made it stand out among the rest of the cars. The car stood out just like how its owner


    did.


    Anastasia allowed Felicia to help her into the backseat of the car. At this point, Anastasia still assumed


    that a driver from thepany would be the one sending her home. After Felicia shut the car door,


    Anastasia turned to address the driver in a polite tone. ¡°Hello. You can send me to Shorea Residence on


    Durkham Street. Thank you.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

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    Chapter 112


    The car was silent for a short while after Anastasia finished her sentence. ¡°I know.¡± A deep, attractive


    voice sounded after a while.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened with shock before she looked at the reflection in the rearview mirror to meet


    the man¡¯s gaze. She felt like she was looking into a deep well. ¡°Why are you here, Elliot?¡± she


    cried.


    The man let out a scoff. Did she think I was just some driver? Anastasia felt her head spinning. Why did


    Felicia send me to Elliot¡¯s car?


    ¡°What are you doing here? Why did you pick me up?¡± Anastasia asked in a rather slurred and tipsy


    voice.


    ¡°How are you going to care for Jared when you¡¯re in this state?¡± he asked.


    ¡°My dad¡¯s home with him now,¡± she replied in azy voice from the backseat. The man stared at her


    through the rearview mirror. He could see her sexy figure under the dim light. Her long hair fell over her


    shoulders, making her appear more seductive than ever. The air in the car smelled like a mixture of


    alcohol and women¡¯s perfume. Elliot had the eyes of a thirsty beast as he felt his predatory instincts


    taking over him.


    Meanwhile, Anastasiay down on the back seat as she felt tiredness taking over her. She fell asleep


    soon after that. Elliot turned to gaze at her as she slept, and his gaze remained still for a moment before


    he stopped the car by the side of the road. If her son sees her like this, he¡¯s going to be traumatized


    when he grows up, Elliot thought.


    So, he picked her phone up before unlocking her phone with her fingerprint. Then, he searched for


    Francis¡¯ number before sending him a text. ¡®Dad, I¡¯m drunk tonight. Can you take care of Jared for


    tonight? I¡¯ll be home early tomorrow morning,¡¯ it said.


    Francis responded just momentster. ¡®You should get some rest if you¡¯re drunk. Don¡¯t worry about


    Jared; I¡¯ll take care of him. You stay safe!¡¯ he replied.


    ¡®Got it, Dad! Elliot sent the text over. After seeing how drunk Anastasia seemed, Elliot decided that he


    couldn¡¯t allow young Jared to have a memory of his drunk mother at such an age. Anastasia didn¡¯t know


    anything about the man¡¯s ns, but she continued sleeping as the ck car sped past the city center


    before arriving at one of the most expensive vis in the mid-hill area.


    Anastasia hadn¡¯t slept much the night before, and she had had a long day today. After all the alcohol she


    consumed, it was unlikely for her to wake up even if thunder struck the top of her head. Once the man


    parked the car, he lifted her bridal style and brought her to his bedroom without her being aware of it.


    Once she was on the bed, she rolled over to settle in afortable position before continuing to sleep.


    She was dressed in a white shirt and a ck pencil skirt that revealed her slim thighs. She wasn¡¯t aware


    of it, but the posture in which she slept was extremely seductive to the man staring at her.


    The grand vi was lit up by a huge chandelier that hung above a gray couch. Elliot, who had just


    finished showering, sat on the couch in azy posture. He had pulled on a pair of sweatpants but


    left his upper body naked. Beads of water were still hanging on his skin as he held his arm up to sip on


    his ss of red wine. The muscles in his arms bulged as he moved the ss up and down.


    For the most part, Elliot was a calm and rational man. However, he felt himself losing his mind whenever


    he thought about the woman who was lying in his bed. He couldn¡¯t resist the urge to lose all control and


    set himself free. Every time he tried to suppress his urges, they disappeared only to resurface moments


    later. He wanted to check on her, but he knew that he would get greedier for her when he was there. It


    was impossible for him to just stare at her.


    So, he figured that he would keep his distance so that he didn¡¯t have to suffer as much. Yet, there was


    another voice in his head that continued to shout at him, and he had to counter this voice with the


    rational part of his mind. In the end, he lifted his wine ss and gulped all of it down before standing and


    heading upstairs.


    He had found a reason to go up. I have to check if she puked. If she did, then my poor bed would be in


    trouble. Her alcohol tolerance isn¡¯t that high, but I don¡¯t think she has a habit of puking. If she¡¯s drunk,


    she usually just sleeps.


    Elliot opened the door to his room, and he found the woman sleeping with her back turned against him.


    Her stunning curves and her soft figure made her seem especially feminine under the dim lights.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

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    Chapter 113


    As Elliot stared at Anastasia¡¯s long, messy hair that hung from the edge of the pillow, he couldn¡¯t help but


    narrow his eyes a little. He was like a silent, predatory beast that was inching closer toward its prey.


    Meanwhile, the woman-his prey-didn¡¯t realize a thing as he sat down by the edge of the bed and


    watched her sleeping soundly. Her perky red lips made her appear especially seductive.


    When he saw a clump of hair covering her eyes, he instinctively reached over to brush her hair aside.


    However, the moment he touched her face, the girl let out a mumble-she was talking in her sleep. All of a


    sudden, she held onto hisrge palm. ¡°Stop messing around, Jared. Let your mommy sleep for a bit,¡±


    she muttered.


    Elliot¡¯s eyes widened a little. Does she think I¡¯m her son right now? Soon enough, the woman wrapped


    her hands around Elliot¡¯s arm before rubbing her face against it. It was almost as if she were rubbing her


    face against Jared¡¯s head. Elliot had no choice but to lean closer and y along so that she wouldn¡¯t


    wake up.


    He shifted his body sideways and held his arm out for her to hug him. Then, he proudly allowed her to


    press his arm against her chest area. All sorts of sensations shot through the man¡¯s body as she did so.


    He held himself in this same stiff position while the woman continued to sleep. He had no other option


    but to admire her gorgeous face that was illuminated by the dim lighting. Her smooth and fair skin


    reminded him of a scrumptious-looking dish, and it made him crave for her.


    Anastasia had no idea what she looked like in her sleep, but the man had scanned every inch of her face


    in admiration. Throughout the night, he had even counted the number of eyshes she had on each


    eye. Anastasia clung onto him too tightly, so he couldn¡¯t pull away from her without waking her up.


    This time, Elliot was faced with a challenge greater than ever before. It was a test of his restraint. If he


    didn¡¯t have such good self-control, he would¡¯ve let Anastasia get a taste of his skills. ¡°Reach your hands


    out, Anastasia.¡± He tried to get her to reach her hands out while she was dreaming, but she didn¡¯t since


    she didn¡¯t know that she was hugging him in the first ce. Furthermore, she thought she was hugging


    her precious son! This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    In the end, Elliot decided that he didn¡¯t want to suppress his desires anymore. He leaned forward to


    press his lips against her cheek. Right then, she clung to his neck before she nted kisses on the


    man¡¯s cheek. ¡°Be a good boy, Jared¡­¡±


    Both of their faces were right in front of each other, and Elliot could feel the woman¡¯s breath as she


    exhaled on his neck. The sensation felt like feathers that seemed to tug on his heartstrings. Elliot could


    feel his blood boiling with desire. He wasn¡¯t that much of a gentleman-he was prepared to take action


    with this woman if she didn¡¯t let go of him soon.


    Anastasia rubbed against his neck again before she shifted to touch his ear with her nose. It seemed


    almost as if she were trying to seduce him.


    Elliot¡¯s prominent Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down as he tried his best not to let his hormones get the


    better of him. He was close to exploding. Never once had a woman made him so horny this woman, on


    the other hand, managed to do it in her sleep, but he couldn¡¯t sleep with her no matter how much he


    wanted to. All he could focus on was restraining himself while this woman


    continued to do whatever she desired to do.


    In the end, Anastasia seemed to have developed some distaste for the man¡¯s strong hormones. She


    flipped to the other side of the bed for some fresh air, and she finally set the man free. He got out of his


    stiff position and stood up only to realize that he was soaked in sweat. He had showered for no reason. I


    guess I¡¯ll have to take another cold shower.


    After that, he no longer came to his room. Anastasia got the big bed all to herself, and she rolled all over


    the bed. It was nearly 4.00AM by the time she woke up on her own. When she opened her eyes, she


    found herself staring at a decorative chandelier that hung above her. This is definitely not my house. Oh


    gosh!


    Her body shot upright in terror as she cracked her head to recall what had happened. Herst memory


    was of herself getting into Elliot¡¯s car. So¡­ Is this Elliot¡¯s house?

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    Chapter 114


    Did he not send me home? Did he bring me to his house instead? Anastasia immediately checked


    herself to make sure that her clothes were still on. It didn¡¯t seem like it had been taken off, either. She


    hastily got off the bed to find that her shoes were gone, so she had no choice but to walk barefoot on the


    clean ground.


    She nced at the clock beside the bed to see that it was nearly 4.30AM. The skies were still dark


    outside. Did this man just get me to sleep in his house? What about my son? Is my dad at home with


    Jared? Anastasia quietly walked down the stairs. There were wall lights that surrounded the whole vi,


    so it made her feel like she was a lost princess that was walking around in a grand, luxurious castle.


    Finally, she found her bag on the couch downstairs. She immediately checked her phone to see the text


    that she had sent her father and her father¡¯s reply. Phew. At least Elliot knew to tell my dad to take care


    of Jared. Anastasia fixed her messy hair as she thought, I have no choice but to stay here since it¡¯s now


    the middle of the night. Hmm¡­ The room I was in earlier seemed like the master bedroom. Then where


    did Elliot sleep?


    She figured that she would tour his house since he was asleep. When she went up to the second floor,


    she suddenly realized that there was a room with its lights turned on. She wanted to ask him why he


    brought her home, so she quietly turned the doorknob to push the door open. She found herself in a


    study room, where a man was sleeping on the couch with his head resting on his arm.


    Anastasia froze. Is he actually sleeping on the couch? On top of that¡­ He¡¯s just wearing sweatpants.


    She was so shocked that her hand slipped off the doorknob. A loud bang sounded as the door moved


    back and hit against the door stopper. She immediately pped her hand over her mouth-aical


    gesture considering that it didn¡¯t serve any purpose.


    The man¡¯s thickshes fluttered before he opened his eyes. Even though he had been awakened from


    his sleep, he had the same mesmerizing look in his eyes. He curled his lips into a smirk as he stared at


    the woman by the door while sitting upright. ¡°Are you awake?¡± He narrowed his eyes as he smiled. This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She felt rather bad for waking him up, but she proceeded with the question she had for him. ¡°Why did


    you bring me to your ce? You should¡¯ve sent me home.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any idea how bad you look when you¡¯re drunk? What would Jared think if he saw his


    mother getting drunk like that?¡± He didn¡¯t bother to sugarcoat his words. She immediately knitted her


    brows into a frown. Did I go crazy after getting drunk? Fine. I guess I agree with what he said. It¡¯s true


    that my son shouldn¡¯t see me like that. She tugged on the door to close it as she spoke to Elliot. ¡°You can


    continue sleeping! I won¡¯t disturb you anymore.¡± Then, she shut the door before walking down the


    corridor. She was going to wait in the hall until sunrise.


    Since she woke him up, Elliot no longer felt like sleeping. He returned to his room and washed up before


    putting on some clothes and walking over to the hall. Anastasia had gone to the fridge to get herself a


    drink, and she was just feeling rather creeped out by therge hall when she heard footstepsing


    from behind. She instantly spun her head around to find the man with one hand stuck into his pocket. He


    strolled over with azy look on his face.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to sleep?¡± she asked while looking at him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep anymore,¡± he replied tly. Then, he walked over to the fridge to grab himself a bottle of


    beer. He sipped on it as he walked back to her. She felt nauseous just at the sight of alcohol. ¡°Why are


    you drinking in the middle of the night? It¡¯s not good for your stomach,¡± she uttered in a confused tone.


    ¡°Do you care about me that much?¡± He sat on the couch beside her and gave her a faint smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about you; I¡¯m caring about myself. I¡¯m afraid that you might get horny after you¡¯re drunk.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t bother to be nice to him either. The man had a history of doing such things, after all.


    He let out a scoff as he couldn¡¯t believe what the woman just said about him. ¡°Are you that confident


    about my interest in you?¡± He put on an offended expression.

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    Anastasia let out a scoff. ¡°You guys are interested as long as it¡¯s a woman.¡±


    Elliot eyed her without saying anything. He didn¡¯t agree with her since she was the only woman he was


    interested in. ¡°Your dad will take good care of Jared. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Elliot tried tofort her¨Che assumed


    that she hadn¡¯t read the text.


    ¡°I saw the text. I don¡¯t want you messing with my phone in the future, and I don¡¯t want you to reply to my


    texts. Do you think I don¡¯t know that you were the one who replied to Nigel¡¯s text?¡± she uttered in an


    edgy tone.


    Elliot¡¯s face darkened all of a sudden; he looked almost like an ice sculpture for a moment. ¡°Don¡¯t you


    dare mess around with Nigel¡¯s feelings for you, Anastasia!¡±


    She raised an eyebrow beforeughing. ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m messing around with his feelings?


    There are tons of rtionships that start off as friendships. We¡¯re friends now, but who knows what might


    happen in the future, right?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Elliot asked through gritted teeth.


    ¡°I mean that our rtionship is still in development. It¡¯s not about me fooling around with his feelings,


    okay?¡± she replied in a calm tone. Then, she intentionally added another statement to provoke him.


    ¡°Honestly, I think Nigel¡¯s a good fit as Jared¡¯s dad. He¡¯s really nice to Jared. If fate allows us to be


    together, perhaps our rtionship might blossom someday,¡± she uttered.


    ¡°Are you the kind of girl who sleeps around? How could you reciprocate Nigel¡¯s attraction toward you


    while also maintaining such an unclear rtionship with me? It seems like you¡¯re just someone who can¡¯t


    remain stable in life,¡± Elliotmented in a sarcastic and irritated tone.


    This made her feel rather annoyed. How could he say that I¡¯m someone who sleeps around with others?


    ¡°I can say the same about you, then! You¡¯re receptive to Hayley¡¯s admiration for you while you¡¯re also


    having this unclear rtionship with me. We¡¯re not that different, you know?¡±


    The man was silent for a moment, and all he could do was re at Anastasia. ¡°Are you saying that you


    might fall for Nigel and marry him someday? Are you going to pick him to be Jared¡¯s father?¡± ElliotC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    narrowed his eyes to form a sharp gaze that looked like it could slice through walls.


    She couldn¡¯t help but avoid his res. ¡°Maybe,¡± she muttered in the most casual tone she could muster.


    His expression stiffened for a moment, and his face looked like it had been frozen in ce. He seemed


    like a perfect ice sculpture at that moment. For some reason, Anastasia felt like the man was angry and


    unhappy at what she just said.


    This made her realize something. Soon after that, she let out a mockingugh. ¡°You aren¡¯t jealous, are


    you, Elliot? Are you secretly in love with me?¡±


    Elliot felt a piercing rage that shot through his body, but he maintained the same cold look on his face.


    Anastasia curled her lips into a smug smile. ¡°Don¡¯t fall in love with me-we¡¯d never get a happy ending


    because I¡¯d never fall in love with you,¡± she stated.


    All of a sudden, Elliot got to his feet. He seemed especially domineering as he towered over her, and she


    sat upright in fear. ¡°W-What are you trying to do?¡±


    ¡°This is my house, Anastasia. Why are you acting all stuck-up and cocky here?¡± He shot her a cold and


    sharp re. She felt like she was facing the devil himself-he gave off a beast-like viciousness as he


    spoke.


    Wait. Did I trigger him? she thought. ¡°I take back whatever I said, Elliot. Just¡­ pretend I never said it¡­¡±


    She quickly gave in, and she tried to escape the hall after finishing her sentence.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote.¡± The man scoffed as he pulled the woman into his arms just before she could scurry off.


    Anastasia¡¯s instinct was to wrestle and push him away, and both of them fell onto the couch when the


    man failed to hold onto her firmly.


    At this point, Anastasia could no longer escape-the man¡¯s muscr body was like a huge that


    trapped her in it. ¡°Elliot¡­ You¡­¡± Her warning was caught in her throat as the man pressed his lips


    against hers. He was desperate to give her lips a punishment as she had made too many infuriating


    statements today.


    Anastasia tried to protest with her res as she stared into his stunning eyes. However, all she saw was


    the passion that Elliot had for her. She had no choice but to shut her eyes. All of her senses were


    stimted by the man, and Anastasia could feel herself loosening up to him, perhaps because she was


    also under the influence of alcohol. She was shocked by her own feelings.Chapter 115


    Anastasia let out a scoff. ¡°You guys are interested as long as it¡¯s a woman.¡±


    Elliot eyed her without saying anything. He didn¡¯t agree with her since she was the only woman he was


    interested in. ¡°Your dad will take good care of Jared. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Elliot tried tofort her¨Che assumed


    that she hadn¡¯t read the text.


    ¡°I saw the text. I don¡¯t want you messing with my phone in the future, and I don¡¯t want you to reply to my


    texts. Do you think I don¡¯t know that you were the one who replied to Nigel¡¯s text?¡± she uttered in an


    edgy tone.


    Elliot¡¯s face darkened all of a sudden; he looked almost like an ice sculpture for a moment. ¡°Don¡¯t you


    dare mess around with Nigel¡¯s feelings for you, Anastasia!¡±


    She raised an eyebrow beforeughing. ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m messing around with his feelings?


    There are tons of rtionships that start off as friendships. We¡¯re friends now, but who knows what might


    happen in the future, right?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Elliot asked through gritted teeth.


    ¡°I mean that our rtionship is still in development. It¡¯s not about me fooling around with his feelings,


    okay?¡± she replied in a calm tone. Then, she intentionally added another statement to provoke him.


    ¡°Honestly, I think Nigel¡¯s a good fit as Jared¡¯s dad. He¡¯s really nice to Jared. If fate allows us to be


    together, perhaps our rtionship might blossom someday,¡± she uttered.


    ¡°Are you the kind of girl who sleeps around? How could you reciprocate Nigel¡¯s attraction toward you


    while also maintaining such an unclear rtionship with me? It seems like you¡¯re just someone who can¡¯t


    remain stable in life,¡± Elliotmented in a sarcastic and irritated tone.


    This made her feel rather annoyed. How could he say that I¡¯m someone who sleeps around with others?


    ¡°I can say the same about you, then! You¡¯re receptive to Hayley¡¯s admiration for you while you¡¯re also


    having this unclear rtionship with me. We¡¯re not that different, you know?¡±


    The man was silent for a moment, and all he could do was re at Anastasia. ¡°Are you saying that you


    might fall for Nigel and marry him someday? Are you going to pick him to be Jared¡¯s father?¡± Elliot


    narrowed his eyes to form a sharp gaze that looked like it could slice through walls.


    She couldn¡¯t help but avoid his res. ¡°Maybe,¡± she muttered in the most casual tone she could muster.


    His expression stiffened for a moment, and his face looked like it had been frozen in ce. He seemed


    like a perfect ice sculpture at that moment. For some reason, Anastasia felt like the man was angry and


    unhappy at what she just said.


    This made her realize something. Soon after that, she let out a mockingugh. ¡°You aren¡¯t jealous, are


    you, Elliot? Are you secretly in love with me?¡±


    Elliot felt a piercing rage that shot through his body, but he maintained the same cold look on his face.


    Anastasia curled her lips into a smug smile. ¡°Don¡¯t fall in love with me-we¡¯d never get a happy ending


    because I¡¯d never fall in love with you,¡± she stated.


    All of a sudden, Elliot got to his feet. He seemed especially domineering as he towered over her, and she


    sat upright in fear. ¡°W-What are you trying to do?¡±


    ¡°This is my house, Anastasia. Why are you acting all stuck-up and cocky here?¡± He shot her a cold and


    sharp re. She felt like she was facing the devil himself-he gave off a beast-like viciousness as he


    spoke.


    Wait. Did I trigger him? she thought. ¡°I take back whatever I said, Elliot. Just¡­ pretend I never said it¡­¡±


    She quickly gave in, and she tried to escape the hall after finishing her sentence.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote.¡± The man scoffed as he pulled the woman into his arms just before she could scurry off.


    Anastasia¡¯s instinct was to wrestle and push him away, and both of them fell onto the couch when the


    man failed to hold onto her firmly.


    At this point, Anastasia could no longer escape-the man¡¯s muscr body was like a huge that


    trapped her in it. ¡°Elliot¡­ You¡­¡± Her warning was caught in her throat as the man pressed his lips


    against hers. He was desperate to give her lips a punishment as she had made too many infuriating


    statements today.


    Anastasia tried to protest with her res as she stared into his stunning eyes. However, all she saw was


    the passion that Elliot had for her. She had no choice but to shut her eyes. All of her senses were


    stimted by the man, and Anastasia could feel herself loosening up to him, perhaps because she was


    also under the influence of alcohol. She was shocked by her own feelings.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    Chapter 116


    The more Anastasia felt like she physically desired him, the more she felt anxiety rushing up in her chest.


    How could I be interested in Hayley¡¯s man? Anastasia couldn¡¯t push him away, so she had no choice but


    to wriggle her way out of his grip. He panted slightly as he held her arms up above her head. He was


    rather frustrated by her resistance. ¡°Don¡¯t you like this, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°What should I like about it? Would you like to get kissed forcefully?¡± Anastasia pushed him off of her


    angrily. ¡°Stop touching me. I¡¯ll call the police if you do it again.¡±


    Elliot narrowed his eyes. I clearly felt her body embracing my touch earlier. I¡¯m sure she has feelings for


    me. However, Anastasia had a distinct, threatening look in her eyes. ¡°Where¡¯s the guest room? I¡¯d like to


    nap for a while more,¡± she told him.


    ¡°You can sleep in the master bedroom,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to sleep on your bed,¡± she said in a disdainful tone. Elliot was annoyed at her seemingly


    endless requests. ¡°There are guest rooms on the third floor. You can pick one for yourself.¡±


    After that, Anastasia took her bag and her phone up to the third floor, where she chose a guest room and


    locked the door before lying down on the bed. For some reason, she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what


    had happened earlier. Am I secretly a masochist? Do I actually want him to do things to me? She patted


    herself on her head to stop herself from overthinking. She decided that she would leave the house first


    thing in the morning.


    Anastasia set an rm clock for 7.30AM, and she rubbed her half-opened eyes while getting out of bed


    when the sun came up. After washing her face with some water, she brought her bag down. She didn¡¯t


    want to trouble Elliot anymore, so she decided to leave on her own.


    When she stepped out of the vi, she was too dumbfounded to move for a moment. The residence was


    located on top of a hill, and it was nearly a 4-mile-walk for her to reach the foot of the hill. She would


    have to walk for one hour!


    Right when she decided to start her long trip down the hill, she heard the metal doors opening behind


    her, and a ck car slowly made its way out of the house. Since when did he wake up? Anastasia was


    stunned when Elliot rolled the window down. ¡°Get in,¡± he uttered without looking at her.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t want to get in the car when she sensed the icy, arrogant aura he gave off. However,


    when she thought about the one-hour walk down the hill, she bit her lip and forced herself to get in the


    car. His car sped down the hill, and she felt as if her heart were about to leap out of her chest. Does he


    think he¡¯s steering a ne?


    When they got to the main road at the bottom of the hill, Anastasia tried to stop the man. ¡°You can drop


    me here, President Presgrave.¡± However, the man didn¡¯t stop driving-he continued on the road that led


    them to her house. She could tell that he intended to send her home, so she had no choice but to remain


    in the car.


    When they got to her housing area, she thanked him politely before getting out of the car and walking


    toward the entrance of her residential unit. She had just gotten to her front door when she bumped into


    her father and son, walking hand-in-hand. Jared was neatly dressed in his


    school uniform, and the young kid was pleased to see her home. ¡°You¡¯re back, Mommy!¡±


    Francis noticed how sleepy she looked. ¡°You can stay home and get some rest. I¡¯ll send Jared to school,¡±


    he offered.


    ¡°Okay. Sorry for troubling you, Dad.¡± Anastasia patted her son on his head. ¡°Be good at school, okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m always good, Mommy.¡± Jared nodded thoughtfully before he held onto his grandfather¡¯s hand and


    skipped his way to the elevator. Jared was happy to spend time with his grandfather as it wasn¡¯t


    something he could do every day.


    After Anastasia got home, she felt all the tension leaving her body. She flung herself onto the couch


    before texting Felicia to ask for the first half of her day off. She decided that she would get some rest


    before going into the office in the afternoon.


    It was 11.00AM when a phone call woke her up from her nap. ¡°Hello?¡± she replied in a muffled voice.


    ¡°Are you not feeling well, Anastasia?¡± Nigel asked worriedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you at the office, then?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I took half a day off, so I¡¯m at home now. Is anything the matter?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to you in the afternoon then. You should get some rest. I have a mystery gift waiting for est you,¡±


    he uttered in a mysterious tone. After she ended the call, she checked to see that it was


    nearing 11.30AM. So, she hurried off to take a shower before cooking herself some instant noodles for


    lunch.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

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    Chapter 117


    Anastasia arrived at the office at 2.00PM. She saw her trophy on the shelf when she walked past the hall


    of her department. For some reason, she still felt like the trophy didn¡¯t belong to her. Did Elliot pull some


    strings to get me this? He¡¯s the only one who knows the truth, and I can¡¯t do anything if he doesn¡¯t want


    to admit to anything.


    A while after she arrived in the office, someone came over and asked for her. A few staff members of


    some high-endpany that tailor-made evening gowns for their clients were there to see her. They had


    prepared three different dresses for Anastasia to try on. So, this is the mystery gift that Nigel was talking


    about earlier, huh? She didn¡¯t know what to feel about it.


    It was true that Anastasia didn¡¯t have the right formal outfit for such dinner parties, so she decided to


    ept Nigel¡¯s offer. She picked a ssy-looking gray gown made of silk. It didn¡¯t look too shy nor too


    simple-it fit what she was looking for. ¡°Hello. Can I know the price of this dress?¡± she asked one of the


    staff members.


    ¡°Oh! It was not too expensive. It costs about 10,000,¡± the person replied. She narrowed her eyes when


    she heard the answer. Is it really that cheap? This silk looks really expensive!


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    After the staff members left her office, the three of them let out a long sigh as they got into the elevator.


    Thisdy¡¯s boyfriend loves her so much! He forced us to say that this dress is worth 10,000 when it¡¯s


    actually worth 1 million. Is he afraid that she wouldn¡¯t ept his gift otherwise?


    Soon enough, Anastasia received a call from Nigel to check if she had taken the evening gown. ¡°Thank


    you for preparing this outfit for me, Nigel. That was really thoughtful of you,¡± she uttered.


    ¡°It¡¯s no worries at all. This is my grandmother¡¯s dinner party, so I hope that you enjoy it as well. Also, I¡¯m


    looking for a ce in the building opposite your office. My new office will be located there if everything


    goes as nned,¡± he uttered.


    Anastasia immediately got up to stare out of her window. There was a new building that had only been


    completed a while ago. ¡°You can do whatever you want since you¡¯re rich,¡± she replied in a yful tone.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll see you at dinner tomorrow night. I can¡¯t wait to see how stunning you look in your dress.¡±


    Nigel sounded like he was busy with other things. ¡°Okay! You go on with your work, then!¡± Anastasia


    didn¡¯t want to bother him, and she was busy with her own duties as well.


    Meanwhile, Nigel stepped out of the building opposite Anastasia¡¯s office after he ended the call. He took


    a look at his wristwatch before he realized that there was one more thing he had yet to do.


    He immediately hurried over to the most high-end mall in the city center. This was the only mall that sold


    all of the international jewelry brands, and he wanted to pick a diamond ring that fitted his taste. He was


    going to use it for his proposal.


    Elliot arrived at Presgrave Group for work that morning. He stood in front of hisrge window, dressed in


    a simple white shirt and straight-fitting cks. His aura fit his role as the leader of apany. Right then,


    Daniel knocked on the door before greeting Elliot politely. ¡°I¡¯ve arranged your dinner with the president of


    Benson Corporation,¡± Daniel said.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Elliot nodded. Then, Daniel lowered his gaze for a while. He didn¡¯t dare to look Elliot in the eye


    after what he had done with Hayley that night. Although Daniel hadn¡¯t done it voluntarily, he still felt bad


    when he thought about Hayley and Elliot¡¯s rtionship.


    Elliot nced at his wristwatch. He had intended to pay a visit to the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier, but he


    didn¡¯t have any time left as he had a client to meet in 30 minutes. Since when did I start thinking about


    this woman? I used to only think about work. Nowadays, I¡¯m even thinking of her adorable son. For some


    reason, Elliot felt happy just thinking about how he would see her at his grandmother¡¯s dinner the next


    day.


    Later that night, Anastasia had a good sleep with Jared in her arms. She knew that Jared enjoyed being


    with his grandfather, so she figured that she would get Francis to stay with Jared for another night during


    the charity dinner she had the next day.


    The charity dinner was hosted on a Friday in a seven-star hotel in the city center. Many important people


    from various industries had been invited, and many of them felt honored to receive an invitation. That


    afternoon, Anastasia was still busy working on her drafts in the office. She had already informed her dad


    that she would need him to care for Jared that night.


    She had just gotten into work when herndline began to ring. ¡°Hello?¡± She picked the call up.


    ¡°Do you need me to pick you up for the dinner party?¡± A man¡¯s deep voice came from the other end.


    She rejected him without thinking twice. ¡°No, thanks.¡±

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    Chapter 118


    ¡°Do you have a car?¡± Elliot asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call a cab,¡± she replied.


    ¡°The roads will be closed, so cabs won¡¯t be able to get in,¡± he exined. She frowned before answering


    in a firm tone, ¡°That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll just walk over to the hotel.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a woman as stubborn as you,¡± he uttered in a grumpy tone.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve met me now. I¡¯ll end the call now. I¡¯m busy.¡± She ended the call right after finishing her


    sentence. She was probably the only one who dared to speak to the president in such a tone. Even


    those in Presgrave Group wouldn¡¯t dare to speak to him in such an impolite manner.


    Meanwhile, the man wore a dark look on his face after Anastasia hung up his call. I really don¡¯t know


    what to do with this woman. It¡¯s hard for me to gain control over her, but that only makes me more


    interested in achieving this. It¡¯s like I¡¯m challenging myself to conquer someone who can¡¯t be conquered.


    Anastasia got off work 30 minutes earlier, and she brought her evening gown home before pulling her


    makeup pouch out. She decided to put on some makeup since she hadn¡¯t used her skills in a while.


    At the same time, someone else was also getting ready for the dinner party. The more Hayley thought


    about Harriet looking down on her, the more Hayley was filled with resentment. This drove Hayley to


    attend the dinner party tonight. She couldn¡¯t just go up to Elliot, so she had to pretend that she had just


    shown up at the event somehow.


    After thinking about it for a while more, she came up with a proper n. At 7.30PM, she would pretend


    that she needed to see Elliot for an emergency. That would exin why she ended up at the dinner party.


    She had picked out a dress and put on makeup for the night, so all she had to do now was wait.


    The sun had just started going down when Anastasia got ready to leave her house. Someone rang her


    doorbell just before she headed out. She was shocked as she wasn¡¯t expecting anyone at that hour. The


    moment she opened the door, she saw a bouquet of roses covering a man¡¯s face. The very next second,


    the man moved the roses away to show his bright, handsome smile.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Nigel?¡± She stared at him in shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to pick you up for the dinner party, of course. I can¡¯t let my beautiful woman go to the party in a


    cab, can I?¡± he replied.


    ¡°How did you know I was going to get a cab?¡± Anastasia gave him a sheepish smile.


    ¡°You love saving money, so I don¡¯t think you¡¯d hire a private car for the night, would you?¡± Nigel knew her


    well. I guess I can save on my cab fees since he¡¯s here to pick me up, she thought. ¡°Why did you bring


    flowers?¡± She was a little more taken aback by the way he had presented her with the roses.


    ¡°I feel like giving you flowers every time I see you,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Mr. Nigel!¡± Jared ran out when he heard Nigel¡¯s voice. Nigel handed the flowers over to Jared.


    ¡°Here, Jared. Bring these flowers in. I¡¯ll bring your mommy out for a dinner party now.¡±


    Jared happily carried the flowers back into the house while Anastasia shut the door and left with Nigel.


    While they were in the elevator, Nigel couldn¡¯t help but nce at her outfit. She looked especially elegant


    in her gray silk dress. It brought out her curves and enhanced her figure, making her look extremely


    stunning.


    ¡°It fits you really well,¡± Nigel eximed. He was the one who hand-picked all three of the outfits, and he


    had a feeling that she would choose the ash gray one. ¡°I bet this dress costs more than 10,000, right?


    Don¡¯t lie to me!¡± Anastasia knew that the staff member had lied to her earlier, and she was certain that it


    was Nigel¡¯s instructions.


    ¡°The price of the dress doesn¡¯t matter as long as it looks good on you,¡± he replied. As he stepped out of


    the elevator, he casually slipped his hand into hers. ¡°Tonight¡¯s an important night, so we shouldn¡¯t be


    late.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t know what to do after he held her hand, so she simply allowed him to lead her out of her


    residential area. His shy sports car was parked at the entrance of her residential area, and both of


    them stepped out of the building looking like they were a prince and princess prepared for a party. Many


    passersby nced in their direction as they walked.


    However, at that very moment, a ck Rolls-Royce Phantom appeared from the other side of the road.


    The man inside the ck car happened to see the man and woman walking out while holding hands.


    Nigel held the door open for Anastasia, and she got in the passenger¡¯s seat elegantly. Then, Nigel


    walked around the front of the car to get in the driver¡¯s seat.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 119

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    Chapter 119


    Nigel shifted his gaze to the road after he got in the car. At that moment, he caught sight of a ck car in


    his rearview mirror. The car was quite some distance away, but he could tell that it was his cousin¡¯s car.


    I¡¯m d I got here before him, Nigel thought. I want Elliot to witness my rtionship with Anastasia so


    that he¡¯ll know he doesn¡¯t have a chance. Tonight, I¡¯m going to use my actions to show Elliot that


    Anastasia belongs to me.


    The sports car sped down the road while the man in the ck car red into the distance with a dark


    look in his eyes. No one could tell what was going on in his mind. Elliot felt a surge of anger bubbling in


    him as he thought about how the woman had rejected him so firmly. It turns out it was because she had


    already told someone else to pick her up, he thought.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t notice that someone else hade over to pick her up as she was distracted by other


    thoughts in her mind. Is Hayley going to be there? If she¡¯s going to be there, then I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll stay for


    long. Since Elliot and Hayley used to have a thing, perhaps Old Madam Presgrave might prefer Hayley


    to be Elliot¡¯s wife.


    She didn¡¯t know why she was troubling herself with all these pointless thoughts. While they were on the


    way to the dinner, Nigel told her his ideas about his office design, and he got some of her opinions.


    When she heard that it cost Nigel more than 50,000 to rent his office each month, she was utterly


    speechless! I hate rich people!


    ¡°Can you try saving up some of your dad¡¯s money?¡± she asked in a concerned tone. He immediately


    burst intoughter. ¡°I¡¯m only spending so much because I know I have the ability to earn it back! Don¡¯t


    worry about me, Anastasia!¡±


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°I can¡¯t even earn your one month¡¯s worth of rent in one year,¡± she replied. Then, she thought about the 1


    million that she had won. She still felt rather uneasy about taking the money.


    ¡°You can always ask me if you need any money,¡± Nigel told her in a sincere tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need money. I have enough to spend on myself,¡± she replied with a smile. She could always


    adjust her lifestyle to fit her monthly ie.


    Finally, they arrived at the hotel for the charity dinner. The hotel belonged to the Mansons, and it looked


    extremely luxurious and exclusive. That was when Anastasia understood how rich Nigel truly was. When


    he got out of the car, he bumped into his father¡¯s assistant. ¡°Your dad is asking you to greet the guests,


    Young Master Nigel!¡± the assistant said.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go say hello to them. Can you bring thisdy over to the hall?¡± Nigel asked the assistant.


    ¡°Sure. Please follow me, Miss,¡± the assistant replied.


    ¡°I¡¯lle over to you in a while, Anastasia. You can go up to have some food first,¡± Nigel said. ¡°Okay!¡±


    She nodded. About ten minutester, a tall,nky man walked into the hotel with a confident and elegant


    stride. He looked especially respectable in his formal ck suit.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Young Master Elliot. Pleasee in.¡± The hotel manager jogged over to greet him. ¡°Go on


    with your duties! You don¡¯t have to worry about me.¡± Elliot waved the manager off before he walked over


    to the elevator.


    The hall looked like it could fit about 500 people. I¡¯m really getting exposed to a whole new world today,


    Anastasia thought. There are people from all kinds of industries. The Presgrave Family sure is powerful!


    Anastasia held a ss of red wine in her hand. She felt rather self-conscious since she didn¡¯t match the


    standards of the other guests there, and she had just been looking around her when she nearly bumped


    into someone behind her. ¡°Ah!¡± She cried before stumbling backward and looking up. What¡¯s he doing


    here? The person she had bumped into was Elliot!


    ¡°Apologize.¡± He shot her an icy re.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she uttered hastily. She could feel an icy auraing from him as he walked past her, and


    she bit her lip as she thought, What¡¯s up with him tonight? Is he trying to act like he doesn¡¯t know me?


    Fine. There¡¯s no need for me to pretend to be close to him now I don¡¯t want any unnecessary troubles.


    Right then, two girls let out a loud cry from beside her. ¡°Hey, that¡¯s Young Master Elliot! He¡¯s so


    handsome!¡± one said.


    ¡°I know, right? He¡¯s every girl¡¯s ideal type, after all.¡± another girl said. Anastasia blinked confusedly. Is


    Elliot that attractive? Everyone¡¯s ideal type, huh? Little do they know that Elliot¡¯s actually made up of ice.


    Anastasia was starting to get hungry, so she walked over to help herself to some of the buffet dishes. All


    of the food looked good, and Anastasia filled her te with a bunch of her favorite dishes as she


    continued thinking about the party. I bet Old Madam Presgrave is going to be busy tonight since she has


    so many guests to greet. I have to see her before I leave.

 Chapter 120

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    Chapter 120


    So, until I get to meet Old Madam Presgrave, I¡¯U take my time to eat up all the food here. I can spend as


    much time as I want since Dad is taking care of Jared, Anastasia thought.


    There was another sports car outside the hotel-it was Hayley¡¯s ride to the event. She had put effort into


    her outfit, and she hade up with a good idea of what to do. Sh¨¨ strutted over to the main lobby.


    There was a checkpoint where staff members were to check for the guests! invitation cards at the


    entrance, but Hayley walked in without stopping by. A female security guard hastily stepped forward with


    a smile. ¡°Please show me your invitation card, Miss. Thank


    you.¡±


    Hayley instantly raised her eyebrow before speaking in a haughty tone. ¡°Do I need an invitation? My


    boyfriend didn¡¯t tell me anything about that!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s your boyfriend?¡± the security asked.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°My boyfriend¡¯s Elliot, the young master of the Presgrave Family,¡± she replied in a firm and loud tone.


    Suddenly, the hotel manager, who had been standing beside the security guard, hurried over. ¡°Hello,


    Miss. I¡¯m the hotel manager. Are you President Presgrave¡¯s girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! My name¡¯s Hayley. Isn¡¯t Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s dinner party happening tonight? I¡¯m sorry. I


    didn¡¯t know I needed any invitation cards. Can you just let me enter?¡± she uttered in an innocent tone.


    Right then, Daniel, who had alreadye to an earlier agreement with Hayley, put on a worried


    expression as he hurried over to Elliot, who was chit-chatting with a few seniors. ¡°Miss Seymour is here,


    President Presgrave. She¡¯s being stopped at the main lobby.¡±


    Elliot knitted his brows together while holding onto his ss of wine. ¡°What¡¯s she doing here? Did you tell


    her toe?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! I mentioned the party when I delivered some of her daily necessities to her yesterday, President


    Presgrave. Did I say something wrong?¡± Daniel replied. Elliot couldn¡¯t say that his grandmother hadn¡¯t


    invited Hayley. However, since Daniel had already brought up the party, Elliot had no choice but to bring


    Hayley in.


    ¡°I want you to go down and bring her up,¡± Elliot ordered. Daniel quickly put on a flustered expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, President Presgrave.¡±


    Elliot only gave him a side-eye without saying much. Daniel might have been a little too much of a


    busybody this time, so Elliot had no choice but to ask Hayley toe up. Daniel hurried over to the main


    lobby before approaching the hotel manager, who had been talking to Hayley. ¡°Excuse me. Miss


    Seymour is one of President Presgrave¡¯s VIP guests. This was a mistake on thepany¡¯s end-we


    missed out on her invitation card!¡±


    The hotel manager knew that Daniel was Elliot¡¯s assistant, so the hotel manager quickly turned to Hayley


    with an apologetic look on his face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the mistake, Miss Seymour. Pleasee in.¡±


    Hayley put on a haughty expression as she gave the female security guard a disdainful re. ¡°Is this


    how you guys do your job? You totally ruined my mood.¡± Then, she allowed Daniel to lead


    her into the elevator. Daniel felt cold sweat forming on his forehead once they made it there.


    Hayley loved it when people provided her with special treatment, so she gave Daniel a satisfied look.


    ¡°That was quite good. Elliot didn¡¯t say much, did he?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave was a little shocked, but he didn¡¯t say much,¡± Daniel replied. Hayley let out a scoff


    as she thought, It¡¯s just as I had expected. It was Old Madam Presgrave, not Elliot, who didn¡¯t want to


    invite me.


    After this event, Hayley developed a sense of hatred toward Harriet as she felt hurt by Harriet¡¯s actions.


    Anastasia¡¯s going to be here tonight, so I have to seize this opportunity to show her how sweet I am with


    Elliot. Also, from tonight onward, I want everyone to know that I¡¯m Elliot¡¯s girlfriend. I bet that will piss the


    old woman off.


    Daniel brought Hayley over to Elliot. Many of the guests there were extremely wealthy people with high


    statuses, yet Elliot still seemed to stand out in the crowd. It seemed like the people around him were just


    props and backdrops that served to enhance his presence.


    His aura was too strong for others to steal his spotlight away-it was almost as if the light followed him


    wherever he went. Hayley felt herself going head over heels as she stared at him longingly. She admired


    him, and she wished she could have him all to herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Elliot. Should I have stayed home instead?¡± She gazed at him with an innocent and flustered


    look on her face. He curled his lips into a smile. ¡°The HR department missed out on your invitation card.


    It¡¯s fine. My grandma¡¯s the one hosting this charity dinner, so you should just enjoy yourself tonight!¡±

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    Chapter 121


    Hayley finally felt a little safer. My scheme worked perfectly, and I managed to enter without having to


    sneak in. ¡°This is my first timeing to a ce like this, and I don¡¯t know anyone. Can I stay with you,


    Elliot?¡± Hayley knew that the most eye-catching spot she could take would be the one beside Elliot,


    which would make her his female partner. She wanted to stay by his side so that other women wouldn¡¯t


    get a chance with him.


    Elliot knew that Hayley grew up in a regr family, and he knew that she wasn¡¯t familiar with such


    ces. ¡°Okay. Bring a drink over, and you can stay with me,¡± he said with a nod.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Hayley walked off happily. She nced at her surroundings in search of Anastasia, but she


    couldn¡¯t find her anywhere as there were too many guests.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was sitting by a window seat near the buffet area. Right then, a male guest who


    was in his thirties walked over and sat next to Anastasia. ¡°Hey there. I don¡¯t have a spot to sit, so can I sit


    here?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Anastasia looked up and smiled. The man¡¯s eyes lit up the moment he saw her smile-he had


    noticed her gorgeous figure earlier, and he could tell that she was a prettydy. However, he was


    immediately blown away when he saw her smiling. The man¡¯s heart pounded as he realized what he


    wanted to do-he wanted to get to know her and chase after her. ¡°My name is Samuel Stone. And you


    are?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m Anastasia Tillman,¡± she replied..


    ¡°That¡¯s a really pretty name, Miss Tillman. Are you here alone?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m with a friend, but he¡¯s busy now, so I¡¯m alone,¡± she replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s such a coincidence. I¡¯m the general manager of First World Company, and I¡¯m involved in the


    asset transaction business.¡± He handed her his name card while speaking. He was considered


    sessful for his age, and Anastasia eyed him with a surprised look after hearing what he said. ¡°That¡¯s


    really impressive! You¡¯re already a general manager at such a young age.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being too nice. What do you do, Miss Tillman?¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°I¡¯m a jewelry designer,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Woah. You must be really talented.¡± Samuel found himself more attracted to her. She wasn¡¯t just a pretty


    face; she was also a designer.


    Right then, Anastasia¡¯s phone began to ring. She nced at her phone before picking it up. ¡°Hello,


    Nigel.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Anastasia. My Dad¡¯s making me talk to guests, but I promise toe and get you in ten minutes,¡±


    he uttered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You should focus on entertaining the guests,¡± Anastasia said in an understanding


    tone.


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m so annoyed, but my dad wants to introduce me to more people. It¡¯s giving me a


    headache,¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t think of it that way! Tons of people would love to have such connections. You should


    spend time with these guests since they¡¯ll be really helpful for your work.¡± Anastasia tried tofort him.


    ¡°Yeah. I feel a lot better after listening to your voice. Where are you now?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m eating at the buffet area,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯lle to look for you in a while,¡± he replied. After Anastasia ended Nigel¡¯s call, she looked up to


    see a couple walking in. It was Elliot and Hayley. Anastasia narrowed her eyes when she saw Hayley as


    she hadn¡¯t expected Hayley toe. Furthermore, she hadn¡¯t expected Hayley toe with Elliot. A


    cold smirk spread across Anastasia¡¯s face as she thought, Hayley¡¯s scheming skills must have improved,


    huh? She¡¯s good at using maniptive tactics, but she¡¯s even able to apply them to Elliot now.


    Impressive.


    Anastasia looked away, and her eyes met Samuel¡¯s. He was staring at her with a look of admiration on


    his face. She gave him a cheerful smile, and he felt his heart rate doubling instantly. He felt like he was


    about to get a heart attack. ¡°You¡¯re so pretty, Miss Tillman!¡± he said.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She gave him a polite smile.


    Elliot had walked over with Hayley for a meal, but his focus had been shifted the moment he saw the


    woman by the window. He narrowed his icy gaze when he saw Anastasia beaming at the man in front of


    her. They looked like they were having a fun time talking to each other.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find a spot to sit down, Elliot!¡± Hayley looked around her surroundings, and she immediately


    caught sight of Anastasia. The table beside Anastasia¡¯s had just gotten up to leave, so Hayley quickly


    grabbed Elliot¡¯s arm and led him over. ¡°There¡¯s a spot there,¡± she uttered daringly.

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    Elliot¡¯s arm tensed for a moment, but he didn¡¯t fling the woman¡¯s hand away. He was also interested to


    take a look at the man in front of Anastasia, who had made herugh so heartily.


    The moment Anastasia looked up, she saw Elliot and Hayley walking in her direction. She then realized


    that the table next to her had just been cleared. They¡¯re not going to sit here, are they? Hayley shot


    Anastasia a smug look when she walked over and pretended to greet her. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were here,


    Anastasia!¡±


    Anastasia gave Hayley a cold re before turning her head to face the window. She didn¡¯t bother being


    nice to Hayley as she saw no point in it. Hayley could only settle in her seat with a bitter smile on her


    face. Meanwhile, Elliot took his seat opposite Hayley. The position of his seat allowed him to stare


    directly at Anastasia¡¯s face. He took a nce at the man opposite her as he thought, I don¡¯t know who


    this guy is. That means that he¡¯s probably just some regr person.


    ¡°Mypany¡¯s really near to yours, Miss Tillman! It¡¯s just two streets away. I¡¯ll have to buy you lunch and


    coffee next time!¡± Samuel¡¯s gaze remained on Anastasia the whole time, and he didn¡¯t notice the icy


    re that was boring into the back of his head.


    Anastasia ran her fingers through her hair as she put on a shy smile. ¡°Sure! We can grab coffee when


    we¡¯re free. Since you¡¯re such an impressive individual, I bet I can learn some investment rted things


    from you,¡± she uttered.


    some


    ¡°I do have some achievements in that field, so I¡¯d dly teach you some tricks,¡± Samuel replied in a


    confident tone. He was secretly pleased when he noticed how Anastasia seemed to have a better


    impression of him after he talked about his career.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get some food, Elliot!¡± Hayley said.


    ¡°You go ahead. I need to make a call,¡± Elliot replied while staying put in his seat. Hayley had no choice


    but to go on her own. As she turned to gaze at the man sitting opposite Anastasia, she scoffed. What¡¯s


    Anastasia¡¯s taste in men like? This guy doesn¡¯t look good at all. This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    At the same time, Elliot¡¯s gaze was fixed on the woman sitting at the next table. There was a light


    hanging from above Anastasia¡¯s head, and her gray evening gown made her skin seem fairer than usual.


    Her sharp features and her mesmerizing eyes made her seem especially attractive, and her glossy red


    lips looked extra seductive. Any man who saw her perky, glossy lips would yearn to bite on them.


    Although Anastasia wasn¡¯t paying any attention to the man beside their table, she could feel him staring


    at her. What¡¯s he looking at? Doesn¡¯t he already have Hayley with him? she scoffed silently. While


    Samuel lowered his head to drink water, Anastasia took the opportunity to roll her eyes at Elliot before


    ring at him.


    Elliot¡¯s confused eyes met her eyes, and he felt a surge of inexplicable emotions in his chest. Anastasia


    smiles in such a happy manner when she¡¯s with this man, yet she has never smiled at me like that


    before. Why? Don¡¯t I deserve her smiles?


    These thoughts made Elliot more frustrated than before. As he watched Anastasia continuing to engage


    in conversation with the other man, Elliot felt like he couldn¡¯t handle it anymore. In the end, he stood up


    and walked to Samuel. ¡°Excuse me, sir. I need this seat for a while as there are


    some work-rted things I¡¯d like to discuss with my staff.¡±


    Samuel felt rather annoyed. Which brat¡¯s trying to mess with my attempt at chasing after Anastasia? The


    moment Samuel turned around, he was utterly shocked by what he saw. Isn¡¯t this the young master of


    the Presgrave Group?


    ¡°P-Please sit down, President Presgrave.¡± Samuel moved at the speed of lightning as he gestured for


    Elliot to sit. Then, Samuel realized¡­ Does Anastasia work for Elliot?


    Anastasia stared at the man in a rather troubled manner. ¡°I¡¯m not at work right now, President Presgrave.


    Let¡¯s talk about work during work hours,¡± she uttered coldly.


    ¡°I think talking about work is better than chatting with this boring man here.¡± Elliot had instantly attacked


    Samuel¡¯s personality by calling him a boring man. Samuel was speechless for two seconds before he put


    on a polite smile. ¡°You¡¯re right, President Presgrave. I¡¯m a rather naggy person who likes to have


    conversations on useless topics,¡± he exined.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t know how to respond as she stared at Elliot. ¡°This might be the first time I¡¯ve seen


    someone talk so rudely about others in front of their face,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°Did I say anything wrong?¡± Elliot raised an eyebrow in a cocky manner.


    He¡¯s right that Samuel brags, but I¡¯m willing to listen to him! I¡¯d rather listen to Samuel than Elliot!


    Anastasia thought.


    ¡°I like it when others brag. Do you have the ability to do that, President Presgrave? Why don¡¯t you try it?¡±


    Anastasia said in a provoking manner.

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    Chapter 123


    The man¡¯s expression dimmed as his lips twitched a little. ¡°No;¡± he muttered. Anastasia let out a scoff.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid someone as in and normal as me will never be able to converse with someone as high and


    mighty as you.¡± After finishing her sentence, Anastasia picked her bag up and walked away.


    Coincidentally, Hayley was walking over with some tes of food. The moment Hayley saw Anastasia


    walking in her direction, Hayley intentionally leaned closer to Anastasia so that she could allow herself to


    be hit by Anastasia¡¯s shoulder. Then, Hayley started her grand performance.


    She threw her te onto the ground as she stumbled and clutched the table beside her. ¡°Ah¡­¡± she let


    out a weak cry. Elliot had his back against them at first, but he immediately turned around when he heard


    the sound of ss shattering. The moment he turned, he saw Hayley clutching a chair, Anastasia looking


    back while scoffing, and ss shattered all over the ground.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t bother to take a second look at the situation and simply walked off. Hayley quickly bent


    down to pick up the shattered ss pieces, but the man stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t pick that up! You might cut


    yourself. Get the servers to do it!¡±


    Hayley had done that on purpose-she knew that Elliot wouldn¡¯t watch her pick up the ss shards


    without saying anything, ¡°What a waste,¡± she muttered as she put on a mournful look. As she spoke, she


    rubbed her shoulder.


    ¡°Did she hurt you?¡± Elliot asked in a caring tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s not her fault. I don¡¯t me her for anything.¡± Hayley bit her lip as if she were trying to force herself to


    endure all the ways in which she had been wronged. This would make it seem like Anastasia was the


    rude, demanding one. A rather troubled look shed across Elliot¡¯s face. For some reason, he felt rather


    exasperated at Anastasia¡¯s behavior-he didn¡¯t want her to be such a rude person.


    Anastasia clearly knew that Hayley was putting on an act, but she didn¡¯t want to do anything about it.


    Elliot¡¯s blind, so he won¡¯t be able to realize anything on his own. I don¡¯t want to be the person to tell him


    any of this, she thought.


    Meanwhile, Nigel and his parents were still in the VIP room. Nigel¡¯s parents were introducing him to a


    few other senior figures in the business industry. They hoped that these seniors would provide their son


    with more guidance and support in the future. After Nigel clinked sses and introduced himself to all of


    them, he finally got the chance to sneak out to the grand hall.


    He only looked around for a few moments before he found the attractive, curvy figure he had been


    looking for in the crowd.


    At the same time, Elliot strode out from the buffet area. Nigel caught sight of him almost immediately, and


    Nigel intentionally walked over to Anastasia before putting his arm around her waist. ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    he asked in an intimate tone.


    Anastasia jumped a little before she turned to see Nigel. ¡°You scared me!¡± she chuckled. Nigel then


    leaned closer to whisper into Anastasia¡¯s ear. However, from Elliot¡¯s angle, it looked more like Nigel was


    giving Anastasia a kiss on the cheek. ¡°You¡¯re so gorgeous tonight, Anastasia,¡± Nigel


    whispered into her ear before smiling while letting go of her.


    But in Elliot¡¯s eyes, he was certain that he had just witnessed Nigel kissing Anastasia in front of


    everyone. Furthermore, Anastasia just let out a smile as if she enjoyed his kiss a lot. Elliot¡¯s entire face


    stiffened after he witnessed this scene, and he immediately turned and walked in a different direction


    after that.


    Nigel watched his cousin walk away, and he let out a soft sigh as he thought, It seems like my little n


    worked out! Anastasia had no idea what was going on, and Nigel quickly held her hand before leading


    her aside. ¡°Hey, let¡¯s go to get some rest in one of the rooms on the second floor. There are too many


    people here; it¡¯s a little noisy.¡±


    Anastasia had no choice but to go up to the second floor with him since he was holding her. As they


    walked up the stairs, a few men who had been drinking bumped into them, which made Nigel more


    annoyed than before.


    Once they got to the rooms on the second floor, Nigel told the waiter to send them some fruits. Then, he


    lazily loosened his tie while leaning back in his chair. He was dressed in a light blue suit and had his hair


    waxed andbed up. He looked especially handsome that day-he gave off a boyish, cool yet elegant


    aura. This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Unfortunately, Anastasia only saw this handsome man as her good friend and nothing more than that.


    For the past two years, Anastasia only ever thought of him as a good friend. She couldn¡¯t date someone


    she knew too well.

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    Chapter 124


    However, Nigel held a strong sense of determination in this matter-he wanted to marry Anastasia, and he


    wanted her as his wife. He wanted to care for her, and he wanted to surrender his whole life to her.


    Nigel told Anastasia all about the guests he had met earlier-many of them were huge tycoons that he


    wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to meet if it weren¡¯t for the charity dinner. ¡°But I got so bored,¡± Nigel


    muttered with a sigh. He smiled when he saw the bracelet on her hand. ¡°Are you finally wearing what I


    gave you?¡±


    She gazed at the bracelet. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m the one who designed this.¡± Nigel had purchased a bracelet


    from her, and he had gifted it to her on the day that he received it. Anastasia had been speechless-she


    didn¡¯t want to take it but Nigel had insisted, so she had no choice but to ept his gift in the end.


    Right then, Nigel¡¯s phone rang. ¡°Hello? Dad.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Nigel. Johnson and his family are here. Come over and help me out,¡± Nigel¡¯s dad ordered.


    ¡°Can I stay with my friend for a while, Dad?¡± Nigel asked.


    ¡°You can go off with your friendter, Nigel. You have to show more respect to your seniors. Hurry over


    now.¡± His father¡¯s voice sounded sterner this time.


    ¡°Dad, I¡­¡± Nigel was helpless. It seemed like his dad wasn¡¯t about to let him go off so easily.


    ¡°Go on! We can meet anytime,¡± Anastasia urged with a smile on her face. ¡°Okay. Wait for me here, and


    I¡¯lle back to you once I¡¯m done,¡± Nigel replied. That was exactly what Anastasia wanted to do-she


    had no intention of leaving when she had just found such a luxurious room where she could rest in.


    After Nigel left, Anastasia picked up a cup of fruit tea and sipped on it while she pulled her phone out to


    scroll through the news. It had only been two minutes before someone opened the door to the room. She


    looked up in surprise. Is Nigel back already? However, she froze when she looked up.


    The man who entered the room wasn¡¯t Nigel, but Elliot, thest person she wanted to see then ¡°How did


    you know that I was here?¡± Anastasia eyed him with a rather frustrated look. Elliot straightened his firm


    and muscr body as he made his way in and shut the door behind him. He sat down on the couch in anBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    elegant manner before he turned to look at Anastasia. ¡°Stay away from Nigel,¡± he warned. He wasn¡¯t


    trying to have a discussion with her, but giving her firm orders instead.


    Anastasia knew he was about to talk about her rtionship with Nigel again, and she felt rather repulsed


    by his actions. ¡°Why don¡¯t you think about yourself first, President Presgrave? Nigel and I don¡¯t need you


    to meddle with our rtionship.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s gaze darkened as he spoke in a cold tone. ¡°Even if you¡¯ve saved him in the past, I¡¯m sure my


    uncle and aunt wouldn¡¯t want you as their daughter-inw. I know them better than you do.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Anastasia blinked.


    ¡°They want a daughter-inw who can match up to their standards.¡± Elliot shot her a cold re that had


    hints of malice in it. Anastasia knew that she was no match for Nigel, so she genuinely wanted just to be


    friends with him. She never dared to have other hopes for him.


    When Elliot saw how she pressed her lips together in silence, he knew that what he said must have hurt


    her. However, it was also the truth. My uncle and aunt have always had the thought of arranging a


    marriage for Nigel. Even Grandma talked about thisst week, and I recall hearing that my aunt had


    already found a rich girl whom they thought was an ideal match.


    Anastasia let out a seemingly self-deprecating scoff. ¡°I know I¡¯m just a normal person. I don¡¯t need you to


    remind me of that. I know where I stand,¡± she uttered.


    He knitted his brows together when he saw the way she was bringing herself down. ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking


    down on you,¡± he exined.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to think any better of me,¡± she replied tly. Right then, she recalled her memory of


    Elliot and Hayley walking to the buffet area together, and it made her angry just thinking about it. If he


    gets closer to Hayley, I hope he¡¯ll stay away from me. I won¡¯t have to feel so bothered by him then.


    ¡°You need to stay away from Nigel tonight, Anastasia. You don¡¯t know who you might end up. triggering


    otherwise.¡± Elliot used the same tone to give her another warning.


    Anastasia stared directly into his eyes with an annoyed look on her face. ¡°Are you done talking?¡±


    He was genuinely annoyed at Anastasia¡¯s stubborn personality. Can¡¯t she just listen to me for once?

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    Chapter 125


    Since Elliot didn¡¯t want to leave, Anastasia decided that she would leave instead. She picked her bag up


    and was about to go when Elliot raised an eyebrow and reached his long arm over to grab her wrist and


    pull her into his arms. She lost her bnce and immediately fell face-first into his chest.


    She looked up angrily, only to feel his breath on her face. He stared fixedly at her face, and there was a


    hint of amusement in his gaze as she tried to push him away. ¡°Don¡¯t mess around with me, Elliot! Let go!¡±


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± The man started getting yful with her. She¡¯s the one who made me feel so troubled


    the whole night, anyway, he thought. I didn¡¯t even have the mental capacity to care about anything other


    than her during the charity dinner today. She really pushed my buttons this time.


    ¡°You¡­¡± She continued pushing him away. He was dressed in a white silk shirt, and she could feel his


    firm muscles against her palm as she pushed him. Elliot wrapped both his arms around her waist and


    intertwined his fingers to form a firm lock behind her back. She was losing her mind at this point. What is


    this guy trying to do here? Anyone can push the door open at any time, and my reputation will be ruined


    if someone sees us like this. The news of me seducing the Presgrave Family¡¯s young master will spread


    like wildfire then.


    While she continued to wrestle her way out of his grip, he quietly admired her gorgeous features. His


    gaze fell on her red lips¡ªthe lipstick she used that day made her look especially pretty as the color


    made her lips look juicy and full. He could feel his heart fluttering, and he was tempted to know the way


    that she tasted.


    All of a sudden, he loosened his grip on her. She thought she would be able to escape then, but the man


    then held onto her waist and the back of her head. His grip was firm and controlling, and the look in his


    eyes turned rather dangerous.


    Frustration bubbled in Anastasia¡¯s chest as the man¡¯s lips moved closer to hers. Right when he was


    about to force her into a kiss, she raised her right hand to swing it across his face. Smack! The sound of


    her p was extra loud and crisp in the small room. Momentster, a red p mark appeared on his


    handsome face. Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    The air seemed to freeze as the man¡¯s gaze grew visibly darker. There was a fiery look in Anastasia¡¯s


    eyes-she was like a ferocious phoenix that was ring at her prey. ¡°I dare you to kiss me again.¡± She


    didn¡¯t want him to take advantage of her any longer, and she wanted him to know that she wasn¡¯t


    someone he could mess with.


    However, she had just finished her sentence when the man lost his temper. He used all his might to


    shove her down onto the couch. Then, he climbed on top of her before he leaned forward to press his


    palm against her nose and red lips.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t breathe. This b*stard is suffocating me! Does he want me to p him again? Her right


    hand was pinned down, so she raised her left hand to do the job. However, the man grabbed her wrist


    before holding it above her head. Then, he pressed his lips against hers in a fierce, rough manner.


    She felt as if he were sucking all the energy out of her. Her teeth and lips were chattering! Anastasia felt


    like she was a kitten who had been dominated by the man¡¯s strength and bodily


    heat. In the end, the man let go of her. She finally found the strength to scold him then.


    ¡°You b*stard, Elliot! You¡¯re such a pervert!¡± she cried. But the man simply stood up to leave. After he


    walked out, she took a few sips of water as she thought about the p she gave him earlier. Why didn¡¯t I


    hit him a little harder? Well, everyone knows that Young M


    rder? Well, everyone knows that Young Master Elliot is probably going to be the most popr choice


    among the rest of the youngdies. Yet, the only woman he tried to kiss gave him arge p on his


    face. He has probably never felt so ashamed in his whole life.


    Anastasia was contemting whether to leave the party or not when her phone started ringing. She


    nced at the caller ID before taking a deep breath and picking it up. ¡°Hello, Old madam Presgrave,¡±


    she uttered in a serious tone.


    ¡°Where are you, Anastasia? Why didn¡¯t I see you?¡± Harriet asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m resting in one of the rooms on the second floor,¡± Anastasia replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m on the first floor. Hurry over here! I¡¯d like to see you.¡± The old woman spoke in a gentle but firm tone.


    Anastasia felt her heart skipping a beat as she thought, I don¡¯t think Old Madam Presgrave knows that I


    just pped her favorite grandson, right?

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    Chapter 126


    Anastasia forced herself to head downstairs. She found Harriet surrounded by a group of people. Harriet


    was dressed in a tight, elegant dress that made her appear especially young and ssy. She looked


    really kind and friendly although she had a headful of gray hair. Before Anastasia approached her,


    Harriet had already pushed the crowd aside to go toward Anastasia. It was almost as if Anastasia was


    the VIP there. Everyone in the crowd tossed curious looks in Anastasia¡¯s direction. Which rich family is


    this youngdy from? Why is Old Madam Presgrave giving her such-a _ grand wee? they


    wondered.


    ¡°Old Madam Presgrave,¡± Anastasia greeted with a smile.


    ¡°There you are, girl! You look so gorgeous tonight!¡± Harriet reached her hand out to hold Anastasia¡¯s


    hand as she spoke to the crowd around her, ¡°This is my god-granddaughter, Anastasia.¡± Once the crowd


    heard what Harriet said, the young girls gazed at Anastasia with looks of admiration. How did she get so


    lucky? Why did Old Madam Presgrave choose her as her god granddaughter?


    At the same time, the owner of a pair of hatred and jealousy-filled eyes red at Anastasia from outside


    the crowd-it was none other than Hayley, who watched as Harriet introduced Anastasia to all of the


    people around her. Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s eyes are filled with love for Anastasia, but what about me?


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Although Hayley was just a fake product, she had genuinely begun to perceive herself as the Anastasia


    from five years ago. That exined why she thought she was being treated unfairly.


    ¡°Hey! Where¡¯s Elliot? Why don¡¯t I see him?¡± Harriet suddenly realized that her eldest grandson wasn¡¯t


    around. Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she thought, The finger marks on Elliot¡¯s face are really


    obvious; I don¡¯t think he should show up here. Fortunately for Anastasia, Harriet only told others to look


    for him without asking for him to be there.


    ¡°Come here, Anastasia. Let¡¯s sit down and have a chat.¡± Harriet held Anastasia¡¯s hand and led her to the


    couch. Right then, Hayley purposely showed up beside them while calling out for Harriet. ¡°Old Madam


    Presgrave!¡±


    Harriet turned around in surprise. The moment she saw that it was Hayley, a natural smile appeared on


    her face. ¡°You¡¯re here too, Hayley.¡± Hayley immediately wrapped her hands around Harriet¡¯s arm. ¡°You


    don¡¯t mind that I¡¯m here, right, Old Madam Presgrave? Elliot told me that he missed out on my invitation.


    I wouldn¡¯t have known about this whole thing if Daniel hadn¡¯t told


    me!¡±


    ¡°I guess there must have been a mistake,¡± Harriet replied. Initially, Harriet hadn¡¯t wanted Hayley to be at


    the event, but Harriet couldn¡¯t do anything since Hayley was already there.


    ¡°I missed you so much, Old Madam Presgrave!¡± Hayley gave the olddy a fond peck on her cheek.


    ¡°Which family is this youngdy from, Old Madam Presgrave?¡± one of thedies in the crowd asked


    curiously. Hayley quickly replied to thedy with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m also one of Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s god-


    granddaughters!¡±


    After Hayley finished her sentence, a ratherplicated look shed across Harriet¡¯s face.


    Harriet could easily tell what Hayley was trying to do. It seems like Hayley is more maniptive than I


    thought her to be, Harriet thought. Both Hayley and Anastasia stood to the left and right of Harriet, and


    Anastasia simply continued smiling after hearing what Hayley said. Anastasia could only scoff in her


    heart when she saw what Hayley was trying to do.


    Hayley wanted to steal the spotlight away from Anastasia, and she wanted the crowd to recognize who


    she was so that they would be more aware of her status in the future. In the public¡¯s eye, anyone who


    could get close to Harriet had to have a good rtionship with the Presgrave Family.


    While Hayley wasn¡¯t paying attention, Harriet casually pulled her hand out of Hayley¡¯s arm before


    addressing both the girls. ¡°Come over here and have a chat with me.¡± Harriet led Anastasia toward the


    couch, and Hayley immediately tagged along. She didn¡¯t want Hayley to get all the good stuff.


    Harriet initially had some personal matters that she wished to talk to Anastasia about, but she had to put


    it off since Hayley was just beside them. Harriet ended up asking Anastasia about her work. I¡¯ll find


    another chance to talk to Anastasia, I guess, Harriet thought.


    Harriet asked Hayley how she was doing as well, and Hayley put on her happiest look as she spoke to


    Harriet. The crowd observed their interactions and wondered, Can Hayley be any more friendly and


    warm?


    Meanwhile, Nigel¡¯s parents had called him over to another room. There was a rich couple sitting inside,


    and a young, gorgeous girl was sitting beside them. The girl¡¯s eyes lit up when she saw Nigel as she was


    attracted to him.

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    Chapter 127


    Chapter 127


    ¡°Come over here, Nigel. I¡¯d like you to meet Mr. Johnson, his wife, and his only daughter, Leah. You guys


    met when you were younger.¡± Nigel¡¯s father, Jonathan Manson, chuckled as he nced at the other


    family¡¯s daughter with a fond and loving gaze.


    ¡°Yeah! You guys brought Nigel over during Leah¡¯s 100-day-old party. Nigel was only two years old then!


    We already had the idea of matching them since,¡± Johnson¡¯s wife uttered with a sweet smile.


    ¡°Exactly! Their age difference is just perfect.¡± Joy appeared in Brenda¡¯s-Nigel¡¯s mother-eyes as she


    looked at Leah. Brenda was wholly satisfied with this idea. Both Brenda and Jonathan had Leah as their


    first choice in mind. Leah¡¯s parents were powerful people in the food industry, and they had a lot of


    partnerships with hotel businesses. If Nigel took over the business, he¡¯d be able to receive support from


    Leah¡¯s family. So, the most ideal n was to matchmake them and unite their families, so that they could


    both help each other double and triple their revenue!


    Nigel would no longer have to worry about ack of support in his career as he would have an extremely


    powerful father-inw! Leah¡¯s parents shared the same thoughts, and they figured that both families


    would only grow stronger once theybined their resources. Furthermore, Leah¡¯s family wouldn¡¯t have


    to worry about finding another inheritor for their business because they were satisfied with Nigel¡¯s


    capabilities.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Nigel!¡± Leah gave him a friendly greeting. This wasn¡¯t the first time they had met each


    other. They were both club members of some overseas racing club, and Leah had fallen in love with


    Nigel the first time she saw him. It was love at first sight-she even followed him back to the country after


    he left. Most importantly, Leah was overjoyed to find out that both her and Nigel¡¯s parents were


    supportive of the rtionship.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Leah. Thank you foring to my grandmother¡¯s party, Mr. and Mrs. Hart.¡± Nigel


    spoke in a polite tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s our pleasure and honor to be able to attend this party.¡± The Hart couple hade over just so that


    their children could meet up during the party. ¡°Why don¡¯t you show Leah to the buffet area for some food,


    Nigel? Us old ones will be here catching up with each other.¡± Brenda shot her son a look.


    Nigel was exasperated deep down, but he maintained a polite expression on his face. ¡°Okay, Mom.¡±


    Nigel brought Leah out of the hall and toward the buffet area. After Leah got some food, Nigel seized this


    opportunity to escape. ¡°I have other matters to handle, Leah! You enjoy your meal, alright?¡±


    Leah immediately stared at him with a look of disappointment. She had spent the whole day preparing


    and dolling herself up for the party, yet Nigel barely looked at her. That hurt her heart more than ever.


    However, when she recalled how both families¡¯ parents were willing to matchmake them, she felt a little


    better. She had no need to rush since she was going to be the Manson¡¯s daughter-inw eventually.


    ¡°That was Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s grandson, wasn¡¯t he? He looks stunning!¡± someone uttered. ¡°Yeah, I


    heard that there have been arge number ofdies from rich families who are circling the two young


    masters! I wonder which girl will be lucky enough to get married to him and be a part of their family,¡±


    another said.


    A confident smirk formed on Leah¡¯s lips after she heard the conversations. I¡¯m one of those lucky girls,


    she thought. No one else will ever have enough power and resources to take Nigel away from me.


    Meanwhile, Nigel had just arrived at the PA system room. The host of the night happened to be there.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to propose to a girlter, and I need your help,¡± Nigel said.


    ¡°When are you doing it? I¡¯ll prepare everything for you right now,¡± the staff member replied.


    ¡°Ten minutester, I¡¯d like you to call Anastasia¡¯s name and get her on stage. Then, you guys can


    prepare the music and lighting. Take this USB; I¡¯ve prepared a video that I edited, and you can y it on


    the big stream. It goes well with romantic songs,¡± Nigel exined.


    ¡°We got your back, Young Master Nigel!¡± they cried. Once Nigel was done, he left with a satisfied smile


    on his face. My proposal is going to start in ten minutes, he thought as he pulled the diamond ring out of


    his pocket. It wasn¡¯t in a box, but the shining surface and the rainbow-like reflections made it clear that it


    was expensive.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia and Harriet had separated. Earlier, Harriet told Anastasia to stay past 9.00PM, so


    Anastasia decided to follow Harriet¡¯s wishes. I¡¯ll wait here until it¡¯s past 9.00PM! Anastasia walked over to


    a quieter spot before she heard a malicious female voice sneering at her. ¡°Your mother only passed


    away due to her work back then, Anastasia. Are you really expecting the Presgrave Family to continue


    repaying you?¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    Chapter 128


    Anastasia turned around to find Hayley with a ss of red wine in her hand. Hayley had her arms


    crossed as she sneered at Anastasia. ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing? You¡¯re trying to


    polish your reputation while being the third party in a rtionship at the same time. You¡¯re secretly


    seducing Elliot.¡± Hayley¡¯s eyes glinted with resentment. Now that it was just the both of them, she didn¡¯t


    need to fake it anymore and could express all the hatred she felt.


    Anastasia scoffed. ¡°Are you sure you want to mess with me? If I shamelessly decide to get married to


    Elliot, you will only be left crying in a corner!¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Hayley didn¡¯t just fail to offend Anastasia, but she even allowed Anastasia to infuriate her further.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you care about the fact that I¡¯ve slept with Elliot, Anastasia?¡± Hayley hissed through gritted teeth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Anastasia replied with an eyebrow raised. She was intentionally trying to make Hayley angry.


    Right then, a hateful look gathered in Hayley¡¯s eyes as she clenched her fists. I¡¯m never going to let


    Anastasia take Elliot away, she thought.


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t in the mood to continue talking to Hayley, so she turned to head toward the balcony,


    which wasn¡¯t as crowded. However, an attractive, male voice came from the hall at this moment- it was


    the host calling for Anastasia through the mic. ¡°I¡¯d like to invite Miss Anastasia Tillman up onto the stage.


    You¡¯ve dropped something.¡±


    Anastasia froze. All of the guests were just as shocked, and they wondered if Anastasia had dropped


    something extremely valuable. Why would the host have to make such a grand announcement


    otherwise?


    Anastasia was just as confused. What did I drop? She went through her bag and searched for any


    missing items. Everything¡¯s here!


    ¡°Is Miss Anastasia Tillman here? Pleasee on stage. Thank you.¡± The host continued to ask for her.


    Anastasia had no choice but to ignore the embarrassment she felt while shuffling over to the stage. I


    really didn¡¯t drop anything! Has there been a mistake? she thought.


    The host walked over to her once she got up onto the stage. ¡°Are you Miss Anastasia?¡± he asked with a


    smile.


    ¡°Yes, I am. But I didn¡¯t leave anything behind!¡± she cried. She felt especially uneasy since she could feel


    thousands of eyes on her.


    ¡°No.You left behind a really important part of your life,¡± the host uttered in a riddle-like manner. All of a


    sudden, the speakers began to y a romantic song from an overseas singer. The man¡¯s deep and


    husky voice filled the hall, and many other guests gathered in front of the stage as they wanted to see


    what was going on.


    There was a loud ringing in Anastasia¡¯s head as she watched this happen. Who¡¯s the one ying the


    song? All of a sudden, she saw anky figure strolling toward her with a broad grin on his face. Who else


    could it be apart from Nigel?


    Anastasia¡¯s face turned red. What¡¯s Nigel trying to do this time? And why is he doing it in front of


    everyone? Has he ever thought about how I feel about this?


    Nigel fixed his loving gaze on the woman as he took firm steps over to her. Eventually, when he was


    about two feet away from her, he got down on one knee. The whole crowd cheered like mad! They were


    all shocked. Isn¡¯t that the young master of the Manson Family? What is he doing? It looks like he¡¯s¡­


    proposing to her?!


    At the same time, another tall figure had just started his way down the stairs on the second floor, and he


    froze when he saw what was happening on the stage. Elliot¡¯s pupils shrank as he realized what Nigel


    was doing. I hadn¡¯t expected Nigel to propose to Anastasia today.


    Anastasia was just as stunned. She stared at Nigel for a moment before she reached out to pull him up


    from his knee. ¡°What are you doing, Nigel? Hurry and stand up! Stop messing around!¡±


    Right then, Nigel reached into his coat pocket and felt for the diamond ring. He carefully presented it in


    front of her before taking the host¡¯s mic to speak into it. ¡°I love you, Anastasia. Will you marry me?¡± he


    asked in a sincere tone.


    A loud ringing filled Anastasia¡¯s head as she widened her eyes and stared at Nigel in disbelief. She could


    tell that he was serious-he was genuinely proposing to her without fooling around at all. ¡°Nigel, you¡­¡±


    Anastasia was too stunned to say or do anything.


    There were tons of girls in the crowd who were eyeing Anastasia with looks of admiration and envy.


    Leah, who had just walked out of the buffet area, was also stunned when she saw what was happening.


    The man she loved was proposing to another woman on stage.

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    Chapter 129


    In a panic, Leah pulled her phone out and dialed her mother¡¯s number. She shouted into the phone the


    moment her mother picked up. ¡°Mom, tell Mr. and Mrs. Manson toe over right now! Nigel is


    proposing to someone else in the hall!¡± Leah was close to stomping the ground with rage. How can this


    happen? Who¡¯s the woman he¡¯s proposing to? Where¡¯s she from, and what¡¯s her background?


    Meanwhile, Elliot, who was standing on the stairway of the second floor, fixed his cold and sharp gaze on


    the woman on stage. He was hoping for Anastasia to surprise Nigel with a harsh rejection. Elliot would


    never allow her to marry someone else, after all. He felt a strong urge to dominate and gain control over


    the woman as he watched the proposal happening. I want her. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s because of my


    grandmother¡¯s orders or the fact that her mother saved our family; I want Anastasia anyway. I wasn¡¯t


    sure about my feelings in the past, but everything is clear now. I¡¯m certain that she belongs to me.


    While all of this was going on, Harriet walked out of one of the private rooms just in time to see Nigel¡¯s


    proposal. Harriet¡¯s eyesight wasn¡¯t the best, so she had to ask the people around her about it. ¡°Who¡¯s the


    one making a marriage proposal on the stage?¡± she asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s your grandson, Nigel, proposing to some girl!¡± a guest replied.


    ¡°What? Which girl is this?¡± Harriet squinted to get a better look. The woman on stage seems rather


    familiar¡­ Is that Anastasia? Someone gave Harriet the answer then. ¡°Your grandson is proposing to


    Miss Anastasia.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Harriet was too shocked to move. ¡°Is that Anastasia?¡± What¡¯s going on? Elliot¡¯s the one who


    should be proposing to Anastasia! Why is Nigel the one proposing? Hayley was somewhere in the


    crowd, and she watched the entire situation with a look of disbelief on her face.


    Did someone just propose to Anastasia? I didn¡¯t know who the guy was earlier, but I heard the other


    people say that the man is Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s grandson, Young Master Nigel. How could that be?


    Why would the young master of the Manson Family propose to Anastasia? Is she that attractive? If


    Anastasia doesn¡¯t get married to Elliot, there¡¯s still another rich man who¡¯s waiting for her. Both these


    men are Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s grandsons! I can¡¯t believe it.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia remained on stage with her face beet red. She desperately wanted to dig a hole to


    bury her head in it. Nigel¡¯s actions had put her in a highly awkward situation, where she would hurt Nigel


    if she rejected him in front of everyone. She would turn him into a fool in front of all the guests, and she


    didn¡¯t want to do that to him. But if she said yes, then it was simply too sudden for her. How could she


    say yes just like that? It felt just as irresponsible to do such a thing.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we talk privately, Nigel?¡± Anastasia bent down a little to talk to Nigel. However, Nigel wasn¡¯t in


    the mood to have a discussion then. He gave her a solid gaze as he repeated his question into the mic.


    ¡°Marry me, Anastasia! I¡¯ll take care of you for the rest of your life, and I¡¯ll keep you happy forever.¡± Nigel


    was so desperate for her! He knew it wasn¡¯t right to put her in such a tough spot, but he didn¡¯t want to


    wait any longer. He wanted to give her a proper title as his wife, and he wanted to take care of her and


    Jared.


    ¡°Nigel!¡± Anastasia was giving him all sorts of looks, hinting for him to get off the stage. She didn¡¯t want to


    continue being the center of attention. However, Nigel refused to stand up and continued to kneel while


    staring at her. He held the diamond ring in front of her without moving at all.


    ¡°Say yes!¡± Someone in the crowd started cheering. More people began to p and shout. ¡°Say yes, girl!


    Don¡¯t hesitate anymore! Say yes!¡±


    Anastasia felt even more embarrassed after hearing all the cheers. Blood rushed all the way to her ears


    as she stared at the ring in Nigel¡¯s hand. If I put it on, will I be able to get Nigel to stand up and leave the


    stage? Right then, she noticed the sincere look in Nigel¡¯s eyes. She didn¡¯t know how to deal with the


    feelings he had for her, so she simply pressed her red lips together before sighing and taking the ring


    into her hands.


    The very next second, Nigel leaped up in joy before giving her a tight hug. Anastasia hadn¡¯t expected the


    sudden embrace. The next thing she knew, she felt his lips pressing themselves against hers.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

 Chapter 130

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    Chapter 130


    Anastasia heard a loud ringing in her ears. You¡¯ve gone too far this time, Nigel. ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t


    reject me, Anastasia. I know you love me too!¡± Nigel cried happily. His voice was so loud that the crowd


    could hear him even though he wasn¡¯t using the microphone.


    By then, Harriet had already arrived at the front of the stage. She looked up to see Nigel and Anastasia


    hugging each other, and she was too stunned to say anything for a moment. Did both my grandsons


    switch roles? Was Anastasia more interested in Nigel all along? Either way, I just want Anastasia to be a


    part of our family. It doesn¡¯t matter who she gets married to; I¡¯ll be happy just to have her with us. If the


    one Anastasia truly likes is Nigel, then I¡¯d be happy to support their marriage as well.


    Elliot watched the whole proposal from the second floor without a hint of emotion on his face. However,


    he tightened his grip on the railing, and veins popped up on the back of his hands. He looked like he was


    trying to crush the railing


    ¡°Get off the stage. Stop fooling around,¡± Anastasia told Nigel. Nigel held her hand before he grabbed the


    mic and addressed the crowd below him. ¡°Thank you for the wishes, everyone. I¡¯m really happy that my


    proposal was a sess.¡±


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Anastasia eyed him speechlessly. Fine! I¡¯ll have to exin myself to himter.


    At the same time, the Harts wore grim looks on their faces as they turned to re at the Mansons.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Mr. and Mrs. Manson? Does Nigel want to marry someone else?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not too sure about this. That woman once saved Nigel,¡± Brenda exined before letting out a


    sigh. Brenda knew that Nigel had always been thankful for the girl who had saved her, but she hadn¡¯t


    expected her son to propose to the girl tonight.


    ¡°I still hope for Nigel and Leah to get married. We would dly marry our daughter to him if we get the


    chance to do so,¡± Leah¡¯s mother uttered. She still hoped that there was a chance for changes to happen.


    Brenda and Jonathan could do nothing but give them an apologetic smile. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s talk about this in


    the future. You guys should enjoy the party for now.¡±


    Anastasia dragged Nigel off the stage and through the crowd to find somewhere quiet where they could


    talk. She found an empty room by the side, and Anastasia pulled him into the room. He shut the door


    behind him, muting the loud noises that came from the crowd outside. Anastasia quickly grabbed Nigel¡¯s


    hand before shoving the ring back into his palm. ¡°We¡¯re just friends, Nigel. I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t say yes to


    your proposal,¡± she uttered in a firm voice.


    A dumbfounded look formed on Nigel¡¯s handsome face, and he looked down at the diamond ring in his


    hand. ¡°Why? Why can¡¯t you marry me? Am I not good enough? Did I do something wrong?¡± he asked


    anxiously.


    Anastasia shook her head before looking at him with a gentle gaze. ¡°You¡¯re a great man, Nigel. This is


    my problem-it has got nothing to do with you,¡± she replied.


    ¡°What¡¯s your problem? You¡¯re the best woman I¡¯ve ever met, and you¡¯re the one I love the most.¡± Nigel


    held onto her hands while staring at her with passion burning in his eyes.


    Anastasia racked her brains toe up with reasons she could use to reject him. In the end, she found


    the best way to do it. ¡°Nigel, I¡¯ve never thought of remarrying ever since I had Jared. I¡¯ve been hurt a lot


    of times in the past, and I haven¡¯t fully healed from all the traumatic events. So, I can¡¯t bring myself to


    date men,¡± she uttered before sighing.


    Concern gathered in Nigel¡¯s eyes as he looked at her. ¡°Did Jared¡¯s father hurt you in the past? Tell me,


    Anastasia. What did you go through in the past? Who is Jared¡¯s father?¡± he asked worriedly.


    But Anastasia rejected him without any hesitation. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about this. Anyway, I can¡¯t ¨C ¨C say


    yes to your proposal. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Nigel didn¡¯t seem too mad, nor did he look dejected after hearing what


    she said. He had nned the entire proposal with the intention of trying his luck, so he didn¡¯t have high


    hopes of seeding from the start.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you say no to me, Anastasia. I just want you to know that I¡¯ll always be by your side.


    I¡¯ll always be around to protect you,¡± he uttered.


    ¡°That¡¯s good enough for me, Nigel. You¡¯re the best friend I¡¯ve ever had.¡± Anastasia emphasized their


    friendship as she had only treated him as a friend all along.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    Chapter 131


    Nigel held the ring up and passed it to her. ¡°Just take this ring, then. I ordered it especially for you.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. It¡¯s too expensive. I can¡¯t take it! You should keep it for yourself! It mighte in handy in the


    future.¡± She rejected him with a smile on her face.


    ¡°You always do this. I just want to give you the best, but you always reject me. Can you be a little more


    superficial and money-minded, Anastasia? You should at least enjoy it when people give you expensive


    stuff.¡± Nigel gazed at her with a rather exasperated look on his face.


    She smiled as she leaned back on the couch. She was surprised to realize that she had been sweating a


    little. I was probably too nervous when I was on stage. That makes sense since there were so many


    people in the crowd.


    Right then, Nigel¡¯s phone began to ring. He held it up to see that it was a call from his dad. ¡°Hey, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Jonathan¡¯s voice sounded rather stern.


    ¡°I¡¯m in one of the private rooms, Dad. Is anything the matter?¡± he asked.


    ¡°A marriage proposal is a huge thing. Shouldn¡¯t you have discussed it with us first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I made the decision on my own, but I¡¯m sure you guys know how much I like Anastasia,¡±


    Nigel replied in a rather apologetic tone.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about this in the future. Your grandmother¡¯s looking for you now, so you should go to her!¡±


    Jonathan ordered.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Nigel replied before turning to Anastasia. ¡°My grandmother is looking for me, Anastasia. Let¡¯s go


    meet her together. She¡¯ll love you.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t know what to say. I think Nigel doesn¡¯t know that I¡¯ve met his grandmother before. ¡°You


    go ahead! I need some time to calm down. I was too nervous earlier,¡± she said with a smile.


    ¡°Did I scare you?¡± Nigel hurried over with a bottle of water. ¡°Here. Have something to drink.¡± Anastasia


    twisted the bottle cap open and sipped on her water before urging him to go to Harriet. ¡°Hurry up! Go


    look for your grandmother!¡±


    ¡°Alright. You can just rest here, and I¡¯lle back to you in a while, okay?¡± Nigel opened the door and


    left after that. Anastasia felt a lot more relieved at once, and she gulped down a few mouthfuls of water


    before pressing her palm against her cheek. She could still feel it burning a


    little. I¡¯m probably still blushing.


    Meanwhile, the party outside was still extremely happening. The proposal had hyped everyone up, and


    everyone was making guesses about Anastasia¡¯s family background. She probably has some impressive


    family background or connections. Otherwise, the young master of the Manson Family wouldn¡¯t have put


    so much effort into proposing to her!


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of the Tillmans, though!¡± A few of thedies were chit-chatting among


    themselves as they tried to guess Anastasia¡¯s identity.


    ¡°I saw her being friendly with Old Madam Presgrave earlier. I guess she might secretly be from some


    wealthy family!¡± another one said.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. She¡¯s beautiful and sexy, but we just don¡¯t know what industry her family is involved in,¡±


    someone elsemented. Right then, some woman interrupted the crowd¡¯s words. ¡°Oh! I think I know


    thedy who had been proposed to earlier.¡±


    Few of thedies spun their heads around to see a younger girl who had a wine ss in her hand. One


    of thedies recognized who the younger girl was. Isn¡¯t that Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s god granddaughter


    from earlier?


    ¡°Oh! Tell us about it!¡± The older women were busybodies, so they were desperate to hear all about


    Anastasia¡¯s past.


    ¡°Miss Anastasia is just a regr jewelry designer from Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier. Her father owns a


    company that invests in building materials. Her family background is pretty normal. There¡¯s nothing


    special about her,¡± Hayley uttered.


    ¡°What? How could someone from a regr family receive a marriage proposal from Young Master


    Nigel?¡± one of the older women said.


    Hayley sneered. ¡°She has her skills, of course!¡± The way she phrased her sentence made it easy for


    others to misunderstand the situation. It sounded like Anastasia was using some other means to win theBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    hearts of the rich. Judging by the looks of these women, they¡¯ll probably spread rumors about


    Anastasia¡¯s regr background soon enough. Let¡¯s see how Anastasia¡¯s going to hold her head up then!


    Meanwhile, Anastasia nced at the time. It was past 8.00PM, and she figured that it was time she left


    the private room and headed home. It wasn¡¯t good to be the center of attention for too long, so she


    thought it would be best to leave as soon as possible. However, the moment she opened the room door,


    she felt everyone around her turn to stare at her. Although most of them were giving her looks of


    admiration, she still preferred not to be seen. She didn¡¯t want to have the spotlight.


    In the end, Anastasia decided to leave without saying goodbye. She lifted the hem of her dress while


    walking toward the main door. At the same time, Hayley had been walking around in search of Anastasia


    as she wanted to know what Anastasia was doing. Coincidentally, Hayley caught sight of her target


    walking toward the main exit. Is she leaving now? Hayley was surprised.

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    Chapter 132


    However, Hayley soon found herself distracted by a tall figure that appeared behind Anastasia. Hayley


    watched as Elliot walked past the crowd toward Anastasia, and a resentful re surfaced in her eyes.


    She put her wine ss aside before following behind Elliot. She wanted to know why he was going after


    Anastasia.


    Anastasia had just stepped out of the hall when she heard a man¡¯s icy voice calling for her. ¡°Stop there.¡±


    She instinctively turned around to see Elliot walking over to her. He looked like a prince under the dim


    light, and his icy re was fixed on her as he spoke to her in an interrogative tone. ¡°Did you really say


    yes to Nigel¡¯s proposal?¡±


    Anastasia was too shocked to say anything for a moment. The whole proposal caused a huge


    commotion earlier, so Elliot must have seen it as well. Well¡­ Forget it. I don¡¯t feel like exining


    anything to him. ¡°This is my business,¡± she muttered while pressing a button for the elevator.


    At that moment, there were only a few waiters standing in the positions by the main entrance. None of


    the guests were anywhere near them. Elliot narrowed his eyes, and he looked as if he couldn¡¯t contain


    his emotions anymore. He grabbed Anastasia¡¯s arm before dragging her aside to a pathway that led to


    the balcony.


    Anastasia was no match for his strength, so she stumbled along in the direction he was pulling her. She


    could only shout and il her arms in anger. ¡°Let go of me, Elliot!¡± But the man didn¡¯t seem to care at all,


    and he simply dragged her toward an empty balcony that was filled with all sorts of expensive nts. It


    was like a garden that no one knew about.


    Anastasia gasped for breath while throwing her arms around. The man pushed her into a corner before


    he leaned his head closer to her. They looked into each other¡¯s eyes, their faces close enough for the


    tips of their noses to touch.


    When she felt the man¡¯s warm breath on her face, she pushed him away angrily before scolding him


    under her breath. ¡°Are you done fooling around, Elliot?¡±


    ¡°Did you really say yes to Nigel¡¯s proposal? Are you going to get married to him?¡± Elliot¡¯s question


    sounded somewhat gentle, yet there was a hint of iciness in his tone. If she told him that she had said


    yes, he was going to lose it.


    ¡°Why is it any of your business?¡± She turned her face away from him.


    ¡°Because we share secrets between us that others can¡¯t know about,¡± he reminded her through gritted


    teeth. He made it sound like they really had something going on between them.


    ¡°That¡¯s just because you¡¯re a pervert. I don¡¯t have any interest toward you, and there¡¯s nothing going on


    between us.¡± Anastasia stiffened her neck as she voiced her disagreement. Her pouty lips looked


    especially attractive under the dim light, and Elliot had the urge to taste them.


    All of a sudden, anger shed in Elliot¡¯s gaze as he suddenly raised his hand and rubbed his thumb


    across her lips in a harsh manner. ¡°This is the spot I kissed, Anastasia. I don¡¯t want other people kissing


    the same spot, not even Nigel.¡±


    ¡°You-¡± Anastasia attempted to protest. However, her lips had just parted to speak when the man pressed


    his hand against the back of her head before moving closer to her. Her mind went nk


    for a few seconds, and all she could do was let out a weak moan. For some reason, the man¡¯s kiss had


    some magical effect on her-it made her entire mind and body freeze, and it even triggered some


    embarrassing bodily reactions. She wished she could p herself at that moment.


    ¡°Wu¡­¡± Anastasia mumbled as the man brought her arms up above her head. He probably doesn¡¯t want


    to be pped again, huh? She was starting to lose her patience as the guy continued to touch her.


    However, neither of them realized that a person was ring at them with jealousy from behind the door.


    The person was hidden by a bunch of nts near the door, but she still managed to fix her deadly re


    on them. Hayley only used to suspect that something was going on between them, but she finally saw it


    with her own eyes this time.


    Hayley saw Elliot and Anastasia entering together, and she watched as the man pulled the woman into


    his arms without any hesitation. Although Hayley couldn¡¯t hear what they were saying, she could see


    how Elliot and Anastasia¡¯s shadows often ovepped one another. They¡¯re kissing, she thought.


    The hall was just next door. Anastasia had just been proposed to, yet she¡¯s now sharing an intimate kiss


    with the other young master of the Presgrave Family! Hayley felt a sharp ache in her heart that made her


    feel like she was about to lose her mind. How did Anastasia manage to seduce Elliot? How did she get


    Elliot to fall for her? Elliot¡¯s going for her even though he knows that Nigel has proposed to her.This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    Chapter 133


    Right then, Hayley heard someoneing from behind her. She opened one of the side doors and left


    the scene as she no longer dared to stay there. The people who came in were a few guests who wanted


    to discuss business. They needed a quiet space, so they chose that balcony to talk. However, they didn¡¯t


    know that someone else had already taken the spot.


    Anastasia was about to lose her mind at this point. Is this guy trying to ruin my reputation? But Elliot


    finally released his grip on her, but he pressed hisrge palm against the back of her head to stuff her


    face against her chest. Anastasia had no choice but to stay in his arms as she didn¡¯t want others to see


    her there.


    Right when the three men entered the balcony, they noticed the people standing at the corner of the


    space. The three men were stunned to see a tall man standing around with a girl buried in his chest.


    Elliot shot the three men an icy re before the three men could make sense of the situation. The three


    men immediately saw Elliot¡¯s face. Isn¡¯t that the young master of the Presgrave Family?


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry for disturbing you. Sorry!¡± The three men immediately turned and hurried off. Once


    Anastasia was sure that they were gone, she lifted her head angrily. However, her movements were a


    little too fast, and her forehead struck the man¡¯s sharp chin. She gasped in pain before she gave him a


    furious re, but all she saw in his eyes was a dark pool of emptiness


    -it was like a well that didn¡¯t have a bottom. Furthermore, there seemed to be ayer of ice covering the


    deep well. ¡°I want you to reject Nigel. Otherwise, I¡¯ll tell everyone about what happened between us,¡±


    Elliot warned.


    ¡°Elliot, you don¡¯t think that I¡¯m going to marry you even if I rejected Nigel, right? You can continue


    dreaming if that¡¯s what you think!¡± Anastasia stormed out of the balcony after spitting her words at him.


    But she had walked a little too quickly, and she tripped on her gown before falling on the ground near the


    nts. ¡°Ah¡­¡± She gasped in pain as her knee was injured again.


    The man parted his long legs and walked over to give her a helping hand. ¡°Why are you always so


    clumsy?¡± heined. C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± She pushed his hand away before limping away from him. Would I have


    fallen down if he hadn¡¯t dragged me here? It¡¯s all his fault. Elliot pulled his phone out and dialed a


    number as he watched her walking away. ¡°There¡¯s a girl in a gray evening gown who¡¯sing down


    now. I want you to prepare a car to send her home.¡±


    After giving his orders, Elliot tugged on his tie. His every move gave off a cool and intimidating aura,


    which made others fear and admire him at the same time. He was simply too eye-catching.


    When Anastasia got downstairs, the hotel manager came up to her. ¡°Are you heading home, Miss?


    We¡¯re providing private drivers for our guests tonight.¡± She had just been worrying about how she would


    get a cab in the area, so she immediately nodded after hearing what the manager said. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m leaving


    now.¡±


    ¡°Follow me, please.¡± The manager pointed toward a car, and he opened the backseat door for her to get


    in. She felt much more rxed after entering the car. I should¡¯ve rejected this invitation from the start. I


    shouldn¡¯t havee.


    Anastasia managed to leave the event, but she had offended quite a few people that night. She


    hadn¡¯t just triggered Hayley; she had also infuriated Leah. Leah was going all around the ce while


    asking for information rted to Anastasia-she wanted to gather all the knowledge that she could find


    about Anastasia.


    Soon enough, one of thedy guests there told Leah that Anastasia was just a regr jewelry designer


    from a normal family. Anastasia wasn¡¯t the type of girl who could meet the standards of the Manson


    Family at all. This reinforced Leah¡¯s belief that she would eventually be the one to get married to Nigel.


    She wasn¡¯t about to let other girls snatch him away from her.


    Hayley, on the other hand, was trembling in rage. When she thought about how Anastasia and Elliot had


    made out with each other, she felt as if someone had stabbed her in the chest.


    Meanwhile, Harriet gazed at her grandson, Nigel, with a look of surprise. They were having a chat in one


    of the rooms. ¡°Did Anastasia really save your life, Nigel?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! I wouldn¡¯t be here today if it weren¡¯t for her, Grandma. That ident was too dangerous. I would


    have been blown into pieces if she hadn¡¯t dragged me out of the car,¡± Nigel replied in a firm voice.

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    Harriet instantly pressed her palm against her chest. ¡°Alright. You need to stop scaring me like that.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Grandma.¡± Nigel immediately went over to rub her back before smiling. ¡°Do you think


    Anastasia would make a good granddaughter-inw, Grandma?¡±


    Harriet let out a sigh in her heart. Us Presgraves will forever be indebted to the Tillmans. Anastasia¡¯s


    mother saved one of my grandsons, while Anastasia saved my other grandson. They¡¯ve done too much


    for us.


    ¡°Do you really like Anastasia, Nigel? What about her? Does she like you?¡± Harriet asked curiously.


    ¡°Of course. We¡¯ve been together for nearly two years now, and we¡¯re really close to each other,¡± he


    replied.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then of course I would support the idea of you going after Anastasia. You can get


    married to her and take good care of her son,¡± Harriet uttered.


    ¡°How did you know she has a son, Grandma?¡± Nigel was surprised.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about this in the future. Anyway, I just hope you get married to her, Nigel.¡± Harriet let out a


    heartyugh. It didn¡¯t matter which one of her grandsons got married to Anastasia because the


    Presgraves would take good care of Anastasia as long as she entered the family.


    Right then, one of the hotel staff members opened the door to lead a tall, handsome figure into the room.


    Elliot had arrived. The moment Nigel saw his cousin there, Nigel gave Harriet a firm pat on her shoulder.


    ¡°Thank you for your support, Grandma. I¡¯ll make sure to turn Anastasia into my wife and your


    granddaughter-inw,¡± he said in a loud voice.


    ¡°Great. I¡¯ll be waiting to attend your wedding. Don¡¯t make me wait for too long!¡± Harriet replied.


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Nigel promised. Then, he shed a smile in his love rival¡¯s direction. ¡°You should look forward


    to my wedding too, Elliot!¡± he uttered confidently. Elliot found a spot to sit down before sending a stern


    re in Nigel¡¯s direction. ¡°Say that again when she agrees to marry you.¡±


    ¡°She already said yes to my proposal,¡± Nigel replied arrogantly. You¡¯ll have to take a step back this time,


    Elliot!


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯ll be waiting for your good news, Nigel.¡± Harriet patted Nigel on his shoulder while looking


    at him with joy-filled eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go look for Mom and Dad now, Grandma.¡± After finishing his words, Nigel gave Elliot a long,


    thoughtful stare before heading out of the room. Harriet turned to her other grandson while talking to him


    with a bright look in her eyes. ¡°I had no idea that Anastasia was the one who saved Nigel in the past,


    Elliot. Our family¡¯s fate is really tied to Anastasia. You should let her be with Nigel, Elliot! I told you to


    marry her in the past, but you didn¡¯t want to do it anyway.¡±


    Elliot lifted his teacup to sip some tea before replying. ¡°Okay,¡± he answered. ¡°Do you like Hayley? Do you


    want to marry her?¡± Harriet asked in a curious tone.


    ¡°No,¡± he answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, then. You can provide her with some materialpensation. Hayley¡¯s a little too


    maniptive. I don¡¯t really like her.¡± Harriet was straightforward with her words, and she had always


    been good at reading people.


    Elliot nodded, and Harriet let out another sigh. ¡°Anastasia¡¯s finally going to be a part of our family. I¡¯m so


    happy,¡± she said. If Harriet knew that both of her grandsons had fallen for Anastasia, perhaps she


    would¡¯ve felt a little more troubled.


    After about 30 minutes, Anastasia arrived home. She took a shower and changed into her pajamas.


    Francis had left by then, so she sat on the couch with Jared in herp, and they watched some Animal


    net together. The time she spent with her son felt calm and peaceful, yet Anastasia found herself


    losing focus as she watched the show. All she could think about was the nasty stuff that Elliot had done


    to her that day. I can¡¯t believe he forcefully kissed me twice in one night. How unlucky can I get?


    ¡°Who are you thinking about, Mommy? Is it Mr. Presgrave or Mr. Manson?¡± Jared turned his head to


    stare at his mother. Anastasia immediately tried to exin herself. ¡°It¡¯s neither one of them! I¡¯m thinking


    about my work!¡±


    Anastasia was still thinking about Elliot even as she was trying to go to bed at night. I¡¯m so annoyed.


    He¡¯s upying my mind even when he¡¯s not by my side.


    It was a new day the next morning.

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    Anastasia was in high spirits as she sent her son off to school. After giving Jared a flying kiss, she hailed


    a cab to head to work. Once she arrived at the office, she put all of her focus into her work. She


    managed to reply to a few emails before going off for their morning meeting. Felicia had been rather


    pushy aboutunching new products for thepany, and the design department had to produce the


    latest designs that would help with their sales.


    During the meeting, Felicia praised Anastasia for her work as Anastasia¡¯s designs had received great


    feedback from the general public. Her designs were a good match for the market, and it was already the


    hit product in many stores. Even so, she took herpliments without being too arrogant about it.


    After that, Felicia made another announcement. ¡°The finance department just gave us a call. They told


    us that they will release the prize money a little earlier this time, so it¡¯ll probably be out by this afternoon.


    You guys should check your bank ount in a bit, Anastasia and Alice.¡±


    Alice turned her gaze toward Anastasia all of a sudden. There was an unfriendly look in her eyes.


    Anastasia noticed it, but she just ignored it as she didn¡¯t know what Alice was trying to do. After the


    meeting, Anastasia returned to the office. Soon enough, she heard the notification of her bank ount.


    She opened it to see seven zero¡¯s. Oh my god. I didn¡¯t expect the finance department to be so


    enthusiastic about handing out money. They deserve a huge thumbs up.


    Anastasia felt much more motivated to work after receiving the cash prize, and she finished three drafts


    all at once. She was even satisfied with all three of them. Right then, herndline began to ring. ¡°Hello?¡±


    She picked the call up.


    ¡°Hello? Is this Anastasia? I¡¯d like to tell you some inside news. Elliot was the one who arranged for you to


    win the prize. If you were relying on your own skills, you would¡¯ve gotten third ce at most. You¡¯d never


    get first ce with your standard.¡± Anastasia¡¯s expression changed immediately. ¡°Who are you? How do


    you know about this?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who I am. What I¡¯m telling you is the truth. You only got this prize because of Elliot. He


    was the one who called the chairman of mypany. You can ask him if you don¡¯t believe what I¡¯m


    saying. Most of thepetition¡¯s judges as well as the organizingmittee know about this.¡± The man


    ended the call after that.


    Anastasia was still in a daze, but she could feel her face turning hot. She could hear her ears ringing as if


    someone had given her an invisible p. It¡¯s true. Elliot was the one who gave me this prize. I didn¡¯t truly


    deserve all of this cash. Her entire body felt like it was boiling, and she could feel her heart pounding


    harder than usual. She grabbed her phone and walked out of the office without any hesitation.


    Alice had been sitting by the window, and she spread her lips into a cold smirk when she saw Anastasia


    storming out of the office. Will she still im the cash prize for herself now? Alice thought. After what


    happened with Ben previously, Alice managed to contact him to ask for some inside news regarding the


    prize. Then, she contacted another one of the internal managers to help her make that call. Alice


    wouldn¡¯t allow Anastasia to be more recognized than she was-ideally, Alice wanted this whole


    incident to go viral so that Anastasia¡¯s name would be ruined.


    Anastasia took a deep breath after arriving at the elevator. She decided that she wouldn¡¯t take the money


    anymore. Even the trophy felt like a form of embarrassment to her. If Elliot¡¯s going to use


    such manners to thank me, I¡¯m not going to ept his good intentions at all.


    Once Anastasia got to the president¡¯s office, she knocked on the door. ¡°Come in,¡± said a man¡¯s deep


    voice. She pushed the door open to find Elliot sitting in the office. It seemed like he was extremely busy


    because there were piles of documents covering his table.


    ¡°Were you the one who pulled strings for me to get the prize that I received? Tell me the truth.¡± Anastasia


    smacked both her hands on his desk as she tried her best to remain calm and rational about the


    situation.


    He took a long gaze at her, and he realized that he didn¡¯t have the ability to lie to her at that moment. So,


    he gave her a soft nod. ¡°Why did you do that? Were you trying to thank me? I don¡¯t need you to do that,


    Elliot. From now on, I don¡¯t need you to give me any special benefits in thepany. I don¡¯t need you to


    get involved with anything that I do at all, okay?¡± She sounded like she was begging him by the end of


    her sentence. This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    A rather stunned look surfaced on Elliot¡¯s face as he stared at her. All he had intended to do was to help


    her-he had never wanted to hurt her.

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    ¡°I¡¯ll tell the finance department to take their funds back, and I¡¯ll return the trophy to the organizer. I don¡¯t


    need your generosity.¡± Anastasia turned to leave after finishing her words, but the man behind her stood


    up immediately. ¡°Wait,¡± he barked.


    Her body froze before she turned to look at him. ¡°Is anything else the matter, President Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll not meddle with your work-rted stuff, but I would still like to care for you and Jared personally,¡± he


    uttered in a clear manner.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Thank you.¡± She rejected him firmly.


    ¡°What about Nigel? Would you take his help if he offered it to you?¡± Elliot shot her an angry re.


    ¡°He and I are friends, while I¡¯m just your subordinate at work. We¡¯re practically strangers if we don¡¯t work


    together,¡± Anastasia replied tly. She turned to leave once more. Strangers? Elliot took a while to digest


    her words. I don¡¯t want us just to be strangers. I finally have a clear understanding of my feelings toward


    her afterst night, and I¡¯m not about to let her go. I know that she didn¡¯t truly say yes to Nigel¡¯s proposal;


    Nigel doesn¡¯t even know about her past.


    Anastasia¡¯s past made it hard for her to be with any guy as her heart was protected by an invincible


    shield. Although his grandmother had told him to give up on her, he had just realized that it was toote


    at this point. He had fallen in too deep, and he couldn¡¯t tear himself away from this woman anymore.


    After that, Anastasia headed downstairs to meet Felicia. She told Felicia everything about the reward,


    but Felicia didn¡¯t seem too impressed. Is she an idiot? Felicia thought. Why would she want to let all of


    this go? Even if Elliot was the one who had gotten her this trophy and money, she should just appreciate


    her luck.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want this money, and I don¡¯t want the trophy either,¡± Anastasia insisted.


    ¡°If you do this, your reputation will be ruined as well. Everyone will know about how you relied on


    connections to get your prize. Are you sure you want to sacrifice your reputation for this?¡± Felicia asked.


    ¡°Do I have a choice? The whole judge panel knows about this, and I feel like a joke to all of them. I¡¯d


    rather theyugh at me for one month than for the rest of my life,¡± she exined. Felicia didn¡¯t know


    what else to do, so she let out a sigh. ¡°You¡¯re the most stubborn person I know. Sure, I¡¯ll dly hand the


    trophy to someone else. I¡¯ll get this done for you!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Felicia,¡± Anastasia uttered happily. After Anastasia returned to the office, she felt like she


    had juste back from war. Her entire body was sore. She sipped on some water and zoned out for a


    while. Right then, she noticed someone sending flowers to the front entrance of the office. Soon enough,


    Grace pushed the office door open with a smile on her face. ¡°The flowers are for you, Anastasia.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t need to think to know who had sent her the flowers. She eyed the rtively pricey blue


    roses as she felt a headache forming. She had no choice but to take them in. After bringing the flowers


    to her desk, she gave Nigel a call. ¡°Hey! Did you get the flowers? Do you like


    them?¡± Nigel asked with a smile.


    ¡°Stop sending me flowers, Nigel. I¡¯m serious. It affects my work.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want to attract too


    much attention to herself.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I give you flowers?¡± He sounded rather hurt.


    ¡°We can keep in contact, and we can have meals together, but I just don¡¯t want you to send flowers,


    okay? It¡¯s a request,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Deal. I¡¯ll buy you lunch today, then. I¡¯m at the building opposite yourpany. I just started renovating


    my office,¡± Nigel exined with a smile.


    ¡°Fine! Let me buy this meal.¡± Anastasia was speechless. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll see youter,¡± he replied.


    By 11.30AM, Nigel was already waiting by herpany¡¯s front door. When he was there, a ck car


    came to a halt in front of him, and Rey walked past him with a stack of folders in his arms. Rey walked


    over to greet Nigel when he saw Nigel¡¯s car.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Young Master Nigel,¡± Rey greeted.


    Nigel smiled. ¡°Are you here to drop off some documents?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yeah! President Presgrave is working here,¡± Rey replied.


    ¡°My cousin has a huge office, yet he insists on working in yourpany. I wonder why..?¡± Nigel asked in


    a thoughtful tone.


    i Rey pushed his sses up while smiling. ¡°I don¡¯t know the actual reason for this.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

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    Chapter 137


    ¡°Cool. You should go ahead, then. I¡¯ll be here waiting for my girlfriend to have lunch with me.¡± The two


    men waved goodbye. Rey had just walked into the office lobby when he saw Anastasia heading out with


    her bag. ¡°Are you going for lunch, Miss Tillman?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± She beamed at Rey.


    Rey took the elevator up to the eighth floor. When he saw Elliot sitting by the desk, he told Elliot about


    what he saw. ¡°I bumped into Young Master Nigel downstairs, President Presgrave. He came over to


    bring Miss Tillman out for lunch.¡±


    Elliot had been signing some papers, but one of his strokes turned crooked after he heard his assistant¡¯s


    words. He frowned as hepleted his signature.


    After Nigel and Anastasia got to the restaurant, Nigel told her about the renovation that was going on in


    his office. ¡°I prepared a space for you, Anastasia. In the future, you can always go over to my office if you


    need some inspiration at work. I¡¯ll make sure that the design of the ce is really trendy and aesthetic,¡±


    he said.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Anastasia nearly spat her tea out of her mouth. She looked up and stared at him with a rather helpless


    expression on her face. ¡°Why did you prepare a room for me?¡± she cried.


    ¡°If you no longer want to be a designer in the future, you can just work with me. I¡¯ll give you a high-paying


    job.¡± Nigel was already nning for the future.


    ¡°Are you trying to headhunt me now? Designing is the only type of work I¡¯m capable of. I don¡¯t know how


    to do anything else.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s no big deal. I just acquired a jewelry store, so you can always work there.¡± Nigel looked her in the


    eye for a moment before his eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯s right! Why didn¡¯t I think of that earlier?¡±


    ¡°Stop being so stubborn, Young Master Nigel. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll even be able to remain as friends if you


    continue acting like this. I just want us to be friends I don¡¯t want you to give me anything else.¡± For the


    rest of their meal, Nigel continued to find ways to convince Anastasia to work at hispany, and she


    got really frustrated by the end of it. After lunch, Anastasia got back to her office just in time to have Alice


    barge into her room with a cold smirk on her face. ¡°I heard you returned your trophy. The entirepany


    knows how you won thepetition now. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed to continue staying here?¡±


    Anastasia looked up at her. ¡°You were the one who got someone to call me this morning, right?¡±


    Alice hadn¡¯t expected Anastasia to be smart enough to realize this, but Alice didn¡¯t bother to hide


    anything. ¡°Ah, this world is truly filled with peoplecking both skill and intellect!¡± Alice let out a hearty


    laugh.


    Anastasia felt her face turning red at the other woman¡¯s offensive words. ¡°We¡¯re still colleagues, so I


    don¡¯t want to argue with you. Please leave now.¡± Anastasia held the door open for Alice to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you leave thispany soon, Anastasia.¡± Alice wasn¡¯t afraid to reveal her true intentions.


    Anastasia responded with a sneer. ¡°We¡¯ll see if you have such skills,¡± she replied. Alice shot her a side


    re before she left.


    The more Anastasia thought about it, the angrier she felt. I might have gotten third ce if Elliot hadn¡¯t


    messed with this thing. Ah! How frustrating. She had been checking her drafts when Grace knocked on


    the door and came in with a girl behind her.


    The girl was dressed in all sorts of branded clothes and essories. ¡°This girl says she wants to see


    you, Miss Tillman,¡± Grace announced. Right after that, Grace scanned their visitor with a look of


    admiration in her eyes-the girl was carrying one of thetest models of a branded handbag!


    Anastasia eyed the girl with a look of surprise. She didn¡¯t know who the girl was at all, so she stood up


    out of courtesy. ¡°Hello. Can I know why you came to see me?¡±


    Leah scanned Anastasia¡¯s office for a while before her gazended on the blue roses that had been


    ced on a chair in the corner. A hint of jealousy shed in her eyes before she turned to stare at


    Anastasia with a haughty look. ¡°Let me introduce myself. My name is Leah Hart, and I¡¯m here to talk


    about your engagement with Nigel.¡±


    Anastasia immediately understood the situation. She isn¡¯t a guest. She¡¯s here to cause trouble. Before


    Anastasia could say anything, Leah took out a silver card before throwing it onto Anastasia¡¯s table.


    ¡°Here¡¯s 10 million. I want you to leave Nigel.¡±


    Anastasia froze as she stared at the silver card and the disdainful look in the woman¡¯s eyes. For some


    reason, Anastasia felt like she was being shamed and offended. She pushed the card back to the girl. ¡°I


    know you have a lot of money, Miss Hart. But I don¡¯t need this money.¡±

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    Chapter 138


    Leah curled her lips into an icy smirk. ¡°I¡¯ve asked around about you beforeing here today, Anastasia.


    You¡¯re just a regr jewelry designer and a single mother. You¡¯ll never be able to earn 10 million even if


    you worked for the rest of your life.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not a money-minded person. You need to stop using your wealth to shame others. Take your


    money with you! If you like Nigel, that¡¯s between you and him. Don¡¯t drag me into. this.¡± Anastasia stood


    up as she didn¡¯t want the other woman to look down on her.


    Leah frowned as she took a good look at Anastasia. Although Anastasia was dressed in her work outfit,


    she still looked extremely pretty and youthful. She had the typical sexy but innocent look that most men


    fancied.


    ¡°I heard that you saved Nigel in the past, which is why I¡¯m being rtively nice to you. However, I also


    want you to know that Nigel¡¯s parents and mine have already made ns to matchmake Nigel and me.


    You won¡¯t be able to stop us, so you should just step back for your own good.¡± A confident look surfaced


    in Leah¡¯s eyes as she spread her red lips into a scornful smirk.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t sure if what Leah was doing was considered nice since Leah had used her money to


    shame her the moment Leah entered her room. She was mocking me from the moment she walked in.


    Even if I don¡¯t get married to Nigel, I wouldn¡¯t want him to marry a woman like her, Anastasia thought.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m really busy, Miss Hart. You can leave now if you have nothing else to say.¡± Anastasia


    didn¡¯t want to waste time with her as there wasn¡¯t a point in doing so.


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Leah felt anger boiling in her. Why isn¡¯t Anastasia taking this seriously? Isn¡¯t my wealth and


    status enough to make her afraid of me?


    ¡°How rich and powerful you are is your business, Miss Hart. I believe in a society governed byws


    where all people are equal. You¡¯re not above nor below me, so you have no right to use your money to


    mess with my life.¡± Anastasia made a firm statement.


    Leah was speechless once more. ¡°You¡­ You must have lived under a rock this whole time, Anastasia.


    That¡¯s not how the world runs.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s expression darkened once more. ¡°If you wish to talk about how smart you are, please do it


    somewhere else. Stop disturbing my work.¡±


    Shame spread across Leah¡¯s face. She didn¡¯t know how to deal with Anastasia since Anastasia didn¡¯t


    seem threatened by her at all. ¡°Leave Nigel, or I¡¯ll do something bad to you.¡± Leah pressed her hands on


    the table as she gave Anastasia a malicious re.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t afraid and simply stood up to speak to her from the same eye level. ¡°You seem pretty


    confident, Miss Hart. Why don¡¯t you tell me once you win Nigel¡¯s heart? You seem pretty confident,


    anyway. There¡¯s no point in threatening me now.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Leah¡¯s face turned red as Anastasia walked to the door and opened it for her. ¡°Here you go, Miss


    Hart.¡±


    Leah red at Anastasia once more before she charged out and mmed the door behind her.


    Anastasia let out a long sigh-she finally understood what Elliot meant when theyst spoke at the dinner


    party. Elliot had told her to stay away from Nigel, as he had said that she would offend other people if she


    didn¡¯t do so. It seems like I just offended one of those people. Why did I go to that party at all? None of


    this would happen if I didn¡¯t go to the event.


    Anastasia had just returned to her seat when her phone rang. It was a call from her father. ¡°Hey, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Are you free, Anastasia? I want you to go somewhere with me,¡± Francis said.


    ¡°Is it something important, Dad?¡±


    ¡°Um, it¡¯ll be helpful when you manage apany in the future. I¡¯m reaching your office in a while. You


    should take the rest of the day off ande with me!¡± he ordered firmly.


    ¡°But Dad, I.¡± she protested.


    ¡°This is a good opportunity, Anastasia. I don¡¯t want you to miss out on this. Come down!¡± he said. again.


    She took a look at the time. It was 2.50PM, and she had just sent her drafts to Felicia, so she didn¡¯t have


    much left to do. Eventually, she gave Felicia a call. ¡°I¡¯d like to take the rest of the day off, Felicia.¡±


    After applying for her half-day off, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs.


    Meanwhile, Rey looked at the man who was screening through documents in the president¡¯s office.


    ¡°President Presgrave, Mr. Lehmann took over the presidential role this time, but he seems to have his


    own contact when ites to building materials. I think you might need to go there to greet them on your


    own.¡±

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    Chapter 139


    Elliot shut his files and nced at the clock. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Anastasia questioned her father the moment she got in his car. ¡°What¡¯s this important thing you¡¯re talking


    about, Dad? Why do you need me to be there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m bringing you to an auction. Ourpany hopes to acquire one of the projects being offered. At the


    same time, I also want you to observe the process so that you know how it works when you take over the


    company.¡±


    Anastasia blinked. Isn¡¯t he nning a little too far ahead into the future? ¡°You¡¯re still young, Dad. It¡¯ll be


    at least another ten years before I take over anything!¡± She let out an exasperatedugh.


    ¡°I just wanted to have you prepared a little earlier so that you wouldn¡¯t be too confused when you actually


    take over thepany. I really want you to understand this industry.¡± Francis was a man with foresight.


    Furthermore, he had been feeling weaker in recent days-he had to admit that he was growing old


    Anastasia had no choice but to go along with her father¡¯s ns since it was what he wanted her to do.


    The auction was a grand event held in somepany, and Francis led Anastasia over to meet up with


    his assistant before they entered the hall together. They all found seats toward the back of the room, and


    Anastasia watched as more people walked in. This seems like a really huge auction. Will Dad¡¯spany


    get a chance?


    She held a water bottle up and sipped on her drink while ncing at her surroundings. She was rtively


    curious about her surroundings, and she nced around the room for a while before her gazended on


    two people who were entering the room. Anastasia was close to spitting her drink out on the person in


    front of her, but she shut her lips just in time to swallow the liquid in her mouth.


    It wasn¡¯t just big bosses with huge bellies who were entering the room-there were also people of other


    shapes and sizes. The two men who had just walked in, for example, hadnky and tall figures that gave


    off a different aura. It was Elliot and Rey. Both of them were dressed in suits, and their sharp


    appearances had a huge impact on everyone who was ncing around the room.


    Anastasia would¡¯ve never expected to bump into Elliot in such a noisy and crowded ce. Is he here for


    the auction too? She watched him as he slithered through the crowd. He hadn¡¯t noticed her at all, and he


    simply followed Rey over to take seats at lower tiers of the hall. In the end, Elliot got seats in the front


    row-Anastasia watched as he sat down beside a severely balding man. They looked like they were


    discussing something.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t stop herself from standing up in curiosity. However, Francis tapped her on the


    shoulder. ¡°Sit down, Anastasia. The meeting is starting soon.¡±


    If Elliot is here for the auction, then the rest of the bosses can just take a break, she thought. Do they still


    have a reason to be here? Dad¡¯spany won¡¯t stand much of a chance either. But after a few minutes,


    Anastasia saw Elliot standing up. By staring at his back, she could tell that he was fixing his suit. Rey


    stood up beside him, and they both shook hands with the bald man beside them as they continued


    chatting for a while. The bald man reached his hand out to send them off-he looked as if he were


    sending gods off to heaven.


    Perhaps Anastasia had been staring at the man for too long, for the man suddenly looked up. Both of


    them exchanged nces, and the man froze instantly. He narrowed his eyes to stare at her-he hadn¡¯t


    expected to see her in a ce like this either. Things made a little more sense when he saw her father


    beside her.


    Anastasia and Elliot gazed at each other for a while more-one of them had eyes full of curiosity while the


    other one had a rather cryptic look.


    Elliot suddenly decided to stay and turned to address Rey. ¡°Find us a spot to sit,¡± he ordered. After that,


    Elliot walked over to the seats one row above where Anastasia was standing. When Rey saw Anastasia,


    he gave her a friendly wave, and she smiled back at him.


    As she turned around, she found herself staring at the familiar face of a man who had just sat down.


    Since Anastasia¡¯s father was around, she couldn¡¯t really say much to Elliot. Furthermore, the auction was


    about to begin.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 140


    On the other hand, Anastasia never thought about what the person on stage was saying. She instead


    wanted to ask Elliot what he was doing here, but with her father there, she had no way of chatting with


    Elliot.


    ¡°Do we have hope, Dad?¡± she asked her father softly.


    Francis shook his head in reply. ¡°Beats me.¡±


    At any rate, hispany was also participating in the bid. While it wasn¡¯t clear whether they had any


    chance to win, Lady Luck was recently smiling on him. Every time he felt like there was no hope, his


    company would ultimately be chosen.


    It meant that Francis had to give it a try, no matter what.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was staring at the long, flowing hair that covered the woman¡¯s attractive back.


    The persistent gaze on the back of her head made Anastasia feel extremely ufortable.


    There were four projects up for bidding today and the one that Francis had his eye on was the second


    one. After thepany that won the first bid was announced, the second bid quickly followed and he


    couldn¡¯t help clenching his fists in anticipation. Upon hearing the name of her father¡¯spany among


    the bidders for the second project, Anastasia had also tensed up as she hoped that her father would win


    the bid.


    On second thought, she shouldn¡¯t have too much hope.


    ¡°After extensive investigation andprehensive consideration, we have decided to award the bid for


    this magnificent project to the followingpany-Tillman Constructions! Congrattions!¡± the host


    onstage announced loudly.


    As Anastasia¡¯s head spun, Francis pped his thighs. ¡°We got it!¡±


    Sure enough, his luck was fantastic!


    On the other hand, she could see several conflicted, incredulous, and even unreadable nces aimed at


    them.


    At this moment, someone in front of them harrumphed loudly, ¡°How could such a smallpany winAll content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    such arge bid? They must have used their connections to get someone strong to back them up!¡±


    As Francis¡¯ expression turned ugly, Anastasia had to swallow her resentment on her father¡¯s behalf as


    well. What was that person talking about?!


    ¡°Look at how good my luck has been recently, Anastasia. We have won the tender for such arge


    project!¡± Francis happily told her.


    Anastasia was happy for her father as well, but it was at that moment when her mind screeched to a halt


    as she couldn¡¯t help looking over her shoulder at Elliot.


    Elliot coincidentally met her gaze while she stared at him curiously, doubtfully, and with


    surprise. After ncing at her, he stood up and walked away with Rey following behind him.


    By that point, Anastasia¡¯s spection was much clearer as she hurriedly stood up and left the room


    through a side door, after which she jogged toward the main entrance.


    In the lobby, Elliot was quickly heading off with Rey. Making a mad dash after them, Anastasia stopped at


    the lobby doors and reached out to block their path of retreat.


    ¡°Was it you, Elliot?¡± she questioned loudly. ¡°Did my dad win the bid because of you?¡±


    Her mind was buzzing. Why does this man show up everywhere? Why does everything have to do with


    him?


    Staring indifferently at her, he answered, ¡°It has nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Why did youe to the bid, then?¡± Anastasia persisted.


    ¡°I have no need to exin myself to you.¡± Elliot narrowed his eyes like he was looking at a stranger.


    ¡°It was you, wasn¡¯t it? My father¡¯spany wouldn¡¯t be strong enough to win the bid otherwise! Tell me


    whether it was you!¡± There was only one answer that Anastasia wanted.


    ¡°Please stop making things difficult for President Presgrave, Miss Elliot.¡± Rey was finding it difficult to


    watch the interaction.


    ¡°What are you hiding? Why don¡¯t you dare to tell the truth?¡± With bright eyes, Anastasia red at Elliot,


    not letting him go. ¡°I don¡¯t need your interference with my family matters, Elliot Presgrave. Don¡¯t you


    understand that?¡± She was truly shocked. How could it be so difficult for her to refuse his repayment?


    Rey suddenly interrupted, ¡°Your father¡¯spany wouldn¡¯t have been able to survive all these years


    without the help of President Presgrave, Miss Tillman.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Elliot warned Rey.


    Nevertheless, Anastasia lost all of her strength to fight. Did that mean that Tillman Constructions had


    always needed Elliot¡¯s help? Did that also mean that the expansion of Tillman Constructions in these few


    short years was not because of her father¡¯s luck and hard work, but because there had always been


    someone aiding Francis behind the scenes?

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    Chapter 141


    Elliot was not only repaying her but her father-for several years now, to boot.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t me President Presgrave anymore, Miss Tillman. He hasn¡¯t done anything wrong. He¡¯s


    been taking care of your father all these years.¡± Since Rey was the one to witness everything all these


    years, he only wanted to speak up on his boss¡¯ behalf in the face of Anastasia¡¯s questioning.


    At this moment, Elliot stared silently as the color drained out of Anastasia¡¯s face. He wanted to say


    something but didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°It¡¯s what I should have done,¡± he finally uttered before leaving with Rey.


    As Anastasia stood there with her mind nk, Francis emerged excitedly with the employees whom he


    had brought along. ¡°What are you doing here, Anastasia? We can leave now. Let¡¯s pick Jared up and


    head out for a celebration dinner this evening.¡± Naturally, he didn¡¯t know who had helped him win the bid.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡±


    ¡°You see how strong mypany is! This undertaking will solve many of my worries. Our operations


    have not been smooth-sailingtely and I¡¯ve just been waiting to be rescued by this


    project!¡±


    Hearing her father say that, she swallowed everything that she had been about to tell him.


    How could she possibly tell her father that Elliot had been the one helping him all these years? This was


    a kindness that her mother had had to sacrifice her life for!


    Even though Francis wanted to celebrate, Anastasia used having to pick her son up as an excuse not to


    tag along since she couldn¡¯t face her father¡¯s appreciation.


    To think that Elliot managed to win the project for her father with a single word, only for her father to think


    his luck was good.


    Ah! Thinking about it made Anastasia¡¯s head want to explode.


    In the evening, she dined outside with Jared since she was toozy to cook at home. As the little boy


    ate, he suddenly asked inquisitively, ¡°When will you invite Mr. Presgrave to eat with us, Mommy? I miss


    him!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart stopped and she hurried to exin, ¡°He¡¯s busy. Extremely busy. You won¡¯t be able to


    see him soon.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Jared pouted. As he continued to eat, he thought about Elliot.


    While he didn¡¯t know where this longing wasing from, he truly missed Elliot very much; it was


    perhaps because many of his friends had been picked up by their fathers today.


    On the way home after dinner, Anastasia fretted over what she had learned. She couldn¡¯t decide whether


    to tell her father about Elliot helping him or continue to let him be clueless.


    Not long after she arrived home, she received a phone call from Francis and reached out to answer. ¡°Hi,


    Dad. Are you all still celebrating?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m upset, Anastasia. Naomi just told me that she took over 2 million from the house for Erica to use


    as a down payment. That was all the cash we had at home!¡± Very rarely did he disclose his worries to


    her, but he had no one else to go to at that moment.


    Instantly, Anastasia felt a pang of heartache. Her father had just spent 8 million on an apartment for her


    and here was Naomi, spending 2 million on her own daughter. Just like that, the burden on her father¡¯s


    shoulders had be heavier.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that I won the bid today, or I wouldn¡¯t know what else to do. I have to get back to work


    now, Anastasia. Take good care of Jared, okay? I¡¯ll go and visit you both when I¡¯m free.¡±


    ¡°Of course! Don¡¯t work too hard, Dad. Remember to get some rest.¡± After hearing her dad hang up the


    phone, Anastasia suddenly thought about how useless she was. If she had only worked harder, she


    wouldn¡¯t have needed her father to purchase a ce for her to live.


    Tillman Residence.


    Erica was extremely happy. Now, she had her own ce to stay as well-a deluxe apartment worth 8


    million. As her mother had said, she needed to have whatever Anastasia had as well.


    Although Erica was paying by installment, the apartment was still under her name at the end of the day


    and her mother would be the one repaying the loan in the future using funds from her father¡¯s pocket.


    Erica herself didn¡¯t need to pay for anything.


    The only reason why she stayed out of Anastasia¡¯s way during this period was that she and her motherAll content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    had been looking for apartments.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia tossed and turned for the whole night. When she slept, she dreamed of her


    mother, who gravely warned her not to ept any repayment from the Presgraves.

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    Chapter 142


    In her dreams, Anastasia gave her mother her word. By the time she opened her eyes again, it was


    already dawn.


    As she went to the front of a mirror, she saw that her slightly swollen eyes had turned visibly more


    haggard.


    After dropping her son off at school, she went to work. The moment she entered the elevator, two women


    in front of her intentionally spoke in loud voices. ¡°Hey! Wasn¡¯t there a trophy in the disy case before?


    Why is it missing?¡±


    ¡°I heard that it was returned. It was awarded under pretenses so great that someone felt too ashamed to


    ept it!¡±


    ¡°My, if it were me, I wouldn¡¯t even leave the house, let alonee to work!¡¯


    ¡°Would you both like a loudspeaker so that you can make yourselves heard?¡± Anastasia asked them.


    Both of them nced at her. ¡°Ah, Miss Tillman, we didn¡¯t say who we were talking about! Are you


    admitting it was you?¡±


    e talking about someone else. Don¡¯t misunderstand us now. Miss Tillman.¡±


    It was at that moment when the elevator stopped at the level of the Department of Design. As Anastasia


    moved to step out of the elevator, one of the women suddenly stuck a foot out and nearly tripped her.


    She then turned back to angrily re at the woman.


    ¡°My apologies, Miss Tillman,¡± the woman apologized in a fake manner despite having clearly done it on


    purpose.


    After huffing, Anastasia walked to her office. Grace had already tidied it up for her and even poured her a


    cup of coffee.


    At ten in the morning, Felicia held a department meeting.


    A somewhat listless Anastasia took her seat and yed with her pen. The noisy conference room


    suddenly became so quiet that she could have heard a pin drop.


    As she jerked her head up, she saw Elliot¡¯s tall, handsome figureing in through the conference room


    door. He hadn¡¯t been to the meetings in several days and she had no idea why he was here now.


    Nheless, she lowered her head down again in her reluctance to pay any attention to him.


    As he pulled out a chair and sat down next to Anastasia, Felicia greeted respectfully, ¡°Good morning,


    President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin,¡± Elliot uttered in a low voice as he looked at the woman next to him. Anastasia looked like


    she had a lot on her mind.


    Then, Felicia suddenly called her name. ¡°Anastasia.¡±


    Buried deep in her own thoughts, Anastasia failed to respond and everyone stared at her in


    astonishment. How bold she had to be to space out sopletely even with Elliot sitting next to her!


    ¡°Anastasia, do you hear me?¡± Felicia raised her voice.


    Abruptly, Anastasia came back to her senses and realized that she was being called. She quickly¡ª


    nodded. ¡°Oh! Please proceed, Director Evans.¡±


    ¡°We just received a private custom order. The client has expressly asked for you to design her a set of


    jewelry. You should be fine with that, shouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Since Anastasiacked money at the moment, she didn¡¯t hesitate to nod. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Meanwhile, seated opposite Anastasia was Alice, who kept lowering the cor of her blouse in such a


    manner that her blouse was bing out of shape. With intent, she directed her cleavage toward Elliot.


    Naturally being able to see what the woman was doing, Anastasia propped her chin up with a hand and


    sneered at Alice. ¡°You better stop tugging or your blouse will tear.¡±


    A furiously blushing Alice nced at Elliot before ring at Anastasia.


    Even Felicia coughed lightly with embarrassment. ¡°Behave yourselves.¡±


    Since what Alice had been doing was only meant for Elliot¡¯s eyes, she hadn¡¯t expected Anastasia to


    expose her so directly.


    potrebne


    ¡°Is there anything you¡¯d like to add?¡± Felicia now looked at Elliot.


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman, stay behind. Everyone else, leave,¡± Elliot ordered quietly.


    Once again, Anastasia received a wave of envious, resentful nces, yet she had no choice but toBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    remain in her seat as Felicia dismissed everyone else and closed the door after them.


    ¡°Please stop interfering with my dad¡¯s business in the future. That said, I¡¯m d for the help you¡¯ve


    offered him in the past.¡± She looked earnestly up at Elliot. No matter what, she had to thank him.


    ¡°I¡¯m only doing what I should have done, Anastasia. You don¡¯t need to feel guilty.¡± He stared at her


    deeply.


    ¡°No, my father owes you, and I¡¯ll pay you back on his behalf from now on.¡± Since she still didn¡¯t want her


    father to know about this, she would have to pay Elliot back on his behalf.

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    Chapter 143


    Narrowing his eyes, Elliot asked in a clear, curious voice, ¡°How do you intend to pay me back?¡± In a


    lower voice, he continued with hope, ¡°Will you agree to marry me so that my helping your father will be


    nothing more than assisting my future father-inw?¡±


    It was enough to cause Anastasia to suck in a breath of air. What a ridiculous idea! ¡°I can¡¯t marry you.


    Please give me another request!¡± She turned her chair away and began doodling in her notebook


    His expression sank at that. Did she find him so unlikeable?


    ¡°Give me something I can fulfill,¡± she reminded him since she had no way of promising him something


    she couldn¡¯t fulfill.


    As Elliot stared at her delicate side profile, he suddenly rxed. Sometimes, the process was more


    enjoyable than the result. ¡°Alright, then. From today onward, I¡¯ll eat over at your ce.¡± It was something


    that he believed she could do.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyebrows drew together. While this request wasn¡¯t necessarily over the line, it still made


    things difficult for her.


    Dinner at her ce? She supposed that it was quite a good method of repayment since she had no


    money to repay him with and he also didn¡¯t need any money.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not willing, that¡¯s fine since I¡¯m helping your father as a repayment to your mother, anyway.¡±


    Seeing that she wasn¡¯t saying anything, Elliot stood up and made to leave.


    Instantly, Anastasia whipped her head around to agree. ¡°Alright, you can eat at my ce, but you must


    promise that you¡¯ll behave yourself and not make any moves on me.¡±


    ¡°I have no interest in women,¡± he lied with a straight face.


    Struck dumb by his boldness, she gaped at him. No interest in women? Had he forgotten the time he


    forced his kisses on her?


    Nevertheless, if she could repay him for the help he gave her father by doing this, she would feel better.


    ¡°Fine, consider it a measure of trust,¡± she finally said before getting up and pushing open the conference


    room door to leave.


    ¡°From tonight onward,¡± he spoke up softly behind her.


    Without turning back, she answered, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After returning to her office, Anastasia rested her head on her hands. What a headache! Did that mean


    she would have to greet him with a table full of food from now on whenever he wanted to eat at her


    ce?


    Yet, inparison to the help he offered her father, this was a rtively light repayment.


    Well, she would have to put up with it. Really, it was no different from cooking for one more person.


    Right then, Grace knocked on the door and entered with a document folder. ¡°This is the client information


    that Director Evans has sent over, Miss Tillman. Have a look!¡±


    Anastasia obliged by reaching out to ept the document folder. As she flipped it open to the first page,


    her eyes widened. How could it be her?


    Her client was none other than Leah Hart, as detailed in the information folder. It listed Leah¡¯s family


    background, educational background, and even the fact that she was the daughter of the first domestic


    catering giant.


    To Anastasia, it was obvious that Leah was here to cause trouble. Their previous unhappy ending had no


    doubt resulted in Leah looking for other ways to make things difficult for her.


    Right then, Felicia called to urge Anastasia. ¡°Get in contact with the client as soon as possible,


    Anastasia. She must have chosen us because she believed in your ability, so we can¡¯t let her down.¡±


    Anastasiaughed bitterly in her heart. No matter how warmly she had received Leah, she might not


    necessarily be able to see the order through.


    Nevertheless, she still answered, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll immediately contact her.¡±


    Then, Anastasia picked up her cell phone, found the correct number, and dialed it.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± azy voice asked at the other end of the line.


    ¡°Good morning. I¡¯m Anastasia Tillman, a designer from Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier. I¡¯d like to ask when


    you would like to meet to discuss the design direction of your jewelry, Miss Hart.¡±


    ¡°Oh! How about tomorrow morning? You must get ready for everything you need and not let me down!¡±


    Leah¡¯s final sentence had a smug undertone. All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Of course. Shall I choose the meeting ce?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll contact you. You cane over when the timees!¡± With that, Leah hung up.


    And just like that, Anastasia was left with no choice but to follow the protocol. Tomorrow, she would meet


    Leah and see what on earth the other woman was up to.

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    Chapter 144


    As the end of the workday finally approached, Anastasia¡¯s office phone rang and she reached out to


    answer the call. ¡°Good evening.¡±


    ¡°Meet me at the parking lot in 10 minutes,¡± Elliot instructed her concisely before hanging up.


    She stared at the phone in speechlessness. Never did she think she would be heading home in his car!


    Nevertheless, given that her only other option was to take a cab, she might as well save her money by


    carpooling with him instead.


    And so, 10 minutester, Anastasia picked up her purse and sprinted to the car park where the ck


    sedan was already waiting for her.


    After Anastasia pulled open the passenger¡¯s side door and climbed in, Elliot zoomed off toward the


    garage exit. ¡°We¡¯ll pick Jared up first and stop by the grocery store for some ingredients before going


    home,¡± he instructed.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she answered. It wasn¡¯t like she had the confidence to say otherwise, anyway¡ªif Elliot was the


    only reason why her father was sessful, what ce was there for her opinion?


    The only thing she could do was try her best to repay Elliot.


    ¡°There have been major issues with your father¡¯spany funds recently,¡± he told her as he elegantly


    turned the steering wheel while keeping his eyes on the road. ¡°If he didn¡¯t have this project to save him,


    he would need to ask a lot of people for help.¡±


    At that, Anastasia¡¯s heart clenched. Of course she already knew her father undertaking thispany


    meant he would need to make requests from a lot of people.


    Yet, a single word from Elliot had saved her father from such dire straits and kept her father from needing


    to humble himself in front of others.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said from the bottom of her heart as she nced sincerely at Elliot.


    ¡°I barely had to lift a finger.¡± Elliot raised his eyebrow slightly.


    Such was the charm of power. Where others had to beg, he only had to say a single sentence.


    ¡°At any rate, I¡¯m very grateful that you helped my dad out.¡±


    ¡°Therger Tillman Constructions grows, the more projects he will need to keep it alive. Don¡¯t worry, I


    won¡¯t let anything happen to it.¡± Elliot¡¯s voice was low, powerful, and mesmerizing in the car.


    Anastasia stopped breathing. Did that mean he would continue to help her father? And that Francis


    would always need his help?


    No-the debt of gratitude she owed him would only snowball by then. How was she going to repay him in


    the future?


    Yet, the current size of Tillman Constructions would indeed require continuous projects to maintain. Once


    funds were cut off, it would suffer huge losses and Francis would be subject to endless pressure and


    anxiety.


    Given his age, she was afraid that he wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the pressure.


    Meanwhile, ncing at the silent woman next to him and knowing he had stressed her out, Elliot said


    lightly, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. I won¡¯t ask too much of you.¡±


    As if that was what she was worried about! Lifting her head, Anastasia said, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to ask my


    dad to work hard to get his own projects in the future. We won¡¯t need your help anymore.¡±


    Elliot smiled. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Of course Anastasia wasn¡¯t sure. She knew nothing about her father¡¯spany.


    ¡°You will be the one to take over your father¡¯spany in the future, won¡¯t you?¡± Elliot guessed correctly


    in a single sentence.


    She ignored him in speechlessness. She would only think about it when the time came. Who knew


    whether she would end up selling thepany when it came into her hands by then?


    At the school gates.


    After Anastasia went inside to pick up her son, Elliot sat in the car and stared unwaveringly at the school


    gates. He felt just like a father waiting for his son.


    Since he hadn¡¯t seen Jared in a few days, he missed Jared quite a lot, just like he would if Jared were


    actually his son.


    Not long after that, he saw the heartwarming scene of the mother and son emerging from the school


    gates. The woman was slender and beautiful; the child, sensible and adorable. It was a sight for soreBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    eyes.


    At that juncture, he pushed open the car door and stepped out. The moment Jared saw him, the little boy


    released his mother¡¯s hand and sprinted toward Elliot, shouting excitedly, ¡°Mr. Presgrave! Mr.


    Presgrave!¡±


    A speechless Anastasia stared at her son. Why on earth did Jared like Elliot so much?


    Meanwhile, Elliot reached down and carried Jared up. Seated in the crook of his strong arms, the little


    boy smiled happily. To Jared, there was nothing more he yearned for than a strong and domineering


    father and Elliot satisfied everything he imagined a father to be.

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    ¡°Get in. We¡¯re going to the grocery store.¡± As Elliot ced Jared at the backseat, it suddenly urred to


    him that he would need to get a child safety seat installed so that it would be easier for him to pick Jared


    up in the future.


    After the three of them returned to the car, they went to a nearbymercial area where they had plenty


    of time to stop since it was still rather early.


    While they were inside the grocery store, Jared sat on the cart that was pushed around by Elliot while


    Anastasia was in charge of selecting ingredients for that evening¡¯s dinner. Feeling somewhat gluttonous


    tonight, she picked up some pork, shrimp, and a few kinds of vegetables.


    ¡°My! What a beautiful family!¡± someone suddenlymented as Anastasia was choosing vegetables.


    When she turned her head, she saw two young women standing nearby and staring at them.


    The moment Anastasia turned to look at them, they scuttled away in embarrassment as they had been


    caught in the act.


    When Anastasia nced back at Elliot and her son, she understood why those two young women had


    misunderstood. They looked very much like a family of three on a shopping trip indeed!


    She quickly finished grabbing the vegetables and said to the man pushing the cart behind her, ¡°Let¡¯s go.


    I¡¯m done.¡±


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Of course Elliot¡¯s eyes had caught everything as well and it made the corners of his mouth lift. To him, it


    was a happy feeling.


    After they finished shopping, he drove all the way to the entrance of her neighborhood and parked. As


    soon as she gathered the bags of ingredients she had bought, he took them from her while saying, ¡°I can


    carry them.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not heavy. It¡¯s fine.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want him to lend a hand.


    However, he stubbornly snatched them from her; his action prompted her to nce speechlessly at her


    son, who was also happy to have Elliot hold his hand.


    Now that she was somewhat embarrassed, she strode off quickly to maintain her distance from them so


    that the neighbors wouldn¡¯t think they were a family.


    ¡°Mommy, wait for us!¡± Jared shouted behind her.


    Anastasia could only wait for them in a disconcerted manner.


    When they finally arrived home, she let out a sigh of relief and took the bags from Elliot before heading


    into the kitchen. Some foods, like the pork, required a little more time to cook and she would need to


    prepare it beforehand.


    ¡°Entertain our guest, Jared,¡± she instructed her son as she left the kitchen to grab something.


    A somewhat befuddled Jared nodded and looked up at Elliot. To him, Elliot was not a guest but


    something of a family member.


    Elliot stroked Jared¡¯s hair with a grin. ¡°I can entertain myself.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia began to busy herself in the kitchen. Since she had spent so many years cooking


    for her son, she hadpletely mastered her way around the kitchen. Moreover, to cater to her son¡¯s


    taste, she had even spent many years looking up recipes and studying the concept of heat distribution.


    That meant she was quite adept at home cooking.


    Since the pork was for herself, she added more spice and seasonings; for her son, she made do with


    some vegetables on top of the steamed egg custard with shrimp. Both dishes would be enough for him.


    As she entered and exited the kitchen on asion, she would see Elliot watching television with her son


    at one point and ying with Jared in his room at another. It was turning out not to be an entirely bad


    thing to have Elliot in her home. At the very least, he could keep her sonpany.


    Sometimes, what Anastasia feared most was that she and her son hadcked a man¡¯s influence in their


    lives.


    Now that Elliot was there to apany Jared, she found that it was a good thing.


    Dinner was finally served and she knocked on her son¡¯s door after untying her apron. ¡°Time for dinner.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take long for Jared toe sprinting out and exim upon seeing the food on the table, ¡°It¡¯s all


    of my favorite dishes!¡±


    At this point, Elliot also took a seat. Jared had loved egg custard so much that he was digging into it with


    great gusto, which left Elliot unable to resist the adorable sight of the little boy eating so earnestly.


    Now, he had also discovered that Anastasia was excellent at cooking. The pork that she prepared was


    just soft enough; it was fatty but not greasy and although it was a tad bit too spicy for him, it wasn¡¯t as if


    he couldn¡¯t take one bite after another.


    It was incredibly appetizing. Although Anastasia had prepared some rice to go with the pork, she didn¡¯t


    eat much as she was afraid of gaining weight. Instead, she slowly and patiently chewed before


    swallowing her share. On the other hand, although Elliot was equally elegant, he kept heading into the


    kitchen for more servings of rice.

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    As Anastasia watched more of the pork disappear, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a sense of aplishment


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, is the food that my mommy prepared delicious?¡± Jared asked inquisitively.


    ¡°It is. It¡¯s exceptional,¡± Elliot couldn¡¯t help praising and even nced at Anastasia.


    With a light cough, she advised, ¡°You should have more if you like it.¡±


    ¡°You have no more rice left,¡± he grumbled.


    A speechless Anastasia stared at him. Just how many servings of rice have you eaten?


    ¡°Um¡­ I¡¯ll make more rice in the future. I miscalcted today,¡± she answered awkwardly.


    At this moment, he ced his cutlery down and let out a burp, which nearly caused her to burst out


    laughing. How could he imply he hadn¡¯t had enough when he was so full that he was burping?


    He had even covered his mouth before walking over to a ss that he spied on the shelf next to it before


    immediately drinking the water inside,


    ¡°That¡¯s mine!¡± Anastasia eximed immediately.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any problem with that.¡± Elliot gave a cheeky smile as he drank.


    ¡°But I do!¡± she eximed with annoyance.


    His grin turned even more roguish. ¡°Well, that makes me want to drink from it even more.¡±


    Anastasia was once again rendered speechless. In her heart, she had made up her mind to grab him


    some daily necessities, such as sses, if he would be eating at her ce for the next year too.


    After that, Anastasia got up to tidy the table. As she was washing the dishes, Jared shouted from the


    door, ¡°I¡¯m going for a stroll with Mr. Presgrave, Mommy! Will youe downter?¡±


    Turning her head, she shouted in response, ¡°Sure! You guys go ahead!¡±


    Jared happily went downstairs for a stroll with his hand in Elliot¡¯s. This was the first time where Anastasia


    felt safe about handing her son over to a man who wasn¡¯t Francis or Nigel.


    In truth, she was somewhat surprised at herself. When had she assimted this man into her life so


    seamlessly?


    Ah! Sure enough, some things couldn¡¯t be stopped. Even as she was saying that she would never have


    any kind of a rtionship with him, their lives had entangled together without her even realizing it.


    After Anastasia had finished tidying up the kitchen, she took the trash out and went downstairs, The


    greenery and facilities in her neighborhood were excellent, which encouraged many parents


    and children to stroll about in the evenings. After tossing the trash into the garbage bin, she went to look


    for Elliot and her son.


    The lights in this neighborhood weren¡¯t exceptionally bright, but they were instead dim enough to create


    a stylish contrast against the greenery.


    As she carefully studied the surroundings of thezy chair, she suddenly heard a familiar voiceing


    from the fitness area. Even though it was somewhat far away, she could tell that it was the sound of


    Jared¡¯sughter.


    However, her heart stopped. It had been a long time since she heard her sonughing so happily. She


    immediately turned around only to see beneath themplight that Elliot was with her son at the monkey


    bars. The little boy was holding onto a bar and dangling in mid-air, and although Elliot had released his


    grip, he was still standing protectively by Jared¡¯s side.


    When Jared¡¯s arms grew weak and he was about to fall, Elliot caught hold of him, which caused the little


    boy tough raucously again. ¡°More, Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    Standing not far away, Anastasia watched without going over to disturb them. In truth, the scene where


    Elliot and Jared yed together had indeed reminded her of a father and son.


    Her son looked very much like Elliot.


    When he saw Jared¡¯s insistence on staying at the monkey bars, Elliot patiently apanied him and


    sometimes even softlyughed.


    Elliot looked tall and straight as he stood underneath themplight with Jared. His sleeves were rolled up


    and exposed his muscr arms while his pants illustrated the strong, firm lines of his hips and legs.


    There was something mesmerizing about him.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help stealing a few looks before she finally decided that it waste and they shouldn¡¯t


    take any more of Elliot¡¯s time. So, she called out as she went toward her sweaty son, ¡°Let¡¯s go home,


    Jared!¡± C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°I still want to y, Mommy.¡± Jared was hooked, for he rarely had the opportunity to do something so


    strenuous.

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    ¡°Mr. Presgrave is extremely busy. Let¡¯s not take up any more of his time, okay?¡± Anastasia advised


    Jared.


    To her dismay, Elliot had carried Jared instead. ¡°I¡¯m not busy. We can continue ying.¡±


    ¡°Yay!¡± A happy Jared threw his arms around Elliot¡¯s neck before turning back to say to her, ¡°Let¡¯s y


    together, Mommy.¡±


    Even though she was exasperated, she only sighed in response. ¡°I¡¯ll take a stroll then. See you guys in a


    bit.¡±


    Hoping that the light exercise would aid with her digestion, Anastasia went for a walk around the


    neighborhood.


    The clock had turned to nine just like that and she returned to the fitness area to see her son on the


    swings this time. Since Elliot was still pushing him, she could only head over and order, ¡°We¡¯re going


    back to take a bath, Jared. You still have school tomorrow!¡±


    Hearing the sternness in his mother¡¯s voice, Jared nodded obediently. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go home!¡±


    Anastasia nced up at Elliot. ¡°Why don¡¯t you head home first?¡±


    ¡°My car keys are still at your ce, not to mention that I¡¯d like a drink of water as well.¡± He hinted at


    going back to her apartment.


    At that, she frowned. She thought he would be able to leave at that moment!


    Once they returned home, Anastasia took a look at her son¡¯s sweaty body and decided that he needed


    to be bathed at once. Thus, she told Elliot, who was drinking a ss of water on her couch, ¡°I¡¯m taking


    Jared to wash up. Just close the door behind you as you¡¯re leaving.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± He nodded.


    And so, she took her son into the bathroom. As they emerged from the bathroom after his bath, she


    discovered that Elliot was still on the couch.


    A dumbfounded Anastasia then asked, ¡°You haven¡¯t left yet?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to rest for a moment more.¡± Elliot was sprawled outzily on her couch, having no intention ofBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    leaving.


    ¡°Well, Jared has to sleep, so you can leave once you¡¯ve rested enough!¡± she told him.


    She forcefully called Jared into his bedroom, made him get into bed, and handed him a storybook. ¡°Read


    by yourself quietly for a moment. You¡¯re not allowed to look for Mr. Presgrave anymore. He has to head


    home, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Although Jared was clearly unhappy about it, he did not dare to dissent for he was afraid of being


    scolded.


    After stroking his hair and giving him a kiss, Anastasia stood up and left the room.


    When she emerged and found that Elliot was no longer on her couch, she couldn¡¯t help being relieved.


    He is finally gone!


    Remembering that her son¡¯s dirty clothes were still in the bathroom and wanting to toss them into the


    washer, she turned the knob to enter the bathroom.


    Yet, right as she stepped one foot in, she realized that there was a man standing in front of her¡ª toilet


    bowl, urinating¡­


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Anastasia was so startled that she knocked her head against the doorframe before mming the


    door shut again with a red face.


    God! Not only had he not left, but she had just run into him doing something so embarrassing.


    Even though his back was to her, she couldn¡¯t help but blush as her mind went nk.


    At this moment, he walked out of the bathroom and nced down at her, seated on the couch and


    clutching her head. Concerned, he asked softly, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    ¡°W-Why are you still here?¡± Anastasia was truly exasperated.


    ¡°Do you really wish for me to leave that much?¡± After saying that, he moved toward the couch area only


    for her to move her head at the sight.


    Then, she warned, ¡°Don¡¯t you touch me.¡±


    He leaned down and underneath themplight, his face was breathtakingly handsome.


    Thinking that Elliot was about to kiss her, her eyes widened in warning, only for him to pull his cell phone


    out from next to her before he stood at his full height.


    ¡°Did you think I wanted to kiss you?¡± He smirked.


    As Anastasia looked at the cell phone in his hand, her face burned with embarrassment. ¡°See yourself


    out!¡±


    Elliot suddenly leaned down to pinch her jaw and thereafter pressed his lips against hers. Before she


    could react, he was already straightening his posture and heading toward the front door.


    ¡°How dare you!¡±


    ¡°Just consider it a punishment for you peeking at me!¡± he answered without looking back.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything,¡± Anastasia protested angrily.


    Having just arrived at the door, Elliot turned back and looked at her teasingly. ¡°Yeah? I don¡¯t suppose you


    regret it?¡±

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    Anastasia¡¯s face furiously reddened. ¡°I do not.¡±


    ¡°Marry me, and you¡¯ll be able to look at it whenever you want,¡± Elliot told her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to look at it!¡± she shouted as her face reddened even further. Is this man truly so self


    confident?


    It was only after he gave a meaningful smile did he pull open the door and leave.


    Now that she was left alone on the couch, she spaced out. Her mind was still on the blue screen of


    death. Even as she covered her reddened cheeks, she could still feel the warmth of his lips on hers.


    What a scoundrel. Didn¡¯t he say before that he will behave himself?


    She shouldn¡¯t have believed him. For that man to keep his word, pigs would instead be climbing trees by


    then.


    At this moment, Anastasia nced toward her son¡¯s room. It was a good thing that he didn¡¯t know what


    had happened.


    As the gravity of having to share her evenings with Elliot for the next year sank in, she felt her head


    aching.


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    She rushed to work after dropping her son off at school early the next morning. As she hurried through


    the crowd with her curls bouncing on her shoulders, she was in a gray id blouse and a ck pencil


    skirt with a purse slung over her shoulder. Such an attire of hers had inadvertently showcased her


    professionalism.


    A ck sedan stopped at the entrance of her workce at this very moment. Elliot was here to take a


    document back to the Presgrave Corporation when he happened to see hering from the street as


    she weaved through the crowd of office workers while radiating a strong, mesmerizing sense of calm


    confidence.


    At this moment, Anastasia happened to nce at her watch and noticed that there were only two


    minutes left for her to clock in. She instantly panicked and sprinted toward the lobby, not caring that she


    looked somewhat wretched as she did so.


    What she didn¡¯t know was that Elliot was witnessing everything from inside the car.


    Her rushed demeanor had made him smile. In the past, he didn¡¯t know a woman like her even existed.


    She wasn¡¯t particrly outstanding or alluring, but she had a certain charm to her that drove him crazy.


    He was even willing to be branded a voyeur for staring at her because of this.


    At thest minute, she managed to clock in. When she saw the green light shing, she smiled, feeling


    somewhat aplished and inexplicably satisfied at being able to arrive on the dot for work.


    After Anastasia entered her office, Grace carried her cup of coffee to her. ¡°You¡¯re going to meet with a


    client today, Miss Tillman! Do you need any materials to be prepared?¡±


    Recalling immediately that she would have to meet Leah today, Anastasia went to her cab to


    pull out a few documents and set them on the desk.


    ¡°Do you need me to go with you, Miss Tillman?¡± Grace asked.


    With a smile, Anastasia shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no need. Let me understand the situation first.


    I¡¯ll bring you along next time.¡±


    After all, Leah was only trying to make things difficult for her. If she had brought Grace along, Grace


    would only be bullied alongside her, so it was best she withstood this pressure alone!


    Anastasia called Leah at around ten in the morning. At the other end of the line, Leah¡¯s voice asked,


    ¡°Why are you only looking for me now, Miss Tillman? Surely your work efficiency could be better than


    this!¡±


    ¡°My apologies. I¡¯lle right away. Where would you like to meet?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you the address and you cane over!¡± Leah grumbled with deliberate impatience.


    Not long after that, Anastasia received the address. After keying in the location on her device, she went


    downstairs to hail a cab and head to the destination.


    While on the way there, she couldn¡¯t help spacing out for a moment and thinking about Elliot. Images of


    him keeping her sonpany floated through her mind. When she was sending Jared to school that


    morning, he even asked her expectantly, ¡°Will Mr. Presgravee to our ce for dinner tonight,


    Mommy?¡±


    To cate her son, Anastasia simply responded, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Upon seeing her son happily skipping around at her answer, she found herself hoping that Elliot would


    be free toe over that evening.


    Anastasia sighed. What is happening to metely? Why are all my thoughts full of this man?


    At this moment, the cab driver told her, ¡°We¡¯re here, miss.¡±


    When she raised her head to nce out of the window, Anastasia saw the signboard of an atmospheric


    cafe, after which she paid the driver and alighted from the cab.


    It wasn¡¯t until she entered the lobby that she realized the cafe was on the top floor. She helplessly


    entered the elevator and rode all the way to the top floor. The cafe in question was the kind of


    coffeehouse which only the rich could afford. For someone like her, being able to drink Starbucks on a


    normal day was already considered a luxury.

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    An attendant went forward to inform Anastasia at this moment. ¡°Miss Tillman? Miss Hart is waiting for


    you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Anastasia acknowledged with a smile and a nod of her head.


    ¡°Please follow me.¡± The attendant gestured in invitation.


    After stepping into the cafe, Anastasia saw Leah and another woman sitting at a table by the window and


    chatting at this moment. At a nce, it was obvious to Anastasia that the other woman was just as rich


    as Leah and dressed to denote equal status.


    ¡°Ah, the designer is here! Please sit! Bring the coffee,¡± Leah ordered the attendant.


    The attendant immediately nodded. Anastasia had only just sat down when a cup of coffee was ced in


    front of her. Looking over at Leah, she responded, ¡°Thank you for the coffee, Miss Hart.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Let¡¯s talk about design, then! I wish tomission an engagement jewelry for myself¡ª


    something that befits my status. I hope you won¡¯t let me down.¡±


    ¡°Please share your opinions with me. I have several styles for you to choose from.¡± Anastasia reached


    out to retrieve her documents.


    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯m the client here. What I want is your design. What¡¯s the point in having me choose?¡±


    ¡°I still have to know what you like for me to have a direction for the design.¡±


    ¡°What I like is something unique, beautiful, and suits my temperament. The rest is up to you. Besides,


    don¡¯t you know how to research what I like? You can look me up!¡± Leahzily reclined against her seat


    with an arrogant look on her face.


    For a few moments, a dumbstruck Anastasia stared at Leah. Now, she finally understood that. Leah had


    no wish to give any direction ormunicate any idea for the design. What Leah wanted was for her to


    come up with a design out of thin air that was satisfactory to Leah.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Hart. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t take yourmission. Please find another designer!¡± Anastasia


    had no wish to stay any longer. After all, there would be no earning Leah¡¯s money no matter how much


    effort she wasted.


    Right as Anastasia took her purse and was about to stand up, the woman next to Leah sneered. ¡°What


    kind of attitude is this? Are all designers from Bourgeois like this? I¡¯m certainly learning something new


    today.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that I¡¯ve already signed a contract with yourpany, Anastasia Tillman? If you don¡¯t


    design for me, I can sue yourpany for breach of contract. I hear they pay quite a bit for that! Three


    times the deposit! And I paid 1 million in deposit,¡± Leah said smugly behind Anastasia.


    At that, Anastasia stopped in her tracks. Of course Leah wouldn¡¯t make things so simple. As she turned


    back, she proposed, ¡°If you¡¯re willing to have a conversation with me, Miss Hart, we can


    continue working together.¡±


    ¡°We are having a conversation!¡±


    ¡°I meant an earnest and sincere one,¡± she answered coldly.


    ¡°I¡¯m your client, Anastasia. How can you speak with me in that tone? Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll file aint


    about you?¡± Leah questioned somewhat angrily.


    Retaking her seat, Anastasia stared into Leah¡¯s haughty eyes. ¡°Of course you have the right to file a


    comint about me. If there¡¯s somewhere I¡¯ve fallen short, you can file as you please; if you only wish to


    make things difficult for me, then let¡¯s not waste each other¡¯s time any longer.¡±


    Leah smiled coldly. ¡°Let me be in, then. Leave Nigel or Bourgeois. Pick one.¡±


    At that, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help being amused. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re not the one with the ability to make me


    leave Bourgeois. My boss is the one.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll make it impossible for you to stay in the design world.¡± Leah sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate


    what I can do.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman, isn¡¯t it?¡± the woman next to her asked smugly. ¡°We only need to spread the world for


    the entire upper-ss client base to keep from hiring you or ever buying your designs.¡±


    However, Anastasia was not one to be easily scared. With a smile, she announced, ¡°Breach of contract it


    is! I¡¯ll have the bill settled for you once I get back to Bourgeois.¡±


    ¡°What are you showing off for, Anastasia Tillman? Do you even have the capital to do that? And one


    more thing before you leave-We¡¯re going Dutch today, so you can pay for your own coffee!¡± Leah


    shouted at her.


    The undeterred Anastasia stood up and walked toward the counter to ask the attendant, ¡°How much


    does my coffee cost?¡±.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

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    The waiter named the price with a smile. ¡°That will be 5,888, thank you!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s almond-shaped eyes widened when she heard the unbelievably expensive price tag that the


    cup of coffee had. ¡°That¡¯s unreasonably expensive!¡±


    ¡°The coffee was brewed with coffee beans of the finest quality, so it is definitely worth the price.¡±


    Anastasia was rendered speechless. The coffee cost me a fortune although I have barely sipped it-I


    didn¡¯t even manage to relish the taste. ¡°Fine, just get me the bill. Pack the coffee too. Add some ice,


    sugar and cream please.¡± Then, she took out her card and handed it to a stunned waiter.


    The waiter immediately asked his colleague to pack the drink. However, Anastasia¡¯s action led Leah,


    who was sitting near the window, to scoff at her. ¡°Anastasia, my apologies. I¡¯ve forgotten that you are an


    ordinary white-cor employee. I reckon that this cup of coffee must have cost about half of your monthly


    sry!¡±


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t bothered to respond and she was unfazed by the unusual nces from the waiters


    around. When the waiter handed her the coffee, she took the coffee and left with her chest puffed out.


    Upon seeing that, Leah was so pissed that she clenched her teeth. Anastasia¡¯s really a tough nut to


    crack, she thought.


    It was almost lunch hour when Anastasia returned to the office. She asked Felicia out for lunch and told


    her about all that had happened earlier that day.


    ¡°What? She was spiteful to you?¡± Felicia asked in shock.


    ¡°Yes! She even attempted to force me to leave my friends, so she deliberately made things difficult for


    me. It wasn¡¯t her intention to do business with us at all.¡± At that point, Anastasia had yet to mention the


    incident about the coffee!


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll make a request with the management to collect liquidated damages from her instead. I


    can¡¯t put you in a difficult situation because of this,¡± a reasonable Felicia replied, to which Anastasia


    nodded and responded, ¡°Sorry for the trouble, Felicia.¡±


    ¡°No worries. We can¡¯t let anyone bully us because of this, eh?¡± Felicia smiled. Besides, with Elliot


    around, nobody cany a finger on you!


    At about 2.00PM, she went upstairs to Elliot¡¯s office. Elliot was sitting on the couch reading a document.


    The man disyed high work efficiency; therge pile of documents that had been on his desk that


    morning had vanished with only a few remaining documents.


    ¡°President Presgrave, I have something I¡¯d like to report to you,¡± Felicia uttered.


    Elliot ced the documents down and nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    She reiterated the incident that had happened that morning, whereby Anastasia had met Leah, before


    she added, ¡°I¡¯d talk to you regarding their request for liquidated damage.¡±


    It was apparent that Elliot¡¯s expression darkened when he heard the story. ¡°How dare she request for


    liquidated damages from ourpany after she bullied my staff! Does Miss Hart think that our legal


    department is good for nothing?¡± he coldly replied:


    Felicia was stunned by his response. It seems like President Presgrave is really enraged!


    ¡°I¡¯ll phone Miss Hart and discuss with her to see whether we can resolve this amicably.¡±


    ¡°Invite Miss Hart over in the afternoon. I¡¯d like to personally talk to her about the liquidated damages,¡± he


    impassively replied. It seemed like he had no ns to let this slide easily.


    She was pleased upon seeing his reaction. I can¡¯t wait for the interesting drama to unfold. ¡°Noted,


    President Presgrave.¡±


    After Felicia had left the room, Elliot narrowed his eyes and thought, That woman was bullied?


    On the other hand, Felicia called Leah the first thing after returning to her office. She invited Leah over to


    talk about the liquidated damages without mentioning that Elliot wanted to see her: personally. Leah


    coincidentally happened to be nearby, so she would be arriving in 20 minutes, at most.


    Thereafter, Felicia went to Anastasia¡¯s office to inform her that Leah¡¯s matter would be handled by Elliot,


    which stunned Anastasia. ¡°Does he even have the time to deal with this?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, do you think Leah would receive the liquidated damages?¡±


    ¡°She would be really lucky if she really gets it; it would be as if earning two million is like a walk in the


    park. I would have done so if it¡¯s really that good of a deal.¡± Anastasia¡¯s eyes beamed at the discovery of


    a new way to be rich.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be foolish. That¡¯s a crime. It¡¯s more realistic to go to work.¡± With that, Felicia left the scene with a


    grin.


    Anastasia propped her chin on her arm and dropped the thought.


    Twenty minutester, Leah arrived at their office along with her best friend. Felicia invited them into a


    reception room and greeted them warmly.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

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    Chapter 151


    ¡°Please call Anastasia here too! I hope that she can be reminded of what the proper way to treat clients


    is,¡± Leah demanded in a condescending attitude, attempting to take advantage of her identity as their


    client to humiliate Anastasia.


    After all, to a business, customers were God.


    ¡°Sure, please hold on for a minute,¡± Felicia responded, after which she exited the room and dialed Elliot¡¯s


    landline.


    ¡°Hello.¡± A low, husky, male voice rang.


    ¡°President Presgrave, Miss Hart has arrived. She¡¯s now in Reception Room No. 3.¡±


    ¡°Please get Anastasia over too,¡± Elliot instructed before he hung up the call.


    Felicia thereafter gave Anastasia a call. The moment the call was picked up, she said, ¡°Miss Hart is here.


    Pleasee over to Reception Room No. 3.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see her.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that you don¡¯t want to watch the lovely show?¡±


    ¡°What lovely show?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when you are there,¡± Felicia mysteriously replied.


    Well, there¡¯s no harm in watching how Leah ns to nder me when I¡¯m so bored now! Anastasia


    thought. So, holding her phone in her hand, she rose up and headed over to Reception Room No.


    She knocked on the door once before pushing the door open to enter the room. However, all she saw


    was twodies sitting on the couch; Felicia was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Was the coffee good?¡± Leah mocked while the corner of her lips curled upward.


    ¡°No, I threw it away,¡± Anastasia replied as she took a seat on the couch beside Leah. At this moment, the


    door was pushed open from outside.


    Felicia was seen standing at the door as she said to the man behind her, ¡°President Presgrave, this


    way.¡± All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Leah and her femalepanion both raised their heads in astonishment, only to see a dashing, slender


    figure walking into the room. At one nce, they were able to recognize the identity of that man-Elliot


    Presgrave, the president of Presgrave Corporation.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, it¡¯s such a pleasant surprise to see you here.¡± Leah immediately feigned politeness and


    greeted him with a smile.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Presgrave.¡± Herpanion¡¯s eyes were filled with excitement and admiration as well.


    They never thought that they would actually bump into the man that they rarely had the chance to meet.


    They were determined to put on their best behaviors to leave a deep impression on him.


    Elliot sat down on the couch. Beneath his thickshes were deep, unfathomable eyes that seemed to


    contain an air of dominance.


    ¡°Miss Hart, please apologize to my employee, Anastasia Tillman,¡± he snarled, ring at Leah with a


    piercing gaze.


    A stunned Leah immediately responded, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, perhaps you are unaware of the situation. The


    thing is, it was your employee who first breached the agreement, so she should be the one apologizing


    to me.¡±


    ¡°Considering the rtionship between my aunt and your parents, I¡¯m willing to let things slide as long as


    you apologize to her. Otherwise, your reputation will be tainted if we were to go through the legal


    process,¡± Elliot coldly refuted.


    She was astounded to hear that. Why would Elliot stand up for a mere insignificant employee like


    Anastasia?


    Anastasia, who was watching from the sideline, finally understood what Felicia had meant by ¡®lovely


    show¡¯. She turned to the man in front of her, who was emanating an intimidating presence. In fact, he


    didn¡¯t even dart a nce at her, yet he was upholding her interest.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, I-I have no idea what I did wrong, so why should I apologize?¡± Leah, of course, refused


    to back down and apologize, especially when the other party was Anastasia, her love rival.


    ¡°Firstly, you oppressed my employee at work; then, you took advantage of the situation to ckmail our


    company for liquidated damages;stly, your actions have greatly affected my employee¡¯s morale.¡±


    Leah was dumbfounded. She admitted the first two ims that Elliot had made, but how could she be


    responsible for the third im?


    ¡°I-I-I didn¡¯t! As a matter of fact, I have no ns in demandingpensation. After all, I genuinely wanted


    to customize a set of jewelry. How about I have a talk with your main person in-charge to get me another


    designer?¡± When she finally realized how serious the matter was, she tried to salvage the situation.


    ¡°Miss Hart, I think you still don¡¯t get what I meant. First of all, I need you to make an apology. Next, our


    company will never ept any orders from you again.¡± Elliot forcefully demanded an apology without


    giving her a chance to back down.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia stood at one side with her arms folded across her chest, waiting for Leah¡¯s


    apology.


    ¡°Miss Hart, it¡¯s better to think of the consequences before you bully others. For instance, it¡¯s unwise to


    order a coffee that costs over 5,000 on my behalf without my consent and then ask me to pay for the bill.


    After all, you don¡¯t know my taste and preference, so you gave me no choice but to throw away that cup


    of fine coffee.¡± Anastasia seized the opportunity to expose another evil deed that Leah hadmitted.

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    At that point, Leah was cracking her head to figure out a way to obtain Elliot¡¯s forgiveness. Therefore,


    when Anastasia suddenly added fuel to the fire, she couldn¡¯t help but secretly re at Anastasia.


    On the other hand, when Elliot heard Anastasia¡¯s words, the expression on his face became colder,


    which made Leah even more anxious.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Presgrave. It wasn¡¯t intentional. I thought that Miss Tillman would fancy that coffee.¡± Leah


    tried hard to save her own image. After all, Elliot was Nigel¡¯s cousin, so she couldn¡¯t afford to ruin her


    image in front of Elliot!


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia revealed a smile. ¡°Miss Hart, how about this-I¡¯m willing to let this slide as


    long as you apologize to me and return the money for the coffee to me.¡±


    Leah was really reluctant to ept her offer, but she was aware that Anastasia¡¯s suggestion could help


    her out of this embarrassing situation. Hence, she had no choice but to suppress her rage and nodded.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll apologize to you. Just forget about thepensation and I¡¯ll give you the money for the


    coffee.¡±


    Upon seeing that Anastasia had named her conditions, Elliot remained quiet and didn¡¯t raise any


    objections. Anastasia was seen taking out her phone and tapping on her phone to open the QR code


    that allowed her to receive payment. Then, Leah quickly used her phone to scan the code and transfer


    the 5,888.


    At the same time, she inhaled a deep breath and said, ¡°Miss Tillman, I¡¯m sorry. Please forgive my


    impoliteness.¡±


    Anastasia took her phone and confirmed that she had received the money before replying without raising


    her head. ¡°Okay, I forgive you.¡±


    When the man saw the woman eagerly checking the transfer with her head bowed, the coldness in his


    eyes was reced by a hint of affectionate smile. Her eyes are basically glued to the money.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, I¡¯m sorry to have taken up your precious time. I have something else to attend to. I shall


    take my leave.¡± Leah tugged her femalepanion beside her. They quickly pulled the door open andBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    fled the room for fear that they might offend the man if they were to stay for another second.


    Anastasia took her phone and gratefully nced at that man. ¡°President Presgrave, thank you for


    standing up for me.¡±


    ¡°Add another dish tonight.¡± He raised his eyebrow at her, gesturing at her that he preferred her to show


    her gratitude through actions.


    She suppressed herughter and said while standing at the door, ¡°Sure. How about two extra dishes?


    Will that be enough, President Presgrave?¡± Her words ended with a long tone, but she totally had no


    idea that it actually sounded especially enticing when she called his name like that. It resembled a


    feather that gently brushed across his heart.


    Elliot¡¯s heart skipped a beat, after which he replied with raised brows, ¡°Don¡¯t forget to cook more


    rice.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Anastasia, who was embarrassed to talk about this topic in the office, immediately pulled the door


    open and left.


    Although she had been pissed that day, the whole incident ended in a way that alleviated her anger.


    By that point, Leah, who had returned to her car, was so enraged that she mmed the steering wheel


    while her femalepanion sitting next to her had a look of displeasure. ¡°I wonder what Anastasia did


    that allowed her to get Elliot to stand up for him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely find a chance to get my revenge on her for the humiliation that I¡¯ve endured today.¡± Leah


    was so mad that she nearly fainted.


    Felicia dealt with the matter that involved Leah so well that nobody in the office knew that it was Elliot


    who actually took the initiative to set things straight for Anastasia. Otherwise, Anastasia would have


    made everyone burn in jealousy.


    In fact, Anastasia, who was carefree in character, wasn¡¯t bothered by that incident as well since she had


    gotten back her money. She had learned that she shouldn¡¯t allow things that had nothing to do with her


    to upy her time.


    At 3:00 PM, after having a few words with Felicia, Anastasia pushed open the door to her own office.


    Unexpectedly, she found Nigel sitting on her seat.


    Upon seeing that she had returned, Nigel spun around on the chair and shed a bright grin at her,


    revealing his dazzling, pearly white teeth.


    ¡°Why are you here? Are you done with the renovation work?¡± Anastasia asked as she walked into the


    room.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to check around and to pay you a visit and also to have dinner with you and Jared tonight.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Tonight?¡± Her heart leapt into her mouth as she had to cook dinner for Elliot that night.


    ¡°I¡¯m thirsty,¡± Nigel said, then he extended his hand to grab the ss of water on her desk. Anastasia¡¯s


    eyes widened. With speed as fast as lightning, she snatched the ss. ¡°You can¡¯t drink from my ss.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so stingy! Taking a sip won¡¯t hurt!¡± He bit his lips, looking as though he was hurt by her


    reaction.

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    While holding her own ss in her hand, Anastasia made an internal call and asked Grace to send over


    another ss of water.


    Something suddenly shed across Anastasia¡¯s mind. She didn¡¯t react much when Elliot had been using


    her ss at home all this while, so why did she react like this now? Why did she show such a huge


    reaction when all Nigel did was try to drink from her ss?


    ¡°Are you really eating with us at night?¡± Anastasia subconsciously asked as she sipped the water in her


    ss.


    Nigel elegantly sipped his water and answered, ¡°I have to treat you guys to a fancy meal.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then. I have some work to attend to. Please wait for me until I get off work.¡±


    He returned her seat to her, then he suddenly rose up when he thought about something. ¡°I¡¯m going over


    to look for Elliot. I¡¯ll see you in a while.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Anastasia replied, nodding with her chin propped on her hands.


    However, when Nigel was at the door, he abruptly looked back at the woman behind the desk.


    ¡°Anastasia, are you close with Elliot?¡±


    She reflexively responded, ¡°Not close. We are not close at all.¡±


    He smiled before he pushed the door open and left the room.


    Anastasia exhaled in relief as sheforted herself. Why do I feel like I¡¯m in a secret rtionship with


    Elliot? Why do I need to keep telling lies? Come to think about it, there¡¯s nothing between me and Elliot,


    so that¡¯s not considered a lie!


    She took her phone and texted the man. ¡®I¡¯m having dinner with Nigel and Jared tonight, so I won¡¯t be


    making dinner. After sending the message, she exhaled in relief at the thought of being able to rest for


    one night.


    At this moment, Felicia knocked on her door and entered her room while being followed by a youngdy


    behind her.


    ¡°Anastasia, you have a customer.¡±


    Although Anastasia had traumatic experiences with clients who requested customized products, she


    quickly rose to her feet politely to greet her, ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Miss Tillman, I have a friend who is interested in your designs. She wants to customize a ne for


    her boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°No problem. Please, have a seat. Why didn¡¯t your friende with you?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s abroad. She has no time to return, so she has asked me to meet you about the design.¡±


    Felicia and Anastasia exchanged nces before she hinted, ¡°The female customer who requested


    the custom-made jewelry said that she saw magazines that featured your designs when she was abroad.


    She really adores your style of design.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my friend saw magazines about you when she was abroad and has taken a liking to you.¡± Thedy


    smiled.


    The exnation cleared Anastasia¡¯s doubt. She had indeed been featured in magazines in which she


    had shared a few passages about her thoughts in jewelry design.


    ¡°My friend said that she wants to customize a pair of matching nes. The one that she ns to give


    her boyfriend will look like a lock, while the other one, which she will be wearing, will look like a key. Miss


    Tillman, you are free to design them as you wish, but she hopes to see the final product by the end of the


    month.¡±


    Anastasia blinked and looked up at Felicia, who carefully checked the calendar before responding, ¡°If


    you are able to prepare the design in three days, it¡¯s possible to see the final product by the end of the


    month.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try my best to prepare the draft in three days.¡± Anastasia promised.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. My friend hopes to have two English letters engraved on the lock, which are the initials of


    thest names of her and her boyfriend.¡±


    Anastasia immediately grabbed her notebook. ¡°Sure. What are the letters, though?¡±


    ¡°The initial of her boyfriend¡¯sst name is the letter ¡®P¡¯, while hers is the letter ¡®S¡¯. She wants a heart


    shaped design at the center of the lock.¡±


    ¡°Sure. No problem. I¡¯ll add that in the design.¡± Anastasia nodded. All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Great. How about the price?¡±


    Felicia chimed in, ¡°What¡¯s your friend¡¯s budget?¡±


    ¡°About 5 million.¡±


    Anastasia and Felicia exchanged nces. It seems like thisdy¡¯s friend is wealthy! That¡¯s a really


    handsome budget.


    ¡°I see. Please have faith in Miss Tillman. She will definitely present you with the best design. Besides,


    the materials that we will be using and our craftsmanship are no doubt one of the very best in the


    industry.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll first pay 2 million as a deposit on behalf of my friend, and the bnce will be paid after the final


    product is ready.¡±


    Thereafter, Felicia led thedy out of the office while Anastasia was suddenly very motivated. She never


    thought that such a generous order, which allowed her to obtain amission of 3 percent as well as a


    year-end bonus, would present itself to her. To her, this was certainly a small fortune.

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    When she was about to use her phone to do a calction, a message popped up on her screen. It was a


    message from Elliot.


    ¡®I¡¯ll deal with it. Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she saw his message. What does he mean?


    About ten minutes after Felicia had seen the female client out, she knocked on Anastasia¡¯s door and


    said, ¡°Anastasia, please try your best toe out with the design draft in three days¡¯ time, even if you


    have to work overtime. You must not let the client down.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll work overtime toe out with the draft,¡± Anastasia promised. The requested design elements


    happened to be those that she was skillful in, so the work wouldn¡¯t be much of a hassle for her.


    Felicia had faith in Anastasia¡¯s quality of work, so the former left after a short discussion.


    When Anastasia was staring at the sketch in an attempt to capture inspiration when it struck, Nigel was


    seen entering her office. He looked at her apologetically and muttered, ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯ll treat you and


    Jared to a meal another day. I have something else to attend to tonight.¡±


    Anastasia, who wasn¡¯t surprised at all to hear that, pursed her lips and shed a smile at him. ¡°No


    worries. We can always do that when you are free.¡±


    ¡°I just received the news that an overseaspany will be holding their team-building event in my hotel,


    so I have to rush back to attend a meeting,¡± Nigel exined in frustration, to which


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Anastasia responded, ¡°Please go ahead with your business. You have just taken over thepany; you


    must not disappoint your father.¡±


    Nigel felt helpless as well. He finally had the time to invite Anastasia to dinner, but the n was still


    ruined in the end.


    After seeing him off, Anastasia fell into a daze. Elliot actually made such a huge move just to eat my


    cooking? He actually gave Nigel the profit that could be generated from the team-building event of the


    overseaspany?


    Just then, herndline rang, and she picked up the call. ¡°Hello, who¡¯s on the line?¡±


    ¡°Has he left?¡± A sonorous voice rang from the other end of the line, leaving Anastasia speechless. She


    then questioned, ¡°Did you really have to drive him away?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Or were you looking forward to having dinner with him?¡± The man¡¯s voice from the other


    end suddenly took on a menacing edge.


    ¡°Alright! I¡¯ll go and buy some groceries tonight.¡± At that point, Anastasia had no choice but to go through


    the trouble of making him dinner.


    However, the man on the other end refused to give up. ¡°Answer my question.¡±


    Anastasia, however, chose to say something that would piss him off, probably because she didn¡¯t want


    him to be toocent. ¡°Yes, I was looking forward to it!¡±


    As soon as she said that, the call was ended by the other person, which obviously suggested that the


    man was enraged.


    Holding the beeping handset in her hand, Anastasia was stunned. Why is this man acting like a child


    who is always mad? Besides, who is he to be mad at me anyway?! I just can¡¯t seem to figure out what¡¯s


    going on in his mind. Nevertheless, she had no intention to figure it out anyway, because she had an


    urgent custom-made order that she had toplete at hand.


    Meanwhile, thedy who had just exited the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier soon arrived at the opposite


    street. She opened the car door of a red Ferrari and got into the vehicle. Hayley was seen sitting in the


    driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Did everything go well?¡± Hayley asked.


    ¡°Hayley, where did you get the money from? Are you really going to order a custom-made jewelry worth


    5 million?¡±


    i


    ¡°I-I¡¯m just helping a friend to make that order. It¡¯s not my money,¡± Hayley exined, but she couldn¡¯t help


    feeling conceited deep down.


    Anastasia certainly wouldn¡¯t expect that she would be designing matching couple nes for Elliot and


    Hayley. Thetter just couldn¡¯t wait to see Anastasia¡¯s reaction on the day Hayley went to collect the


    nes.


    ¡°You take a cab back. I have something else to do.¡± Hayley instructed thedy.


    Thatdy used to be Hayley¡¯s friend. At present, she left the car in satisfaction, holding the 2,000 that


    she had earned for her service.


    On the other hand, Hayley touched up her make up and picked up the dessert that she had bought


    before she contently alighted from the car. Then, she walked toward the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier.


    On the way there, she reached for her phone and gave a call to May. ¡°May, ask Anastasia to go to Elliot¡¯s


    office in five minutes. Just ask her to go there without telling her the purpose.¡±


    ¡°Sure, Miss Seymour!¡± May immediately agreed.


    When Hayley walked past the reception counter, the four receptionists instantly looked at her


    respectfully. ¡°Wee, Miss Seymour.¡±


    In response, Hayley revealed an elegant yet arrogant smile before she took an elevator and went straight


    to the president¡¯s office on the 8th floor.


    Meanwhile in the president¡¯s office, Elliot was finishing up his work so that he could get off work earlier to


    go grocery shopping with Anastasia.

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    Chapter 155


    At that moment, Rey knocked on the door from outside and reported, ¡°President Presgrave, Miss


    Seymour is here.¡±


    A frown appeared between Elliot¡¯s brows when he heard that. ¡°Let her in.¡±


    Thereafter, Hayley came in, shing a charming smile at him as she sweetly announced, ¡°Elliot, I¡¯ve


    brought you some refreshments.¡±


    As a matter of fact, she specially came at that time as she had nned to invite Elliot out for dinner.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t give me all these again. I don¡¯t like desserts,¡± Elliot muttered as he leaned his back against


    the chair. The white shirt on him made him seem like a celibate, and he lookednguid and charming at


    the moment.


    Hayley¡¯s heart started to race at that. No woman could resist such a dazzling and elegant man.


    And so, she walked toward Elliot step by step. Anastasia will be arriving at any moment now, Hayley


    thought to herself, as she had been keeping track of the time.


    Currently, Anastasia, who had been informed by May to go to Elliot¡¯s office, did not suspect anything and


    was on her way upstairs. She merely wondered to herself the reason the man wished to see her. Could it


    be that he is going to use work as an excuse to scold me? she pondered.


    Meanwhile, Hayley, who had arrived by Elliot¡¯s side, suddenly held her forehead and hissed.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Elliot rose up and examined her.


    Just then, Hayley seemed to hear the sound of ady¡¯s high heels tapping on the floor, and coupled with


    the fact that it was almost the time that she had expected, she pretended to scowl in pain. The very next


    second, she fell into Elliot¡¯s embrace.


    He supported her with his long arms, so she took the opportunity to wrap her arms around his waist.


    ¡°Elliot, I feel so dizzy¡­¡±


    ¡°Let me help you to the couch so that you can rest.¡± He attempted to keep his distance from her, but she


    tightened her arms around him and refused to let go. Then, she raised her head with her eyes shut and


    mumbled, ¡°Elliot, is there something in my eye? Could you check it for me? It hurts!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Elliot narrowed his eyes and leaned in to take a look.


    At that moment, the door of the president¡¯s office flung open. Anastasia didn¡¯t knock the door before she


    opened it, as she thought that Elliot would be waiting to have a word with her.


    As soon as the door was opened, what came into view was a man and a woman intimately hugging each


    other. Elliot leaned in at Hayley¡¯s face, while thetter raised her head with her eyes shut, as if she was


    eagerly waiting for the man¡¯s kiss.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened. In the end, she stared at them for a couple of seconds before she calmly


    said, ¡°Sorry for intruding. Please carry on.¡±


    With that, she turned on her heel and mmed the door behind her before she left.


    All that had happened in mere seconds, and it was so fast that Elliot didn¡¯t manage to return to his


    senses. When he finally made sense of the situation, he immediately released his grip on Hayley¡¯s


    shoulder. Forcefully removing her arms that were around his waist, he urgently dered to her, ¡°I¡¯ll get


    Rey to send you to the hospital.¡±


    Thereafter, Elliot pushed her away from him. It wasn¡¯t a hard push, in fact, but Hayley went along with


    the force and deliberately fell and slumped on the floor.


    ¡°Ah!¡± she shrieked.


    Elliot, who had barely arrived at the door withrge strides, looked behind and saw that Hayley had


    fallen. He clenched his fists, but he still turned back to help her up.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Ou


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Elliot, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Hayley asked, intentionally feigning innocence.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± he replied, then used thendline andmanded, ¡°Rey,e over.¡±


    Soon, Rey knocked on the door and entered the room, and Elliot ordered, ¡°Send Miss Seymour to the


    hospital for a checkup and then send her home.¡±


    For Hayley, her n had seeded since she had reached her goal. The scene earlier must have made


    Anastasia misunderstand that Elliot was going to kiss me!


    ¡°Elliot, I want to have dinner with you,¡± Hayley mumbled begrudgingly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not avable tonight. Let¡¯s have dinner some other time.¡± After he said that, he grabbed his phone


    that was on the desk and hurriedly strode out. He seemed to be in a fluster.


    Before long, Elliot showed up at the Department of Design. When he arrived at Anastasia¡¯s office, he


    saw that her seat was empty, so he asked Grace, who was outside, ¡°Where¡¯s Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Miss Tillman just got off work early. Is there anything you need from her, President Presgrave?¡± Grace


    asked nervously.


    Elliot remained impassive and he casually replied, ¡°No.¡±


    Then, he strode off and he used his phone to give a certain woman a call on his way out.


    At that moment, Anastasia was in a cab on the way to pick up her son. Upon hearing her phone ringing,


    she took her phone and nced at the screen. The corner of her lips curling upward, she snorted and


    decided to not pick up the call.

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    Chapter 156


    The man stopped calling her when he failed to reach her with the first call. As Anastasia gazed at the


    bustling streets outside the window, she could not help but recall the image that she had seen earlier.


    There¡¯s nothing going on between Elliot and me, so who he wants to share a kiss with should have


    nothing to do with me. Nheless, why am I feeling so mad for no reason? What¡¯s wrong with him


    kissing Hayley? Plus, they have even done things that are more intimate than kissing, or perhaps it¡¯s


    Hayley who has been satisfying all his serual desires all along. Otherwise, it would be abnormal for a 29-


    year-old man like him to not have any needs at all. Hence, Anastasia concluded that Hayley was Elliot¡¯s


    current bedmate.


    D*mn! How dare he force his kiss on me if that¡¯s the case?! I¡¯m so pissed right now!


    When Anastasia picked her son up from the kindergarten, the little boy poked his head out from behind


    her. Taking a look around, he raised his little head to her and asked, ¡°Mommy, where¡¯s Mr. Presgrave?


    Why is he not here?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s noting tonight. He has something else he needs to take care of,¡± Anastasia exined as she


    led Jared by his hand and walked out of the schoolpound. Just then, the boy¡¯s eyes lit up in


    excitement. He broke away from her grip and cried, ¡°Mommy, you lied to me! Mr. Presgrave is here!¡±


    After he said that, he dashed in a direction. At that, Anastasia turned to look and spotted Elliot¡¯s imposing


    figure.


    From a dozen meters away, she was able to feel the sharp stare from his eyes that was as dark as night.


    Her expression fell and she stared back at him.


    Doesn¡¯t he have a date with Hayley? Why is he here now?


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave!¡± The little boy ran up to the man and jumped at him, and Elliot quickly spread his arms


    and picked the boy up in a movement that seemed particrly natural.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, Mommy said that you are very busy so you couldn¡¯te!¡± Jared said as he cocked his


    head to one side.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stille and pick you up from school no matter how busy I am.¡± After Elliot said that, he extended


    his hand and caressed the boy¡¯s head. ¡°Let¡¯s get in the car.¡±


    Elliot knew that as long as he got the boy into the car, Anastasia would definitely follow along. Also, he


    had fixed something special in his car that day-a child car seat.


    Anastasia initially nned to get Jared to take the cab together with her, but upon seeing him enter


    Elliot¡¯s car, she had no choice but to walk over to them.


    ¡°I thought that you had a date? Why are you here then?¡± she muttered with a cold chuckle.


    Instead of answering her, Elliot closed the door of the back seat and darted a cold look at her before he


    questioned in dissatisfaction, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you pick up my call?¡±


    ¡°Did you call me? I didn¡¯t hear it.¡± Anastasia lied smoothly and she did not even blink.


    Elliot knew that she didn¡¯t pick up his call on purpose, yet there was nothing he could do but exin, ¡°It


    was a misunderstanding. Something got into Hayley¡¯s eye and I was just helping her to check her eye.¡±


    However, Anastasia found his exnation ridiculous. ¡°President Presgrave, why are you exining it to


    me? There¡¯s nothing for me to misunderstand since I don¡¯t care what sort of rtionship you have with


    Hayley.¡± At that, she shed a bright smile at him.


    Elliot¡¯s expression was stiff when he heard that, and his gaze was as dark as night. At the moment, he


    was in an awful mood as frustration bubbled up inside him.


    ¡°Anastasia, let me repeat myself-Hayley and I are merely friends,¡± Elliot suddenly held her arms and


    announced in a domineering manner.


    ¡°President Presgrave, why are you exining it so clearly to me? Your rtionship with Hayley has


    nothing to do with me at all.¡± Anastasia scoffed in response, her gaze on him cold.


    With that, she forcefully broke away from his grip, pulled open the car door to the back seat and entered


    the car.


    Throughout the drive, Elliot chatted with the boy. He asked what ss Jared had had in the day, what he


    had had for lunch and even what he had done in the afternoon. Throughout, Jared happily answered all


    the questions.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia looked outside the window with her arms folded across her chest, thinking about


    what to cook that night. Then, she said to Elliot, ¡°Let¡¯s buy some groceries at the mini market below myBelongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    apartment.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± he responded as he nced at her with his bottomless eyes from the rear mirror. Coincidentally,


    she happened to look into the mirror, so their gazes met.


    Upon seeing that, Anastasia immediately turned away as she was reluctant to meet his eyes.

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    After a ten minute drive, they arrived at her ce. Stopping the car, Anastasia then handed the keys to


    Elliot as she said, ¡°Go on and take Jared home first. I¡¯ll go buy some groceries by myself.¡±


    With the keys in his possession, Elliot then took Jared by the hand and walked to the entrance of the


    community.


    At the supermarket beside the residence, Anastasia was choosing the vegetables until she saw the


    green chillies. She suddenly craved some stir fry pork, as well as roasted peppers and sea bass.


    Except for her son¡¯s steamed eggs, which would not be spicy, the other dishes tonight would all be


    vorful, with chillies as the main star of the show. The only thing now was that she did know if the


    tyrannical president would like it or not, even though she herself would enjoy it very much.


    After finishing the shopping, Anastasia, who was in a good mood, also bought some fruits on her way


    home. Reaching home, she noticed Elliot was ying with Jared using toy blocks. When she set down


    the washed fruits on the table, Anastasia noticed that the man was drinking out of her cup again.


    Annoyed, she then med herself for forgetting to buy disposable cups.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to cook now.¡± With that, she went into the kitchen.


    While cooking, she kept getting choked by the smell of the chillies. However, she knew that the food


    would be amazing. After an hour, Anastasia set the meal on the table, and they all looked green and red


    due to the chilies. The stinging smell of the chilies made Jared sneeze multiple times.


    ¡°Time to eat.¡± She called to the two, who were sitting on the sofa.


    Standing up, Elliot was visibly shocked upon the sight of the food on the table, but he did not grumble


    about it. After sitting down, they all then started to eat when Jared muttered with a pout, ¡°Mommy, all the


    dishes tonight are super spicy!¡±


    Laughing, Anastasia then exined to him, ¡°It¡¯s because Mommy loves spicy food!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, do you like spicy stuff?¡± Jared asked curiously, his head tilted.


    Smiling, the man replied, ¡°I like it.¡±


    With a hint of mischief in her eyes, Anastasia then proceeded to serve Elliot two roasted peppers. ¡°If that


    is the case, President Presgrave, do help yourself.¡±


    Elliot looked at the peppers in his bowl and his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed a little, clearly showing that this


    was beyond him.


    ¡°Do eat up!¡± Anastasia urged.


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    As she was closely watching him, Elliot had no choice but to bite into it. Although he was obviously


    affected by the spiciness, he chose not to voice it out.


    In a sh, Anastasia had already put a big chunk of fish into his te and murmured, ¡°Come, President


    Presgrave. This is a spicy sea bass. It¡¯s very delicious, you know.¡±


    Knowing that she was harboring bad intentions and was out to get him, Elliot did not reject her. Instead,


    he earnestly ate the food she offered. Meanwhile, Anastasia, who liked spicy food, obviously had a great


    meal.


    There was a slight blush on Elliot¡¯s face that was rather unusual, and he looked as if he had been


    drinking. Due to the thinyer of sweat that had umted on his forehead, it was obvious that this


    was caused by the spiciness of the meal.


    That night, probably out of the sheer heat from the food, he had two helpings of steamed egg. After


    Anastasia had cleaned up the table, Jared then went off to finish his homework.


    Finishing washing the dishes, she was then greeted by the sight of Elliot chugging water out of her cup,


    obviously still reeling from the effects of the spices.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting quitete, so you should get going now!¡± Anastasia said to the man who was sitting on the


    sofa.


    Elliot only peered at her in response while telling her in a low tone, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Blinking, she asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Holding up his phone, he handed it over to her. ¡°See for yourself.¡±


    Curioused, Anastasia walked over and took his phone to look at the recording from the surveince, as


    Hayley¡¯s voice transmitted clearly from the speaker. ¡°Elliot, I think that something got into my eyes. Can


    you check for me? It hurts!¡±


    Looking at the video, Anastasia saw Hayley shutting her eyes, with Elliot leaning forward to check her


    eyes. This was the exact scene Anastasia witnessed in person; it


    was just that she had missed Hayley¡¯s words.


    So, the truth was this man was only really helping her to check if something got into her eyes? Why


    would her eyes hurt the moment I opened the door? Also, why would Elliot call me to his office when


    Hayley was already there?

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you send someone in the afternoon to summon me to your office?¡± Anastasia asked the man on


    the sofa.


    Frowning, Elliot replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    Immediately, she remembered that it was Grace who came to ry the message. But where did she get


    the orders from? Obviously, this was nned to make the situation look like a coincidence.


    Sneering deep down, Anastasia already knew that this was another one of Hayley¡¯s ploys.


    Still sitting on the sofa, Elliot asked with his seductive low voice, ¡°Do you still need me to exin all to


    you again?¡±


    Giving his phone back to him, Anastasia noticed that his pale skin was unnaturally flushed. Paired with a


    sweat-covered forehead, the usually stern looking Elliot looked a bit weak under the light.


    ¡°A-Are you alright?¡± Anastasia asked guiltily. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s because of the spicy food tonight!


    ¡°My stomach hurts.¡± Covering his stomach with his big hand, he then added strugglingly, ¡°It¡¯s fine,


    though. It¡¯s still bearable.¡±


    Frightened, Anastasia kneeled by the man in panic as she asked hurriedly, ¡°Does it hurt a lot? Do you


    want to go to the hospital? If you have stomach problems, why did you eat all that spicy food just now?


    You could¡¯ve just told me! Why are you so dumb?!¡±


    Anastasia was panicking and she could no longer think straight, as she med herself and him for not


    voicing this fact out.


    Seeing her in this state, Elliot chuckled after admiring this scene in front of him for a while. ¡°If I didn¡¯t eat


    all that, how would you have forgiven me?¡±


    Feeling her chest tighten, Anastasia knew that it was indeed her fault as she made all those spicy food


    on purpose.


    ¡°Then what should we do now? Should we go to the hospital?¡± She looked at him guiltily.


    ¡°No need. There¡¯s a pharmacy at the entrance of themunity, so just get me a box of stomach


    medicine from there.¡± After saying that, Elliot handed over the empty cup to her. ¡°And I¡¯ll have to trouble


    you for another cup of warm water.¡±


    After refilling the cup with warm water and passing it to him, Anastasia then rushed out with her bag and


    keys.


    In the elevator, she was greatly regretting her actions. I shouldn¡¯t have pranked him like this! How was I


    supposed to know that he had a weak stomach?


    Thinking about it, a workaholic like him having stomach problems was not out of the ordinary. However, it


    didn¡¯t show because he took care of his body daily. It was due to the spiciness of the food tonight and the


    amount that she fed him that the ugly head of his stomach pains reared itself as a result.


    Let¡¯s just get the medicine as fast as possible! If it really doesn¡¯t work, I can ask Rey toe and take


    him to the hospital.


    And so, Anastasia rushed home after buying the medicine. However, when she opened the door, she


    was met with the sight of Elliot clutching his stomach. He looked as if he was in agony at that moment.


    ¡°I¡¯ve bought some medicine for you. Here, take two of these.¡± With that, she then saw that the


    instructions was actually to take three, so she took out three pills before giving it to Elliot. ¡°Just take it


    first! If it really doesn¡¯t work out, I¡¯ll call for Rey toe and take you to the hospital.¡±


    Elliot took the pills and swallowed it with the help of some water. Lying on the sofa, he then said, ¡°There¡¯s


    no need for that. I just have to rest for a while.¡±


    A panicked Anastasia was drenched in sweat, as she had run back and forth from the pharmacy.


    Looking deeply at her, the man was secretly quite happy inside due to her showing such concern for him.


    As expected, this woman cares about me.


    Yet, he was mistaken. The reason why Anastasia was in such a panic was only because she was trying


    to make up for the fact that she caused his stomach to ache.


    After all, she wasn¡¯t at peace with the fact that she harmed him.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t need to go to the hospital? There¡¯s one quite nearby, you know?¡± Still worried,


    Anastasia asked as she did not want him to suffer any longer.


    I¡¯m not as fragile as you think. I¡¯ll be fine after bearing with it for a moment.¡± With that, Elliot kept sipping


    from her cup from time to time.


    Rxing for a bit, she finally sat down onto the sofa while she breathed out. Then, she said guilty, ¡°You


    should¡¯ve told me that you can¡¯t stomach spicy food! Also, you should¡¯ve told me earlier that you have


    stomach issues. Otherwise, I would¡¯ve had¡­¡±


    Meanwhile Elliot was starting topile all the things that had taken ce. Why did she prank me? Is it


    because she saw the scene where I was blowing on Hayley¡¯s eyes? Did Anastasia think that I was going


    to kiss Hayley? Is that the reason why she¡¯s angry? Is it out of jealousy that she pranked me? Can it be


    that Anastasia has fallen in love with me?This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    ¡°Anastasia, did you think that I was going to kiss Hayley?¡± Elliot asked, wanting to know her real


    thoughts.


    Bing distant as soon as she heard the name ¡®Hayley¡¯ or anything to do with the woman, Anastasia


    smirked in response. ¡°Whether you two kiss or not is your business.¡±


    Meanwhile, Elliot did not want Anastasia to get off scot free for her behavior this afternoon, so he ressed,


    ¡°Then could you exin why you clocked off work early, ignoring my calls and prepared all this spicy


    food to prank me? Is it because you are jealous?¡±


    Stunned by his words, Anastasia thenughed. ¡°Was I? The reason why I got off work early was


    because I thought the both of you were going on a date together, so I came in advance to pick Jared up.


    I didn¡¯t pick up your calls because I didn¡¯t hear my phone go off, and the reason why the table today was


    full of spicy food was because I was in the mood for something spicy. President Presgrave, you¡¯re


    overthinking all this!¡±


    Upon hearing that, the man was struck speechless.


    Not wishing to continue this conversation any longer, Anastasia, who only realized that it was fast


    approaching 9 PM after looking at the clock, could only chase him out. ¡°President Presgrave, it¡¯s getting


    quitete now, so you should really leave.¡±


    However, Elliot hinted that he wanted to stay for a bit longer and he murmured, ¡°But I just took my meds,


    so I can¡¯t drive for the time being. I¡¯m afraid that I might feel sleepy behind the wheel.¡±


    ¡°How about letting Reye to pick you up? Or any of your bodyguards or assistants for that matter,¡±


    Anastasia muttered as she knew that Elliot had loads of people that could help him out.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I even rest for a while longer afternding in such a state by your hands?¡± he grumbled.


    His words made Anastasia¡¯s face flush. And so, she could only reply in resignation, ¡°Alright, then. Take a


    rest here. I¡¯ll go bathe Jared and tuck him in now.¡±


    ¡°Just go do what you have to. I¡¯ll be here.¡± With that, Elliot then gave her the cup again. ¡°I¡¯ll have to


    trouble you again for another cup of water.¡±


    Standing up, she then went to pour some water for him before seeking Jared out and giving him a bath.


    The child, who was oblivious as to what happened outside his room, was ted upon seeing Elliot still


    around. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, are you sleeping over at my home today?¡±


    ¡°Of course not! He¡¯s just a bit tired and is just resting for a short while,¡± Anastasia exined to her son.


    In the end, Jared grunted forlornly and went to the bathroom with a disappointed expression.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    After more than ten minutes of giving Jared a bath, Anastasia then led him to his bed. On the way to his


    room, the boy said goodnight to Elliot.


    As Jared had a rather fixed lifestyle, he fell asleep in no time. Covering him with a nket, Anastasia


    discovered that the man on the sofa was gone after she came out.


    Did he leave already?


    She was quite happy, as this meant that she could finally take a shower and rest. In all honesty, she was


    a bit ufortable with his presence.


    However, when she started to tidy up the living room, she suddenly found Elliot¡¯s car keys still on the


    table.


    Did he identally leave it here? She also found his phone lying on the sofa, and this led her to doubt if


    she had bought the wrong medicine, making him so dazed that he actually forgot about his car keys and


    phone.


    Did he leave everything here?


    In a hurry, she looked at the box and noted that it was indeed medicine for treating stomach pains.


    At that, a thought shed across her mind. Looking at the door to her room, she then quickly stood up


    and entered her room. The sight that greeted her blew her mind.


    Currently, she was looking at Elliot lying on his side on her bed, sleeping soundly.


    Walking up to the man, she could only observe him. At that moment, he was breathing rhythmically and


    his expression was calm, suggesting that he really was asleep.


    ¡°Elliot, wake up. Sleep at your own home.¡± Reaching out, Anastasia pushed his arm.


    Seeing him not wake up, she impulsively reached out two fingers to test his breathing. It was very stable


    and natural, and it turned out that he really was asleep.


    She had remembered the pharmacist saying that this kind of medicine would make people drowsy after


    they took it. Is it really that effective?


    Sighing, Anastasia was at a loss on what to do next. Should I just let him use the bed, or should I chase


    him out?


    She witnessed how greatly Elliot was acting up because of his stomach pains, so it would seem


    heartless of her if she were to chase him out now. However, where would she sleep if she continued to


    let him be?

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    Naturally, she could also choose to sleep in her son¡¯s room. That being said, how could she let some


    man upy her bed just like that? Even if the man in question had a stunning face and was handsome


    beyond belief, she still did not want him sleeping there.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Alright, alright! I¡¯ll let you sleep here for this night only.¡± With her hands on her hips, Anastasia gave in in


    the end.


    Leaving her room to go take a shower, she knew that she could only share a bed with Jared tonight. And


    so, after bathing, Anastasia had on pajamas as she made her way to her son¡¯s room.


    However, as if she was being lured, she went to her room to look in on Elliot, fearing that he might be


    ufortable or that the air conditioner might be too cold, causing him to catch a cold.


    Adjusting the temperature to 27 degrees, she then wanted to cover him with her nket, seeing how he


    doesn¡¯t have one on.


    Swiftly, the man who was still asleep the second prior suddenly opened his eyes and tugged on her arm.


    Anastasia was then hugged tightly by him and she fell into his embrace. The very next second, Elliot


    pinned her down hard.


    Their lovey-dovey position made Anastasia lift her head in anger, and she stared into his deep eyes


    which threatened to suck her in. ¡°Elliot Presgrave, let go of me! Don¡¯t be an a*shole!¡± she warned.


    ¡°What did I do to make you call me that?¡± Smirking, the man then held her face up with his hand and


    went in for a kiss, leaving no room for her to avoid him.


    It was very conflicting for Anastasia when she was being kissed by Elliot. Although she resisted it, she


    was also slowly epting it.


    She just came out of the shower and she smelled very nice, so much so that even her breathing was


    sweet. To Elliot, this was like opening a huge present. Of course, he still had his wits around him and did


    not try to cross the line.


    In the end, the kiss made Anastasia lose control as the strength left her body. With the man eventually


    stopping his kissing, he looked at the panting and flushed woman, andughed charismatically. ¡°Did you


    like that?¡±


    ¡°Get away¡­ from me¡­¡± Not holding herself back, she pushed him away. ¡°I think you¡¯re all fine now, so


    you should quickly leave.¡±


    Yet, Elliot just instead continued to lie down on the bed. With a sleepy gaze, he murmured, Tm tired now.


    I can¡¯t drive.¡±


    ¡°Stop pretending,¡± Anastasia rebuked, not believing an ounce of what he said.


    ¡°Are you going to be responsible if anything happens to me on the way home?¡± Using his arm as a


    support, Elliot looked utterly delectable as he peered back at her.


    Feeling her breath hitch, Anastasia quickly turned away. ¡°I¡¯ll let you stay tonight. Tomorrow you¡¯ll be


    leaving first thing in the morning.¡±


    With that, Anastasia quickly shut the door and left for her son¡¯s room.


    That night, she could not sleep a wink at all with her brain being upied by Elliot from time to time.


    That kiss had jumbled all her thoughts, and her body would feel a jolt of electricity every time she thought


    about Elliot for more than two seconds.


    Her thought ever since five years ago of staying well from men seemed to have lost all effectiveness


    when she faced him. What is going on?


    It was not until it got veryte that Anastasia became so tired she fell asleep. When she was still


    somewhat unconscious, she vaguely heard her son¡¯s excited voice. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you really stayed


    over!¡±


    Hearing this, Anastasia immediately opened her eyes and flung open the covers. Opening the door, she


    saw Jared already dressed for school, while Elliot sat next to him, packing up the boy¡¯s bag.


    ¡°Are¡­ you going to send Jared to school?¡± Anastasia asked, her gaze remaining sleepy.


    Raising his head, Elliot felt like something was tugging at his heartstrings when he murmured, ¡°Did you


    not sleepst night?¡±


    ¡°I did. I slept super soundlyst night!¡± Anastasia retorted forcefully, but her puffy eyes told another story.


    ¡°Just go back to sleep. I¡¯ll send Jared to school.¡± At that point, Elliot had already finished preparing and


    was ready to send the boy to school.


    Knowing that she herself did not sleep well, she just nodded in response. ¡°Alright, then. Please take the


    trouble to send him to his ss.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Smirking, Elliot held Jared by the hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Jared.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Mommy!¡± Jared then held Elliot¡¯s hand and they went out.


    Knowing that she had a rare moment of sleeping in, Anastasia thought for a moment before thinking that


    her bed would be morefortable. In the end, she went back to sleep in her own bed.

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    After sending Jared to school, Elliot did not go back to thepany. Instead, he bought breakfast and


    returned to Anastasia¡¯s home.


    He still had the key to the house that Anastasia gave him.


    With the breakfast in his hands, Elliot shot a look into the master room through the open doorway. Upon


    seeing the owner of the house bundled up in a nket, he smiled before he walked out.


    If Anastasia knew Elliot would be admiring her sleeping posture, she would¡¯ve slept in a more better


    looking position. At that moment, she looked like a tame kitten that was sleeping soundly, and she would


    adjust into a different sleeping position every now and then.


    Even the man himself did not notice that his gaze upon her was extremely gentle, and there was


    nostalgia in his eyes when he looked at her.


    Meanwhile, the sleeping woman was lying on the bed with all her limbs stretched out. The sun shone on


    her face, showing off her perfect skin and red lips, and it made her look very seductive.


    This made Elliot want to bite into her as he was eager to know how she tasted.


    Currently, Anastasia was wearing low-cut pajamas and her corbone were exposed, making the man


    gulp unconsciously as his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed.


    Although Elliot was always calm and collected, he fell apart in front of the woman. She always had a way


    of making his heart go haywire.


    In the end, he decided to just not look at her, since he was very confident that she would belong to him


    sooner orter.


    With that thought, Elliot stood up and left.


    Anastasia¡¯s biological clock would always wake her up as she did not have a habit of sleeping in.


    However, it was the ring horning from the cars outside that truly made her feel awake in the end.


    Opening her eyes, she then spaced out for a bit before getting out of bed. Slowly, she washed her face


    and brushed her teeth. Walking out of her room to get a ss of water, she was scared out of her wits by


    the man sitting on her sofa.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Anastasia stared at him wide-eyed, a hint of anger in her gaze as she questioned, ¡°Why did you


    come back?!¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°I brought breakfast for you.¡± Elliot replied with raised eyebrows.


    Looking back at the door to her room, she found it to be wide open. So, was he in a position where he


    could simply look in on her whenever he wanted?


    Did he actually look at how I slept?


    Yet, Anastasia already knew the answer to this obvious question. It was evident that Elliot had done so.


    Did I drool in my sleep? Was I sleeping in a shameless position? Was I sleeptalking?!


    For reasons unbeknownst to her, Anastasia started to blush. Looking down, she was relieved upon


    seeing she still had on normal looking pajamas. Coughing lightly, she then said, ¡°You can leave now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you to finish breakfast, then we can go to thepany together.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll just take a cab. You don¡¯t need to wait for me.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m willing to wait,¡± Elliot said in his low seductive voice without a hint of waver


    to it.


    Frowning, Anastasia thought, Does he really think that this is his home? Why is he staying at this


    cramped three room apartment when he has a literal mansion he can live in?


    Because she was famished, she walked to the table before starting to eat the breakfast he brought her.


    Looking at the man sitting opposite to her, Anastasia pretended to be concerned as she asked, ¡°Have


    you eaten?¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± Elliot said as he nced at her.


    ¡°What about your stomach? Is it any better?¡± When Anastasia asked him about this, she prayed that it


    had better not get worse. Otherwise, she would feel guilt to no end.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine now. Please take more care of my stomach from now on, Miss Tillman.¡± The man said this with a


    snort and it was obvious that he was upset about yesterday¡¯s events.


    Guiltily, Anastasia replied, ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll watch out from now on.¡±


    Satisfied, Elliot smiled before stating, ¡°Miss Tillman, you have a very adorable


    sleeping posture.¡±


    ¡°Y-You are not toe into my bedroom from now on without my permission. That is my private space,


    understand?¡± Using her rights as the owner, she warned him.


    Raising his eyebrows, Elliot answered herzily, ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t enter it from now


    on.¡±


    Not believing him that easily, Anastasia snorted in response. ¡°You better keep your word.¡±


    After breakfast, Anastasia chose to ride in his car but upon getting into his car, she found out that it was


    already 9.20 AM. Goodness, my full attendance for this month is gone again!

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    Catching her sighing, Elliot, who was sitting beside her, asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Because of you, my full attendance bonus is gone now.¡± Anastasia med Elliot in its entirety; she


    wouldn¡¯t have been sleepless if it weren¡¯t for him sleeping at her housest night.


    If she hadn¡¯t been sleepless, she wouldn¡¯t have missed the slot to arrive at work on time.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°Are you that short on money?¡± he asked in an amused voice.


    ¡°Of course I am! Do you think everybody¡¯s pockets are bursting at the seams with money like you? Us


    common folk spend every penny carefully, you know!¡± Anastasia rebuked.


    Upon hearing that, Elliot wanted to make up for it, so he announced, ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell them to include your


    full attendance bonus for this month.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s mood immediately turned for the better as she grinned ear to ear. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    Elliot nodded and he hummed in response.


    She was really over the moon now. Looking outside the car window, Anastasia could only think about the


    deal of the custom set of lock and key that would cost five million. With the deadline being the day after


    tomorrow, she had to quicklye up with a design.


    Reaching the underground car park of thepany, Anastasia ran the moment she got out of the car,


    because she did not want to get into the same elevator with a certain individual. After locking his car,


    Elliot snorted upon seeing the woman, who was still standing at the hallway of the elevator, disappear.


    Already reaching her office, Anastasia then called Grace on thepany line.


    ¡°Grace, could youe in for a moment?¡±


    Thinking that she wanted coffee, Grace came in with a cup in her hands. ¡°Miss Tillman, here¡¯s your


    coffee. I added some creamer for you today, since you said that it was too bitterst time.¡±


    Touched, Anastasia nodded as a reply. However, she still had to ask the necessary question.


    ¡°Grace, who was it that told you the president wanted to see me?¡± Anastasia asked seriously.


    Blinking, Grace then thought about it for a while before answering, ¡°It was Alex from the nning


    Department that told me about it. She walked over to my desk with some documents in hand and told me


    that. Then, I ryed it to you immediately.¡±


    ¡°Did she tell you about who told her to do that?¡±


    Shaking her head, Grace replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask. Do you want me now?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia could only give up. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I was just asking because the


    president wasn¡¯t in his office when I went over yesterday.¡±


    It seemed like Hayley had nted her people deep enough to be able to use any assistant to inform


    Anastasia about this. Thetter believed that the person called Alex was also being used by someone.


    As for who it was, it was possible to find the mastermind behind this if Anastasia really wanted to.


    However, not wishing to spook the individual and alerting them, she could onlyfort herself by


    keeping a lookout for these kinds of things in the future.


    Diving deep into designing, she first drafted up two drawings, one being the lock and the other being the


    key. A lot of couples liked this kind of concept, as the man¡¯s heart often represented the lock, with it


    needing a gentle touch of the woman in the form of a key for the two parties topletely ept each


    other.


    Because Anastasia had a very good inspiration, she got off to a smooth start andpleted two detailed


    drawings. Instead of the normal sharp looking lock, the design of the lock was extremely exquisite with


    its smooth edges. Meanwhile, the key had an oval handle, and the bottom was thin. It had beautiful


    carvings on it, making it stand out.


    Remembering the customer specifying about their initials, she then designed a logo at the side. It was an


    E and H, with a heart linking the two alphabets together.


    Now that the rough draft was ready, Anastasia then started to draw them out on herputer, adding


    color and changing the details at the same time.


    Suddenly, Grace knocked on her door. Pushing it open, she was seen apanied by a worker, who


    had a beautiful bouquet in his hands as he asked, ¡°Are you Miss


    Tillman? These are for you.¡±


    Upon seeing the flowers, Anastasia knew that it was from Nigel. It looked like he ignored her statement


    of not giving her any flowers.


    ¡°Thank you. Please ce them on the sofa,¡± Anastasia murmured with a smile.


    After ten minutes, Grace knocked on her door once again. ¡°Miss Tillman, there are flowers for you


    again.¡±


    After saying that, another employee from a different florist then came in with a huge bouquet of roses


    that were obviously imported. The flowers themselves looked heavenly, and it was as if they had just


    been freshly plucked.

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    At that moment, Anastasia stood up abruptly and she stared incredulously at the two bouquets of flowers


    that were sent within the short span of ten minutes. Why did Nigel send two bouquets today?


    And so, she stood up and walked to stand in front of the rose bouquet. Suddenly, she realized that there


    was a card attached to the flowers, so she reached out to retrieve it. It turned out that there was a


    sinct sentence on the card-¡®I hope that there will be a favorable oue for my patience!


    Meanwhile, it was signed with thest name Pesgrave, with the date written below.


    Anastasia¡¯s beautiful eyes widened and she couldn¡¯t believe it as she looked at the signature. There was


    only one man that she knew who had thatst name Pesgrave. Could it be from him?!


    Shortly after that, she walked to stand in front of the table and took thendline. Next, she dialed the


    number to the president¡¯s office. However, no one answered the phone.


    She refused to give up, so she took out her cell phone and dialed his number once again.


    ¡°Hello.¡± The low, baritone voice that rang out was quite melodious to the ears.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia didn¡¯t beat around the bush and she posed the question directly. ¡°Did you send


    me a bouquet of flowers?¡±


    ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being stupid. Don¡¯t do that again.¡± She kept her eyes on the two bouquets of flowers on the


    couch as she wondered how to deal with them.


    ¡°You love the flowers that Nigel sent you, but you¡¯re actually disgusted by the ones I sent?¡± The man on


    the other end of the line voiced out frustratedly.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia was at a loss for words. ¡°Why are youparing yourself to him? He¡¯s my


    friend but you¡¯re my boss. Why did you send me flowers?¡±


    ¡°I like sending you flowers, so I¡¯ll do as I please. The choice is yours whether to ept it or not.¡± After


    Elliot finished his sentence, he immediately hung up on her.


    Feeling slightly shocked, Anastasia nced at the phone in her hands. This was the second time she


    was hung up on and shemented to herself, This guy¡¯s mood is quite unpredictable.


    Shortly after that, Grace sent some documents into the room. As soon as she noticed the two bouquets


    on the couch, she couldn¡¯t help going forward to admire them. ¡°Wow! It¡¯s so pretty! These roses are


    imported and even a single stalk of it is quite pricey, not to mention that there are about thirty stalks in


    this bouquet!¡±


    ¡°You can have it. Use it to essorize the vase on your desk if you like.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Can I really take two stalks with me?¡± Grace asked joyfully.


    ¡°Yup. It willst a couple more days in a vase. If anyone else likes some, share it with them too. Just take


    the whole thing with you.¡±


    ¡°Wow! Anastasia, you¡¯re awesome! Thanks! I¡¯ll take it and share with everyone else then.¡± Grace took


    the huge bouquet of roses and walked out to distribute it to the others.


    Indeed, in no time at all, the huge bouquet was disassembled and distributed to everyone. Subsequently,


    the entire office got to know that Anastasia¡¯s admirer had gifted her with some imported roses.


    Everyone spected that it must be a man from a well-to-do family.


    In the afternoon, there was a weekly meeting, so Felicia knocked on the door to Anastasia¡¯s office and


    popped inside to have a chat with her. As they spoke, Felicia suddenly leaned forward and shot a


    secretive look at Anastasia. ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯ve got a request. Could you help me with something?¡±


    ¡°Anything, Felicia.¡± Evidently, Anastasia was willing to help if she could.


    ¡°Well, the thing is, we¡¯re in discussions toe up with another snack area. We¡¯ve discussed this


    together and everyone was thinking of getting Belle Patisserie to join thepany, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯re


    aware that they are overly expensive and the cost of it would bust our budget. The price is a concern.¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t quiteprehend how this matter rted to her despite listening intently to Felicia¡¯s


    words. How can I be of help then?


    .


    Soon after that, Anastasia directly voiced out, ¡°Well, how can I be of any help?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll invite President Presgrave to attend the meeting this afternoon. When the time


    At that moment, Anastasia was at a loss for words and after quite some time, she asked slightly


    doubtfully, ¡°Do you think my words would make a difference?¡± .


    ¡°If you¡¯re the one who voices out, then the chances of this being a sess would be much higher than if


    any of us were to do it.¡± Felicia was confident that this would be approved if Anastasia brought it up.


    ¡°Okay, then. I¡¯ll casually bring it up in the meeting. But I don¡¯t have the confidence that it¡¯ll be a sess.¡±


    ¡°Sure. You just have to briefly mention it during the meeting.¡± Felicia reached out to pat her on the


    shoulder before taking another look at the bouquet of flowers on the couch. ¡°Anastasia, you¡¯ve got plenty


    of admirers, huh?¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she heard that and she hurriedly exined, ¡°No, you¡¯re


    mistaken!¡±


    ¡°I also took a share of two stalks of that imported red roses that you received! It obviously looks like top-


    quality red roses that came from Hond. The sender of the flowers is quite thoughtful!¡±


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    As soon as Anastasia thought of the sender of the flowers, she suddenly felt a looming headache. With a


    chuckle, she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know who sent the flowers because there was no name attached.¡±

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    Felicia smiled and left without saying another word. However, she had a strong hunch that the roses


    came from their big boss from upstairs.


    The meeting was scheduled for 2.30 PM and Felicia sent an email to Elliot¡¯s mailbox to inform him. It was


    up to him whether he turned up or not, but Felicia sure hoped that he would attend it. After all, the


    proposal for the snack area had been put on hold for quite some time now, so a lot of their staff were in


    fact quite looking forward to that.


    As soon as Anastasia received Grace¡¯s reminder about the uing meeting, she quickly tidied up the


    drafts she was working on and took her cell phone with her as she headed toward the direction of the


    meeting room.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia realized upon walking in that everyone in the meeting room seemed to be


    addressing her in a very pleasant manner.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, thanks for the roses. I heard that it costs at least two hundred to buy a stalk of that!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! The rose canst for at least fifteen days too. The flowering period is so long!¡±


    At that moment, Anastasia revealed a slight smile before pulling out a chair to take a seat. Suddenly,


    everyone focused their attention behind her. Elliot had arrived exactly on the dot.


    Swiftly, Anastasia turned her head to nce at him before quickly shifting her eyes in the other direction.


    She intentionally kept a distance from him in the office as she wanted to avoid being involved in any


    rumors with him.


    ¡°Alright, enough with the chatter, guys. It¡¯s time to start the meeting!¡± Felicia instructed her subordinates


    to stop their discussion.


    Firstly, Felicia made a few announcements regarding some work and then she also reported on the


    situation recently with the manuscript submissions. She also talked about the situation with the market


    analysis she had found out.


    ALL THE


    Meanwhile, Anastasia sat by Elliot¡¯s side and her thoughts ran wild as she sat there. For example, she


    recalled the incident with his gastritisst night and also the kiss they shared in her bed. Furthermore,


    she thought of the flowers from this morning


    too.


    ¡°Anastasia¡­ Ahem! Anastasia¡­¡± Felicia tried to get Anastasia¡¯s attention once again.


    Right away, Anastasia came to her senses and lifted her head to nce at Felicia with a slightly


    confused look.


    Just then, Alice, who was seated across from Anastasia, was quite annoyed, so the former took the


    opportunity to deliver a scathing remark. ¡°Miss Tillman, you seem to be quite preupied each time we


    have a meeting. This is rather disrespectful of you!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face turned slightly flushed when she heard that. She was quite embarrassed as she


    recalled what she had been thinking of earlier.


    ¡°Forgive me. I was too preupied thinking about work-rted matters,¡± Anastasia apologized.


    By then, everyone in the meeting room had turned to nce at Elliot, who was seated next to her, and


    each of them wondered how he would react to knowing that his staff was daydreaming during a meeting.


    However, they were stunned to see Elliot¡¯s expression. Right now, he was looking at Anastasia with a


    doting gaze that held a hint of amusement.


    ¡°Anastasia, we were just talking about the introduction of a tea break area. What do you think about


    that?¡± Felicia chose that moment to bring up this topic.


    Instantly, Anastasia recollected herself. ¡°Uh¡­ I think that we should switch to a different dessert shop.


    I¡¯ve heard of a very popr ce and I think it would be awesome if we could arrange for thatpany


    to prepare the pastries for our tea break.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡ªcould you share the name of the ce?¡± Felicia immediately asked.


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    ¡°It¡¯s a patisserie located in town and the name of the ce is Belle¡¯s Patisserie. I¡¯ve been there plenty of


    times with my son and the pastries taste very good. The ingredients that they use are very fresh too.¡±


    With a torn expression, Felicia muttered, ¡°But as far as I know, the prices of pastries from this ce are


    on the higher end and we do have a budget restraint. Well¡­¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s just make arrangements for this shop to join ourpany.¡± Suddenly, a low yet dominating


    male voice rang out.


    At that instance, Felicia turned to nce at Anastasia, and there was an approving


    look that shed across the former¡¯s eyes. Indeed, this n worked and Elliot is agreeing


    to it!


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was quite shocked when she heard that. How can he just agree to it so easily?!


    On the opposite end, Alice shot Anastasia a jealous look as she thought to herself, Anastasia is treated


    so favorably in thepany; even President Presgrave gives in to her whims.


    ¡°You guys continue with the meeting.¡± Elliot nced at his watch and looked at the time. ¡°I¡¯ve got


    something else on, so I¡¯ll head off now.¡±


    After he left the room, everyone in the meeting room heaved a sigh of relief and the first thing that they


    obviously did was to thank Anastasia for suggesting the new patisserie, thus sessfully obtaining such


    great staff benefits for them.


    Anastasia had merely mentioned it in passing, so she actually didn¡¯t expect that Elliot would agree to her


    suggestion just like that.


    Right after Elliot walked out of the meeting room, he suddenly heard two female staff chatting to each


    other excitedly by the end of the corridor.


    ¡°The flowers were given to us by a designer. The roses are very beautiful! It¡¯s a shame that you weren¡¯t


    here earlier so you missed the chance.¡±

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    ¡°She¡¯s so generous. She shared such expensive flowers with the entire office¡±


    At that point, Elliot paused in his tracks and his handsome face significantly darkened. He strode back


    toward the direction of the working area and instantly, he saw that every single vase of all of the staff in


    the office was adorned with a stalk of red rose. From his observation, it was in fact the imported roses


    that he had carefully hand-picked from the florist before his morning meeting. That woman just gave it


    away after taking a nce at it?!


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    His handsome face was as cold as ice and there was an annoyed look in his eyes. He turned around and


    walked back toward the meeting room. Subsequently, he yanked open the door and hollered toward the


    woman inside, ¡°Anastasia,e and see me in my office.¡± After he had said that, he added, ¡°Now.¡±


    His tone of voice caused everyone in the meeting room to tense up as they directed slightly sympathetic


    looks at the woman specifically mentioned by Elliot. Deep down, they thought to themselves, What sort


    of major mistake has shemitted this time? Why is the big boss using such amandeering tone of


    voice?


    Slightly shocked, Anastasia collected her belongings and got out of her seat. Then, she walked out and


    shut the door to the meeting room behind her. ¡°President Presgrave, is there something urgent?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk in my office.¡± He spoke through clenched teeth and strode on ahead toward the direction of the


    elevator.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was quite confused. How did I offend him anyway? Is it because of the suggestion


    for that patisserie earlier on? But I didn¡¯t insist on it, though! It¡¯s entirely up to him!


    In the elevator, Anastasia could clearly feel the tense vibe in the air and she nced at the tall, strapping


    man next to her who had his arms crossed. He seemed quite angry at the moment.


    ¡°How¡¯s your gastritis? Are you feeling better now?¡± She took the chance to express her concern.


    However, Elliot continued to ignore her and as soon as the elevator doors slid open, he strode out


    immediately with his long legs. As for Anastasia, she trailed behind him awkwardly.


    The moment she entered Elliot¡¯s office, she saw him turn around all of a sudden and his tall, well-built


    figure approached her. Frightened, she took a step backward but she found her back hit against the door.


    Meanwhile, he ced both of his hands by each side of her shoulders as he held her captive against the


    door.


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman, do you actually dislike the flowers I gave you so much?! Why did you share it with the


    others just like that?!¡± Elliot¡¯s deep, dark eyes were clearly smoldering with anger.


    In response. Anastasia blinked her eyes a few times. Oh¨Cso he¡¯s mad about this!


    ¡°You sent me a lot of flowers but I don¡¯t know how to maintain them, so I shared them with the others in


    the oflice. That¡¯s much better than having the flowers wither in my hands, right?¡± Anastasia tried hard to


    come up with an excuse, but it sounded quite feeble.


    ¡°I hand-picked every single stalk of the roses today, so how dare you waste my efforts like that?!¡± Elliot¡¯s


    warm breath hit the skin on her face, and he looked quite angry to the point that he seemed to be about


    to devour her.


    Shortly after that, he did exactly that. He leaned forward and bit Anastasia with his thin lips just below her


    vicle underneath her shirt.


    At that moment, Anastasia had her guard down so she yelped out in pain and surprise. ¡°Ah!¡±


    After Elliot had bitten her, he continued to stare at her with a sullen look on his face. ¡°This is just a minor


    punishment. I won¡¯t let you off the hook so easily next time if you disregard my gift again.¡±


    In response, Anastasia reached out to shove him before retorting confidently, ¡°Well, I could always give


    you back a bouquet of flowers!¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is possible to pay me back with another bouquet of flowers, but are you able topensate for


    the effort I put into it?¡± Elliot spoke up in a hoarse voice and his expression was quite upset.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was lost in thought for a moment, but she then pushed him aside insistently. ¡°You


    know that I¡¯m not going to appreciate your gifts, so you should just stop giving me anything from now on.


    Otherwise, you¡¯re surely going to be upset again if I get rid of it.¡±


    Suddenly, Elliot took two steps backward and he continued to stare intently at her with his deep, dark


    eyes. His brows were furrowed and he looked as if his feelings


    were hurt.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes met his and she suddenly realized that her words were too scathing, At that moment,


    she apologized to him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I apologize if my words hurt your feelings.¡±


    Instantly, the coldness dissipated from Elliot¡¯s eyes and there seemed to be a glimmer of warmth that


    shone through. However, he maintained a demanding tone of voice as hemanded, ¡°Anastasia, I


    don¡¯t want my efforts to be cast aside like trash again.¡±


    Feeling slightly stunned, Anastasia pulled open the door and merely responded, ¡°Then you¡¯d better not


    send me any gifts. I¡¯ll still choose to cast anything that you give me aside.¡±


    At that, the man left in the office stood there with a defeated look on his handsome face. He remained


    silent for a short while before walking off to stand in front of the full-length windows. His elongated and


    strapping figure exuded loneliness as he was basked under the dusk light from outside.

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    Anastasia went back to the working area and for a moment, her thoughts were all over the ce. Truth


    was, she found Elliot¡¯s behavior quite baffling. He¡¯s behaving quite abnormally today. Don¡¯t tell me that


    he likes me?! Well, I didn¡¯t expect him to personally pick the flowers he gave me! I mean, even though


    Nigel sent me flowers too, surely he would have just called the florist to ce an order? Nigel wouldn¡¯t


    take the time to go and pick out the flowers personally just like Elliot. I guess it¡¯s understandable that


    Elliot¡¯s mad because I didn¡¯t appreciate the flowers he sent me. But honestly, I never expected that he


    would have picked out every single stalk personally. Gosh!


    At that point, Anastasia held her head in her hands and she was significantly frustrated


    In the afternoon, Felicia came over to report the good news. The human resource department had


    contacted Belle Patisserie and the contract had been drafted. Once everything was signed, then Belle


    Patisserie would finally be able to move in. As such, they would be able to enjoy tasty pastries and


    cakes, as well as freshly brewed aromatic coffee for their tea break in the future.


    All of this was thanks to Anastasia and the entire office was quite aware of that.


    Suddenly, Anastasia¡¯s image in thepany went through aplete reversal and those colleagues


    who had secretly looked down on her in the past were now full of gratitude for her in public. After all, this


    was an awesome benefit.


    The only person quite unhappy about it was Alice. She had hoped fervently for the entire office to dislike


    Anastasia but unexpectedly, Anastasia had managed to win the people¡¯s hearts with just a single move.


    Meanwhile, May was currently quite impatient and she quickly found a hiding spot outside thepany


    as she dialed Hayley¡¯s number to inform Hayley about this incident.


    Hayley had just put on an act in front of Anastasia but unexpectedly, thetter had fought back so soon


    after that. Hayley had assumed that Anastasia was just putting up an act, and that Anastasia had done


    that to show Hayley how important she was to Elliot.


    At that moment, Hayley bit her lip and she felt as if she was about to lose her mind. She felt as if she was


    currently living in a darkened state, devoid of light. Her heart waspletely closed off and she couldn¡¯t


    see the light in her life at all. She was now fully consumed by hatred, jealousy, and all sorts of other


    negative feelings.


    Hayley¡¯s encounter with Elliot wasn¡¯t a good thing for her, as she found that he was a cmity in her life.


    After all, he was a spectacr individual while she wasn¡¯t exactly that great. As such, she had lost not


    only her true self but also her happiness. She hated Anastasia with a passion and now, the hatred


    consuined her. To Hayley, it was Anastasia that had ruined Hayley¡¯s life.


    In the afternoon, Anastasia handed over the initial draft for Felicia¡¯s perusal. Meanwhile, Felicia was


    quite pleased with it and asked Anastasia to refine some details before showing it to the female client


    tomorrow. If everything was eptable, then they could proceed to generate the end-product drawing.


    Subsequently, production could be initiated by handing over the end-product drawing to the factory.


    At about 4 PM, Anastasia was busy working on herputer as she put the finishing touches on her


    refined draft. Suddenly, she received a call on herndline, so she reached out to answer the phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Come to the underground parking lot in two minutes.¡± A man¡¯s low, clear voice rang out.


    Suddenly, Anastasia grabbed her cell phone to check the time and she gasped. She had been too busy


    with work to the extent that she had nearly forgotten that she had to go and fetch Jared.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be there right away,¡± Anastasia instantly responded. Subsequently, she collected her


    belongings and switched off theputer before dashing out of the door.


    In the underground parking lot, Anastasia saw the car that was already with its ignition on, so she pulled


    open the door to the front passenger seat and entered the car. As she buckled her seatbelt, she


    murmured anxiously, ¡°Hurry up and get going. We¡¯re going to bete!¡±


    Meanwhile, Elliot was slightly speechless. After all, if it wasn¡¯t for his reminder, she would have


    completely forgotten that she had to pick Jared up.


    Despite that, the man stepped on the elerator to increase the speed and drove off in a rush.


    As for Anastasia, she nced outside of the window and breathed out slowly as she watched the traffic


    outside. She was in good spirits at the moment. After all, her work was going quite well and her family


    was safe and sound too. She found herself currently in an exceptionally rxed state that she hadn¡¯t


    experienced before.


    Suddenly, her cell phone rang and she took it in her hand to nce at it. Anastasia was caught by


    surprise for a moment as she turned to nce at the man next to her. ¡°It¡¯s your grandma on the line.¡±.


    Elliot shot her a look and responded with a low voice, ¡°Put her on speakerphone.¡±


    And so, Anastasia took a deep breath before hitting the speaker button and she answered the phone


    with a sweet and polite voice, ¡°Good evening, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    At that moment, Harriet responded in a warm, gentle voice, ¡°Anastasia! How have you been? Are you


    quite busytely?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ No, I¡¯m not too busy. Is there anything that you¡¯d like me to do?¡± Anastasia asked with a smile.


    ¡°Well, I wanted to treat you to lunch tomorrow. I didn¡¯t get to talk much to you during the dinner party the


    other time because it was just too hectic then. Will you be free tomorrow afternoon?¡±

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    ¡°Uh¡­ Y-Yes¡­ I¡¯m free tomorrow!¡± Anastasia replied while ncing at Elliot, who was driving


    ¡°I know that you¡¯re usually upied at night because you need to stay home to keep an eye on your


    child, so that¡¯s not a good time for you. That¡¯s why I asked you out in the afternoon. That¡¯s decided then.


    Let¡¯s have lunch together tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing, Old Madam Presgrave.¡± Anastasia naturally agreed to it. After all, this was the first time that


    Harriet had asked her out for a meal, so it would be quite rude to reject it.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll contact you tomorrow. You must be busy right now. That¡¯s all, then.¡±


    ¡°Sure, see you tomorrow.¡± After Anastasia had ended her sentence, she waited for Harriet to hang up the


    phone and she finally heaved a sigh of relief. At that moment, she nced at Elliot and asked, ¡°Do you


    know why your grandma asked me out for a meal? Does she actually just want to have a chat with me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite likely that she wants to talk to you about the matter between you and Nigel.¡± Elliot kept his eyes


    in front of him and his handsome face remained expressionless.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Anastasia blinked her eyes in confusion.


    ¡°That¡¯s because Nigel proposed to you thest time and she¡¯s taken it seriously. It¡¯s quite likely that she


    wants to talk to you about the wedding preparation.¡±


    ¡°What?! Are you being serious?¡± Anastasia was indeed quite shocked upon hearing Elliot¡¯s words. Has


    Old Madam Presgrave actually taken the proposal seriously?


    ¡°This is the problem that you created yourself, so shouldn¡¯t you be prepared for the consequences?¡±


    Elliot coldly snorted in response.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia bit her red lip. Indeed, everyone had taken that proposal seriously. However, no


    one realized that she had privately exined the situation to Nigel.


    ¡°Then what should I do? I never intended to marry Nigel.¡± Anastasia heaved a resigned sigh. After all,


    she had no intention of disrupting Nigel¡¯s marriage prospects.


    ¡°Anastasia, you have to be frank here. How do you actually feel about Nigel? Do you


    like him or not?¡± Coincidentally, Elliot¡¯s car came to a stop at the traffic light and he directed his deep


    gaze intently at her.


    At that moment, Anastasia bit her lower lip. ¡°I only think of him as a friend. I like him for his witty and


    amusing personality. I also like the way he maintains such a carefree and rxed lifestyle, but I never


    thought of marrying him. I like him, but I don¡¯t love him.¡±


    As soon as Anastasia said that, she suddenly came to her senses and she turned to re at Elliot. ¡°Why


    am I telling you all these anyway?¡±


    Meanwhile, he curled his lips into a smile. ¡°Well, you¡¯ve spoken out so the reason shouldn¡¯t matter.¡±


    Elliot seemed to appear aloof, cold, and distant in front of the others but to Anastasia, he had somehow


    be someone she could confide in. She couldn¡¯t even figure out when this had happened.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about this. I¡¯m still trying to figure out how to exin the situation tomorrow.¡±


    Anastasia heaved a sigh as she found herself in a pickle.


    Upon hearing that, Elliot lifted his brows and suggested. ¡°I have a tip.¡±


    ¡°Out with it, then!¡± Anastasia couldn¡¯t wait to find out.


    He then suggested a foolproof n. ¡°Tomorrow, just confess your love toward me in front of Nigel and


    Grandma.¡±


    Suddenly, Anastasia¡¯s pretty eyes widened slightly and sheughed mockingly. ¡°In your dreams!¡±


    However, Elliot was unaffected by her reaction, and he wasn¡¯t the least bit upset or angered at all. On the


    contrary, the smile on his lips deepened. ¡°Otherwise, I could confess my love to you.¡±


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t you dare do anything drastic! The situation isplicated enough, so please don¡¯tplicate


    things any further, alright?¡± Anastasia suddenly felt that he was just here to purposely create trouble for


    her.


    At that moment, Jared¡¯s school was within eyeshot and Elliot suddenly turned to her. ¡°I¡¯ll go inside and


    get Jared. You can wait in the car.¡±


    However, Anastasia was adamant not to bother Elliot, so she muttered, ¡°Jared¡¯s my son, so I¡¯ll go and


    get him.¡±


    ¡°I promised Jared in the morning that I woulde and pick him up personally in the afternoon, so I


    have to keep my word.¡± After Elliot said that, he pushed open the car door and got out of the car.


    As for Anastasia, she could only sit and wait in the car. Actually, she could have joined him and turned up


    at the school together, but she felt slightly diffident. After all, they were not an actual couple. Previously,


    Elliot had pretended to be Jared¡¯s father and he turned up for the sports event, so if any other parents


    initiated a conversation with them it would be quite awkward.


    And so, Anastasia decided to just stay put in the car. Shortly after that, she saw Jared walking out of the


    school hand-in-hand with Elliot. The boy was evidently quite happy as there was a spring to his step.


    As soon as Anastasia saw that, she couldn¡¯t contain the smile on her face. She was very joyful each time


    she saw Jared in a happy state.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Jared got into the car and sat in his car seat. Elliot leaned forward to buckle the seatbelt for


    him, and the current scene showed Elliot performing the exact role of a doting father.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    Chapter 168


    Anastasia saw the scene in front of her and there was a sudden inexplicable feeling that arose within her.


    Should I continue to allow this man to be involved in our lives? What if Jared gets used to seeing him


    every day and bes dependent on his closepany? If he suddenly disappears from our life


    someday, would Jared feel disappointed then?


    ¡°Mommy, let¡¯s go grocery shopping, alright? I want to go to the mall.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s go together today.¡± Anastasia responded with a smile.


    And so, Elliot drove the car to arge mall by their house. In the supermarket, Anastasia was busy


    picking out some fresh vegetables while Elliot brought Jared to pick out some toys. Anastasia then


    walked off to the fruits section after picking out the vegetables. As soon as she saw some fresh durians,


    she couldn¡¯t help craving them as it had been quite a while since she had some.


    As such, she picked out one which was quite fleshy and went off to get it weighed. The price of the


    durian was quite exorbitant and she actually winced at the thought of it, but it was fine as an asional


    splurge.


    After that, Anastasia went to seek out Jared and Elliot, but she found that Elliot¡¯s trolley was full of


    presents. Though slightly resigned, she kept it to herself and thought, Is he trying to spoil Jared? That¡¯s


    too many presents there!


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave bought all of these for me.¡± Jared sat in the trolley and showed it off to her.


    ¡°We can¡¯t have Mr. Presgrave spending so much money on you. Let¡¯s just pick one that you really like,


    alright?¡± Anastasia exined to Jared.


    Upon hearing that, Elliot spoke in a low voice. ¡°These are all my presents for Jared and the toys are


    educational.¡±


    ¡°I like all of them.¡± Jared pouted as well, as he wanted all of these toys.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia shook her head resignedly. ¡°It¡¯s just for this once, alright? Let¡¯s go and pay for it.¡±


    She was prepared to foot the bill herself but then before she could even reach out for her cell phone,


    Elliot had already paid for everything. It¡¯s such a shame that I didn¡¯t get more durians! I would have


    bought two if I knew that he was going to fight to pay for the grocery bill.


    After entering the car, Jared instantly smelled the pungent scent. ¡°Mommy, did you buy some durian? It


    smells so good!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I bought the Musang King variety. Let¡¯s go home and enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°Yay! I love durian!¡± Jared had developed a liking for durian due to Anastasia¡¯s influence.


    On the other hand, Elliot, who was standing by the side, frowned slightly as there was a slight smell of


    durian inside the car.


    As soon as they arrived home, Anastasia quickly opened the fruit and the smell of it filled the entire


    house. She ced the flesh on a te and brought it out. Meanwhile, Jared had already washed his


    hands and he was waiting patiently on the couch to have some.


    Anastasia nced at Elliot, who was sitting on the couch too, and she generously offered, ¡°Come and


    have some too.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this type of fruit,¡± Elliot rejected.


    However, Anastasia insistently handed him one. ¡°It¡¯s really good. Why don¡¯t you try some?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, do try some. It¡¯s really good!¡± Jared had one in his hand and he spoke while devouring it.


    If it was anyone else who had suggested for Elliot to try some, he would definitely reject them but


    because it was Anastasia and Jared, and they had a strong influence on Elliot, he overcame his disgust


    and reached out for a tiny piece before opening his mouth slightly to taste it.


    The taste of it was surprisingly better than he thought and as he tasted it carefully, the rich yet uncloying


    taste of it filled his taste buds. He found himself unable to resist the creamy texture of the fruit and his


    initial resistance went out of the window. He lifted his head and turned to nod at Anastasia. ¡°It¡¯s really


    good.¡±


    ¡°See? I told you it was yummy!¡± Inexplicably, Anastasia suddenly felt a sense of aplishment.


    She felt quite pleased to be able to force Elliot to try some durian.


    ¡°Is there any more in the kitchen? Is that all that you bought?¡± Elliot clearly expressed that it wasn¡¯t


    enough.


    In response, Anastasia blinked her eyes. ¡°The Musang King variety is very expensive! One of them isC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    quite a splurge already. I dream of the day when I can finally achieve the freedom of having durians


    whenever I please!¡±


    ¡°I can easily grant your wish,¡± Elliotmented with narrowed eyes. I can supply you with as many


    durians as you wish to the point where you might get sick of it.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I can earn more and buy it for myself!¡± After Anastasia said that, she nced at the clock and


    mentioned, ¡°I¡¯ll go prepare dinner now. Keep an eye on Jared for me.¡±


    Subsequently, Anastasia headed off to the kitchen as Elliot went along with Jared to the toy area to


    unbox the new toys. Meanwhile, Elliot¡¯s eyes shone with a doting expression as he watched Jared


    happily unbox his new toys. At that moment, Elliot felt as if he was truly Jared¡¯s father.

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    Chapter 169


    Elliot thought to himself, If she agrees to it, I sincerely want to care for her and Jared forever. I don¡¯t mind


    not having my own child in this lifetime.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    At that moment, Anastasia was busy chopping up some vegetables, but she was careless and cut


    herself. The pain she felt made her wince and she was close to tears. Even the vegetables were stained


    with droplets of bright-red blood and it was quite a horrifying scene. It was only then that she realized


    that it was quite a deep cut that she had suffered.


    Instantly, she ced her finger under running water. As she looked at the blood still trickling from her


    wound, she suddenly recalled that she had a first-aid kit, so she took a kitchen towel and wrapped it


    around her finger before heading out of the kitchen. She then turned to Elliot, who was currently in a


    squatting position on the ground, and asked, ¡°President Presgrave, could you please help me get the


    first-aid kit? I just cut myself.¡±


    As soon as she said that, Jared-initially busy with his presents¡ªand Elliot, who was by Jared¡¯s side,


    instantly rushed over to her. Elliot anxiously asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the first aid kit?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s underneath that cupboard.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, let me have a look. There¡¯s so much blood!¡± Jared was frantic as he shouted, ¡°Mr. Presgrave,


    hurry up and help Mommy!¡±


    Elliot opened the first-aid kit and retrieved the crepe bandage from the box. Then, Anastasia removed


    the towel wrapped around her wound, causing the cut to be exposed to the air. She had suffered a


    cut to her left index finger at the part connecting to her fingernail, so there were plenty of blood vessels


    there. It would likely take some time to stop the bleeding.


    ¡°Why were you so clumsy?¡± Elliot¡¯s expression was full of worry and there was a slightly pained look in


    his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s quite normal to suffer a cut to the finger for one who¡¯s used to cooking.¡± Anastasia was


    quite calm as this was a small matter for her.


    However, her words caused Elliot¡¯s heart to clench. Does that mean she has a lot of past experiences


    with cutting herself?!


    At that point, Elliot thought of her bringing up Jared by herself overseas without any


    support and wondered, How did she get through that by herself? Besides, Jared was still very young


    back then. Instantly, Elliot¡¯s thoughts went to his cousin Nigel.


    That exins why she¡¯s so close to Nigel. It must be because he provided her with a lot of help over the


    two years when she was overseas. As such, she regards Nigel as a friend as close as her family, but she


    doesn¡¯t love him.


    ¡°When you were overseas, did Nigel help you in many ways?¡± Elliot looked at her and asked


    In response, Anastasia nodded. ¡°Yes, he did.¡±


    At that, Elliot took a deep breath. Why didn¡¯t I take the time to get to know her earlier? He had focused


    his efforts on helping Francis and he had assumed that everyone in the Tillman Family would obviously


    have a great life if Francis was doing well. However, Elliot¡¯s recent investigations had uncovered that she


    had left the Tillman Family ages ago and brought up her child by herself overseas. She hardly kept in


    contact with Francis, but Elliot hadn¡¯t quite yet found out the exact reason for that.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out for dinner. Take a break from cooking tonight.¡± Elliot finished off by adding, ¡°It¡¯s my treat.¡±


    He was well aware of how cost-conscious Anastasia was, so he didn¡¯t want her to have to spend money.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia also realized that she couldn¡¯t possibly cook in such a state, so she nodded.


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go to a nearby restaurant.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, does it hurt?¡± Jared inched closer to peer at her finger and he blew at itfortingly. At that


    point, Elliot had already bandaged her finger carefully.


    Anastasia shook her head. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t hurt at all.¡±


    However, Jared was quite skeptical. ¡°Mommy, you should take a break from cooking for the time being.


    We can eat out. I¡¯ll use my allowance to treat you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I¡¯ll treat you guys for the entire month.¡± Elliot ruffled Jared¡¯s hair as he announced,


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go and have dinner!¡±


    Elliot brought them to a high-ended restaurant and all of the food served seemed to be quite pricey.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia spected that the entire meal cost one month of her paycheck. Come to think of


    it, I actually do benefit from being friends with Elliot!


    In the end, Elliot sent them back to the entrance of their residential area and Anastasia stated insistently,


    ¡°You should go home now.¡±


    She was adamant not to allow him to enter her house as it was quitete.


    However, Elliot was quite worried, so he murmured, ¡°Call me right away if there are any issues.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia waved at him and hand-in-hand with Jared, the mother-son duo walked back in


    the direction of the entrance of the residential area.


    WO


    Elliot stayed there and watched them walk inside before driving off.


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave is so nice to us. Grandpa said that you should marry the one who treats us well.¡±


    Jared lifted his head and turned to Anastasia when he said that.

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    Chapter 170


    Anastasia reached out a hand to ruffle Jared¡¯s hair and spoke in a rxed tone. ¡°I don¡¯t need anyone


    else but you. I¡¯m not going to marry anyone again in this lifetime.¡±


    That was because she didn¡¯t want to put a bet on an uncertain future. She just wanted to raise her son in


    a stable environment. Besides, Elliot clearly was doing all this as an expression of his gratitude. As such,


    such a rtionship was as fragile as a tiny bubble and it could disintegrate at any time.


    Anastasia was no longer a young girl, so she was quite conscious of what was going on. She would not


    be easily affected just because someone was kind to her, and she definitely wasn¡¯t going to sacrifice all


    of herself due to being touched by someone else¡¯s kindness. She was now a very level-headed and


    logical person.


    The next morning, Anastasia had just helped Jared ce his belongings into his school bag and was


    about to leave the house when the doorbell sounded. She looked through the peephole and was


    immediately stunned. Why is he here?


    Meanwhile, she opened the door to see Elliot standing outside. He was dressed impably in a suit and


    he looked exactly like an elitist standing there.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave!¡± Jared happily clung to Elliot¡¯s thigh. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I came over to send you to school and send your mommy to work.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you¡¯re such a nice person!¡± Jared kept his eyes on Elliot unblinkingly and the boy¡¯s


    expression was quite affectionate.


    At that moment, Elliot directed his gaze toward Anastasia with the hopes that she would react the same


    way as Jared. However, she felt quite shy to bother him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this next time. I don¡¯t want to take up too much of your precious time,¡± Anastasia


    suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to spend my time any way I prefer,¡± Elliot curled his lips into a smile and replied.


    Subsequently, he squatted down and took Jared into his arms before turning around to head toward the


    elevator.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was left slightly speechless. She really didn¡¯t want to waste the man¡¯s time, as he


    usually had business dealings that ran in the range of billions.


    After dropping off Jared at school, Anastasia suddenly recalled that she had a lunch


    date with Harriet in the afternoon, so she turned her head to nce at Elliot. ¡°Will you be attending the


    lunch appointment this afternoon?¡±


    ¡°My grandma didn¡¯t invite me along.¡± Elliot felt slightly upset too as he had waited the whole night for


    Harriet¡¯s phone call, but it was in vain. Evidently, he was not included in the lunch date.


    Anastasia pursed her lips in response. ¡°Okay, then. I¡¯ll try my best to exin the situation to her.¡±


    Elliot drove his car into the underground parking lot and Anastasia tried to quickly make a dash for it as


    she wanted to avoid entering the elevator at the same time as him.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    However, Elliot refused to let her have her way and he strode purposefully behind her on his long legs.


    Just as he was about to enter the elevator, Anastasia frantically pressed the button to shut the door while


    yelling toward him, who was still outside, ¡°Take the next one.¡±


    Unfortunately for her, he stretched out his hand. As soon as the sensors on the door sensed movement,


    they slid open instantly and Elliot made his way into the elevator gracefully.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia ced her palm on her forehead and inched closer to the corner of the elevator.


    Even if she had to be in the same lift, she was determined to stand as far away from him as possible.


    Indeed, there was a huge group of staff waiting to enter the elevator in the lobby. However, as soon as


    the doors to the elevator slid open, the anxious bunch of people outside suddenly stopped in their tracks.


    None of them dared to step foot into the elevator because Elliot was standing there.


    ¡°President Presgrave, you can go ahead. We¡¯ll take the next one.¡± Each of them said so fawningly with


    smiles on their faces.


    Soon after that, the doors to the elevator slid shut. Meanwhile, Anastasia was intent on admiring Elliot¡¯s


    strapping, attractive figure as she thought, He has the perfect figure that even a model couldn¡¯tpete


    against him! The clothes on him were perfectly molded to his body and he had the perfect figure that


    enhanced any outfit he wore. Elliot¡¯s figure was so perfect that he looked slim in any shirt he put on and


    yet when he took off his shirt, he was filled out in all the right ces.


    They arrived at the Department of Design and Anastasia quickly slipped past the man to get out of the


    elevator. However, at that moment, Elliot reached out and


    suddenly held her hand for a short while. Shocked, Anastasia shivered and she quickly flung off his hand


    as she fled the elevator. At the same time, she scanned her surroundings guiltily.


    She couldn¡¯t contain herself from blushing. How annoying!


    She arrived at her working area and instantly focused her efforts on her work. Although she had hurt her


    finger, she could only bear it and work with an injured finger. Luckily, she could operate everything by


    using theputer, so it made things much easier for her.


    She finally made finishing touches to the draft for the pair of nes and it was quite perfect in her


    eyes, so she sent it to Felicia for her to contact the customer. After all, this was an important


    At about 10 in the morning, Anastasia¡¯s cell phone suddenly rang and she reached out to answer the


    phone call. ¡°Hello, who¡¯s on the line?¡±


    ¡°Hi, is this Miss Anastasia Tillman? I¡¯m calling from the fruit shop. There¡¯s a customer who ordered a


    truckload of Musang King durian for you. Where would you like me to deliver it to?¡±


    ¡°What?! A truckload? How many would that be?¡±


    ¡°There are about two hundred of them.¡±


    At that point, Anastasia nearly had a heart attack. Elliot has too much money on his hands, huh? Why


    did he send me two hundred Musang King durians early in the morning anyway?!

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    Chapter 171


    ¡°Uh¡­ Can I return it?¡±


    ¡°Fruits are non-returnable goods! Don¡¯t worry, miss. We provide top-grade Musang King so it¡¯s definitely


    of good quality.¡± s?


    ¡°I know that and I do trust that your goods are of good quality, but I don¡¯t need that many.¡±


    ¡°Miss, I really can¡¯t process a return for this. Fruits are non-returnable once sold!¡± On the other end, the


    owner tried hard to express his keenness toplete the sale.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was at a loss for what to do. ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll make a phone call and get back to


    you.¡±


    As soon as Anastasia put down her cell phone, she instantly grabbed thendline and dialed the number


    to the office of a specific man.


    ¡°Hello?¡± The man answered the phone in a low voice.


    ¡°Did you order me a truckload of Musang King durians?¡± Anastasia questioned him immediately.


    ¡°Yup. You mentioned that you wanted the freedom to have durians whenever you crave them, so I¡¯ll help


    you achieve this wish today. You can have as many of them as you want.¡± Elliot spoke up and implied


    that the durians today were his treat.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    However, Anastasia was quite speechless and she thought, Doesn¡¯t he realize that one can¡¯t have too


    many durians? It¡¯s fine to have some asionally, but if too much is consumed in one day then there are


    a lot of side effects that would ur subsequently. The milder symptoms would be a sore throat and as


    for the worst-case scenario, one would even experience constipation!


    ¡°I think you should return it. I can¡¯t finish that many. I just had onest night so I can¡¯t have too many at a


    time.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± On the other end, the man clearly knew nothing about durians. Although he was a


    knowledgeable man, there were also some things that he was totally clueless


    of.


    ¡°That¡¯s because durians can cause sore throats. I can¡¯t have too much.¡± Anastasia could only try her best


    to exin, but the other side effect sounded slightly indecent so she


    didn¡¯t mention that.


    ¡°I never return any item that I¡¯ve paid for. You can decide how you want to deal with it.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ You¡­¡±


    ¡°I have a meeting to attend now.¡± After Elliot said that, he hung up on her.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia had to return the call of the fruit store owner, yet the purchaser of the items


    refused to pay heed to her words, so she was in a dilemma at the moment. In the end, she thought to


    herself, I guess I¡¯ll just treat everyone to durians, then.


    Subsequently, she reached out and dialed Felicia¡¯s number to exin the situation. On the other end of


    the line, Felicia was ted. ¡°This is a simple matter. I¡¯ll arrange for everyone in the office to have one


    each.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Please make the arrangements, then, but don¡¯t say that this is my treat. Let them know that it¡¯s


    President Presgrave¡¯s treat.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Felicia burst intoughter. ¡°Are you sure that you want to let them know it¡¯s his treat?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just say that. I don¡¯t want to take this credit,¡± Anastasia insisted.


    ¡°Sure! We¡¯ll leave it at that, then.¡±


    Ten minutester, the fruit store owner happily distributed durians by the entrance of the office, and every


    staff member of thepany who walked past was given one. This went on and no one was left out until


    every piece of fruit was gone.


    After all that, Grace came back upstairs in good spirits and she held two durians in her hands. Anastasia


    expressed her gratitude as Grace excitedly mentioned, ¡°Anastasia, do you know who treated us to this?


    It¡¯s President Presgrave! It¡¯s the Musang King variety too. Everyone¡¯s so happy.¡±


    At that moment, Anastasia tried to stifle herughter. ¡°That¡¯s great! I¡¯m quite happy too.¡±


    After Grace had walked out of the room, Anastasia clutched at her stomach and ced her head on the


    tabletop. She was consumed with uncontrobleughter and she nearly fell to the ground. I wonder


    what Elliot¡¯s expression will be like if he finds out about this?!


    Meanwhile, in the meeting room at the Presgrave Group, the room was solemnly silent as Elliot sat at the


    head of the table. He gave out an air of dominance seen in a leader and under the illumination of the


    projectormp, he clearly gave out the feeling of a strong president.


    The people in attendance today were all the upper management team of the Presgrave Group, and each


    one of them was involved in running variousrge-scale projects all over the world. They had to report


    back to Elliot on the progress of their projects daily and there was no room for any errors or omissions.


    The Presgrave Group was involved in various financial schemes worldwide, so thepany was, in fact,


    much more than just a leading business in the country. After Elliot¡¯s appointment as the president, he had


    kept close control of the development of thepany. He ended up leading the Presgrave Group toward


    a much brighter future than ever.


    Despite the Presgrave Group going through several financial crises, the giant corporation remained


    strong and continued to sail through the waves of the corporate world.


    The meeting ended at 11.30 AM and Elliot went back to his office after that. At that moment, Rey stood


    by his side with pursed lips, and he looked as if he had something to report on.


    Elliot nced at him and questioned, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    Rey had gone for facial expression management sses before but right now, he couldn¡¯t contain


    himself andughed out loud. ¡°President Presgrave, the truckload of Musang King durians that you


    ordered for Miss Tillman was distributed to the entirepany. The problem is, Miss Tillman gave the


    credit to you.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s handsome expression stiffened slightly when he heard that. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Anyway, everyone¡¯s full of gratitude for you.¡± As soon as Rey finished saying that, he instantly


    covered his lips and burst intoughter before quickly stifling hisughter while he covered his mouth


    once again.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine tough.¡± Elliot shot Rey a look. I just didn¡¯t expect her to be so generous and actually distribute


    everything.


    Suddenly, Elliot recalled something and he instantly took his cell phone and dialed his grandmother¡¯s


    number.


    ¡°Hello, Elliot. Do you have something to talk to me about?¡± Harriet¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Grandma, I would like to have lunch with you today. We haven¡¯t seen each other for days.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d prefer to have dinner together. I have a lunch date today.¡±


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    ¡°What sort of lunch date is it? Can I join you?¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be convenient.¡± Harriet spoke up frankly.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a meal.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be frank with you. I have a lunch date with Nigel and Anastasia today. I wanted to talk to them


    about their engagement the other day. I¡¯ve decided that it¡¯s time to pick a date for them.¡±


    ¡°Include me for the lunch date, then! I want to join the meal too,¡± Elliot responded with a smile.


    ¡°Okay. I don¡¯t mind you joining us, but don¡¯t you dare mess things up!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t do that.¡± Elliot curved his lips into a smile. I¡¯m not going to mess things up because


    this won¡¯t go to n anyway.


    in a blink of an eye, it was 11.20 AM and Anastasia nced at her cell phone from time to time as she


    waited for Harriet to call her regarding the lunch date.


    Just then, Anastasia¡¯s cell phone rang and she quickly grabbed it to take a look. Indeed, it was Harriet on


    the line, so she took a deep breath before answering the phone. ¡°Hello, Old Madam Presgrave.¡± ;


    ¡°Anastasia, you cane downstairs now. My car is about to reach the entrance of yourpany.¡± It


    turned out that Harriet hade in person to fetch Anastasia.


    At that moment, Anastasia felt quite ttered and she revealed a smile. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be downstairs shortly.¡±


    Anastasia walked out of the entrance to see a ck car parked by the entrance, and the dominantly


    disyed golden logo of the Rolls-Royce was unmistakable.


    The driver personally got out to open the door for Anastasia as she expressed her gratitude. ¡°Thank


    you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Miss Tillman,¡± the driver replied.


    And so, Anastasia got into the back passenger seat and saw that Harriet was dressed elegantly in a dark


    purple dress lined with golden threads. The button of the dress was made out of ruby and it was clear to


    the eye that it was a hand-made,missioned piece.


    3


    ¡°Hello, Old Madam Presgrave!¡± Anastasia greeted Harriet.


    ¡°It¡¯s been days since west met. What happened to your finger?¡± Harriet instantly noticed Anastasia¡¯s


    bandaged finger.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I identally hurt myself.¡±


    ¡°Was it a bad cut?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not too serious. It¡¯s just a minor cut.¡± Anastasia curled up her lips and smiled. Upon hearing that,


    Harriet nodded her head. ¡°Try to be more careful next time.¡± With that, the elderly woman nced out of


    the car window at the building in front. ¡°Do you work here?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Elliot has taken over yourpany, so it¡¯s part of our family business now. It would be


    much easier for us to help you out in the future.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia felt quite uneasy. Elliot had not only taken over Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier for the


    sake of helping a lowly staff like her, but he had actually bought over the world-renowned QR


    International Group that backed the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier brand.


    ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, I¡¯m fine so there¡¯s no need to go all the way out to help me,¡± Anastasia


    expressed her sincere gratitude.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be shy, child. We are obliged to do that. I¡¯m also trying to redeem myself by helping


    you. It makes me feel slightly better by doing so.¡± Harriet¡¯s eyes were red-rimmed as she spoke. ¡°I am


    forever indebted to your mother and there¡¯s nothing I can do to fully repay her in this lifetime.¡±


    Surprised, Anastasia asked, ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, why would you say so?¡±


    ¡°You might not realize this, but both Elliot¡¯s parents¡¯ passed away at the same time back then and I had


    to single-handedly hold the fort for the entire Presgrave Group. At the same time, I had to bring up a


    young Elliot. At that point in life, I held all of my hopes upon Elliot, so if something bad had urred to


    him, I would have lost the remaining pir of strength in my life. Your mother¡¯s ultimate sacrifice gave us


    the Presgrave Group that we have today.¡±

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    Anastasia¡¯s heart sank upon hearing that. She couldn¡¯t even imagine the state of Harriet¡¯s situation back


    then. Thetter was a fifty-year-old woman trying to cope with the sudden loss of her son and daughter-


    inw, and she had to step up to manage a multi-millionpany single-handedly. Furthermore, she had


    to raise a young grandson and back then, Elliot was her only hope.


    Right now, Elliot had grown up to be an independent man and he ran thepany well, so she


    could finally rx and enjoy a life of retirement.


    ¡°Your mother¡¯s a great woman and though I¡¯ve never spoken to her before, she has a mighty and heroic


    presence in my heart.¡±


    Anastasia was also quite young-barely two years old-back then, so her impression of her mother was


    just the exceptionally heroic-looking woman in the photos. At that time, her father had just started up his


    business, so Anastasia was raised by her maternal grandmother. Two yearster, her father had


    remarried and that was when Naomi joined their family. Naomi had brought along a daughter with her.


    After Anastasia¡¯s grandmother had passed away due to illness, her father finally brought Anastasia back


    home to care for her.


    At that point, Harriet quickly halted the current topic as she didn¡¯t want to bring up Anastasia¡¯s painful


    past, so she smiled and asked, ¡°Anastasia, why don¡¯t you make a guess as to who¡¯s the other person


    joining us for lunch?¡±


    In fact, Anastasia was quite confident that it was Nigel joining them for lunch, but she could only act


    confused. ¡°Did you invite another person to join us?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Nigel. I asked the two of you out for lunch with me to have a proper discussion. It was totally beyond


    my expectation that you were the little girl who saved Nigel back then. It must be fate!¡±


    Anastasia curled up her lips and revealed a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that he was your grandson either.¡±


    Harriet requested for Anastasia to exin the process of how she saved Nigel in detail, so Anastasia


    eded to the former¡¯s request and thoroughly spoke about the ordeal. Anastasia also shared with


    Harriet some of her experiences with Nigel when they were overseas. Meanwhile, Harriet listened on and


    concluded in her mind that it was proof of Anastasia and Nigel¡¯s affectionate rtionship.


    As such, the elderly woman was very intent on bringing the couple together. Once


    Anastasia was part of the Manson Family, then Harriet could naturally continue to provide support and


    compensation for Anastasia in every aspect.


    At the moment, a gray-colored sports car was also heading in the direction of the restaurant. Nigel had


    received Harriet¡¯s phone call the previous night and she had instructed him to dress up well for lunch


    today, as Anastasia would be in attendance too.


    As a result, Nigel had woken up early to go to the barber¡¯s, and he had gotten a stylish haircut for today¡¯s


    lunch date. His originally quite good-looking face was much more handsome and full of vigor than ever


    after all the grooming.


    Presently, Nigel had arrived at the restaurant and remained in his car. Taking a look at himself in the


    mirror, he cheered for himself. ¡°Nigel Manson, you must win Anastasia¡¯s heart today and get her to agree


    to your proposal. Good luck!¡±


    He then pushed open the car door and got out of the car to enter the restaurant. Subsequently, the


    waiter greeted him and escorted him to the direction of the private room as he waited there.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Meanwhile, Harriet and Anastasia arrived at 11.50 AM. Throughout their journey, thetter was


    preupied with her thoughts as she tried to figure out how to exin the matter of the proposal to


    Harriet, so that Harriet could give up on the thought of making arrangements for their marriage.


    As soon as they entered the private room, Nigel instantly stood up to greet them and he lovingly


    addressed Harriet, ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re here!¡±


    After he had said that, he directed his affectionate almond-shaped eyes toward Anastasia. ¡°Anastasia!¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia greeted him with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re quite early today.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare to bete for lunch with you,¡± Nigel responded wittily.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia couldn¡¯t contain herself and sheughed upon hearing his words. Harriet


    watched their interaction and she was secretly quite pleased. They are indeed a perfect match for each


    other. They look sopatible!


    ¡°What happened to your finger? Let me have a look at it.¡± Nigel had noticed it almost instantly so he


    quickly reached out to hold her hand and check on her wound.


    In response, Anastasia hastily withdrew her hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I identally cut myself while I was cutting


    some vegetables.¡±


    TEST


    EST


    ¡°That¡¯s so careless of you. You should avoid cooking from now on. I¡¯ll treat you to your meals.¡±


    ¡°No, Jared¡¯s not used to eating out.¡±


    ¡°Come on and take a seat. Let¡¯s order our food.¡± Harriet sat at the head of the table and the manager of


    the restaurant came in personally to take their order. At the same time, he introduced to them the


    restaurant¡¯s specialties. Anastasia sat there and listened to him introduce their fresh and imported,


    luxurious ingredients, which were all air-flown to the restaurant, and she realized by listening to the way


    the ingredients were obtained that this was clearly not a restaurant that could be afforded by the general


    poption.


    ¡°Serve us one of each, then!¡± Harriet announced with a swagger.

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    Chapter 174 ¡°Will it be just the three of you today?¡± the manager asked with a smile.


    At that moment, Harriet suddenly recalled that there was another person joining them, so she quickly


    responded, ¡°There will be four of us today.¡±


    M


    Instantly, Anastasia and Nigel exchanged looks with each other. Is there a mysterious guest? Who is it?


    Harriet, however, was busy chatting with the manager, so they didn¡¯t interrupt the conversation.


    All of a sudden, a waiter pushed open the door from the outside and a strapping, tall figure walked into


    the room. He had his suit jacket in his hand, and he was dressed in a white dress shirt paired with ck


    trousers. In short, his attire was minimalistic yet full of elegance.


    Anastasia¡¯s beautiful eyes widened upon seeing the man, and she was quite stunned to find that he was


    here too.


    The person who walked into the room was in fact Elliot-the man who had shamelessly mentioned he


    wanted to join the lunch date the night before.


    At the same time, Nigel narrowed his almond-shaped eyes too. Why did Grandma invite him along? He¡¯s


    just going to ruin everything!


    ¡°Elliot, howe you¡¯re here too? Don¡¯t you have any lunch conferences to attend?¡± Nigel lifted his


    brows and asked questioningly.


    Elliot pulled out a chair and purposely took a seat next to Anastasia before he responded with a smile,


    ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t invited to any lunch conferences, so I had no choice but to barge in and join your lunch


    date too.¡±


    ¡°Pfft! I¡¯m sure there are plenty of people keen to give you a treat.¡± Nigel didn¡¯t believe a single word that


    Elliot said. Furthermore, Nigel was quite sure that his cousin must have purposely turned up to mess


    things up.


    Meanwhile, Harriet smiled upon seeing both of her grandsons in attendance. ¡°Elliot mentioned to mest


    night that he didn¡¯t have any lunch ns for today, so I invited him along.¡±


    At that moment, Anastasia turned her head to nce at the man in question, and she noticed that his


    handsome face had stiffened slightly. Elliot clearly didn¡¯t expect that Harriet would expose his lie.


    In the end, he took his cup of tea into his hand and took a sip from it. At the same time, he peered across


    from the edge of his teacup, and his dark gaze went toward the woman next to him.


    As for Anastasia, she purposely turned in the other direction as soon as she sensed his eyes on her.


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯m sure that there¡¯s no need to introduce this person to you, right? He¡¯s my grandson, Elliot


    Presgrave. You guys must have encountered each other at the office, I believe?¡± Harriet asked with a


    smile.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia had a slightly abashed look on her face as she spoke up guiltily. ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve met.¡±


    Not only have we met, but we¡¯ve also even kissed more than once! It was mainly because of Elliot¡¯s


    shameless personality, and that he had forcefully kissed her each time.


    At that moment, Nigel reached out to hold Harriet¡¯s hand. ¡°Grandma, why don¡¯t you hurry up and tell us


    the purpose of this lunch date today?¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she heard that, and she turned to look at Harriet. At the same time,


    Harriet nced at Anastasia with a smile on her face before turning to nce at Nigel, who was seated


    next to Harriet. ¡°Anastasia and Nigel, I¡¯m very happy to know that the two of you are in a rtionship, so


    I¡¯ve asked the two of you out today to discuss the date for the wedding. That way, we can get the


    ceremony organized as soon as possible.¡±


    At that point, Anastasia thought to herself, Elliot was right in his guess! Harriet has actually taken the


    proposal for real!


    As for Nigel, he lifted his brows happily. ¡°Sure! Grandma, why don¡¯t you pick a date for us so that


    Anastasia and I can proceed with the wedding ceremony as soon as possible? Anastasia, how does that


    sound?¡±


    Meanwhile, Elliot crossed his arms together and looked at the woman next to him with a slightly gloating


    look on his face as he waited to see how she was going to handle this.


    On the other hand, Anastasia shot a resigned look at Nigel before she turned to speak to Harriet. ¡°Old


    Madam Presgrave, Nigel was just fooling around when he proposed to me that day. Don¡¯t take it


    seriously. We¡¯re just good friends.¡±


    ¡°What?! How can one fool around with a marriage proposal?!¡± Harriet stared at her with an aghast look


    before turning to look at Nigel.


    However, Nigel solemnly spoke up. ¡°Anastasia, I was quite serious during the marriage proposal. I would


    like to take your hand in marriage and have you as my wife. Please allow me to care for you for the rest


    of our lives.¡±


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    At that point, Anastasia lifted her head and she saw Nigel¡¯s expectant and loving expression. She


    couldn¡¯t help panicking as she pursed her lips. All of a sudden, she couldn¡¯t seem to figure out how to


    express her rejection with Harriet present. After all, she was mindful of maintaining Nigel¡¯s reputation too.


    As for Elliot, he reached out and took a sip from his cup. His dark eyes were deep and mysterious, and


    one couldn¡¯t quite tell what was on his mind.


    In fact, he was also waiting for the woman next to him to express her stance.


    ¡°Look, Nigel¡¯s sincerely in love with you, Anastasia. He¡¯s a great guy and I do hope that you can consider


    him as a prospect.¡± Harriet tried to matchmake the two, as she really hoped that Anastasia could be a


    part of the family too.


    All of a sudden, Anastasia found herself in a rut as she mumbled, ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, I


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯m sincere in my feelings. Ever since you saved my life, I made up my mind that my entire


    soul and self would belong solely to you.¡± Nigel took this opportunity to confess his true feelings. He also


    hoped that with Harriet present, Anastasia would no longer shy away from his sincere feelings.

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    Anastasia¡¯s pair of beautiful eyes shifted from left to right. She also pursed her lips for a moment before


    biting on her lower lip. At that point, she looked deeply troubled as she struggled toe up with a


    decision.


    As for Elliot, he continued to hold his cup as he gracefully sipped some tea. His thick eyshes formed a


    dense canopy and his eyes were covered thus masking the intense, prating look in them.


    Anastasia suddenly turned to shoot him a fleeting yet pleading look, but she could only manage to catch


    his nonchnt look from his handsome side profile. He behaved as if this had nothing to do with him,


    and he clearly wasn¡¯t going to offer her any help at all.


    She merely shot him a quick look before lowering her eyes. At the same time, she was quite frustrated


    as she grumbled to herself, What did I expect from him anyway? He¡¯s just here today to watch me make


    a fool of myself, or perhaps he¡¯s just here to have some fun.


    ¡°Anastasia, do you find it quite hard to ept Nigel¡¯s marriage proposal?¡± Harriet¡¯s warm voice suddenly


    rang out.


    As for Nigel, the expectant look in his eyes was evident because he wanted an answer. It was obvious


    that he was mainly after a sincere reply from Anastasia.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t me Nigel for that because she knew that just like Elliot, Nigel¡¯s feelings toward her


    included a strong sense of gratitude. Even if he sincerely liked her, she couldn¡¯t ept him anyway.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nigel, and I¡¯m sorry, Old Madam Presgrave. I can¡¯t ept Nigel¡¯s proposal.¡± Anastasia lifted


    her head and she had a clear look in her eyes as she spoke in a firm voice.


    Meanwhile, the man seated next to her, who was busy sipping tea, revealed a slight and unnoticeable


    smile.


    ¡°Why is that so?¡± Harriet eximed in surprise.


    Nigel¡¯s heart sank but he wasn¡¯t angry with Anastasia, because he had all the patience in the world for


    her. He was determined not to back down despite her multiple rejections all this while.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I have made up my mind to remain single for the rest of my life.¡± Anastasia¡¯s firm voice


    rang out once again.


    ¡°Pfft!¡± Suddenly, the man next to her, who was initially elegantly sipping his tea, choked on his drink. He


    quickly covered his mouth with hisrge palm as he hastily turned his head to stare at her.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia faced the stunned looks of the three individuals in front of her, and she exined


    in an exceptionally calm voice, ¡°I already have a child and he¡¯s my whole world. Old Madam Presgrave, I


    hope that you can understand my circumstances as a single mother. Even if I choose to remarry, I


    wouldn¡¯t have another child because I want to focus my love and efforts on my son. I think Nigel


    deserves a better woman.¡±


    LAN


    Anastasia knew that her words would definitely garner Harriet¡¯s support. After all, thetter was a


    woman, so she would naturally be able to understand the situation of a mother¡¯s refusal to build a new


    family with a kid in tow. If she conceived a second


    child, then it was inevitable for the first child to experience some suffering.


    Upon hearing that, Nigel instantly expressed himself, ¡°Anastasia, Jared¡¯s just like my own flesh and


    blood, and I¡¯ll definitely treat him the same way as I would treat my own son. Also, I¡¯m willing to respect


    your wishes and we don¡¯t need to have another child. I¡¯ll focus on raising Jared with you. What do you


    think of that?¡±


    Meanwhile, Harriet was quite frantic though she didn¡¯t show it. How can that be fine? Nigel¡¯s father is not


    going to agree to that, and my daughter definitely won¡¯t allow that too! The Manson Family line needs to


    be passed on.


    At that moment, Elliot frowned and turned to speak to Nigel. ¡°Nigel, stop being ridiculous. You have to


    respect your parents¡¯ wishes too.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, I can make my own decision on this matter,¡± Nigel replied calmly, as he intentionally wanted to


    show Elliot how determined he was in pursuing Anastasia.


    ¡°Nigel, I¡¯m very ttered by your sincere feelings, but I¡¯ve made up my mind to remain single for the rest


    of my life. I¡¯m not going to enter into a marriage with any other man, and you¡¯re no exception.¡± Anastasia


    made her stance clear and there was no going back on her words because these were her actual


    thoughts too.


    Elliot¡¯s expression instantly darkened as soon as she finished her sentence. He was seated next to her,


    and he turned to re at her, ¡°Miss Tillman, you shouldn¡¯t speak so rashly just yet. You should give


    yourself some room for changing your mind just in case. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing for you if


    you changed your mind in the future.¡±


    In response, Anastasia red at him. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely do as I said, so there¡¯s no need for you to be


    concerned, President Presgrave.¡±


    Suddenly, Harriet was taken aback. What does Elliot mean by that? I don¡¯t get it.


    At that moment, their food arrived and Harriet noticed that the atmosphere seemed quite tense so she


    quickly gestured at Anastasia. ¡°Come on, girl. Let¡¯s stop chatting and grab a bite. We can talk as we eat.¡±


    ¡°Here, Anastasia. Try this.¡± Nigel reached out and served some sd onto her te over the table.


    Upon seeing that, Anastasia politely thanked him. ¡°Thanks, Nigel. I¡¯ll help myself.¡±


    Meanwhile, Harriet suddenlymented, ¡°Anastasia, it must have been destined for us to meet, so I


    sincerely hope that we cane together and be family members.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    Chapter 176 ¡°I¡¯m blessed to have made acquaintance with all of you too.¡±


    ¡°Your mother sacrificed herself to save Elliot and you saved Nigel¡¯s life while overseas, so I¡¯ve already


    regarded you as my family after these two huge acts of kindness.¡±


    Suddenly, Nigel was caught by surprise as he lifted his head and eximed, ¡°Grandma, what did you just


    say? Anastasia¡¯s mom saved Elliot¡¯s life? What happened back then?¡±


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Meanwhile, Harriet turned in his direction and replied, ¡°You¡¯ve been overseas all these years, so it¡¯s quite


    normal for you to be unaware of this incident. Elliot was kidnapped when he was six years old, and


    Anastasia¡¯s mother sacrificed her life to save him. We¡¯re forever indebted to Anastasia and her family.¡±


    Nigel¡¯s eyes widened in surprise a? he couldn¡¯t quite believe his ears. It was beyond his wildest dreams


    that Anastasia and Elliot also had such a great act of kindness linking the two of them. Is that why Elliot


    steadfastly stays by Anastasia¡¯s side? Is he also intent on repaying Anastasia for everything that she had


    done, just like me?Elliot¡¯s actions of taking control of the QR Jewelry Group and the current situation with


    him being permanently stationed at the office of Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier clearly is his way of repaying


    Anastasia for her great act!


    Suddenly, Harriet mentioned, ¡°I need to go to the washroom.¡±


    ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, I¡¯ll go with you!¡± Anastasia quickly ced down her cutlery and got up to escort


    Harriet from her seat. Meanwhile, Harriet happily walked with Anastasia to the washroom.


    As soon as the door swung shut after them, Nigel turned to Elliot with a sharp look in his eyes. ¡°Elliot, are


    you pursuing Anastasia?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Elliot answered the question without flinching. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Are you just trying to repay her kind act, or are you truly fond of her?¡± Nigel interrogated Elliot bluntly.


    ¡°Both of the reasons are valid to me.¡± Elliot voiced out in a low voice. In all honesty, he was indeed quite


    reluctant to go after the same girl as his cousin.


    ¡°I went after Anastasia first, so you shouldn¡¯t fight me for her affections.¡± Nigel said


    that while clenching his fist tightly.


    ¡°Precedence doesn¡¯t mean anything in this. The deserving person of her affections should be whoever


    that¡¯s more capable. Or perhaps, to be more urate, she¡¯s the one who gets to have a say.¡±


    ¡°In that case, let¡¯spete equally for her affections and see which one of us manages to win her heart.


    If you seed, then I¡¯ll acknowledge her as my sister-inw, and vice versa if I win. What do you say?¡±


    Nigel bluntly announced that they shouldpete equally with each other. As such, if he failed in his bid


    and the other party was Elliot, then he would admit his defeat graciously.


    After all, Nigel knew that he was not as capable as his cousin, but he refused to give up without a fight


    and he wanted to try and make a bid at it.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯spete equally, then!¡± Elliot agreed to this solution as this was the best way that wouldn¡¯t


    affect their kinship.


    Shortly after that, Harriet and Anastasia came back from the washroom, and the two men immediately


    acted as if nothing had happened. They continued to enjoy their meal and sip from their teacups, and the


    confrontational vibe from earlier dissipated without a trace.


    ¡°Anastasia, I would like to propose a toast with this cup of tea in ce of champagne.¡± Harriet held a


    teacup in her hand and walked toward Anastasia.


    Extremely ttered, Anastasia quickly got up to toast Harriet. ¡°Here¡¯s a toast to you too!¡±


    ¡°Next time, bring Jared over to our house to have some fun. I would very much like to meet him,¡± Harriet


    announced.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll bring him over to pay you a visit once we¡¯re free.¡± Anastasia agreed without any hesitation.


    Just then, Anastasia was engrossed in enjoying her meal when she suddenly sensed someone serving


    something to her te. She assumed that it was Nigel but it seemed to being from another


    direction, so she looked up and found out that it was Elliot looking at her. It turned out that he was the


    one who had served her some food.


    Instantly, she anxiously nced at him and shot him a warning look. She didn¡¯t want to appear too


    intimate with him around Harriet.


    Meanwhile, Nigel saw everything and he couldn¡¯t contain the desteness that arose within him. He felt


    as if he was one step behind in everything. He couldn¡¯t help wishing that he had taken over the


    Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier so that Anastasia could work for him and subsequently, he would be able to


    court her every day during working hours. However, she was now Elliot¡¯s subordinate and he had the


    perfect opportunity to take advantage of the situation.


    At that point, Nigel was quite downcast so he found the meal quite nd and tasteless. It felt as if every


    bite turned to sawdust.


    Finally, the meal ended and Elliot took a look at the time before mentioning to Harriet, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ll head


    back to the office now.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you leaving so soon?¡± Harriet was quite surprised to hear that.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll send Miss Tillman back too, since we¡¯re heading in the same direction.¡± As soon as Elliot


    finished saying that, he turned to Anastasia, who was still in her seat. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he urged.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was momentarily stunned before she quickly grabbed her bag and bade Harriet


    farewell. ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, I¡¯ll see you next time.¡±

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    With that, Anastasia turned to Elliot and casuallymented, ¡°Thanks for the kind offer, President


    Presgrave.¡±


    However, Nigel hurriedly got up from his seat and offered, ¡°Anastasia, I can give you a ride.¡±


    At that point, Anastasia quickly turned around. ¡°Nigel, do stay on and finish the meal with your


    grandmother. I¡¯ll catch a ride with President Presgrave as we¡¯re heading in the same direction anyway.¡±


    After that, Nigel could only watch helplessly as the two of them left together, and he couldn¡¯t contain the


    desteness that rose up within him. Is Anastasia interested in Elliot?


    Upon entering the elevator, Anastasia keenly sensed that the man next to her was in a horrible mood.


    Elliot had a dark expression on his face and it was as if he had suffered a huge loss in his business.


    Instantly, she became quite reluctant to catch a ride with him so as soon as the doors to the elevator slid


    open with a ping¡¯, she turned to him and immediately said, ¡°President Presgrave, thanks for your offer


    but I¡¯ll just catch a cab.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Why?¡± Elliot shot her a look.


    Why?! It¡¯s because you¡¯re obviously in a bad mood so I¡¯d better avoid courting trouble!


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. I just want to catch a cab;¡± Anastasia lifted her head and replied before quickly


    walking off in the direction of the street. Suddenly, arge palm reached out and possessively grabbed


    hold of her wrist before dragging her to the direction of a car. Elliot pulled open the door to the front


    passenger seat and gestured for her to get into his car.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia frowned. This guy is too domineering! Can¡¯t I go back by myself without catching a


    ride with him?!


    In the end, Anastasia ended up getting into the car and Elliot entered the driver¡¯s seat too. Subsequently,


    the ck car drove off and merged slowly into the traffic.


    Anastasia was quite perplexed as to why Elliot suddenly lost his temper but despite racking her brain for


    the reason, she couldn¡¯t quite figure it out. He was an unfathomable individual and his emotions were


    quite unpredictable most of the time.


    All of a sudden, Elliot¡¯s low, interrogating voice rang out. ¡°You mentioned earlier that you intend to remain


    single for the rest of your life. Are you serious about that?¡±


    At that point, Anastasia was stunned and she turned her head to stare at his handsome side profile.


    Simrly, he turned his head too and shot a look at her.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m being serious! I have no intention of getting married anyway.¡± Anastasia wasn¡¯t


    ustomed to telling lies and she was quite happy and content with the life she had with her son right


    now, so she found it pointless to add trouble to her peaceful life.


    Getting married didn¡¯t necessarily guarantee a blessed life and likewise, remaining single didn¡¯t mean


    that one¡¯s life would definitely be an unhappy one.


    ¡°If Jared also likes the guy who pursues you, then would you still maintain your stance of not getting


    married?¡± Elliot continued to direct questions at her. Coincidentally, their car came to a stop in front of the


    traffic light, so he kept his piercing eyes on her.


    Instantly, Anastasia realized that the person Elliot was referring to was himself.


    She gulped and turned her head in the other direction to look out of the window. At the same time, she


    shook her head firmly. ¡°I don¡¯t n to get married. I n to raise Jared by myself.¡±


    Suddenly, Elliot felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his heart upon hearing her words. She knows that I¡¯m


    referring to myself and yet, she still insists on giving such a ruthless reply.


    ¡°Anastasia, could you consider things from another person¡¯s point of view? Don¡¯t keep hiding in your own


    world and avoid another¡¯s feelings.¡± Elliot spoke through gritted teeth as he directed his deep eyes at her.


    He seemed to be extremely angry at the moment.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia turned her head to look at him. His current expression was exceptionally


    forbidding and his gaze was full of frustration.


    ¡°Elliot, you don¡¯t even know what I¡¯ve been through and you don¡¯t know me at all, so don¡¯t you dare jump


    to conclusions about me!¡± Anastasia was also slightly angered at that point and after finishing her


    sentence, she remained quite annoyed so she continued on her tirade, ¡°I told you this before. I don¡¯t


    need you to repay me for anything, so could you please suppress your feelings for me? Nothing will


    come out of this rtionship. Stop the car. I want to get out of the car.¡±


    Meanwhile, Elliot, who was holding onto the steering wheel, evidently tightened his


    Tip. There had never been any woman who could easily trigger his anger with just a few mere


    sentences.


    However, he didn¡¯t pull over. He continued to keep his eyes on the road and his anger suddenly


    dissipated as he calmly responded, ¡°I¡¯ll send you back to the office.¡±


    At that point, Anastasia was stunned so she turned to look at him, who was currently busy driving by her


    side. She could feel the coldness and the distant feeling that came from within him, and she thought,


    Have I gone too far with my earlier sentence?


    ¡°Elliot, why don¡¯t you tell me about you and Hayley? I would like to know more.¡± Anastasia tried to


    change the topic.


    However, unexpectedly, she had hit a sore spot and this was a topic he had no intention of bringing up,


    so he coldly responded, ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    In the end, Anastasia had no choice but to keep her mouth shut. She found Elliot quite unpredictable


    indeed.

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    By then they had arrived in front of thepany, so Anastasia instantly voiced out, ¡°Why don¡¯t you pull


    over right here? I¡¯ll get down now.¡±


    It was the peak hour during lunch, so she didn¡¯t want anyone to see her getting out of Elliot¡¯s car.


    Upon hearing that, Elliot pulled over and Anastasia quickly grabbed her bag and got out of the car in a


    rush.


    It was quite obvious that she was afraid of being seen by anyone else. Meanwhile, he continued to drive


    in the direction of the underground parking lot.


    As soon as Anastasia got back to the office, she received a phone call from Felicia saying that the client


    was quite pleased with her design, so there were no changes necessary. They could now proceed to


    send it to the factory to get it customized. Felicia had also confirmed with the client the details of it, such


    as the grade of the diamond preferred, so Anastasia felt quite relieved.


    At that moment, Grace walked in with her cell phone in hand and there was an excited look on her face.


    ¡°Anastasia, look at this! The news of President Presgrave¡¯s treat of Musang King durians from yesterday


    has gone viral! Furthermore, it¡¯s one of the top three trending topics. The title is ¡°The president of the


    Presgrave Group treated their staff to Musang King durians. They are so fortunate!¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was significantly speechless. After all, it wasn¡¯t even a significant piece of news,


    but the media had deemed it important enough to publish it. The news published was in fact detrimental


    to Elliot, as it definitely reflected badly on his esteemed status.


    Right before work ended, Anastasia realized that it was time to go and pick Jared up from school.


    Suddenly, herndline rang and she subsequently picked up the phone. ¡°Hello, who¡¯s on the line?¡±


    ¡°Come to the underground parking lot.¡± An abrupt male voice rang out.


    At that instance, Anastasia hesitated for a few seconds before mentioning, ¡°President Presgrave, there¡¯s


    no need to bother with this. I can go and pick Jared up by myself. I¡¯ve hurt my finger too and I can¡¯t cook


    for you for the time being, so I would like to take a break for one week.¡±


    Essentially, this meant that Anastasia didn¡¯t want to see the man for theing week.


    ¡°Are you avoiding me?¡± Elliot¡¯s voice deepened and it turned colder too.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t one prone to self-deception, so she responded, ¡°Yes. From now on, we shouldn¡¯t meet


    up unless necessary. That would be the best for both of us. Goodbye.¡±


    After Anastasia said that, she hung up the phone. Subsequently, she decided to go and pick Jared up.


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    And so, she hailed a cab to his school and as soon as she entered the schoolpound, his teacher


    eximed in surprise, ¡°Oh-you¡¯re Jared¡¯s mother, right? Why are you here? Jared¡¯s father came and


    picked him up earlier.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Anastasia was caught by surprise.


    Elliot came before me to pick up my son?! What the heck is he doing?! How can he do that? Darn it!


    At that point, Anastasia could only grab her cell phone and dial Elliot¡¯s number. Fortunately, he swiftly


    answered the phone. ¡°I picked Jared up and we¡¯re having dinner.¡±


    ¡°Where are you taking my son to? Send him back home right now.¡±


    ¡°Make your own arrangements for dinner. I¡¯ll sort out Jared¡¯s meal.¡± After Elliot said that, he hung up


    immediately.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was at a loss for words. He took off with my son and I¡¯m not included? Gosh!


    Suddenly, she received a phone call from her father. ¡°Hi, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, are you free this Friday night?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mypany¡¯s twenty-fifth anniversary this Friday, and I would like to invite you and Jared along to


    join in the celebration.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take Jared along then.¡± Anastasia was definitely attending it, so she agreed to the request.


    ¡°Great! Make sure to dress up nicely on Friday night. I¡¯ll introduce you to some of thepany¡¯s


    management personnel.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± she replied.


    After she got off the phone with her father, Anastasia contemted the situation. She was in fact quite


    reluctant to bring Jared along to such asions, because Naomi and Erica would definitely be in


    attendance and she didn¡¯t want Jared to meet them.


    In the end, a lonely Anastasia ended up having a dinner of sandwiches by herself in a tiny restaurant.


    Each bite she took of her meal, she pretended as if she was biting into Elliot¡¯s flesh. How dare he take off


    with my son? How annoying!


    In the end, Anastasia got back home at about 7.30 PM and watched the clock tick by as she waited for


    Jared to arrive home. Meanwhile, her thoughts were filled with Elliot and she recalled everything that he


    had done to her. Suddenly, she felt her face gradually flush red. What¡¯s going on? Why do I keep thinking


    of that man? He¡¯s such a horrible and despicable person!


    At about 8.40 PM, the doorbell sounded and she practically leaped up from the couch as she hurried to


    pull open the front door.


    On the doorsteps, Jared held Elliot¡¯s hand and the boy happily greeted her, ¡°Mommy, we¡¯re back!¡±

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    ¡°Where have you guys been? Why are you back solite? Anastasia red at Elliot angrily as he


    spoke


    Meanwhile, the man couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°I brought Jared to get some dinner and then we went to an


    arcade nearby. Jared had a good time.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, it¡¯s really fun. I want to go again!¡± The boy was clearly quite drawn to the arcade and it was still


    on his mind.


    ¡°Okay, we can go there and have some fun next time when I¡¯m free. Now, it¡¯s time to go back and


    freshen up, then you need to get ready for bedtime.¡± After Anastasia had said that, she turned to Elliot


    and voiced out, ¡°President Presgrave, it¡¯s quitete now so I won¡¯t keep you any longer. You should go


    back.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, couldn¡¯t you allow Mr. Presgrave toe in and have something to drink?¡± Jared suddenly felt


    that Anastasia was quite heartless to kick Elliot out just like that.


    Upon hearing that, Elliot chimed in as he didn¡¯t want to leave just yet, ¡°I won¡¯t stay on for too long.¡±


    In response, Anastasia nodded after considering the fact that he had spent the night having fun with


    Jared. ¡°Okay. Come on inside to have something to drink.¡±


    Anastasia noticed the sweat on Jared¡¯s forehead, so she walked into his room to get his pajamas.


    ¡°Jared, let¡¯s get you ready for bed first.¡±


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, I¡¯ll go and take a shower now.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡± Elliot then sat on the couch. Anastasia¡¯s house wasn¡¯t exactly a mansion, but it was warm and


    cozy. He couldn¡¯t help wanting to stay on longer as it was veryfortable here.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia helped Jared freshen up, and she listened to him talk about the fun he had at the


    arcade. Furthermore, Elliot had allocated four bodyguards to keep a close eye on the boy, and he had


    done a great job at making sure of Jared¡¯s safety.


    Although Elliot had taken off with Jared without her permission today, Anastasia was surprisingly at ease


    with it and she wasn¡¯t worried about Jared being in Elliot¡¯s care. Since when did I develop this trust in


    him? Anastasia herself hadn¡¯t even realized this.


    After Jared was finally done in the shower and he had also washed his hair, he ran out dressed in his


    pajamas to Elliot¡¯s side. Holding a Rubik¡¯s Cube in his hand, he asked, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, could you show


    me how to solve this?¡±


    Elliot took the Rubik¡¯s Cube in his hand and the little cube suddenly seemed toe alive in his hands


    as his slender fingers deftly rotated it. His actions were quite elegant and dashing and into time, he had


    completed all six sides of the Rubik¡¯s Cube.


    Anastasia walked past while putting away some clothes, and she couldn¡¯t help silently apuding as she


    saw Elliot¡¯s speed at solving the Rubik¡¯s Cube. Indeed, this man is great in every aspect. If Jared


    interacts with him and learns from him, then perhaps he will turn out to be very smart too! Suddenly.


    Anastasia came to her senses. What sort of nonsense am I thinking about? I can¡¯t possibly hand Jared


    over to Elliot for him to bring up!


    Right on the dot at 9.30 PM, Anastasia turned to Jared, who was sitting on the couch. ¡°Jared, look at the


    time. What are you supposed to be doing by now?¡± she prompted.


    The boy then lifted his head to nce at the clock on the wall and puffed up his cheeks. ¡°Mommy, can I


    have another ten minutes, please?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s time for you to read a bedtime story and then go to bed. Mr. Presgrave needs to go home too.


    It¡¯s gettingte now.¡± Anastasia¡¯s main purpose was for Jared to stop bothering Elliot so that The man


    could leave.


    However, Jared nced at Elliot with a torn look in his eyes. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, I¡¯ll go to bed now.¡±


    ¡°Go on, then. It¡¯s great to get into the habit of maintaining a healthy lifestyle!¡± Elliot praised Jared.


    In the end, Jared was ted with the encouragement and he happily went to his room. Anastasia went


    along with him and tucked him into bed. Subsequently, she adjusted the air conditioner temperature


    before shutting the door behind her.


    The man on the couch had unbuttoned the first three buttons on his shirt, and his delicate cor bones


    were revealed. At the same time, Jared was not around, so Elliot¡¯s expression changed because right


    now, he could focus his eyes on the person he wanted to look at without any restraint. His primitive gaze


    was quite explicit.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a chat.¡± Truth was, Elliot wanted to continue the topic they hadn¡¯t quite finished in the car


    from earlier. He wanted to talk to Anastasia about her vow to remain single for the rest of her life,


    because he was adamant to dispel that notion from her mind.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia saw that Jared had fallen asleep and she wanted to take a shower and turn in for


    the night, so she tidied up the living room and spoke without lifting her head. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to chat.


    You should go home.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Elliot narrowed his eyes. The light from the chandelier illuminated his figure and he


    seemed to exude a cold elegance from within. He looked like Prince Charming who had juste back


    from a ball.


    ¡°Can we talk about Jared¡¯s father? I would like to know more about him,¡± Elliot suddenlymented in a


    low voice.

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    wanasia suddenly paused in her action of wiping the table and her expression changer slirati This was a


    topic that she didn¡¯t want to talk about either, so she rejected outright, ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past, so you should be open about it and let it go. Jared¡¯s old enough now, so there¡¯s no


    need to be so fixated upon it,¡± Elliot advised her. He thought that Anastasia¡¯s decision to remain single


    from now on was due to the hurt she had experienced in the past.


    On the other hand, Anastasia knew that he was just being kind and wanted tofort her, but she didn¡¯t


    need that at all. She lifted her head and stared at him with clear eyes and she reminded him, ¡°President


    Presgrave, it¡¯s quitete now.¡±


    However, Elliot remained seated on the couch and he looked at her with a deep expression before


    cing his elbows on the armrest. He then nonchntly tapped his long and slender index and middle


    finger on the couch, and he didn¡¯t seem to have the intention to leave at all.


    ¡°Elliot, it¡¯s nearly ten now. How long are you going to continue this?¡± Anastasia could only urge him to


    leave. Doesn¡¯t he have to go home and get some sleep?


    At that point, he finally got up and then he purposely left his car keys on the couch. He then headed in


    the direction of the entrance before turning around to speak to Anastasia, who was in


    the living room, ¡°Hand me my car keys please.¡±


    Anastasia nced at the car keys on the couch and she quickly grabbed them to bring them to the


    entrance, but he refused to take them from her too. In the end, she could only take a step out of the


    house and reached out to hand them to him.


    Suddenly, Elliot stretched his arm then she was dragged out of the doorway by him. Instantly after that,


    she was engulfed by a man¡¯s scent as a strapping figure approached her. At that moment, she could feel


    her body stiffen significantly. Anastasia lifted her head, and her eyes met Elliot¡¯s smoldering look. The


    aggressiveness in his eyes was quite obvious too.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Right after that, he leaned forward and pressed a steamy, hot kiss on her lips, and he didn¡¯t give her a


    chance to reject him at all as he pushed on aggressively.


    For a moment, Anastasia was quite breathless and slightly stunned from his prolonged, aggressive kiss.


    After she hade back to her senses, she tried to push him aside but at that point, Elliot ced his


    head against her forehead and his warm breath hit her cheek as he panted slightly. ¡°It is only now that


    I¡¯m content enough to leave the ce.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia angrily lifted her head to re at him. So he¡¯s not content to leave without taking


    advantage of me?! What¡¯s on his mind anyway? It seems to be full of obscene thoughts!


    ¡°Just leave!¡± She shoved him hard and turned around to walk into her room. Subsequently, she mmed


    the door shut after her.


    At that moment, her heart thudded frantically and she could still taste him on her lips. IlowT.


    she couldn¡¯tprehend her feelings. What¡¯s up with me anyway?! I don¡¯t seem to hate it and


    surprisingly it feels quite pleasant?!


    Anastasia seemed to be in a daze and she quickly forced herself to dispel the thoughts in her mind. After


    that, she grabbed her clothes and went to take a shower.


    At the same time, she was adamant not to invite Elliot into her house from now on. After all, he was a


    beast who couldn¡¯t seem to keep his hands off her. He¡¯s so rich and it wouldn¡¯t take much effort for him


    to get any woman he¡¯s afier, so why does he refuse to leave me alone?


    That night, Anastasia had trouble sleeping as shey on her bed and her thoughts kept going to the kiss


    she had with Elliot by the door. At the same time, she realized that he was indeed a cunning person. He


    had purposely left his car keys on the couch to force her to bring them out for him. As such, he took


    advantage of the situation subsequently. How annoying!Undeniably though, he¡¯s really good at being


    provocative.


    One would find such a man hard to resist if the person didn¡¯t have a firm heart. However, Anastasia


    trusted that she could definitely resist the temptation and she wouldn¡¯t be affected by his provocations at


    all.


    Meanwhile at the Tillman Residence, Erica finally had something to do. She could finally prepare for the


    twenty-fifth anniversary of her father¡¯spany. On that day itself, she intended to dress up in a pretty


    dress and wow the crowd by being the most attractive person in attendance. This was a great chance for


    her to showcase herself and she definitely wouldn¡¯t let it go to waste.


    At that moment, Naomi was in her room and she was busy discussing with Francis the allowance for her


    attire for the event. She intended to get a stunning gown for Erica so that Francis¡¯ image could be


    upheld.


    Finally, Francis relented after her countless pleas and whines, and he decided to allocate an allowance


    of two hundred thousand for the mother-daughter duo to doll up for the event.


    Naturally, Naomi found the amount insufficient, but it was good enough that she had managed to gain


    this amount from Francis. She decided that she would take Erica and pick a gown the next day as well


    as the day after that. After she had heard Francis mention that he had also invited Anastasia to the


    event, Naomi decided that she had to make sure that Anastasia didn¡¯t steal the show. Erica simply had to


    be the only star of the show.


    The next morning, Anastasia chatted with Jared about them attending the anniversary dinner as she sent


    him to school.

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    ¡°Mommy, I¡¯ll behave myself at home. You can go.¡± The little guy meekly nodded. He disliked Erica as


    well, because he was able to feel her ill will toward him although he was but a little boy.


    Therefore, he chose to not tag along to prevent causing trouble for his mother. However, instead of


    having Grace to keep himpany on that night like how Anastasia had suggested, Jared thought that


    Elliot might be a better candidate for the task.


    Anastasia went to the office after dropping her son off. She barely sat for a few minutes on her seat


    before Grace knocked on her door and pushed it open, inviting a flower delivery man toe in. ¡°This is


    Miss Tillman. Please send the flowers in!¡±


    The bouquet of blue roses stunned Anastasia for a few seconds. Who sent this?


    ¡°Miss Tillman, here¡¯s your flowers. Do sign and acknowledge it.¡±


    And so, Anastasia signed the paper. Then, she reached out for the card in the bouquet and flipped it


    open. Instead of finding romantic words, she found a domineering order written on it. Do not give the


    flowers away. Yours sincerely, Presgrave.


    Anastasia was rendered speechless. Why did he send me flowers again? He even prohibits me from


    giving it away.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, the flowers are gorgeous. They are obviously imported ones!¡± Grace came over to admire


    the flowers. .


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia pursed her lips and let out a helpless smile. I don¡¯t want to receive it no


    matter how pretty it is!


    ¡°Miss Tillman, your admirer must be super rich!¡± Grace guessed in envy.


    ¡°He¡¯s not my admirer,¡± Anastasia vaguely replied before she returned to her seat. In the next couple of


    hours, she intermittently stared at the bouquet of blue roses and fell into a daze.


    At 11.30 AM, Nigel showed up at her office to invite her to lunch-it was in invitation that allowed no room


    for rejection.


    When he saw the bouquet of flowers on the couch, he instantly knew who the sender


    was. He felt frustrated with himself for being too busy with the renovation that he had forgotten about


    sending flowers.


    However, Anastasia was embarrassed to have him treat her to lunch every day, so she announced, ¡°Let


    me treat you to lunchter!¡±


    Nigel merely wanted to have a meal with her, so he didn¡¯t mind who would be paying the bill. In the end,


    they went to a western restaurant together. During the meal, he talked about his office renovation and


    asked Anastasia about her opinion.


    However, no matter what she suggested, Nigel agreed to all her ideas and decided to adopt them. As a


    result, she dared not give any hasty suggestions. Otherwise, she would be guilty if the renovation turned


    out awful.


    ¡°Anastasia, what do you think about my cousin?¡± Nigel suddenly asked. Anastasia¡¯s hand trembled at the


    question, causing the spoonful of food that she scooped to fall back onto her te.


    ¡°Uh¡­ h-he¡¯s my boss and he¡¯s a nice person, of course,¡± she stuttered.


    ¡°Between him and I, who do you think is better?¡± Nigel stared at her intently, determined to get an


    answer out of her.


    At that, Anastasia put down her cutlery and looked straight into his eyes. ¡°Nigel, what exactly are you


    angling at?¡±


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    On the other hand, Nigel pursed his thin lips and decided that he shouldn¡¯t avoid the question he had


    been pondering any longer. And so, he exhaled and uttered, ¡°I know that he¡¯s pursuing you and he¡¯s


    repaying your kindness at the same time. Anastasia, in regards to our rtionship, I hope that¡­ you can


    give me a chance to be with you.¡± He lowered his head as he knew that chances were slim.


    ¡°Nigel, it¡¯s great to be your friend. We can have meals together and meet up sometimes. Besides, you


    know that I have no intention to remarry. I¡¯m really sorry!¡± She sincerely apologized, then added, ¡°Please


    don¡¯t waste your time on me, Nigel. It¡¯s not worth it.¡±


    ¡°But¡­you are the only woman in my heart. There is no one else.¡± He raised his head and looked at the


    woman before him. Although she wasn¡¯t the most beautiful woman, she was the most unique view that


    he had ever gazed upon.


    Truth was, his words moved Anastasia¡¯s heart, but she remained straight-faced and sighed. ¡°In that


    case, I guess we can¡¯t even be friends.¡±


    His expression stiffened and then fell. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want that to happen.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, let¡¯s remain as friends.¡± However, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help feeling guilty when she said that.


    Seems like I have to avoid meeting up with Nigel too often after this. I don¡¯t want to ruin his life. Instead


    of wasting his time and effort on me, he should go and pursue other women.

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    ¡°Will you say the same if it¡¯s my cousin who pursued you?¡± Nigel pouted and asked. feeling a little


    depressed.


    Something shed across Anastasia¡¯s eyes at that question. Elliot was never an obedient gentleman like


    Nigel. Instead, he had a strong and overbearing character, somewhat like a bandit¡¯s. He would ignore


    her rejection and warnings.


    Upon seeing her reaction, Nigel couldn¡¯t help feeling jealous. It seems like she gives Elliot special


    treatment.


    In the end, she didn¡¯t answer his question and she muttered, ¡°After lunch, I have to return to the office for


    a meeting. You should go about your renovation.¡±


    In the evening, Anastasia went to pick up her son before a certain someone did so. Otherwise, the child


    would be taken away by him yet again.


    This time, she sessfully picked Jared up. She even brought him to the mall and had a stroll near her


    office. She also bought some dumplings home to cook. However, when she was buying them, the little


    boy kept asking her to buy more. ¡°Mommy, that¡¯s not enough. I want more.¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯s enough. In fact, it¡¯s more than enough for the two of us,¡± she helplessly replied.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not enough.¡± He used a smalldle and continued filling the frozen dumplings into the bag.


    In the end, Anastasia brought arge bag of frozen dumplings home. As they were unable to finish them,


    she had to keep them in the fridge.


    After they reached home and while Anastasia was at the balcony, the boy took her phone. Finding Elliot¡¯s


    number, he sent the man a message. ¡®Mr. Presgrave,e over to have some dumplings!¡± All that was


    done quickly and easily.


    ¡®Sure! I¡¯m on my way, Elliot replied.


    The boy put down the phone happily. As expected, Mr. Presgrave wille.


    When Anastasia saw that it was gettingte, she went to cook the dumplings.


    ¡°Mommy, you have to cook all the dumplings!¡± the little boy reminded her


    ¡°It¡¯s too much. It¡¯s a waste if we can¡¯t finish them.¡±


    ¡°I can finish them. I want to eat 50 dumplings!¡± he announced loudly.


    ¡°You can¡¯t fill 50 of them in your little tummy!¡± She chuckled as she said that.


    ¡°I can!¡± He put on a straight face as hemented, ¡°Mommy, just cook them.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll cook two tes first, and I¡¯ll make some more if it¡¯s not enough, okay?¡± she conceded with a


    smile.


    ¡°Okay, but don¡¯t forget to cook more if it¡¯s not enough!¡± Mommy can cook more when Mr. Presgrave is


    here, Jared thought.


    Thereafter, Anastasia went to the kitchen to cook some dumplings. Meanwhile, the little boy waited and


    stared at the door as he listened to the footsteps outside intently.


    Ten minutester, Anastasia received a message on her phone. The boy quickly took a nce at it.


    Open the door


    He giggled and immediately turned the door handle. Standing outside the door was none other than


    Elliot. The man was dressed like an elite who had just exited from a meeting room, and he emanated the


    presence of someone powerful and influential.


    ¡ª


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, we are having dumplings tonight.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Elliot grinned.


    Anastasia, who exited the kitchen to get something from the fridge, was startled to see the man in the


    living room.


    ¡°W-Why are you here?¡± Her eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°Mommy, I invited Mr. Presgrave over to eat dumplings,¡± the boy exined on behalf of Elliot, for fear


    that Anastasia would be mad.


    Anastasia narrowed her eyes. At that instant, the reason behind Jared¡¯s actions of insisting on getting


    extra dumplings and asking her to cook 50 of them dawned upon her. It turned out that her son had


    included Elliot¡¯s portion since the very beginning.


    ¡°Don¡¯t put him on the spot. I wanted toe myself¡± Elliot chimed in.


    There was nothing that Anastasia could do at that point since he had shown up.


    ¡°Alright, then. Since we have enough dumplings¡­¡± Looking at her son¡¯srge innocent eyes, she


    couldn¡¯t bring herself to scold him.


    It¡¯s a good thing that he took the initiative to think about others. It shows that he has be a more


    mature kid, she thought.


    ¡°Have a seat. I¡¯ll go and cook the dumplings.¡± After Anastasia said that, she returned to the kitchen.


    Subsequently, the first thing that came to Jared¡¯s mind was to ask for Elliot¡¯s permission. ¡°Mr. Presgrave,


    Mommy is going to attend Grandpa¡¯s banquet tomorrow night. Can I go to your house to y?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Won¡¯t she be taking you along?¡± Elliot asked with a frown.


    ¡°Nope! Mommy said that it¡¯s not convenient for me to be there because there will be a lot of people. She


    is going to get Grace to look after me, but I want to spend time with you.¡±

 Chapter 183

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    Chapter 183


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯ll go and pick you up tomorrow at school.¡± Elliot was more than willing to take care of him, of


    course.


    Thereafter, Jared asked curiously, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, will there be many men at the banquet? I¡¯m worried


    that Grandpa may introduce other men to Mommy. I hope that you can be there at the banquet so that


    Grandpa can meet you too.¡±


    Elliot narrowed his eyes. Could it be that Francis is going to find a partner for the woman at the banquet


    tomorrow? In that case, how can I miss that? At that instant, he thought of another suitable candidate


    who could take care of the kid.


    ¡°Jared, if I¡¯m going to attend your Grandpa¡¯s banquet tomorrow night, is it okay if I get Nigel to take care


    of you? But can we keep this a secret for now?¡± Elliot didn¡¯t want his n to be ruined, so he couldn¡¯t


    afford to let Anastasia and Nigel know about this.


    ¡°Okay, sure!¡± It was obvious that the boy had now be Elliot¡¯s ¡®partner in crime!


    Little did the pitiful Nigel know that he would soon be the babysitter who helped his cousin to


    pursue Anastasia.


    Anastasia served two tes of dumplings at the table before she returned to the kitchen to make two


    more tes. Meanwhile, Elliot and Jared, who were sitting at the table, started dipping the dumplings


    into the premade sauce and eating them.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Anastasia cooked all the dumplings that she had bought that day, and the portion happened to be just


    sufficient for the three of them. After the meal, Elliot took Jared downstairs to take a stroll, while


    Anastasia cleaned the house. After she was done with the chores, she sat on the couch and fell into a


    daze. Why do I feel as though we are a family of three?


    She suddenly recalled that Elliot had slept with Hayley before this, and Anastasia felt an indescribable


    feeling welling up inside her.


    She recalled how Hayley had described their night together when Hayley was hugging Elliot at the


    garden of the Presgrave Residence. She had talked about how wild Elliot had been above her. It was


    apparent that it had been an incredibly passionate night that had be one that was unforgettable to


    Hayley.


    Anastasia shut her eyes abruptly, attempting to shrug off the thoughts that appeared in her head. It


    reminded her of the night five years ago that she had spent with a male escort that she had known


    nothing about. She did not know his name nor his


    face, although she had beenpletely conscious when everything had happened that night.


    She had felt that the male escort had arge and burly build, with strength so strong that she could


    hardly resist. He had lost his reasoning at that time, and he resembled a beast that had no sense of


    humanity at all.


    Whenever she remembered that night, Anastasia could feel her body tremble all over, and this incident


    caused her to bear a heartfelt disgust toward the carnal desire between a man and a woman. She


    refused to get married, not only because of the mental repulsion she felt toward such matters, but also


    because the incident had traumatized her physically.


    When Anastasia was engrossed in her painful memories, the sudden sound of the door being unlocked


    snapped her back to her senses. She inhaled a deep breath.


    ¡°You guys are back?¡± Anastasia smiled at Jared, who was running into the house. When she saw her


    son¡¯s adorable and beautiful face, she could feel her earlier agony diminish.


    ¡°Mommy, this is for you!¡± The boy came back carrying Anastasia¡¯s favorite beverage.


    ¡°You guys went out and bought something?¡± she asked with a smile.


    ¡°I was thirsty, so Mr. Presgrave bought me a drink. I remembered that you like this, so I bought you a


    bottle.¡±


    At that, Anastasia looked up at the tall man and thanked him. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, I feel so hot! I want to take a shower.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll help you to take a shower. Go and find yourself a set of pajamas.¡± She looked at her son and


    he returned to his room.


    Just then, Anastasia looked at Elliot and said, ¡°President Presgrave, it¡¯s gettingte. You should leave.¡±


    The man¡¯s gazended on her face, his eyes beguiling as he murmured, ¡°I want to stay for a little


    longer.¡±


    ¡°Do not think that you can take advantage of me. It won¡¯t happen again,¡± she calmly announced: I won¡¯t


    fall for his tricks again.


    Elliot himself was aware that he couldn¡¯t possibly be so lucky to manage toy his


    hands on her every time. However, at the thought that he would be able to see her the next day, he


    curled up the corner of his lips. ¡°See you tomorrow at the office, then.¡±


    With that, he pushed the door open and left the house.


    In the end, Anastasia exhaled in relief and quickly entered the room to help her son to shower.


    The next morning, the Department of Design had an early-morning meeting.


    As Anastasia walked into the meeting room groggily, she abruptly saw a charming and noble figure


    sitting in the seat next to hers, and the usually noisy atmosphere in the office suddenly became


    particrly serious.

 Chapter 184

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    Chapter 184


    Elliot¡¯s here!


    Although all the female designers knew that Elliot was there for Anastasia, they still couldn¡¯t hold back


    their little gestures in hopes to catch his attention. Thedies flicked their hair and pursed their lips.


    Some tried to make eye contact with him, while others even attempted to undo a button at their low-cut


    cor to further expose their cleavage.


    When Anastasia took a seat, someone sent coffee into the room.


    Everyone was surprised that each of them got a cup of coffee, and it was Felicia who revealed the


    mystery. ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s thank President Presgrave for treating us to a cup of coffee.¡±


    The lot of them looked at Elliot in gratitude. Some female designers even purred, ¡°Thank you President


    Presgrave! I¡¯m so happy!¡±


    However, Elliot¡¯s gaze rested on the woman next to him, causing Anastasia to receive full attention from


    the crowd. The female employees suddenly felt that the coffee in their hands didn¡¯t taste as well as it had


    seconds ago, because they now realized that Anastasia was the main reason they were able to drink the


    coffee in the first ce!


    Meanwhile, Anastasia, who was skimming through the store sales analysis report, took a sip of coffee.


    This led a hint of smile to creep into the eyes of the man beside her. Everyone at the scene clearly took


    in his reaction.


    ¡°At present, the price war in the market is very intense. Our recent store sales have increased by 5%


    compared to the previous month. Thepany has decided to promote an associate director to


    supervise the entire Department of Design alongside me.¡±


    Alice¡¯s eyes widened at that mention. She felt as though the position would have to belong to her and


    nobody could take it away from her.


    On the contrary, Anastasia, whose full attention was on design and nothing else, was uninterested with


    this management position.


    ¡°How much will the sry increment be when one is promoted to be an associate director?¡± One of theN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    designers went straight to the crux of matter.


    ¡°The person who is promoted to be the associate director shall have a sry


    increment of 5,000 to 10,000 on top of his or her original basic sry, depending on this person¡¯s


    capability,¡± Felicia announced.


    Anastasia, who had been initially uninterested with the promotion, heard that, and her stunning eyes lit


    up and her interest was instantly piqued. ¡°What are the conditions that one must fulfill in order to be


    entitled for the promotion?¡±


    ¡°Firstly, one must have worked with thepany for more than 5 years. Secondly, we will review their


    design skills. Thirdly, one must possess a teamwork spirit, understand the market direction, and be able


    to analyze the market needs.


    The light in Anastasia¡¯s eyes dimmed when she heard that, while Alice, who was sitting opposite her,


    smiled and deliberately reminded her, ¡°Anastasia, you merely worked with thepany for two months.


    You don¡¯t fit the first condition.¡±


    Although Anastasia was disgruntled, she said nothing. Just then, a low yet firm male voice rang out


    beside her. ¡°Anastasia will be promoted as the associate director.¡±


    Anastasia abruptly jerked her head toward him, but Elliot was seen looking at Felicia as he ordered,


    ¡°Notify the Human Resource Department about this.¡±


    Felicia, who didn¡¯t expect the boss to promote Anastasia with just a statement, revealed an awkward


    smile. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll notify the Human Resource Department about the change in her position.¡±


    At that, Alice, who was sitting opposite them, was so mad that her face nched, while the other


    designers were astounded. Does Anastasia have such a powerful background? Could it be that the


    reason President Presgrave attended the meeting today is just to promote her as the associate director


    in front of all of us?


    ¡°But that¡¯s unfair, President Presgrave! Shouldn¡¯t other employees be given a fair chance?¡± Alice boldly


    refuted. ¡°It will be difficult to convince the others if you make an exception and grant her a promotion like


    this.¡±


    As soon as Alice voiced out her disapproval, the air in the meeting room instantly became heavy.


    Elliot furrowed his brows, darting a sharp gaze at her. ¡°Are you objecting to my decision?¡±


    ¡°N-No¡­ I-I just think that t-this is apany, and thepany should have rules and regtions¡­¡±


    Alice was so frightened that she started stammering and her face flushed crimson.


    Anastasia suddenly didn¡¯t find the position of the associate director attractive anymore. It would be alright


    if she earned the position with her own effort, but an exceptional promotion like this was indeed unfair to


    the others, let alone when she didn¡¯t want to owe the man any favors in the first ce.


    ¡°President Presgrave, I refuse to ept the position. Please allow Felicia to pick someone more


    suitable!¡± Anastasia chimed in reasonably.


    Elliot¡¯s cold gaze that had initially been on Alice nownded on Anastasia, but there currently was a hint


    of frustration in them. Why is she concerned about all those irrelevant matters? Doesn¡¯t she want to earn


    more money?


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it this way, then. Anastasia gains the right topete for the position because her capability is


    undeniably outstanding. Alice, Anastasia and Alexia are the suitable candidates for this position. I¡¯ll


    assign tasks to the three of you to assess your capabilities.¡±

 Chapter 185

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    Chapter 185


    ¡°You guys can take it from here,¡± Elliot calmly announced. It was apparent that he had no intention to


    participate in the meeting further, so he rose up from his seat and left.


    As soon as he had left, everyone in the meeting room exhaled in relief. The heavy atmosphere earlier


    had been suffocating.


    ¡°Anastasia, we will fight for the position in a fair and square manner. If you can beat me, I¡¯ll give you the


    position!¡± Alice sneered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to give it to me. Let¡¯s each do our best,¡± Anastasia coldly refuted.


    ¡°Other than the three people whose names were called earlier, the others may leave.¡± Felicia asked them


    to leave, as she wanted to have a private talk with the trio.


    In the task this time, all three of them would be responsible for one of the stores under thepany.


    Whoever attained the best sales performance the next month would be crowned the champion. However,


    they were not allowed to request their friends or family members to make bulk orders. Only sales from


    free-will customers would be taken into ount.


    ¡°You three may liaise with the store managers, or you may take care of the store in person. Ultimately,


    the three of you have the right to do anything in the store. The total sales next month will be the deciding


    factor.¡±


    All three of them, including Anastasia, blindly picked a store. Since she had decided to participate in the


    competition, she wouldn¡¯t give up that easily.


    ¡°Anastasia, I dare you to not rely on President Presgrave¡¯s influence andpete with us fair and


    square.¡±


    ¡°I would have epted the position if I were to rely on his influence, no?¡± Anastasia refuted.


    ¡°Anastasia, what in the world did you do to make President Presgrave treat you so differently? Could it


    be that you are hooking up with him?¡± Alice sneered in disdain.


    Anastasia merely looked at the other woman coldly without saying a word. Upon hearing that, Felicia


    tried to make peace between them. ¡°Alright, we are all colleagues. Please speak to each other politely.¡±


    In the end, Alice tossed the documents on the table and announced, ¡°Anastasia, I won¡¯t lose to you!¡±


    With that, she arrogantly left the scene.


    After Anastasia returned to her office, she received a call from her father. When Francis heard that she


    wouldn¡¯t be bringing her son along, he asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you bringing Jared?¡±


    ¡°Dad, there are many people at the banquet. I¡¯m worried that Jared would wander off. Besides, I¡¯ve made


    arrangements for him.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Since you have made arrangements, just leave him at home, then.¡± Ever since the incident


    when Jared had been lost, Francis dared not show the slightest negligence when it came to the matter


    about the kid.


    ¡°And do remember to dress prettier,¡± Francis reminded in the end.


    At that, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but look down at what she was wearing that day. It was regr office


    attire-a gray blouse paired with a tight-fitting skirt, and she didn¡¯t prepare any other clothes.


    At noon, Anastasia had lunch with Felicia. Thetter told her that the mold for the custom-made jewelry


    had been produced by the factory. What came next would be the craftspeople doing their jobs, and the


    final product would bepleted by the end of the month.


    A sense of achievement bubbled up inside Anastasia upon hearing that. She, too, hoped to bring more


    profit to thepany.


    At 3.00 PM, Anastasia called Grace over to her office. She instructed her to help her to look after Jared,


    to which Grace happily agreed.


    At 4.50 PM, Anastasia took Grace to the kindergarten to pick up her son. The moment she stepped into


    the ssroom, the young female teacher asked in surprise, ¡°Miss Tillman, why are you here? Jared has


    been picked up by his father.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat and she asked, ¡°Are you sure that¡­ it was his father who picked him


    up?¡±


    The female teacher was certain. ¡°Yes, it was his father who came in person to pick him up.¡±


    ¡°I see. Thank you.¡± Anastasia felt annoyed at that. Why did Elliot pick my son up without informing me?


    ¡°Miss Tillman, what does Jared¡¯s father do?¡± Grace immediately asked curiously.


    ¡°Uh¡­ He¡¯s in the finance industry.¡±


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s so cool! I wish to see what Jared¡¯s father looks like someday. Jared is so good-looking, so I


    reckon that his dad must be very handsome!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face flushed red as she exined, ¡°He¡¯s a busy man, so you won¡¯t be able to see him most


    of the time.¡± After she said that, she added, ¡°Grace, I won¡¯t be troubling you tonight, then. You may get


    off work.¡±


    Grace nodded, feeling a little sad that she wouldn¡¯t be caring for the kid that night.


    As Anastasia walked toward the road to hail a cab, she dialed a man¡¯s number.


    The call went through. ¡°Hello.¡±.


    ¡°Elliot, where did you take my son to?¡±


    ¡°Jared told me that you will be attending your father¡¯spany banquet tonight. Since you won¡¯t have


    the time to take care of him, you can just leave him in my care!¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    Chapter 186


    Anastasia didn¡¯t expect that her son would tell Elliot about the banquet. Since things hade to that


    point, she had no choice but to trouble the man with taking care of Jared. And so, she immediately


    reced her initially angry tone with her usual one. ¡°If it¡¯s not too much of a hassle to you, please take


    care of him for me tonight. I¡¯ll go and pick him up at around 9.00 PM.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Elliot unhesitatingly agreed and hung up the call.


    Gazing at the sunset in the distance, Anastasia fell into a daze, wondering whether it was a good thing


    that her son relied on Elliot so much.


    Oftentimes, the choices avable were limited. On one hand, she didn¡¯t want Jared to depend on that


    man too much but on the other hand, she couldn¡¯t help feeling relieved when the man took care of her


    son. In fact, she even trusted that man unconditionally.


    After Elliot ended the call with Anastasia, he instantly called another person.


    ¡°Hello, Elliot! How can I help you?¡± Nigel¡¯s voice rang from the other end of the call.


    Although the two men had made a bet, it didn¡¯t affect the rtionship between them.


    ¡°I need a favor from you. Will you help me to take care of a child?¡±


    ¡°Whose child?¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Where else? My father¡¯spany, of course.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send him over right now.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t told me whose kid is that! And I don¡¯t like to babysit,¡± Nigel grumbled.


    ¡°It¡¯s Anastasia¡¯s boy. Are you not going to babysit him?¡± Elliot muttered in exasperation.


    ¡°What? Jared? Jared¡¯s with you now?¡± Nigel asked in surprise, then he rejoiced. ¡°Send him over! I don¡¯t


    like other kids, but Jared¡¯s different.¡±


    Elliot ended the call on his Bluetooth earpiece before he said to the kid in the back


    seat. ¡°I¡¯m sending you to Nigel¡¯s ce now, alright?¡±


    ¡°Okay, Mr. Presgrave. You have to keep an eye on Mommy tonight and make sure that no man snatches


    her away!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll certainly keep a close eye on her.¡± Elliot chuckled. No men would be able to take her away under his


    watch.


    Soon, they arrived at a 7-star hotel, and Nigel was waiting downstairs to get the kid. When the car came


    to a stop, Nigel pulled open the car door of the back seat. He was surprised when he saw a child car


    seat in Elliot¡¯s car and the little boy was safely strapped on the seat.


    ¡°Mr. Nigel!¡± Jared politely greeted him.


    Meanwhile, Elliot walked up to Nigel and said, ¡°Anastasia is tied up with something, so she asked me to


    send Jared to your ce. I¡¯ll have to trouble you with him tonight.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Nigel felt a little displeased. I would go and pick Jared up if Anastasia gave me a call,


    so why did she get Elliot to send Jared over? Could it be that in her heart, I¡¯m not as reliable as Elliot?


    ¡°Goodbye, Mr. Presgrave.¡± As Jared held Nigel¡¯s hand, the boy looked behind and winked at Elliot,


    hinting thetter about the secret that only the two of them knew.


    ¡ª


    CA


    In the end, Nigel led Jared to his office. The more the former thought about it, the more frustrated he felt.


    Instead of asking Elliot to send Jared over to me, why didn¡¯t


    Anastasia contact me directly to go and pick Jared up?


    Nigel turned to look at the little guy, who was sitting on the couch with his little feet dangling in the air.


    Suddenly, Nigel noticed that Jared¡¯s beautiful facial features had started to be sharp, which caused


    the man to widen his almond-shaped eyes. What¡¯s going on? Why do I find that Jared seems to look a


    little like Elliot?


    Jared¡¯s features and demeanor were very simr to Elliot¡¯s. The next instant, Nigel seemed to recall


    something, and he took out his phone to scroll through his photo album. He remembered that he had


    kept a photo of Elliot as a child-it was a photo that had been taken when he was with Elliot.


    After searching through a few albums, Nigel finally found the photo. Nigel looked at the little boy in the


    photo who had his arms around Nigel¡¯s shoulder. At that point, Nigel¡¯s eyes nearly fell out of his sockets.


    In the photo, Elliot was a five-year-old kid and he looked exactly like the little boy who was currently


    sitting on the couch. They had faces so simr that one seemed to be a duplicate of the other.


    What kind of strange phenomenon is this? Anastasia¡¯s son looks exactly the same as Elliot when he was


    a kid! Nigel looked at himself in the photo, at the boy who had Elliot¡¯s arm around his shoulder. Although


    he had been an adorable kid as well, he had looked nothing like Jared.


    At that moment, Nigel felt as though he was burning in rage and jealousy. Is this a hint from God? That


    Elliot is going to beat me in this rtionship?


    Nigel nced at the kid on the couch again, and the love he had for Anastasia was still strong. If I were


    to marry Anastasia, I wouldn¡¯t ever make the little guy sad, nor would I give him any younger brothers or


    sisters!C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    Chapter 187


    ¡°Jared, where did your mommy go?¡±


    ¡°Mommy has something else to do.¡±


    And so, Nigel came to the conclusion that Anastasia had to work overtime, so she had brought Jared to


    the office, then had Elliot send Jared over to him. Nigel was certain that that was the truth.


    At that moment, Anastasia was in a cab on the way to the hotel where her father¡¯spany event would


    be held.


    Her father¡¯spany wasn¡¯t exactly arge establishment, so the celebration this time was organized in


    a regr 5-star hotel.


    The attendees of the event were not required to go through the hassle of registration before entering the


    venue. Anastasia saw a sign at the lobby that stated, ¡®Attendees of


    Tillman Construction¡¯s banquet, please proceed to the third floor.


    As soon as Anastasia exited from the lift, she followed the sign and arrived at a hall that was decorated


    with numerous tables and chairs. She saw her father standing among a few elderly men, and he looked


    radiant as he beamed gleefully. He seemed to be in high spirits as he raised his ss and chatted with


    the people around him.


    ¡°Dad!¡± Anastasia walked up to him and greeted him.


    ¡°Hey! This is my elder daughter, Anastasia.¡± Upon seeing her, Francis introduced her to his peers


    standing around him.


    One of them couldn¡¯t help butpliment, ¡°Tillman, you are so lucky to have such a gorgeous daughter!¡±


    ¡°Not only does she have the looks, I heard that she is quite a capabledy as well,¡± another man praised.


    Anastasia felt embarrassed upon hearing that. It seemed like her father had often mentioned her in front


    of his friends. Still, she was d that she made her father proud.


    ¡°Good evening.¡± She smiled and greeted them.


    Meanwhile, Francis was surveying the hall, seemingly looking for someone. Just then, All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    a vigorous young man in a suit entered the hall, and Francis immediately called out to him, ¡°Alex,e


    here.¡±


    Alex Hunter was about 28 or 29 years old, definitely below his thirties. Currently, he was emanating the


    youthful vibe of a young man. Upon hearing his boss¡¯ summon, he quickly strode over. At that instant, he


    saw Anastasia, who turned to face him, and he waspletely in awe.


    Anastasia appraised him with her stunning eyes. This man must be Dad¡¯s employee!


    ¡°Anastasia, let me introduce you to him. This is Alex Hunter, a recently promoted Finance Manager of


    our firm. He¡¯s young and capable, and he¡¯s a graduate from a renowned university,¡± Francis


    commended, his eyes full ofpliments.


    Anastasia greeted him with a smile. ¡°Hello, Mr. Hunter.¡±


    Alex ruffled his hair in embarrassment. ¡°You must be Miss Tillman! It¡¯s nice to finally meet you in person.


    President Tillman mentions you often.¡±


    ¡°Alex, this is my elder daughter, Anastasia. I¡¯ve always wanted to introduce you to each other. Please


    take good care of her on my behalf tonight,¡± Francis chimed in. It was apparent from his gaze that he had


    other ns.


    Alex was both surprised and excited. At that point, he seemed a little flustered as he was afraid that he


    would offend or upset Anastasia.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, do you want to drink anything?¡±


    On the contrary, Anastasia remained calm andposed. She apanied Alex to a table and smiled


    at him. ¡°Mr. Hunter, I¡¯ll help myself. You should go about with your things.¡±


    Alex was personally trained by Francis to be his right-hand man. Thetter even handed Alex the power


    over the most important department, which was the Finance Department. That night, Francis had the


    intention to set up Alex and his elder daughter, Anastasia. When Anastasia took over thepany in the


    future, it would be much easier for her with Alex as her husband.


    Francis had been cracking his head to keep hisrge business going when he had no son. Hence, the


    best way was to make Alex his son-inw.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, I¡¯ve often heard your father mentioning you. He said that you are a jewelry designer of a


    jewelry atelier. You are such a talented young woman.¡± Alex seemed embarrassed, but he was eager to


    present himself before the woman he had


    fallen for at first sight.


    ¡°I¡¯m just a designer. You are the one who is amazing!¡± Anastasia praised him. He was a valuable


    employee of her father, so she naturally treated him politely.


    ¡°You are ttering me, Miss Tillman. President Tillman thinks well of me, so he gave me the position,¡±


    Alex replied humbly.


    Anastasia then turned to survey the other guests, but Alex couldn¡¯t help but gaze fixedly at her. Her


    every movement seemed to capture his heart. It seemed that he had really fallen for Anastasia at first


    sight.

 Chapter 188

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    Chapter 188


    Alex was well aware of the fact that Anastasia most likely would be francis¡¯ sessor in the future, Truth


    was, Alex had his own thoughts as well. After all, everyone in the world would dream of having an casier


    life,


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was borcd, so she took out her phone to check her messages, while Alex went to


    get her some snacks. He had made up his mind to stick with Anastasia no matter where she was that


    night.


    She was curious about what her son was doing at that moment, so she sent Elliot a text. ¡®What¡¯s Jared


    doing?¡¯


    After she sent the message, she didn¡¯t receive any reply even after waiting for more than ten minutes, so


    she thought that the man must have missed her message.


    Just then, a mother-daughter duo hurried into the hotel lobby-it was none other than Naomi and Erica,


    who had just arrived due to the terrible traffic. Erica wore a burgundy evening gown that night. As she


    entered the hall while lifting her skirt, she suddenly thought of something and turned to her mother,


    ¡°Mom, I left my phone in the car. Could you go and get it for me?¡±


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Upon hearing that, Naomi agreed resignedly. ¡°You go sit on that couch for a while. I¡¯ll go get you your


    phone now. Don¡¯t y with your phone all the time in the car in future.¡±


    And so, Erica lifted her skirt and took a seat on the couch while waiting for her mother. At that moment, a


    ck vehicle stopped at the main entrance of the hotel. Under the light from the hallway, a man pushed


    open the car door of the back seat and alighted from the car. Standing at six feet two, he had an


    imposing bearing. After tidying his suit, he strode into the hotel with his long slender legs.


    He had Rey following by his side carrying his briefcase. However, Rey, who was also a handsome, white-


    cored elite, seemed inconspicuous as he stood next to Elliot.


    When Erica was staring at the door waiting for her mother to get her phone, she suddenly spotted the


    man and her heart started pounding wildly. Oh, God! How can there be such a dashing, elegant man in


    this world?


    The man who entered the premises under the bright lights had a cold and noble bearing. Dressed in a


    fitted suit, he emanated a stern yet intimidating aura that made it obvious he was someone with a high


    and mighty position.


    Erica¡¯s heart nearly jumped out of her chest. He¡¯s so handsome and sexy!


    Elliot¡¯s gaze swept across the signboard and he saw that the banquet of Tillman Construction was held


    on the third floor. He then entered the elevator together with Rey and pressed on the button to the third


    floor.


    Upon seeing that the lift stopped at the third floor, Erica couldn¡¯t help but hold her chest excitedly. Could


    it be that the man is here to attend Dad¡¯spany event? Does this mean that I¡¯U have the chance to


    get to know him?


    Erica was exhrated and she felt as if she had met the love of her life. She wanted to know him very


    badly, and she had even thought about the names for their future kids.


    When Naomi saw Erica staring at the elevator in a daze, she called out to her, ¡°Erica, what are you


    staring at?¡±


    ¡°Mom, I just saw a super handsome man! He seems to be heading to Dad¡¯spany event. I want to get


    to know him. I have to know him!¡±


    Upon seeing how crazy her daughter was for that man, Naomi thought to herself, A handsome face will


    be useless if he¡¯s poor. I won¡¯t agree for my daughter to marry a poor man or even a man with an


    ordinary background. My daughter has to marry the wealthiest man.


    Meanwhile, Elliot stepped out of the elevator and into the hall. At one nce, he spotted Anastasia, as


    well as the existence of a man beside her. That man was chatting with her, while she had one hand on


    her chin and a curve at the corner of her lips. She looked as though she was having a great time.


    Elliot narrowed his eyes menacingly. As expected, this woman attracts the gaze of men no matter where


    she goes.


    Upon seeing Francis among the crowd, Elliot walked up to him. Francis was chatting with his friends


    when he suddenly heard a pleasant male voice beside him. ¡°Hello, Mr. Tillman.¡±


    Francis turned to look at him and was stunned for a few seconds. ¡°And you are?¡±


    Rey immediately handed him Elliot¡¯s business card. ¡°This is President Presgrave¡¯s business card. Please


    have a look.¡±


    Francis took the name card before he nced at it and his pupils dted at that instant. He then stared at


    the young man before him in disbelief. Is he the young master of the Presgrave Family, whom my ex-wife


    sacrificed herself to rescue back then?

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    Chapter 189


    With Elliot¡¯s powerful status in the business world, as well as the influence of the Presgrave Family,


    Francis instantly weed him excitedly. ¡°Young Master Presgrave, you actually have the time to join


    us! It¡¯s an honor to have you here!¡±


    Although his wife had saved him, Francis still viewed this man as a powerful figure that he couldn¡¯t afford


    to offend or mess with.


    ¡°Mr. Tillman, you are being too courteous. I heard that today is the celebration for yourpany¡¯s 20th


    anniversary. I hope that you will forgive me foring uninvited.¡±


    ¡°You are overthinking it! I¡¯m really d that you cane, Young Master Presgrave. I¡¯m really excited, in


    fact!¡± Francis was genuinely delighted, and hispanions were equally astonished as well-none of


    them had expected to see the legendary mysterious head of the Presgrave Family at Francis¡¯pany


    celebration.


    ¡°Mr. Tillman, I reckon that you don¡¯t know that President Presgrave is the employer of your daughter,


    Miss Anastasia.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Anastasia is working in President Presgrave¡¯spany?¡± Francis initially didn¡¯t know how he


    should entertain the young master of the Presgrave Family, but now that he knew that his daughter


    worked for Elliot, he thought that it would be a great idea to have her apany him.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was sitting in the hall chatting with Alex about her father¡¯spany¡¯s recent


    affairs. Alex was telling her everything that he knew, while Anastasia listened to him attentively.


    Suddenly, she heard her father calling for her. ¡°Anastasia! Anastasia,e over.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    She inadvertently looked up in her father¡¯s direction. She saw her father at first, but her eyes soon met


    another man¡¯s pair of cold, piercing eyes. Although there was a distance between them, the man¡¯s gaze


    resembled a deadly sharp de when he peered at her.


    If the gaze were tond on someone else, this person would be scared out of their wits. However, upon


    seeing the noble man next to her father, not only was Anastasia not afraid, she was even enraged.


    Didn¡¯t he say that he would take care of Jared?! Why is he here at Dad¡¯spany event? How about my


    son?


    In the end, she pulled her chair back and headed over to her father.


    ¡°Anastasia,e here. We have an honorable guest. Please help me to entertain Young Master


    Presgrave.¡± Francis waved at her to gesture at her toe over.


    When Anastasia stood in front of her father, she immediately calmed down, as she didn¡¯t want her father


    to know about her rtionship with Elliot.


    ¡°Hello, President Presgrave, wee to my father¡¯spany event.¡± She held her hand out in a distant


    yet polite manner.


    Elliot extended his hand to hold hers, an unfathomable smile ying by his lips.


    ¡°Dad, let me entertain President Presgrave. You should go about with your business. President


    Presgrave, this way, please.¡± She gestured at Elliot toe with her.


    Elliot raised his head and looked in front. He was currently heading in the direction of the VIP tables


    while Anastasia followed behind him. When she gauged that her father wouldn¡¯t be able to hear their


    conversation from where they were now, she anxiously asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Jared?¡±


    Elliot looked back and responded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve handed him to Nigel.¡±


    ¡°Why are you here at my father¡¯spany event?¡± she asked, staring at his back.


    ¡°To congratte him, of course.¡± The man curved up the corner of his lips and he turned around to look


    at her.


    At that moment, the two of them had arrived at the table. Elliot pulled the chair back and took a seat,


    while Anastasia sat down beside him, a look of frustration on her face.


    ¡°Your arrival gave my father a fright! You were not supposed to show up here with your identity.¡± She


    red at him helplessly.


    ¡°What identity should I show up with, then? How about his elder daughter¡¯s boyfriend?¡± Elliot asked with


    a charming smile.


    Anastasia nearly jumped to her feet as she denied in a fluster, ¡°Stop talking nonsense.¡±


    ¡°Tm not here as a mere guest. I would like to talk to your father about a business project.¡± He raised his


    brow at her. Of course, he wouldn¡¯te over for nothing.


    Anastasia was stunned to hear that. Any random project that Elliot had in his hands


    would allow her father to make a profit for at least a few years toe. However, Elliot¡¯s true intention


    was to repay kindness, and she didn¡¯t wish to see her father interact with him too much.


    Just then, Erica entered the hall holding her mother¡¯s arm while gazing around anxiously. Suddenly, she


    took notice of the handsome charming figure at the first table from the left in front of the stage. Although


    she only saw his back, it was enough to make her heart race.


    Soon, she noticed a familiar figure sitting next to that man. At that instant, jealousy and anger started


    raging inside her. Isn¡¯t that Anastasia?

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    Chapter 190


    She actually hooked up with that hot man ahead of me? This won¡¯t do! I cannot allow Anastasia to


    snatch away the man I have my eyes on!


    ¡°Mom, that¡¯s the man. Do go and ask Dad who he is!¡± Erica pointed at where Elliot


    was.


    Naomi raised her eyes and looked in that direction. It was the figure of a young man, and he seemed tall


    and decent from his back, so he should have handsome looks.


    Therefore, Naomi held Erica¡¯s arm and headed toward her husband. After greeting him, she dragged


    Francis to one side and asked, ¡°Francis, who¡¯s that guest?¡± She pointed in the direction of Elliot.


    Francisughed. ¡°He¡¯s the young master of the Presgrave Family, the most honorable guest tonight.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°The young master of the Presgrave Family? Which Presgrave Family?¡± asked Naomi in puzzlement.


    She was unfamiliar with the people of the business world.


    ¡°Which else? Theirpany is situated in the tallest office building in the city center. Don¡¯t you always


    see it when you go shopping?¡± Francis exined Elliot¡¯s identity in the simplest and easiest manner.


    At that instant, Naomi and Erica exchanged nces. They instantaneously understood who he was


    referring to. After all, that building was andmark, the most iconic structure at the city center.


    ¡°Oh, God! The Presgrave Corporation belongs to him? He¡¯s super rich!¡±


    ¡°His wealth is on par with a nation¡¯s! Hispany is in global business,¡± Francis eximed


    ¡°Mom, I have to get to know him! I have to get to know Young Master Presgrave!¡± Erica was so excited


    that she nearly went crazy. Never in a million years did she think that she would meet the President of


    the Presgrave Corporation at her father¡¯spany event.


    Just then, Naomi narrowed her eyes in displeasure. ¡°Is that Anastasia apanying Young Master


    Presgrave? Why is she with him?¡±


    ¡°I just found out that Anastasia actually works in a jewelrypany under Young


    Master Presgrave, so I asked her to entertain him,¡± Francis replied.


    ¡°Dad, why didn¡¯t you ask me to entertain him instead? I¡¯m your daughter too!¡± Erica immediately felt


    jealous of Anastasia. Did Dad intentionally give Anastasia a chance to spend time with Young Master


    Presgrave?


    ¡°Ask you to go? What can you talk to him about? Even I myself don¡¯t know how I should entertain him,¡±


    Francis reprimanded helplessly.


    It was fortunate that his elder daughter could entertain the guest on his behalf. Truth was, Francis had


    nced in that direction a few times and found that Anastasia seemed to be getting along well with Elliot.


    However, nobody knew what they were actually talking about. In fact, nobody could guess how


    displeased Anastasia was with Elliot¡¯s presence. She was currently persuading him to leave if he had no


    other business there. Unfortunately, the thick skinned man insisted on staying.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell my father that you have to leave because of something urgent. He won¡¯t me you for that,¡± she


    urged.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, are you driving away your father¡¯s guest? If you continue to try to drive me out, I¡¯ll


    comin to your father and have him uphold justice.¡± The man elegantly held a teacup and took a sip of


    the tea that he disliked.


    Anastasia bit her red lips. ¡°Elliot, I¡¯m begging you. Stop repaying my dad. He doesn¡¯t know that you are


    actually repaying kindness, so it won¡¯t be fair to him.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, let me tell you something-someone has their eyes on your father¡¯s business. They are trying


    to carry out their n of acquiring a few small-scaled construction materialpanies, and your father¡¯s


    firm is one of them. Do you still think that I shouldn¡¯t help out your father now?¡± he leaned in and


    whispered at her.


    Anastasia was startled by the news. She raised her head and looked into the man¡¯s serious eyes that


    suggested that what he had said was not a lie. ¡°Are you serious?¡± she asked.


    ¡°The industry of construction material has always been a profitable industry. Besides, there will always be


    investors wherever there is profit,¡± he nonchntlymented.


    Anastasia was stunned to hear that. She knew that the business world was always treacherous with a


    set of harsh survival rules, but she never thought that it would happen to her father.


    At present, someone was looking at her with a disappointed gaze from a distance not far away from


    them. After barely getting to know her, Alex found that Anastasia had an outstanding man by her side.


    He had just heard from the others that the man who looked even younger than him was actually Elliot


    Presgrave, the high and mighty leader of the Presgrave Corporation.

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    Even though Alex self-admittingly thought that he was an outstanding individual, he knew he did not hold


    a candle to Elliot.


    Hailing from a poor background, Alex always acknowledged that the world wasn¡¯t fair. He had sacrificed


    a lot to reach the top, but some people were simply born up at the very top.


    Anastasia was a girl that he liked the first moment heid eyes on her, and she made him feel intoxicated


    through the short conversation they had. With every breath and smile that she took, it served only to


    make him fall for her deeper and deeper.


    Yet at that moment, Alex could only look on, clenching his fists as the one he loved was by Elliot¡¯s side.


    Failing to make Elliot budge, Anastasia was about to give up when a middle-aged woman¡¯s voice called


    to her, ¡°Oh-Anastasia, there you are! Come help me out for a bit.¡±


    What Anastasia saw was Naomi had a kind and warm smile at that moment, something the former didn¡¯t


    see everyday.


    ¡°Is there anything you need help with?¡± Anastasia asked as Elliot also turned over to look at Naomi.


    Upon seeing his face, Naomi felt her heart actually skipped a bit over how perfect the man¡¯s face was.


    The only w was the distant and cold aura he emanated that made him feel like an invisible barrier was


    surrounding him.


    ¡°And this must be the honorable guest your father mentioned, Young Master Elliot!¡± Hastily, Naomi


    greeted him, ¡°Hello, Young Master Elliot. I¡¯m Francis¡¯ wife, Naomi Lowell. I hope you¡¯ll find it in your heart


    to forgive us if there¡¯s anything inadequate at the venue!¡±


    To this, Elliot only returned a subtle nod. Thinking back on how the mother daughter duo bullied


    Anastasia back then at thepany, he wouldn¡¯t even have upheldmon courtesy if not for the


    celebration taking ce right then.


    ¡°Anastasia,e with me for a second. I have something urgent that could use your help,¡± Naomi


    announced, pretending to look like something urgent was going on.


    Since it was her father¡¯spany celebration today, Anastasia didn¡¯t want to ck off


    either, so she said to Elliot, ¡°President Presgrave, I¡¯ll be stepping away for a bit. Please make yourself


    comfortable.¡±


    Stating that, Anastasia then stood up and left. At the instant Naomi turned around, the older woman


    quickly hinted at her daughter.


    The actual reason Naomi came was just to make Anastasia leave so that a chance could open up for her


    daughter, as Elliot was their real target for tonight.


    Meanwhile, Erica, who was standing not far away, saw her mother¡¯s hint. Immediately, she became


    anxious and excited, wanting to run right to Elliot¡¯s side Using the mirror at the side, she looked at herself


    for a few seconds before purposefully lowering her neckline and pushing her chest up, thereafter walking


    toward him seductively.


    Upon closing in on him, Erica could feel her breath being taken away as she looked at the man¡¯s sharp


    silhouette. With every look at his clean-cut sideburns and his stunning side profile, she was falling


    deeper for the charismatic man.


    After a deep breath, she mustered up the sweetest tone she could and said, ¡°Hello, Young Master Elliot,


    Since my sister is busy with something else, my father asked me to apany you for a bit.¡±


    Saying that, Erica naturally sat on Anastasia¡¯s seat. Her brain instantly turned into mush the second she


    made eye contact with Elliot, and she did not know what to say next.


    At that moment, Erica, who wanted to transform into a princess just to show him her most elegant side,


    was unaware that the man sitting in front of her had witnessed the fight between her and Anastasia a


    month ago.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anypany, thank you.¡± Finishing his sentence, Elliot then picked up his phone and


    began scrolling through it, all the while emitting a distant feel.


    ¡°What about some drinks, Young Master Elliot? I can bring you some, if you so wish.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


    ¡°Fruits? There¡¯s some freshly cut fruits there. I can¨C¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Elliot cut her off without even moving his gaze away from his phone.


    Even though Erica knew that Elliot was hard to approach and cold, she wasn¡¯t just giving up yet, as she


    was satisfied by just staying close to him. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll just


    stay here with you. Do let me know if you have any needs.¡± Propping up her chin, she looked at him, her


    expression lovestruck.


    As Elliot couldn¡¯t make her go away, he just left such a lovestruck looking person be.


    On the other side, Anastasia, who was called to the pantry, was a bit puzzled as no help was actually


    needed. There were even a few workers who could be seen sitting down and chatting.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 192


    ¡°What is there to help out with?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, help me take a look if the amount of wine here is correct or not. As you know, the employees


    in hotels can have less than desirable habits sometimes.¡± Naomi¡¯s loud voice attracted the ire of nearby


    waiters.


    Feeling extremely humiliated, Anastasia wished she wasn¡¯t acquainted with the woman. In the end, she


    said calmly, ¡°This is a five-star hotel, so no such thing would happen. Now, if there isn¡¯t anything else,


    then I¡¯ll be excusing myself first.¡±


    After that, Anastasia was going to open the door and go out, but Naomi made a move to grab onto her.


    ¡°Wait! Anastasia, I have something to say to you.¡±


    Feeling slightly disgusted, Anastasia avoided her touch. ¡°You can say whatever you want to without


    having to touch me.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, you know that Erica has also bought a house recently, right? After your dad bought one for


    you, he insisted on buying one for her too. I couldn¡¯t even persuade him not to do so,¡± Naomi said


    frustratingly.


    Smirking deep down, Anastasia kept up a calm fa?ade as she countered, ¡°That¡¯s between you people.


    You don¡¯t need to tell me that.¡±


    ¡°Of course I have to tell you that! Do you know how hard it is for your father to be the sole breadwinner of


    the family? On top of that, thepany isn¡¯t going through its best period recently, so don¡¯t disturb him if


    you don¡¯t have much going on. Also, don¡¯t try to borrow money from him these days. Just try to spend


    within your means.¡± Everything that Naomi said pointed to one message-Anastasia had better not further


    spend any of Francis¡¯ money.


    Even if Naomi did not state this, Anastasia knew all this herself.


    ¡°Your dad hasn¡¯t been sleeping all that well these nights. I think it might be due to the stress.¡±


    The guilt started to well up within Anastasia, as the house that her dad bought for her did cost a pretty


    penny. Maybe Dad really is quite stressed nowadays.


    ¡°Anastasia, I heard from your father that you¡¯re now working under Young Master Elliot, right? Could I


    trouble you to ask if he¡¯s still hiring? Erica is also hoping tond a job in hispany,¡± Naomi


    immediately murmured.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia sneered deep down as she could see right through Naomi¡¯s little trick. I


    think she just wants Erica to get close to Elliot!


    With that thought, she then opened the door and looked to the great hall. As expected, Erica had already


    made herselffortable on Anastasia¡¯s original seat beside Elliot.


    S


    Anastasia then realized that Naomi was just calling her away as a distraction. And so, the former opened


    the door fully and left.


    ¡°Hey! Anastasia, I haven¡¯t even finished yet! Do you have any manners? I¡¯m your senior! You should be


    respecting me!¡± Behind her, Naomi was so livid she started to stomp her foot


    At that point, practically all the guests had arrived, with Elliot¡¯s table being the only one that had just one


    person sitting at it. This was probably because nobody dared to sit there.


    Weaving through the various tables, Anastasia was making her way back when another voice called out


    to her. ¡°Miss Tillman, can I have the honor of sitting with


    you?¡±


    Turning back, she saw that it was Alex, so she instantly smiled and replied, ¡°Of course you can! Let¡¯s go


    over to that table.¡±


    Gleefully, he nodded and followed Anastasia to Elliot¡¯s table.


    Seeing how Anastasia¡¯wasing over, Erica could not help the hint of revolt that shed across her


    gaze, as she thought that a high and mighty man like Elliot wouldn¡¯t even spare an extra nce at


    Anastasia, like he did to herself.


    Hearing the footsteps, Elliot finally drew his gaze from his phone, He coincidentally saw Anastasia sitting


    down together with a man opposite him. It was the same man that was chatting happily along with her


    just now.


    ¡°President Presgrave, this is Mr. Alex Hunter. He¡¯s responsible for the financial department in my dad¡¯s<ppany.¡± Then, she continued, ¡°And this is mypany¡¯s boss, Mr. Elliot Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Presgrave,¡± Alex courteously greeted.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Raising his eyebrows slightly, Elliot gave off a feeling of a sessful man that nobody at the


    venue could match up to.


    ¡°Anastasia, have you seen Mr. Presgrave at thepany before?¡± Erica asked smilingly, as she thought


    that a normal employee wouldn¡¯t have any chances to catch a glimpse of the boss.


    Anastasia sneered in response. ¡°President Presgrave is extremely busy. How would I be able to see


    him?¡±


    Meanwhile, Elliot was looking at Anastasia with his deep gaze as she spun tales. At that instant, he could


    not help the loving smile that yed on his lips.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

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    Chapter 193


    ¡°Anastasia, why didn¡¯t you bring your son along?¡± Erica immediately exposed the fact that Anastasia had


    a son.


    Bluntly, thetter replied, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. My son is being taken care of just fine.¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, do you know that my sister has a kid? He¡¯s already four now. It was quite tough on


    her, having to raise him all on her own.¡± At that point, Erica wanted to just spill the fact that Anastasia


    was a single mother.


    Since Alex already knew that Anastasia had a child, he thought that he stood a better chance at being


    with her due to a single mother¡¯s lowered standard in choosing her partner.


    In turn, Anastasia only smirked while looking at Erica¡¯s little show.


    On the other hand, Erica kept thinking that Elliot would ask her something out of sheer curiosity. Never in


    a million years did she think that he wouldn¡¯t care about this at all, with him not even listening to her.


    Coughing awkwardly, she then kept quiet.


    Meanwhile, Alex was trying to find a topic to chat with Anastasia, so he asked, ¡°Miss Tillman, you said


    that you wanted a tour of thepany, right? When are you free? I¡¯d love to bring you around.¡±


    When facing Alex, Anastasia always smiled politely back. This made a certain man feel jealous inside, as


    she did not even smile at him like that from the start.


    D


    The only things that she showed him were her temper, stubbornness and willfulness, all of which were


    bad sides.


    But now, she actually left her best smile, sweetest voice and best side of her to a stranger that she just


    met.


    ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll contact you if I¡¯m ever in Dad¡¯spany.¡± Anastasia then proceeded to exchange


    numbers with Alex.


    ¡°Sure thing!¡± Happiness was written all over Alex¡¯s face when he said that.


    Anastasia¡¯s gaze then met with a chilling, upset one, and her smile froze in ce Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    before disappearing altogether. In the end, she picked up her goblet and averted her gaze.


    At that moment, Francis brought a few of his friends over to the table, and he said to Anastasia as soon


    as he came over, ¡°Anastasia, why are you sitting here? Quickly now! Go and sit beside President


    Presgrave.¡±


    Left with no choice, Anastasia could only relocate her seat beside Elliot¡¯s. Now, Elliot was surrounded by


    both of Francis¡¯ daughters.


    Hurriedly, Alex also switched seats and sat beside Anastasia.


    ¡°President Presgrave, I¡¯m sorry for thisck of proper treatment. Please, if you have anything, just order


    Anastasia to do it for you!¡±


    ¡°I will be sure to do so, Mr. Tillman!¡± Smiling, Elliot exuded the aura of an elitist.


    Remembering something, Anastasia stood up and walked to her father¡¯s side, whispering, ¡°Dad, when


    you¡¯re giving the speechter, be sure to not expose President Presgrave¡¯s identity. He wants to keep a


    low-profile.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± Francis nodded.


    And so, Anastasia returned to her seat. Before long, Francis was invited on stage by the host. After he


    somewhat excitedly drank a big gulp from a can of beer and adjusted his suit, he went up to the stage.


    Looking at how happy her father was, Anastasia was very calm inside as she pped and looked


    admiringly at him speaking excitedly on stage.


    On the other hand, Elliot gave a stretch and looked between the woman beside him and Francis. At that


    moment, Elliot could feel the charm of what family was due to the obvious love Anastasia showed for her


    father.


    On stage, Francis did not mention Elliot¡¯s real identity. If his daughter did not tell him to do so, he


    would¡¯ve given Elliot a grand introduction.


    After Francis¡¯ speech, it was time for the banquet to start. Because Francis himself was in the blue-cor


    field, his guests tonight were all his employees and they upied over fifty tables. The scene was very


    lively, even though it did not match the elegance of the upper society.


    Everybody just wanted to fill their stomachs and drink until they dropped. In short, having a good night


    was their only aim. When Francis was still on stage, someone


    even requested that he sing a song, so in a state of being forced and submitting to it, he decided to sing


    a ssic to help liven up the atmosphere even further. Francis even sang with great vigor.


    Off stage, Anastasia had been howling withughter at this sc¨¨ne, and she alternated between covering


    her mouth and giving her father a thumbs up. Seeing how his daughter loved listening to him sing,


    Francis put in even more effort.

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    Chapter 194


    Fuior byd narrowed his eyes as he had never felt this kind of atmosphere before. The woman¡¯s sweet


    smile became his view, and her happiness directly affected him as he became very happy too.


    Erica had caught Elliot looking at Anastasia a few times, and this made the former green with envy. So,


    she also intentionallyughed out loud, yet she failed to elicit a response from him.


    Sitting off to the side, Alex carefully hid his love for Anastasia as he knew that Elliot also liked her very


    much, judging from the man¡¯s gaze.


    After singing, Francis got back to the table and immediately raised his ss to toast Elliot. ¡°Young Master


    Elliot, I¡¯ll toast you on behalf of mecking as a host.¡±


    Quickly, Elliot stood up to reciprocate his toast. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Tillman.¡±


    Upon seeing Francis down his ss entirely, Elliot, whose ss was also filled with beer, did the same


    and finished it too.


    ¡°Anastasia, quickly refill the president¡¯s ss. Make it full,¡± said Francis.


    However, Erica, who was beside them, had a bottle of red wine ready. ¡°Let me pour it, Dad!¡±


    Not in the mood to argue over this, Anastasia let the woman fill Elliot¡¯s ss to the brim. Upon seeing


    that, Elliot frowned.


    ¡°President Presgrave, I¡¯m a close friend of Francis. It¡¯s rare to see such a capable young individual like


    yourself, so I would like to toast you too.¡± The man beside Francis stood up and raised his ss, his


    voice full of pride.


    Standing up again, Elliot raised his ss half-heartedly, with the man adding, ¡°I¡¯ll finish my ss, but you


    can drink howevermuch you want.¡±


    Since it was a close friend of Francis, he would also be considered a senior to Elliot. So, out of respect,


    thetter also finished his ss as well.


    Seeing him drink two full sses of alcohol made Anastasia immediately recall that he had a weak


    stomach, yet Erica was already refilling his ss yet again.


    As Anastasia tugged on his sleeve, Elliot naturally leaned toward her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink so much. You have a weak stomach, remember? You might just upset it again,¡± said


    Anastasia caringly.


    A smile appeared in Elliot¡¯s gaze when he heard that. ¡°Miss-Tillman, are you worried about me right


    now?¡±


    Looking at him, Anastasia then saw another senior beside her father had stood up, and her heart


    skipped a beat. Don¡¯t tell me that every one of Dad¡¯s friends is going to toast Elliot?!


    Elliot came from a distinguished background. Meanwhile, these people were likely alcoholics from the


    looks of their beer bellies. In this kind of situation, it was customary to always toast the wealthiest around


    the table, as a person of stature was a respected person. Hence, Elliot became their target to toast to.


    ¡°P-President Presgrave, I¡¯m not good with words, but I would like to propose a toast to you. Here¡¯s to


    your health, and hoping that yourpany will prosper!¡±


    Even Elliot did not think that he would be targeted like this. However, due to them all being Francis


    friends and that Francis himself would be his future father-inw, Elliot, as the junior, couldn¡¯t afford to


    offend him.


    Standing up again, Elliot gracefully held his ss as he raised it. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Anastasia could only look on as the man finished another ss. Panic slowly hit her and she thought to


    herself, If seven or eight of dad¡¯s seniors were to all toast with him, wouldn¡¯t he just ck out on the


    spot?


    And Elliot was raised on high-end imported red wine as well. With the beers on the table being sold for


    less than ten on the market, Anastasia was afraid that something might happen to him if this continued.


    ¡°Young Master Presgrave, it¡¯s a rare opportunity to be able to drink with you at the same table. Here, a


    toast!¡± Another senior stood up and said that.


    Anastasia could clearly see Elliot getting tipsy, but she knew that it would be disrespectful to the person


    who proposed the toast if Elliot did not drink it. So, in the heat of the moment, she took his ss and said


    to the senior, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the president has a weak stomach. Hence, I¡¯ll be epting this toast on his


    behalf.¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    After that, she drank it in one shot amidst everybody¡¯s shock. Then, she tugged at the dazed man beside


    him and said, ¡°President Presgrave, don¡¯t you still have something very important to attend to? We have


    to go now.¡±


    To this, Elliot only blinked in response. Having little choice at this point, Anastasia could only pull the


    chair away as she said to her father, ¡°Dad, President Presgrave and I will be excusing ourselves first.


    Please enjoy your meals.¡±

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    Room for You Chapter 195


    Elliot did not even have the chance to react to what had transpired when Anastasia wrapped her arms


    around him and pulled him up forcefully. ¡°Dad, everyone, please enjoy your meals. We have something


    else that we need to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Erica called out hurriedly.


    As Elliot was being pulled out of the venue, he suddenly realized that the woman was afraid he might get


    drunk, hence the excuse to drag him away. She even helped him drink!


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    She really does care about me.


    Finally, they reached the third floor¡¯s elevator and they bumped into Rey, who was just preparing to eat.


    Seeing that his boss was about to leave, he quickly ate two mouthfuls and got up.


    ¡°President Presgrave, are we leaving now?¡±


    ¡°He was constantly being toasted, so I was afraid there might be some problems. Rey, how about you


    take him back first?¡± Anastasia asked him.


    Upon hearing that, Elliot shot a nce at Rey, hinting quite clearly at what he wanted.


    Intentionally looking at his wristwatch, Rey then replied, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Tillman, but I can¡¯t send the


    president home. My father was just admitted to the hospital.¡±


    This stunned Anastasia. ¡°What? Go there quickly, then!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the hospital now.¡±


    Reaching the ground floor, the trio exited the elevator, with Rey hailing for a taxi and leaving in a hurry.


    Then, Anastasia said to Elliot, ¡°Where¡¯s your car?¡±


    At that moment, his bodyguard drove the car over, and she opened the door. ¡°Get in the car and go


    home.¡±


    ¡°Apany me.¡± Elliot held onto her arm, preventing her from leaving.


    Seeing that it was already 7.40 PM and that she also had to go pick up her son, Anastasia nodded in


    agreement. ¡°Alright.¡±


    And so, she got into the car before Elliot followed her in. The door was shut, and the ck sedan slowly


    left.


    At the banquet, Erica was left disappointed with no appetite, because however extravagant she dressed


    and however exquisite her makeup was, it all amounted to nothing, as Elliot¡¯s departure had taken away


    her heart and soul.


    Alex was also drinking away his sorrows by the side after clearly seeing that Anastasia was finding an


    excuse just to help Elliot drink. It seemed like she cared very much for this big shot.


    In the car, the atmosphere was a bit stuffy, with the scent of alcohol wafting in the air. Taking off his suit


    jacket, Elliot then loosened his necktie and opened the top three buttons of his shirt to let off some heat.


    ncing at him, Anastasia noticed the impably tailored shirt entuated the man¡¯s strong and tight


    forearms and slightly exhibited the sharp lines of his cor bones. Paired with his charismatic gaze, he


    gave off a sort of roguish feel.


    ¡°You¡¯d better go home first. I can take a taxi to go pick up Jaredter,¡± Anastasia murmured to him.


    Upon hearing that, Elliot narrowed his eyes and questioned, ¡°Are you not going to take care of me?¡±


    Feeling somewhat speechless, she looked at him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you fine? Why do you want me to take care of


    you?¡±


    ¡°Who told you that I was fine? I¡¯m a bit drunk and feeling some difort right now,¡± Elliot muttered as


    he pretended to be weak.


    Truthfully, he did feel a bit nauseous due to all the alcohol tumbling inside his stomach.


    At that, Anastasia turned around immediately and asked, ¡°Where do you feel difort?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the worst to drink on an empty stomach. Don¡¯t you still have stomach medicine at your ce? I¡¯ll go


    over now to take two.¡± With that, Elliot told the bodyguard her address.


    Not even allowed the time to rebuke, she could only say somewhat resignedly, ¡°This stomach medicine


    could be bought anywhere, so why do you need toe to my. house for it? Don¡¯t you have it at your


    own home?¡±


    ¡°I want you to take care of me.¡± Saying that, Elliot leaned back and shut his eyes as he furrowed his


    brows deeply, looking as if he was enduring something.


    Seeing his expression, Anastasia could not help but lean toward him. In a concerned tone, she


    murmured, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°My stomach is acting up again,¡± said the man while still shutting his eyes.


    Right then, the bodyguard was driving in her home¡¯s direction, and they would likely reach in a few


    minutes. Observing that Elliot was not making this up, Anastasia thought that she should let him rest for


    a while at her ce.


    Beneath the lights, one could observe a thinyer of sweat on his scalp, as if the pain had really started


    to hit him. This made her say gently, ¡°Take two of the pillster at my house, then.¡±

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    Chapter 196 Elliot opened his eyes but he looked lost, obviously meaning that he was still tipsy.


    It was due to too much alcohol in such a short amount of time that caused him to be like this.


    Stopping the car at Anastasia¡¯smunity entrance, the bodyguard came to open the door immediately,


    while simultaneously reaching to help Elliot up. Not wanting his help, Elliot shook away his arm. ¡°I¡¯m fine.


    I don¡¯t need any help.¡±


    Even though Elliot was drunk, he still cared about maintaining his strong image in front of Anastasia, as


    he did not want her to think that he was already at his limit.


    ¡°Sir, please don¡¯t leave first. You¡¯ll have to send him backter,¡± said Anastasia to the bodyguard, to


    which the bodyguard nodded in response.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll stay here and wait for the president.¡±


    Just as Elliot began to walk, Anastasia came over to help him. ¡°Watch your step.¡±


    Of course, he wasn¡¯t drunk to the point of not being able to walk properly, but the slender arm holding


    him made him happy. Hence, he didn¡¯t struggle, as showing the asional weakness in front of this


    woman was necessary.


    Passing through the romantic garden under the moonlight, they reached the elevator and went up to her


    floor. Opening the door, Elliot then walked inside her house.


    Although it was just a small two room apartment, it had a strange attraction that made him feel even


    more at home than his own house.


    Using his arm as a pillow, Elliotid downzily on the sofa, and he looked at the woman that was


    pouring water and searching for the medicine.


    ¡°I remember it was here! Where has it gone now? Did I throw it away?¡± The sound of the woman


    mumbling to herself came from the cab.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was not in a hurry and he wished that she wouldn¡¯t find the medicine anytime soon.


    That way, he could have a reason to stay for the whole night.


    Because of the amount of work she had, Anastasia had some of her memories jumbled up. Finally, she


    remembered that she kept the medicine inside the cab of her room. Rushing over quickly, she found


    them, just as she expected.


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    After reading the instructions, she took three pills and poured a cup of warm water for him.


    ¡°Here are the pills. There you go.¡± Setting them down on the coffee table, Anastasia watched as the man


    took it.


    Standing up, Elliot took the pills without any hesitation. After taking them, he continued to lie on the sofa,


    watching her. ¡°I want to rest for a bit more.¡±


    On the other hand, Anastasia couldn¡¯t chase him right away too, due to his current state being caused by


    him attending her father¡¯s banquet.


    Under the light, it was obvious that Elliot had a flush on his handsome face, showing the signs of being


    drunk.


    Even Anastasia, who drank a ss of alcohol on his behalf, was feeling the burn of the alcohol in her


    stomach, which was why her heart ached for Elliot, who had downed a few sses.


    ¡°Why did you drink that for me just now? You really do care about me, don¡¯t you?¡± Elliot asked in his low


    baritone.


    ncing at him, Anastasia replied, ¡°You think too much of yourself. I just don¡¯t want anything to happen


    to you at my father¡¯s banquet.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Elliot was a bit speechless by the woman who kept running away from her own


    feelings. ¡°Is it that hard for you to admit that you care about me?¡±


    Snorting, Anastasia rolled her eyes in response. ¡°President Presgrave, you really do like to indulge in


    your own fantasies, don¡¯t you?¡±


    However, Elliot suddenly hissed as he clutched his chest.


    Anastasia, who was just snorting at him, immediately asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    As she asked that, she walked over to the side of the sofa, leaning down to look at his face. ¡°Is there


    anywhere else that hurts?¡±


    But at that instant, Elliot caught hold of her wrist and with a tug, he pulled her into his embrace. The next


    second, he flipped over and pressed her against the sofa.


    Seeing the man¡¯s sly smile made Anastasia realize that she had been tricked.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°And you say you don¡¯t care for me. Aren¡¯t you showing plenty of care right now?¡± Elliot smirked as he


    wasn¡¯t going to let her escape that easily.


    ¡°You¡­ Get off me! Who said that I was concerned for you? I-I just didn¡¯t want anything that happened to


    you to implicate my dad too.¡± Anastasia simply picked an excuse and went with it.


    But in Elliot¡¯s eyes, that was all just nonsense.

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    ¡°Anastasia, is there any meaning to you avoiding your feelings like this? Just say that you care about me


    and that you like me. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll make a joke out of this.¡± Elliot stared at her small face, his gaze full of


    love.


    Anastasia was stunned momentarily and she was about to react when his other hand held onto her jaw


    and he forcefully kissed her.


    Wide-eyed, Anastasia grunted in surprise. Is this man trying to take advantage of me again?Why do I not


    watch out for things like this more? I can¡¯t seem to escape the fate of getting forcefully kissed every time


    by him. Gosh!


    The smell of alcohol stilling from him made her feel faint, and his powerful kiss was like him trying to


    imprint himself onto her.


    Without her son at home, the whole ce had be somewhere the man could let out his desires,


    with the kisssting till Elliot thought it was enough. Panting, he then finally let her go because if they


    were to continue, he would be the one that would suffer.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t better off either as she was panting with a flushed face. She raised her hand, nning


    on pping him. However, just as she was about to do it, she stared angrily into his lovestruck eyes.


    His deep stare reflected her face clearly and for some reason, she could actually see the love in his


    gaze.


    ¡°Anastasia, I like you.¡± From the man¡¯s hoarse voice came a confession.


    In the end, the hand that was raised mid-way did notnd on his handsome face, and she put it away


    stiffly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t have it in your heart to hit me anymore?¡± Elliot smiled slyly.


    ¡°Elliot, I don¡¯t like you,¡± Anastasia replied loudly as she stared at him wide-eyed.


    His expression darken upon hearing this. ¡°Is it that I¡¯ve not done enough, or is it that I¡¯ve somehow made


    you angry?¡±


    ¡°Taking advantage of me while forcing me to like you? Do you think that I would ever like you under such


    circumstances?¡± Anastasia sneered. Is he really that conpdent that every woman he meets will fall in


    love with him at the very first sight?


    Yet, Elliot did not let go of her and still pinned her down in a suggestive way. He tried to control himself,


    but his gentle gaze held a hint of desire and possessiveness.


    Just like that, he kept staring and attacking her with his gaze.


    In the end, Anastasia, who could no longer look him in the eye, started to panic. And so, she reached out


    to try to push him away. ¡°Get up, Elliot.¡±


    It was as if there was a strong magic in his stare and one would sumb to his charms if one looked into


    his gaze for too long. Even though Anastasia was staring at him angrily, Elliot still would not get up,


    instead staring back at her with eyes full of desire.


    Struggling in vain, Anastasia felt the heat, as well as the danger radiating off the man, making her panic


    for real.


    ¡°Elliot, I¡¯m going to count to three now¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m your son? Do you think I can be threatened like this?¡± Smirking, Elliot dismissed her


    threats with just that sentence.


    This made Anastasia speechless.


    He really is a devil in disguise!


    ¡°If you don¡¯t get up now, I¡¯ll call the cops.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°It was you who brought me into your home of your own volition. And with me being your boss and you


    being my employee, things would be quite hard to exin at the police station.¡± Smirking even


    more, Elliot continued, ¡°What do you think they will believe? You seducing me? Or me seducing you?¡±


    Although the man was arguing against her right now, he had a loving smile, making Anastasia itch to hit


    him in the face.


    Probably because he had teased her enough and didn¡¯t actually want to make her mad, Elliot suddenly


    leaned over and gave her a peck on the lips. ¡°Anastasia, please try and open up your heart to me. I


    promise you won¡¯t be disappointed.¡±


    Hope shed in his eyes and he pleaded at her with a hoarse voice. For people who were born with a


    golden spoon like Elliot, it was rare for him to plead with someone.


    Finally, the man got up, leaving Anastasia stunned for a few seconds before sitting up. Then, she


    proceeded to open the entrance door without any hesitation. ¡°You¡¯d


    better leave. I don¡¯t want you staying any further.¡±


    Suddenly, pain shed across Elliot¡¯s eyes, and he clutched his stomach as cold sweat covered his


    forehead. Thereafter, he stumbled and crashed onto the sofa.


    Meanwhile, an icy Anastasia was about to send him away. However, seeing him like this made her close


    the door and rush over to his side in the blink of an eye. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?!¡±

 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198


    ¡°My stomach hurts¡­ Do you have anything to eat at home?¡± Elliot raised his head and asked. After


    drinking so much alcohol tonight, his stomach, which has always sustained itself on high grade whole


    foods, naturally could not take it.


    ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll cook some noodles for you.¡± With that, Anastasia then went to the kitchen.


    Sitting on the sofa, he smiled warmly as he watched the person in the kitchen busying herself.


    No matter what she said, she still cared about him. It was just that she did not want to admit it.


    After ten minutes, Anastasia came out holding a bowl of noodles, of which the noodles were of low


    sodium. Normally, she would cook this for her son, but she now used it all to feed the man.


    Walking over, Elliot ate it without hesitation. Looking at the man under the light, it was even more evident


    that Jared¡¯s face resembled his.


    Wait! What nonsense am I thinking about? They just have simr looking features, that¡¯s all.


    While Elliot was eating the noodles, Anastasia went to clean up her room. Suddenly, her heart skipped a


    beat upon discovering that it was already 9 PM. Goodness! I haven¡¯t even picked up my son yet!


    ¡°Elliot, you¡¯ll have to leave after eating. I need to go pick Jared up,¡± urged Anastasia.


    ¡°I can let Rey go pick him up. It¡¯s not safe for you, going out ale at night,¡± Elliot immediately


    replied.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Rey¡¯s father hospitalized?¡±


    Upon realizing that fact, Elliot paused for a few seconds before stating, ¡°I¡¯ll let my bodyguard pick him


    up.¡±


    Just then, Anastasia¡¯s phone rang. Nigel¡¯s calling me? Picking it up, she said, ¡°Hello, Nigel. I¡¯lle pick


    Jared up now.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. The little rascal has already fallen asleep here. Just let him stay over at my


    ce.¡± On the other end of the line, Nigelughed, obviously happy


    to have the boy apany him.


    ¡°What? Jared¡¯s already asleep? I¡¯d hate to burden you, though.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just let me try to be his father and sleep with him for one night!¡± Truth was, this was exactly


    what Nigel wanted.


    It was after a long while until Anastasia finally agreed. ¡°A-Alright then. I¡¯ll let Jared sleepover just for


    tonight. I¡¯ll pick him up first thing tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Are you done with work? Are you outside or at home right now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at home.¡±


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    ¡°Hey, Anastasia, I found out that Jared really looks like me, and his face resembles mine exactly when I


    was young. Say, don¡¯t you think this is some special fate between him and I?¡± Nigel started to hint at her


    again.


    While talking, Anastasia slowly made her way to the balcony. Sheughed as shemented, ¡°Jared


    resembles you when you were a child? How is that possible, though?¡±


    ¡°He really does. If you don¡¯t believe me, I can send my childhood pictures for you to see. The


    resemnce is uncanny!¡± Nigel kept emphasizing.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. I believe you. As long as you looked good as a child, that means that my son looks


    handsome too!¡±


    ¡°Are you implying that I¡¯m handsome too?¡±


    ¡°You always were handsome.¡±


    ¡°You like handsome guys, right? With me being so handsome, that means you like me too.¡± Nigel


    laughed out happily on the other end of the line.


    Anastasia, who was teased toughter by his joke, alsoughed out loud.


    Yet, at that moment, the man who was still eating the noodles at the table suddenly found the food to be


    nd and tasteless after hearing their conversation.


    Whenever this woman was with him, she would act like she was facing her mortal enemy, but when she


    was doing anything else with another man, she would always put on a smile and talk in a sweet voice.


    Do I really not deserve to see her smile?


    Meanwhile, Anastasia did not want to chat anymore and told Nigel. ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you then, Nigel.


    I¡¯m going to take a bath now, so I¡¯ll be hanging up first **


    ¡°Alright. Remember to think about me.¡±


    ¡°I will. I¡¯ll treat you to a meal next time.¡±


    ¡°Alright! I¡¯ll be looking forward to it.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Goodbye.¡± Anastasia then hung up after that and just enjoyed the cool breeze on the balcony


    when suddenly, a cold husky voice came from behind her. ¡°Someone had a grand old time with Nigel!¡±


    Looking back at the man who suddenly appeared on the balcony, she raised her eyebrows. ¡°Have you


    finished your noodles?¡±


    ¡°I have.¡±


    ¡°Then you best be going! It¡¯s getting quitete now. Oh¡ªand I¡¯m not going to pick Jared up tonight as


    he¡¯ll be sleeping over at Nigel¡¯s.¡±

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199


    ¡°So that means that you¡¯ll be sleeping alone tonight?¡± A roguish look shed across the man¡¯s eyes.


    Instantly, Anastasia was on high alert as she looked at him and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much. It¡¯s just that I want to sleep on your bed.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck. Go back to sleep at your own home. Otherwise, I¡¯ll ban you from ever eating over


    here again.¡±


    ¡°Your dad looked very happy tonight, but the time left until hispany is taken over is only three


    months away. If you want your dad to still look this happy in the future, just let me sleep here for the


    night,¡± Elliot uttered the cruel words while looking at the faraway lights.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was left in disbelief by his words and she froze for a second.


    ¡°The opposition this time is very strong. If I don¡¯t interfere, no one has the ability to save your father¡¯s


    company. Maybe your father can go around asking for favors and using his connections, but it won¡¯t


    change the fate of hispany being taken over in the end.¡±


    Feeling as though all the energy had left her body, Anastasia was stuck in a dilemma. She did not want


    anything to happen to her father¡¯spany, yet she also did not want to beg Elliot.


    ¡°Maybe my dad would be luckier, maybe hispany¡­¡± However, Anastasia could not continue, as she


    knew that her father¡¯s ¡®luck¡¯ all these years was actually just Elliot helping him out behind the scenes.


    ¡°Anastasia, do you think that it would be better for your father to go beg someone else, or do you think


    that it would be better if you begged me on his behalf?¡± His voice growing hoarse, Elliot then continued,


    ¡°Even if I¡¯m not obligated to do so, I am still very willing to help you and your father out.¡±


    Hearing this, Anastasia could only look at the city¡¯s nightlights, and she had the sudden feeling that even


    the sky was not big enough to fit her troubles. How did things spiral to this point?


    The man she did not want to beg the most turned out to be the man who could solve


    all her problems.


    In the end, it was all because she was not tough enough, yet she also did not want to see her father go


    around begging people, so Anastasia bit her lip and looked at Elliot. ¡°Do you want to sleep in my son¡¯s or


    my bed?¡±


    Smirking, the man answered definitively, ¡°Your bed.¡±


    The moment the words left her mouth, Anastasia felt as if she had trampled all over her principles. In the


    end, she hung her head low and despised how she was acting at the moment.


    Guessing her thoughts, Elliot suddenly hugged her. ¡°Anastasia, I won¡¯t permit you to look down on


    yourself. Even if you didn¡¯t beg me, I would still have helped your father. I promise that in this life, I will


    make sure that you and your father will live in peace and never have to worry about money ever again.¡±


    Admittingly, the man had a power to easily pick on her softest spot at her most vulnerable moments.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Reaching out, Anastasia tried to push him away, but Elliot would not let her do so.


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    At that point, he dropped a loving kiss to her hair. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m here to protect


    you.¡±


    This sentence made Anastasia think that he was omnipotent, and that he could block anything from


    harming her and her family.


    For some unknown reason, she stayed in his embrace without struggling, and she did not know if it was


    because the feeling of being protected by him was very nice or that she did not have the strength to


    struggle anymore.


    They stayed this way until her phone rang again. Taking it out, she saw it was from Nigel, so she broke


    free from Elliot¡¯s embrace whileposing herself. Just as Anastasia was about to answer the call, the


    man snatched it away from her and turned on the loudspeaker.


    ¡°Hello, Anastasia. Are you afraid of sleeping alone? Do you want to chat for a while?¡±


    The lovesick voice of Nigel echoed around the silent balcony.


    This made Anastasia¡¯s face blush. This evil man! Why did he turn on the loudspeaker? Yet, since the


    phone was in Elliot¡¯s hands, she couldn¡¯t snatch it back even if she wanted


    to.


    *Uh¡­ There¡¯s no need for that. Nigel, just go to sleep. Goodnight!¡± Anastasia just wanted to end the


    conversation as soon as possible.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep. I¡¯m thinking of you, you know?¡± At this point, Nigel was still unaware that his flirtatious


    words were being overheard by a third party.


    ¡°Nigel¡­ Nigel, stop talking right now and just go to sleep! I¡¯m going to hang up now.¡±


    However, Nigel began to act spoiled. ¡°Sing a song for me, then. It can even be a children¡¯s song used to


    humor Jared. If you do it, then I¡¯ll sleep. If you don¡¯t, then I won¡¯t.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s expression became thunderous when he heard those words, while Anastasia¡¯s face became as


    red as a tomato.


    Why did she have to encounter such a thing?

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200


    ¡°Nigel, stop fooling around now and go to sleep! I really am going to hang up now.¡± Saying that,


    Anastasia rushed over to snatch her phone back.


    However, Elliot did not want to give it back.


    Anastasia did not dare get too loud, as it would be hard to exin if Nigel found out that another man


    was at her house. It would definitely damage her reputation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. Quick, just one song. I¡¯m waiting for you!¡± Obviously, they could hear that Nigel had


    turned over and was waiting patiently.


    Seeing how high Elliot¡¯s hand was, Anastasia jumped in order to reach her phone but the very next


    second, she found her waist suddenly hugged by an arm, as the man pressed her against the balcony


    and urately kissed her while still raising his other hand.


    Anastasia¡¯s mind went nk and she was humiliated to the extreme. Is he doing this on purpose?


    ¡°Anastasia, sing for me. Humor this big baby to sleep!¡± Nigel was still begging on the other end of the


    line.


    This almost drove her crazy. How can I do that? I¡¯m being kissed by this b*stard of a man right now!


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    An idea suddenly came to her in the heat of the moment and she circled her arms around Elliot¡¯s neck,


    pretending to immerse herself in the kiss. Seeing his hand slowly lowering as expected, Anastasia


    quickly snatched her phone back and went to the side, slightly panting.


    ¡°Nigel, just go to sleep. I¡¯ll hang up now!¡± Anastasia shouted down the line before she ended the call.


    After that, she stared at the evil man. ¡°Was that fun?¡±


    To this, Elliot only innocently replied, ¡°I was just agitated.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Not wanting to bother with him any longer, Anastasia would have chased him out of the house if


    it weren¡¯t for her father¡¯s problems needing Elliot¡¯s help.


    If. Nigel knew that Anastasia was actually being kissed for a good ten seconds while they were on the


    phone, he would have most likely lost his mind, because that meant that he would¡¯ve lost to his


    shameless cousin.


    After taking her important belongings out of her room, Anastasia said to the man who was sitting on the


    sofa before going to sleep in her son¡¯s room, ¡°You should go to bed earlier. And do not disturb me while


    I¡¯m sleeping.¡±


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t even bathed yet!¡± Elliot raised his eyebrows at that.


    ¡°Whether I bathe or not is none of your business.¡± As Anastasia did not want to chance the man doing


    something despicable, she was content to scroll through her phone in her son¡¯s room. After all, she


    wouldn¡¯t stink to high heaven just from not showering a day.


    That night, Elliot got his wish of sleeping on her bed again.


    The next morning, Anastasia opened her eyes dazedly. It was only then that she realized she had been


    sleeping in her son¡¯s room and remembered that her room was being used by Elliot.


    Opening the door, she saw that it was only 7AM. Since it was a Saturday, Anastasia did not think that


    Elliot would be up, so she stretched while walking to the balcony, seeing as today was a day where she


    could actually rx.


    On the weekend, the city had a rxed feeling to it, as the quiet streets did not have the usual hustle and


    bustle of the morning traffic.


    Pouring a cup of water for herself, Anastasia thought about what to have for breakfast, and when she


    should go pick up her son.


    Just then, the sound of the main door suddenly being opened surprised her, and she turned around to


    find Ellioting back with breakfast in his hands.


    ¡°You¡­ were up already?¡± A stunned Anastasia looked at the man.


    ¡°I¡¯m an early bird by habit.¡± Setting down the breakfast on the table, Elliot then said, ¡°Come and eat!¡±


    Looking at him, she was a bit surprised, thinking that sessful men really do have a firm grip on their


    time and that he actually did not sleep in.


    While Anastasia sat down and ate with him, Elliot elegantly held a piece of bread while saying


    nonchntly, ¡°I can apany you to pick Jared upter.¡±


    Immediately, she rejected his notion by waving her hand. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯ll go by myself.¡±


    ¡°Are you afraid of Nigel seeing us together?¡± Elliot asked while peering at her.


    For reasons unbeknownst to herself, Anastasia just did not want anybody to know how close she was


    with Elliot.


    ¡°By the way, President Presgrave, you are going to keep the promise of helping my father out, right?¡±


    Changing the subject, Anastasia thought that since she had already let Elliot sleep on her bed, he had


    better honor his promise.


    ¡°Of course I will.¡± Smiling, Elliot continued, ¡°Whatever promises I make to you, I will always honor them.¡±


    Unable to look into his charismatic eyes, Anastasia could only look down and continue to munch on her


    bread. ¡°Thank you.¡±

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201


    Chapter 201


    After breakfast, Anastasia grabbed her purse and made her way to the door. As she did so she raised a


    brow and nced at the man on the couch before saying, ¡°President Presgrave. I¡¯m coing to pick up


    Jared now. Are you nning 10 stay here?¡±


    Exasperation filled Elliot when he heard this. He wanted to go with her, but the woman clearly had no


    intention of letting him apany her.


    He rose from the couch and said, ¡°I¡¯ll drop you off at Nigel¡¯s ce.¡± He didn¡¯t sound like he would take


    ¡®no¡¯ for an answer.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I can get a cab.¡±


    ¡°My car is right downstairs.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°I know where Nigel lives!¡± Elliot shot her a defiant look.


    It was then that she realized she had indeed forgotten to ask for Nigel¡¯s address. She looked at the time,


    and upon seeing that it was only 7.30AM, she didn¡¯t want to call Nigel.


    ¡°Well, only if you¡¯re free. I don¡¯t want to impose-¡°*


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°I am.¡± With that, Elliot turned and walked out the door.


    Downstairs was Rey, who had already driven the car over. Elliot slid into the backseat while Anastasia


    followed suit.


    Then, Anastasia addressed Rey out of concern, ¡°Mr. Osbourne, I hope your father¡¯s doing alright!¡±


    He replied with ease, ¡°Thank you for asking, Miss Tillman. The surgery went very well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that,¡± she said with a genuinely happy smile.


    Then, she noticed that the man next to her had put on a change of clothes. He was no longer dressed in


    the white shirt he had worn yesterday, but a gray one. She frowned slightly. Perhaps Rey brought him a


    change of clothes. Being the clean freak he is, he would never wear something from the night before.


    Upon thinking about this, she wondered whether it meant that Elliot had taken a shower in her bathroom.


    Perhaps he showeredst night, but did he sleep in my bed without any clothes?!


    It was as if her mind imploded at that moment. She swallowed and while she wanted to ask him about it,


    she didn¡¯t want to do it in front of Rey.


    Instead, she reached for her phone and texted her question to Elliot.


    In the silence of the car, Elliot¡¯s phone chimed once with a new message. He picked up his phone and


    looked at the screen, on which was a text from Anastasia that read, ¡®Did you sleep in my bed without


    clothesst night?¡¯


    A smirk curled on his lips as he turned to give her a cryptic look.


    Anastasia took that as confirmation and glowered at him angrily. Ugh, who said he could sleep naked in


    my bed?!


    The man replied to her text with a devilish ir, ¡®Don¡¯t worry. My personal life is as spotless as it is orderly


    and I won¡¯t cause you any trouble.¡¯


    As she read this, she felt rage well up in her, and she wanted nothing more than to beat him senseless.


    The fact that he had history with Hayley irked her to no end, and her face was somber as she replied,


    ¡®Don¡¯t ever do it again.


    When he saw her stormy expression, he knew that he couldn¡¯t afford to aggravate her anymore, so he


    typed, ¡®I didn¡¯t showerst night, and all I did was put on a change of clothes. Also, I didn¡¯t sleep naked in


    your bed.


    Anastasia cast Elliot a skeptical look when she saw this.


    Meanwhile, Rey couldn¡¯t help feeling awkward when he realized that the both of them were texting each


    other in the backseat. Do they want to talk about something that I¡¯m not supposed to be privy to? If that


    were the case, he wouldn¡¯t mind stopping the car somewhere and getting down to give them some


    privacy.


    Elliot emphasized with another message, ¡®It¡¯s true. I never lie. With that, he turned to gaze at Anastasia


    steadily.


    She blinked, choosing to believe him in the end.


    Nigel¡¯s house was in a very fashionable and prestigious vi neighborhood where all the young scions of


    the city made their home. The vis featured state-of-the-art facilities, and they faced the quayside where


    a neat row of luxurious yachts had been docked.


    Rey parked the car outside a grand-looking vi. Anastasia looked around and sighed, for she was sure


    that she would have been lost if she came into the area alone.


    ¡°Thank you, President Presgrave. Have a safe journey back,¡± she said politely. Then, she opened the car


    door to get down.


    However, she had only just stepped out of the vehicle when she saw that Elliot had gotten out as well.


    She gaped at him as if to silently ask him what he was doing.


    He saw the question in her eyes and shrugged. ¡°I haven¡¯t been by Nigel¡¯s ce for a while. I think a cup


    of tea with an old friend would do nicely!¡± With that, he strode up to the front door like he owned the


    ce.


    Anastasia hurried after him and bit out in hushed tones, ¡°President Presgrave, don¡¯t you think you should


    come by for tea some other day?¡±


    She was going to have a lot of exining to do if she were to be seen showing up at Nigel¡¯s house with


    Elliot.


    ¡°No,¡± Elliot answered imperiously before he reached out to ring the doorbell.


    Right then, Anastasia wished she could dig a hole in the ground and bury herself in it. She should have


    known better than to take Elliot up on his offer to drop her here. It was clear to see that he was trying to


    give Nigel the wrong impression on purpose!

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202


    Chapter 202


    ¡°I¡¯ming.¡± Nigel¡¯s voice came from the video inte


    Anastasia quickly moved to block the camera and crossed her arms as she began to think about how


    she was going to exin herself to Nigel. It was frustrating that Elliot consistently put her in such sticky


    situations.


    There was a beeping sound that came from the door as it unlocked, and Elliot put his hand on the


    doorknob. He was just about to go in when he nced at the woman who had her back turned to him.


    With a raised brow, he then asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing in?¡±


    WI


    ¡°You go ahead. I need to make a phone call,¡± said Anastasia as she took out her phone to dial a number,


    but he saw through her act and reached out to snatch her phone away.


    ¡°Come in with me,¡± he said in amanding tone.


    ¡°Give me back my phone, Elliot,¡± she demanded incredulously.


    However, he walked into the house with her phone in hand. She tried to make it look as if they had


    arrived separately by dawdling on the front step, but seeing as her phone was with him, there was little to


    no point in putting up pretenses.


    As such, she stormed after him and made her way into the exquisite ss-walled vi.


    Nigel had only just put on his clothes, and he was making his way downstairs when he saw the man and


    woman in his living room. Astonished, he thought, Elliot? Anastasia? Why are they both here at the same


    time?


    He recalled only seeing Elliot¡¯s figure in the video inte just now, though he did see the silhouette of a


    woman whose back had been turned to the camera. Nigel had believed her to be Elliot¡¯s assistant or


    something, but as it turned out, it was Anastasia all along. Confusion dawned upon him as he blinked


    and asked hesitantly, ¡°D-Did you bothe here together?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ No, we came in separate cars and ran into each other at your front doorstep, so we decided to


    sacrificed her life to save yours?¡±


    There had been a time when Elliot thought whatever affection and fondness he had for Anastasia was


    born out of his gratitude, but after spending all this time with her, he realized that he had a special ce


    for her in his heart that had nothing to do with her mother¡¯s sacrifice.


    ¡°Nigel, I really like her. You have to believe me,¡± Elliot said softly, but there was no mistaking the steely


    edge to his voice.


    ¡°In that case, would you be able to ept Jared even though he isn¡¯t your kid? Will you treat him as your


    own?¡± Nigel pressed further as his gaze burned into Elliot¡¯s. He knew he didn¡¯t stand a chance with


    Anastasia, but that wouldn¡¯t stop him from being her gatekeeper and evaluating the man who would


    eventually spend forever with her.

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    Chapter 203


    Chapter 203


    ¡°I will,¡± Elliot promised solemnly with a nod. He understood where Nigel wasing from, and the


    reverse was also true.


    ¡°What if you marry her tonight and she tells you that she doesn¡¯t want any more kids? Will you choose to


    respect her decision?¡± Nigel went on to ask, wishing desperately that Elliot could do all the things for


    Anastasia that he couldn¡¯t.


    Once again, Elliot nodded and said, ¡°I will respect every single one of her thoughts and decisions.¡±


    Nigel¡¯s gaze was piercing as he eyed his cousin somberly. ¡°Also, do you promise that you¡¯ll protect her,


    take care of her, and love her forever?¡±


    Elliot could tell how much Nigel loved Anastasia. As his heart sank, he pped a hand on Nigel¡¯s


    shoulder. ¡°Nigel, you¡¯ve known me since we were kids, and you know what I¡¯m like as a person.¡± An


    apologetic look shed in his eyes as he added quietly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nigel.¡±


    They had been as close as brothers since they were little, and now that they were in love with the same


    woman, it couldn¡¯t be easy for Nigel to let go.


    Nigel, on the other hand, leaned against the balcony rail behind him as a bitter smile yed on his lips.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. I know Anastasia has always seen me as nothing more than a friend, and


    there are far worse things than to see you treat her right and love her in all the ways I can¡¯t.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Elliot reached out to pat his shoulder, but he couldn¡¯t find the words tofort him.


    At that moment, they fixed their gazes on the woman who was seated on the living room couch. While


    these two men were talking about their feelings for her, Anastasia was entirely oblivious as she admired


    the interesting and somewhat whimsical painting on the wall. She looked dazzling and alluring in the


    morning light, and she looked like she could make anywhere her own space.


    Nigel was reluctant to give up his feelings for her, but at the same time, he was incredibly relieved. He


    nced at Elliot and said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave her to you, Elliot.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s smoldering gaze was still on Anastasia, and there was no mistaking the possessiveness that


    burned in his obsidian orbs. He acknowledged what Nigel said. She can only be mine, and I won¡¯t allow


    any other man to get close to her.


    Presently, Anastasia watched as the two men walked up to her, their silhouettes backlit under the


    morning sun. She found herself staring at them like how one might be captivated by stunning works of


    art. The Presgraves have such outrageous genes. she mused.


    Both cousins were tall and broad-shouldered, and their trimmed waistlines, as well as mile-long legs,


    made them incredibly fine specimens. In particr, Elliot, who was the taller of the two, looked like a


    Greek god in the morning light.


    When she caught herself daydreaming, she quickly retracted her gaze. She could feel nothing when she


    stared at Nigel, but her heart would inexplicably start beating wildly whenever she looked at Elliot. What¡¯s


    going on?


    D


    She ignored the butterflies in her stomach as she asked aloud, ¡°Hey, Nigel, can I go up and check on


    Jared?¡±


    ¡°Sure thing. He bunked in with me in the master bedroomst night,¡± Nigel replied casually with a smile.


    When Elliot heard this, he frowned and quickly stopped Anastasia. ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll go and get him.¡±


    Nigel didn¡¯t want to miss an opportunity to aggravate Elliot, so he said, ¡°Ignore him, Anastasia. Just go


    up and take a look around my room.¡±


    ¡°What is there to look at in your room?¡± Elliot shot his cousin a dark look as jealousy seized him.


    Anastasia had no idea why they were bickering all of a sudden, but before she could say anything, Elliot


    had already walked up the stairs. She didn¡¯t want to go with him, so she turned and said to Nigel instead,


    ¡°Thanks for babysitting Jaredst night.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We¡¯re family, after all.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Nigel¡¯s eyes widened as he frantically exined, ¡°Oh! I mean, uh, we¡¯re kind of like a family anyway.¡±


    She smiled when she heard this. ¡°You¡¯re right. You¡¯re already like an uncle to Jared!¡±


    Exasperation welled up in him. All I¡¯ll ever get to be is his uncle! It¡¯s not like I have a choice now.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Elliot descended the stairs with Jared in his arms. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Jared greeted happily when he saw his mother in the living room.


    Anastasia beamed at him lovingly, and there was a gentle look in her eyes as she reached out to hold


    him.


    However, Elliot seemed intent on keeping the little boy in his arms as he turned to say to Nigel, ¡°We¡¯ll get


    going then.¡±


    Nigel could only nod as he walked them to the door. Then, he stood on the front step and watched the


    three of them leave. He found himself thinking that they looked just like a family. I hope things work out


    between you and Anastasia, Elliot. I can¡¯t wait to have her as a cousin-inw.

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    Chapter 204


    Chapter 204


    ¡°Good luck, Elliot!¡± Nigel yelled from across the yard and put up a fist in the air in a show of moral


    support.


    Elliot¡¯s eyes crinkled as he nodded at the younger man.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, was helping Jared fasten his seatbelt, so she didn¡¯t notice anything


    strange going on between the two cousins.


    After that, Elliot took the passenger seat while Anastasia sat in the back with Jared, grateful for the


    ample leg room in the sedan. They first had lunch at a high-end restaurant, where Jared ate his food in


    high spirits. When they were done, the little boy suddenly asked to go to the museum, and Elliot agreed


    to it without a second thought.


    As such, Anastasia could only go along with them. Rey went as well to keep an eye on Jared, thinking


    that he could babysit the boy and give Elliot and Anastasia a break to enjoy some quality time together.


    er


    Presently, Anastasia had only just stepped into the museum when her phone rang. Upon seeing that it


    was a call from Francis, she picked it up and greeted, ¡°Hey, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Is Young Master Elliot alright? I hope he didn¡¯t get a hangover this morning,¡± Francis said worriedly on


    the other line. ¡°My friends shouldn¡¯t have forced him to drink all that liquor.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dad. He¡¯s fine,¡± she reassured.


    ¡°By the way, I was wondering if Bourgeois is still hiring at the moment. Erica is thinking about going to


    work at yourpany.¡±


    Anastasia resisted the urge to snort at this. Yeah, right, as if Erica wants to work! She just wants to get


    close to Elliot, and the only way to do that is by working in thepany.


    ¡°Sorry, Dad, but I don¡¯t think Erica is a suitable candidate for thepany.¡±


    ¡°I know she¡¯s no designer, but she could be a clerk or an assistant or something. It¡¯s not every day she


    ims that she wants to be a working girl, after all. I¡¯d appreciate it if you could help me ask President


    Presgrave about this; perhaps he can make some arrangements for her.¡±


    ¡°Dad, I can¡¯t just ask him about these things. He¡¯s not even the one in charge of recruitment,¡± Anastasia


    argued. After all, she did not want to see Erica loitering around her workce.


    Francis sighed. ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯ll just have to call him myself. He gave me his name cardst night.¡±


    She faltered, and it looked like her father was dead set on having Erica work in Bourgeois. Guess he¡¯s


    getting tired of bankrolling for her. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll ask him about it! Don¡¯t go calling him on your own, Dad,¡± she


    said tiredly, knowing that Francis wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer at this point.


    ¡°Great. Give me a call and tell me how the discussion went. Erica¡¯s finally taking life seriously, and we


    have to help her get a good head start, right?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Anastasia replied emotionlessly.


    After she hung up the call, she looked up at the man who was currently bringing her son from one exhibit


    to the next. She let out a sigh and brisk-walked up to them.


    a


    Elliot had brought Jared to his favorite part of the museum, which was the dinosaur exhibit. While


    Anastasia had brought him here before, Jared was still excited, and he was having a whale of a time.


    She watched as he trotted alongside Elliot¡¯s towering frame, and she thought they looked like father and


    son. Elliot would asionally pick him up, and there were moments when he would let Jared pull him


    around the museum. Jared would also tilt his head to one side curiously while he asked questions about


    the artifacts.


    Elliot, on the other hand, yed the role of the ever-patient father who borated on the history and the


    scientific evolution of the dinosaurs, and Jared was all ears.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, isn¡¯t it wonderful how President Presgrave and Jared get along so well?¡± Rey asked as he


    came over to where Anastasia was standing,


    She smiled and nodded. ¡°It is! Jared really likes him.¡±


    ¡°I think President Presgrave would make an excellent father,¡± Rey added meaningfully.


    The implication behind his words did not escape Anastasia, but she knew that she and Elliot could never


    work out, and Jared¡¯s affections for him were only temporary.


    When they left the dinosaur exhibit, they ventured into other exhibits that Jared


    liked. Eventually, they found themselves on the third floor of the museum. When Rey walked up to her,


    Anastasia said, ¡°Could you help me look after Jared for a bit? I need to speak with President Presgrave


    alone.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Rey said with a polite smile.


    Anastasia then sauntered over to Elliot. ¡°President Presgrave, there¡¯s something I need to talk to you


    about. Rey can keep an eye on Jared for a while.¡±


    Elliot nced over at Rey and instructed coolly, ¡°Don¡¯t let him out of your sight.¡±


    When all was settled, Anastasia led him over to the more quiet end of the gallery where there were


    hardly any visitors. As Elliot drew closer to her, she pursed her lips and thought about how she was


    going to phrase things. She didn¡¯t want to owe him any more favors, but it seemed unavoidable right


    now.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked softly as he fixed his dark gaze on her.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing-my dad wants to know if Bourgeois is still hiring. He wants my sister, Erica, to find work


    there,¡± Anastasia exined and looked up at Elliot. Even in the dim lighting, she could still see the


    chiseled nes and angles of his handsome features, and for a moment, she thought she could drown in


    those maic, obsidian eyes of his.

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    Chapter 205


    Elliot smiled as he eyed her teasingly. ¡°Are you asking me for a favor?¡±


    Anastasia shrugged nonchntly and said, ¡°I¡¯m only doing this on behalf of my dad.¡±


    ¡°Well, seeing as he¡¯s your dad, I don¡¯t think it¡¯d be right of me to refuse him the favor. Get your sister to


    come into work on Monday,¡± he dered readily.


    She gaped at him in astonishment and realized that he was granting favors out of his gratitude again.


    Just then, he tipped his head to the side and nced at whatever was behind her, drawling, ¡°You¡¯ve got


    guts bringing me here, though.¡±


    Upon hearing this, she turned around, and she nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw the


    amphibians and reptiles that were preserved in formalin. She shuddered and shrunk against Elliot like


    she wanted to put as much distance as she could between herself and the morbid exhibit.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Elliot seized the chance to wrap an arm around her. She gasped, but before she could react, she found


    herself in his embrace. She could smell the fresh and pleasant scent of him, and she pushed him away


    as she snapped, ¡°Contain yourself, Elliot.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you were the one who pressed up against me first,¡± he pointed out with a grin. When he saw that


    there was nobody around this section of the exhibit, he dipped his head and ced a chaste kiss on her


    lips. Then, he broke into a mischievous smirk as he muttered, ¡°Consider this a repayment for the favor


    just now.¡±


    Blood rushed to Anastasia¡¯s face as she shoved him aside, and she thanked the heavens that Jared and


    Rey weren¡¯t nearby.


    After that, she gave Francis a call to tell him that Erica could start work on Monday.


    Over at the Tillman Residence, Erica had just gotten off the phone with Francis. Then, she flew down the


    staircase gleefully and found her mother. ¡°Mom! Mom, I¡¯m going to start working at Bourgeois on


    Monday! President Presgrave was the one who personally hired me!¡±


    Naomi was ted to hear this. Does this mean Erica has a chance to get close to Elliot now?


    ¡°Dad told me that President Presgrave himself agreed to this. Do you think it¡¯s because I made a really


    good impressionst night?¡± Erica asked happily and somewhat delusionally.


    Naomi thought the same thing. Erica had sat next to Elliot during the banquetst night, and there was


    no denying how gorgeous she had looked in her evening dress! ¡°Erica,¡± she began. ¡°Make sure to seize


    every opportunity there is while you¡¯re at Bourgeois.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that if I get a chance to run into President Presgrave often enough, I could make him fall for


    me,¡± Erica said confidently. She vowed to use everyst trick in the book to see this n through.


    She couldn¡¯t care less about making an honest living by working at Bourgeois; instead, she wanted to


    seduce Elliot so that she could one day marry rich and have a jet-setting lifestyle.


    At that moment, Naomi clutched her daughter¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Erica, there¡¯s something I have to tell


    you.¡±


    Erica blinked. ¡°What is it, Mom?¡±


    ¡°You see, Elliot actually owes our family a huge favor. I¡¯ve never told you this, but Anastasia¡¯s mother


    only died because she sacrificed herself to save Elliot. Without her, he would have died when he was a


    toddler!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Erica¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She knew that Anastasia¡¯s mother was a cop who had died


    while on duty, but she didn¡¯t think that the reason for her death was a great sacrifice to save Elliot¡¯s life.


    ¡°Given that the Presgraves owe Anastasia big time, you¡¯ll have to watch your back at Bourgeois. It might


    only be child¡¯s y for her to snag Young Master Elliot.¡±


    A vicious look shed in Erica¡¯s eyes as she seethed, ¡°I ought to tell President Presgrave about the time


    Anastasia got screwed over at Abyss Club. No man in their right mind would think of her so greatly after


    they hear about that.¡±


    Naomi wasn¡¯t the least bit worried that Erica would let her down, for she was certain that her daughter


    had picked up her skills and affinity for schemes. ¡°You just have to remember that we¡¯ll be in deep


    trouble if Anastasia ends up marrying into the Presgraves. Erica, once you get into thepany, you


    have to do everything in your power to stop her from marrying Elliot, even if it means that you won¡¯t be


    able to marry him yourself.¡±


    Both mother and daughter were on the same page about this. However, neither of them knew that Erica


    only got the job at Bourgeois courtesy of Anastasia, seeing as Francis withheld this detail from them.


    Meanwhile, following their excursion to the museum, Elliot dropped Anastasia and Jared home. He


    watched them walk into the apartment building and left to take care of his work.


    Having had azy Sunday, Anastasia started to pour herself intopeting for the position of associate


    director. She heard that Alice had already gone to the shop she had chosen to survey itst Friday night.


    As things were, Alice seemed intent on beating Anastasia out for the promotion.

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    Chapter 206


    Anastasia dropped Jared off at kindergarten early that morning. As the little guy made his way through


    the doors, he turned around and blew her a kiss. Empowered by his sweet gesture, she vowed that she


    would get the promotion and be associate director so that she could finally have better pav.


    It wasn¡¯t until after she had arrived at thepany and sat down in her office that she remembered Erica


    wasing into work today. At the thought of this, she dialed Grace¡¯s extension and asked her to look


    into this.


    Not long after, Grace came running into Anastasia¡¯s office with the information. ¡°Miss Anastasia, your


    sister has been arranged to work as a receptionist at the front desk.¡±


    Well, seeing as she doesn¡¯t have any corporate experience whatsoever, I guess manning the front desk


    suits her, Anastasia thought.


    Apparently, Erica hade into work early and started her job at the front desk. She had brought


    lipsticks as gifts for the other receptionists, who were easily won over and got along with her right off the


    bat. She wasn¡¯t short of money, and because of that, she had given them all limited edition lipsticks,


    thereby collecting brownie points.


    After she settled down at the front desk, Erica picked up the receiver and found Anastasia¡¯s extension


    before dialing it.


    ¡°Hello, who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m working at yourpany now! Are you surprised?¡± Erica bragged with a smile on her face.


    Anastasia was rendered speechless. Looks like Dad didn¡¯t tell her how she got the job in the first ce.


    ¡°In that case, make sure you do your best and stop making Dad worry about you incessantly.¡±


    ¡°Like I need you to point that out to me? Don¡¯t tell anyone in thepany that we¡¯re sisters; I don¡¯t want


    them to think that I only got the job because of you,¡± Erica said snidely.


    ¡°I should be the one saying that,¡± Anastasia replied dryly.


    With an indignant scoff, Erica hung up the phone.


    When the call ended, Anastasia put the receiver down and got up to leave. She had to go into the shop


    and see how things were going, but just as she was heading out, Felicia told her that thepetition


    was fierce. Both her rivals would soon start rallying support from friends and rtives, and Anastasia


    was advised to do the same.


    However, there was no way Anastasia could rally support when she didn¡¯t even have that many friends


    or family to begin with. All she had on her side were luck and innate talent.


    Meanwhile, in the main conference room at Presgrave Corporation, the man who was chairing the


    weekly meeting appeared somber as usual.


    ¡°That¡¯s all for the weekly report, President Presgrave. Is there anything else you¡¯d like for us to do?¡±


    Elliot scanned the executives in the meeting and loosened up in his seat to assume a more casual


    stance. Then, he said in a low and grave tone, ¡°I need all your help with something.¡±


    The audience immediately stiffened at this. All this while, they had only ever heard disparaging remarks


    from him for their ipetence, but never a request for their help.


    ¡°What is it, President Presgrave? We¡¯ll be sure to help you in whatever ways we can.¡±


    ¡°I have a friend who works in a jewelry store, and she¡¯s running a little low on sales this month. I need


    each of you to drop by her shop once, and your expenditure must not be less than a million.¡±


    Upon hearing this, the executives in the room let out a collective sigh of relief. This was the first time they


    had heard the president make such a strange request, but given their annual ie, it was easy


    enough for them to do as he said.


    ¡°If you know anyone interested in buying jewelry, it would be great if you could get them to drop by the


    shop as well,¡± Elliot added.


    ¡°That¡¯s no problem at all, President Presgrave. We¡¯ll drop by your friend¡¯s store and give her sales a


    boost.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go all at once, though,¡± Elliot interjected. ¡°Rey, draw up a schedule for Lance; we want those sales


    to look credible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President Presgrave,¡± Rey replied as he tried to keep himself fromughing. There were several


    moments where he had to p a hand over his mouth and look down to hide his amusement.


    President Presgrave is pulling out all the stops just to rally support for Miss Tillman! All she wants to do isThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.<ppete for the position of associate director, and President Presgrave already has all the executives in


    the corporation on board to boost her sales.


    While this was happening, Anastasia dropped by the shop and spoke to the manager about the sales


    for the past two days. Due to the less-than-strategic location of the shop, their sales weren¡¯t looking so


    good.


    ¡°Is there no other way we can gain more sales, Miss Chastain?¡± she asked the manager.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, if you¡¯re suggesting that we advertise, then we¡¯re going to need a much more flexible


    budget. That said, if yourpany is willing to fork out the money, you can consider getting one of those


    socialites or influencers to market the jewelry, but you¡¯ll have to be able to pay them for it.¡±


    Anastasia fell into deep thought. She knew this would be a gamble since there were plenty of examples


    where hiring influencers to market the products ended up as a failed venture. Besides, she would have to


    pay out of her own pocket if she wanted to go along with this, for thepany would never approve a


    budget for something like this. She had always been a mere designer, and right now, she was being


    confronted by herck of marketing skills.

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    Chapter 207


    At the end of the day, thepetition for the position of associate director was starting to feel like a


    competition to see who had more friends that were richer. The one who won in both of these categories


    would already be at an advantage, and this didn¡¯t include their actual sales from the store.


    Anastasia learned the hard way that she was falling behind. She had been abroad for five years, and she


    hadn¡¯t kept in touch with any of her old friends and rtives for a while now. To add salt to injury, even if


    she was able to get ahold of her friends and rtives, they might not be able to afford the expensive


    jewelry


    She sighed as she sat in the manager¡¯s office and browsed through various marketing strategies, only to


    conclude that most of them would not work out for her.


    Presently, six cars had pulled up outside the Bourgeois store, and men and women dressed in different


    styles came walking through the doors.


    The sales assistants who were chatting among themselves broke apart and sauntered over to greet the


    customers. What surprised them the most was that these customers had chosen jewelry pieces from


    high-end collections.


    Not even ten minutester, two of these customers left with millions worth of jewelry, and within half an


    hour, the sales for the store shot up to a staggering eight million.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, great news! There was a group of customers who came by the shop earlier, and they took


    an interest in the items from the main collection. Our sales broke through to eight million just now! We¡¯ll


    have to get more inventory from headquarters, pronto.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Anastasia was so stunned that she stood up. No way. Am I really that lucky?


    That afternoon, she and the manager worked out two separate strategies in light of the sudden spike in


    sales. Given that the shop still had gift items in stock, they put up a sign outside the door to promote a


    giveaway activity. The second n they came up with was for Anastasia to pay 30,000 out of her own


    pocket for a one-month advertisement in all the major shopping malls.


    At 4.00PM, Anastasia left work to pick Jared up from school. The moment she got off the car, she


    instinctively turned to sweep her gaze across the parking lot next to the kindergarten.


    She immediately noticed a familiar Rolls-Royce parked at the side, and the license te was just as


    unique as the vehicle itself. The only person who could own this car was Elliot.


    Much to her frustration, the man hade to pick Jared up from school again, and she began to wonder


    what he was trying to prove.


    She was still simmering in disgruntlement when she saw Jared skipping out of the school gates in her


    direction while holding onto Elliot¡¯s hand. ¡°Mommy, Mommy!¡± he greeted as he bounded up to her.


    Anastasia beamed and put out her arms as if to catch him.


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave said he¡¯s going to buy us dinner tonight,¡± Jared informed cheerily.


    Upon hearing this, she looked up at Elliot and waved her hand as she declined the offer. ¡°No, that won¡¯t


    be necessary. I can manage dinner now that my hand is all better. You should get going if you have


    important things to attend to, President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t. Let¡¯s go back to your ce for dinner,¡± Elliot suggested. When he saw the tired look on her face,


    he added empathetically, ¡°We can always go out for dinner if you¡¯re tired.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not. Besides, I prefer cooking my own meals anyway,¡± Anastasia replied, not wanting this man to


    spoil Jaredn¡¯s pte with expensive food.


    ¡°Very well, then. We¡¯ll go pick up groceries together.¡± With that, he carried Jared in his arms and headed


    for his car.


    Anastasia was just about to leave with them when a mother rushed up to her and said enviously, ¡°You¡¯re


    so lucky, Anastasia! You have such a rich and handsome husband who helps you out with your kid! He¡¯s


    nothing like that deadbeat husband of mine; I don¡¯t even remember thest time I saw him around the


    house.¡±


    Anastasia forced out a smile, rendered speechless by this.


    The mother went on to say, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone as good-looking as your husband! I think he¡¯s far


    better-looking than all those celebrities out there. Be careful, though-you have to keep an eye on a


    handsome man like him. After all, you never know if a woman is lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce


    on him!¡± Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡¤


    The smile on Anastasia¡¯s face stiffened, but she nodded and said graciously, ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll keep that in


    mind.¡±


    Jared was already in his car seat by the time she got into the vehicle. Right now, she was somewhat


    torn, and she wasn¡¯t sure if it was a good thing for her and Elliot to go on like this.


    She cooked up a few dishes for dinner that evening, and both Elliot and Jared polished their tes


    clean. They even devoured the oxtail stew that she was sure she had messed up.


    Jared liked going down to themunal yground after dinner, and while Anastasia was distracted,


    Elliot decided to take him there.


    It was 8.30PM by the time Anastasia was done clearing the dishes and tidying up around the house. She


    brought a ss of water out to the balcony, but just as she was qulping it down, she suddenly realized,


    with no small amount of exasperation, that she was drinking out of the same ss Elliot had used earlier.

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    Chapter 208


    Anastasia had been meaning to get disposable cups, but she always forgot about them. To date, she


    wasn¡¯t sure how many times she had drunk out of the same ss as Elliot.


    She was pulled out of her thoughts when her phone suddenly rang. She reached for it and put the call


    through after ncing at the caller ID. ¡°Hello, Miss Chastain.¡±


    ¡°Miss Tillman, I¡¯vee bearing good news! We rounded up the sales for today at fifteen million. While


    the customers didn¡¯te in droves, they each bought more than a million¡¯s worth of jewelry. Never


    have I seen such staggering business since I started working here!¡±


    Surprise filled Anastasia¡¯s pretty eyes when she heard this. She wondered how these customers came


    upon her shop in the first ce. She was sure that she didn¡¯t rally her friends or family for support, and


    she had yet to advertise the shop and the products. Could these just be customers who happened to


    drop by the shop?


    It went without saying that she was ted by how things had turned out. She would like to think that fate


    was being kind to her. As the night breeze picked up, she suddenly remembered that they were in the


    depths of autumn now. To think that she had returned to this country in August, and in the blink of an


    eye, November was right around the corner.


    Far too many things had happened in thest few months, the biggest of which was how Elliot had


    integrated himself into her life. He had shown up without warning like a storm no one could anticipate,


    and he was so demanding that he would not stand for rejection on her part.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    The most frustrating thing about him, perhaps, was how he could make her feel like she was being


    devoured in mes, yet she didn¡¯t mind it at all. She wanted him to do all those things to her; she wanted


    such pleasure to crawl under her skin and consume her. Am I truly so desperate to feel a man¡¯s touch?


    She started to wonder if her loneliness had made her feel such primal urges whenever they were alone,


    and she also questioned if the same would apply if she was with another man. If that were the case, it


    would only go to show that she was lonely and that this had nothing to do with Elliot¡¯s own charisma


    At the thought of this, she suddenly became inspired to find a decent man that she liked and have a fling


    with him. It could be a tonic fling, and it would be sufficient to distract her from the effects that Elliot


    had on her. That way, she wouldn¡¯t spend every waking moment thinking about that man. She was


    already terrified that she might be overly dependent on him one day.


    When it was around 9.00PM, Elliot returned to the apartment with Jared in tow. The little boy was already


    drenched in his own sweat, but he was clearly enamored with ytime, for he turned to look at Elliot


    seriously as he said, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you have to bring me to the yground again tomorrow. I want to


    try out the monkey bars!¡±


    ¡°I promise I will,¡± Elliot said with a gentle smile.


    Anastasia walked up to them and pointed out, ¡°Jared, you can¡¯t have Mr. Presgraveing over every


    day just to y with you. He¡¯s a busy man, and it isn¡¯t right for us to take up his time, okay?¡±


    She had only just said this when she felt a sharp look being thrown her way.


    Elliot was a sensitive man, and while she had kept her words vague, he could still pick out the implication


    behind them. She was trying to stop him from getting too close to Jared.


    ¡°Really? Alright then,¡± Jared replied with an obedient nod.


    Anastasia took his hand and said, ¡°Come on, go get your pajamas before I give you a bath.¡±


    The little boy went into his room to do as he was told.


    Presently, Anastasia turned around to see that Elliot had taken the full ss of water she had poured out


    earlier, and he was drinking it thirstily.


    She blushed and decided that she was going to have to get him a mug if these visits were going to be


    frequent.


    ¡°President Presgrave, it¡¯ste, and you should be getting home,¡± she reminded firmly but courteously.


    ¡°Why do you keep calling me President Presgrave? You can just call me by my name when we¡¯re alone,¡±


    he said unhappily, not at all liking how she kept up formalities with him.


    There was a steely look in her eyes as she insisted and said, ¡°I will not. As far as I¡¯m concerned, you are


    my superior, and this is the only way I see you.¡±


    Elliot found her exasperating at times. He couldn¡¯t lecture nor argue with her, and he couldn¡¯t even be too


    harsh with his words for fear that she would only retaliate even more passive-aggressively. However, for


    some reason, he was extraordinarily patient with her even when she was snapping at him or being


    stubborn.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll be leaving now. Give me a call if you need anything,¡± he said. When he sauntered over


    to her, she felt her chest tighten, but thankfully, he didn¡¯t do anything to her and merely opened the door


    to leave.


    When the door fell shut behind him, she let out a sigh of relief. She went on to bathe Jared and tucked


    him into bed with a bedtime story. Atst, he fell into an easy sleep in her arms.


    It was only during moments like these when her son had fallen asleep that she could stare at his little


    face and let her mind wander for a bit.

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    Chapter 209


    After all, her son had a handsome face.


    ¡°Why does he look like him? Can¡¯t he look like me?¡± Anastasia mumbled in dismay. Why would her son


    take after Elliot¡¯s looks?


    Meanwhile, the poor child didn¡¯t know that his own mother wasining about him.


    After sending her son to school the next morning, Anastasia didn¡¯t return to thepany. Instead, she


    went to the shop. Just as she got out of the car, she saw a row of luxurious cars parked in front of


    Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier. The few ateliers next to it had no business, while Bourgeois¡¯ gship store


    was currently flooded with customers. Not only that, every customer who came out of the shop carried a


    bag.


    Anastasia wanted to look for the shop manager, Miss Chastain, but thetter was so upied that


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t even spot her. In fact, she was busy transferring the products, and they were short of


    many high-end pieces!


    Therefore, Anastasia could only return to thepany first. When she arrived, Anastasia saw Erica


    sitting in the lobby, but thetter pulled a cold expression and pretended not to know her. With that,


    k-walked to the elevator. The moment she arrived at the office, Felicia quickly came up to her.


    ¡°Good job, Anastasia! Your family and friends have been a huge support!¡± Felicia bent down slightly and


    praised in a whisper.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t know what she meant by that.


    ¡°I heard that the shop you selected is doing really well! Although it¡¯s only been a few days into the month,


    our sales have exceeded two million!¡±


    Anastasia was a little surprised, so she bit her lip and denied, ¡°They are not my friends and family,


    though.¡±


    ¡°Alice¡¯s team has only umted four to five million sales. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be securing the associate


    director¡¯s position this time!¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m just doing my best. I¡¯m not trying to aim for the associate director¡¯s position or anything,¡± repliedN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Anastasia helplessly. She just wanted to get her sry increment!


    If that position didn¡¯te with a sry increment, she wouldn¡¯t have even applied.


    Alice pushed the door open and entered the office with a long face shortly after Felicia left. Once she


    arrived, she said mockingly, ¡°Anastasia, didn¡¯t we agree not to depend on our family and friends? Why


    did you do it?¡±


    Anastasia blinked her eyes at her question. Isn¡¯t she using the same method as well? How dare she


    use me?


    ¡°I¡¯m not depending on my family and friends. They are just normal customers.¡±


    ¡°Hah! Who are you trying to fool? Some of the customers who went to your shop are major shareholders


    of Presgrave Group. There were also some high-ranking managers there. Did you think I wouldn¡¯t find


    out that you used your connections to bring in President Presgrave¡¯s family and friends!!


    Anastasia¡¯s mind instantly exploded. As she stared nkly at Alice for a few seconds, she was rendered


    speechless. Now, she finally understood why there was arge number of customers at her shop


    spending millions. Did all of theme from Elliot?


    ¡°You promised a fairpetition, Anastasia. Aren¡¯t you afraid of beingughed at for cheating?¡±


    ¡°If you call this cheating, why can you do it but I can¡¯t?¡± Anastasia retorted.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Alice huffed as a shade of crimson crept up her neck and her face.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t bother arguing with her anymore. Since Alice wasn¡¯t particrly fond of her as well,


    Anastasia stood up and said, ¡°I have to work now. Please leave.¡±


    ¡°You will regret this!¡± Alice spat before stomping out the door.


    Once Alice left, Anastasia wrapped her arms around her head in frustration. Why did Elliot help her? She


    didn¡¯t want to owe him any favors!


    With that, Anastasia dialed the number to Elliot¡¯s office, but no one picked up.


    Instead of giving up, Anastasia called Elliot¡¯s personal number. This time, the call was answered. ¡°Hello?¡±


    His baritone and husky voice sounded as charming as ever.


    However, that didn¡¯t affect Anastasia¡¯s impolite tone as she scolded in frustration, ¡°Are you the one


    helping me pull customers to my shop, Elliot Presgrave?!¡±


    ¡°Do you think I have so much free time on my hands?¡± Elliot tossed the question back at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. Someone recognized the customers that went to the store and said they were


    shareholders and managers from yourpany.¡± Anastasia exposed him mercilessly.


    After remaining silent for a while, Elliot uttered indifferently, ¡°That¡¯s their choice. It has nothing to do with


    me.¡±


    Elliot was obviously lying, for he didn¡¯t want to admit that he had helped her.


    Once again, Anastasia was speechless.

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    Chapter 210


    Although Anastasia didn¡¯t know what to say, she was honestly moved.


    ¡°Thank you, but I hope that you won¡¯t ask them to visit my shop anymore. I¡¯ve given up the position of


    associate director.¡± She sighed.


    ¡°Why is that so?¡± Elliot inquired anxiously.


    ¡°I just want to focus on designing. I don¡¯t have any management skills, so I don¡¯t want to hold the


    company back.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you confident with your skills? Don¡¯t you want to get the sry increment?¡±


    ¡°There is a limit to my ability and I only deserve my current sry. Thank you for your concern, Mr.


    Presgrave. You may ask your family and friends to stoping by the shop!¡±


    Anastasia hung up the call after saying thest sentence. She breathed a sigh of relief before calling


    Felicia to tell her about her decision, and thetter respected her wish to do so.


    After spending the past few months with Anastasia, Felicia came to realize that she was a


    straightforward and honest girl. Hence, Felicia liked the girl a lot.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Meanwhile, someone started to spread rumors about this exact topic at the front desk and it instantly


    became the talk of the entirepany.


    ¡°I heard that Anastasia will be the associate director of the Department of Design this time,¡± said a


    lady at the front desk who had just heard the gossip.


    ¡°Why is it her?¡± Erica immediately leaned over and joined the conversation.


    ¡°I heard that the three designers in the Department of Design arepeting for the position this time.


    They have each selected a store and will bepeting based on this month¡¯s sales turnover. I also


    heard that all of them have received support from their family and friends, but Anastasia went to a whole


    new level.¡±


    Someone else inquired, ¡°Where did her connectionse from?¡±


    ¡°Who else could there be? It¡¯s President Presgrave, of course. He has personally asked his upper


    management to visit Anastasia¡¯s shop!¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    The otherdies at the front desk were so amazed that they let out surprised gasps, but Erica¡¯s face was


    pale. If she hadn¡¯te to thepany today, she wouldn¡¯t even have known that Anastasia had been


    hooking up with Elliot Presgrave. Now that Elliot wanted to help Anastasia get promoted and receive a


    sry increment, he was willing to suppress his pride and ask his upper management to support her.


    How close were they that he was willing to do that for her? Erica wasn¡¯t going to believe that Anastasia


    never slept with Elliot.


    ¡°What a shameless person Anastasia is. How could she seduce the president?¡± Erica scoffed.


    The otherdies at the front desk admired her courage. After all, no one in thepany dared to scold


    Anastasia, let alone offend her.


    ¡°Hmph! She¡¯s such a filthy woman. Does she even deserve President Presgrave? What a nasty woman,¡±


    Erica spat through gritted teeth in desperation to curse the hell out of Anastasia.


    ¡°Erica, why do you say so? Tell us about it! How do you know that Anastasia is a filthy woman?¡±


    ¡°She has an illegitimate child, and that child was born five years ago as a result of sleeping with another


    man. She has worked at a club, served customers, and slept with them just to study abroad. She was


    kicked out of her house eventually, though.¡±


    ¡°How do you know all these?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the daughter of my father¡¯s ex-wife!¡± Erica decided not to hide her identity anymore.


    ¡°What?!¡± Everyone at the front desk eximed in shock. That was a juicy scoop from Erica! No wonder


    Anastasia was capable of getting support from President Presgrave-this all came from the practice of


    seducing men five years ago!


    When she saw that the front deskdies were intrigued by her words, Erica vividly recounted Anastasia¡¯s


    past to them with exaggeration. She mentioned Anastasia being called ¡®Princess of Abyss¡¯, ¡®Most


    Popr Hostess¡¯, and whatever terms she could think of at that time.


    Thedies at the front desk were serial gossipers and they quietly whispered to every person they


    encountered about Anastasia¡¯s past. By that evening, Anastasia¡¯s reputation was ruined once again.


    While everyone was curious about how Anastasia managed to pull Elliot¡¯s connections, most of them


    assumed that she had slept with him. Now that they heard about her scandal five years ago, everything


    seemed to make sense. Just like that, Anastasia was known as the woman of easy virtue in thepany


    However, Anastasia, who was in her office, didn¡¯t know what was going on at all.


    When Alice heard that Anastasia had withdrawn from thepetition, she was even more motivated to


    secure the position of associate director.


    Meanwhile, a luxurious car was parked in the garage. Rey followed Elliot as they took the elevator, but


    when it stopped at the sixth floor of the Department of Design, he turned to Rey and said, ¡°Head up first.¡±


    Rey nodded in response. Just as Elliot strode out of the elevator and was about to look for Anastasia, he


    passed by the pantry and overheard a conversation behind the ss window.

 Chapter 211

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    Chapter 211


    The two female staff chatted animatedly, not realizing that the president was right behind the ss


    window.


    ¡°Is it true that Miss Tillman worked as a hostess five years ago?¡±


    That question made Elliot halt in his steps. He furrowed his brows while listening to their conversation.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true! Erica from the front desk is Anastasia¡¯s step-sister, and she said so herself! I heard


    that Anastasia couldn¡¯t afford to study design overseas, so she went to a club and worked as a hostess!


    She was eventually hauled out of the house by her father, though.¡±


    ¡°In that case, where did her sone from?¡±


    ¡°How could you not get pregnant from selling your body? If you¡¯re unlucky and meet any customer who


    has a weird kink, it¡¯s easy to get pregnant.¡±


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    When he heard those words, Elliot felt as if something had pierced his chest. His eyes darkened, and the


    aura around him immediately turned icy cold.


    Was that part of Anastasia¡¯s past that she wasn¡¯t willing to talk about? Was that Jared¡¯s birth story?


    Every time they talked about her past, she would speak cautiously. It seemed that she wanted to hide


    most of her past.


    ¡°Which department are you two from? Leave thepany on your own after lunch.¡± Elliot hated people


    who gossiped during working hours. Moreover, thesedies happened to cross him while he was in a


    bad mood.


    ¡°Ah¡­ President Presgrave!¡± The two staff quickly covered their mouths, and it seemed like their souls


    had flown out of their bodies.


    However, before they could regain their senses, Elliot walked away. The two exchanged nces with


    each other, and they felt like they were going to faint due to the sudden esction of events. Were they


    fired just like that?


    Meanwhile, the ss door to Anastasia¡¯s office sessfully blocked all the chaos outside. Immune to all


    distractions, Anastasia held her iPad in one hand while holding a pen in the other, and she sketched


    several designs ording to her inspiration. Just as she was immersed in her drawings, someone


    pushed the door open and disturbed her.


    Anastasia hated being interrupted. As she raised her head, she shot daggers at the uninvited man who


    was walking in with a long face.


    After putting the iPad aside, she then questioned, ¡°Is something up?¡±


    Elliot walked over to her desk and propped both his hands on the table while staring into her eyes. He


    demanded, ¡°Tell me the truth about your past, Anastasia. It doesn¡¯t matter what it was like, and I promise


    I won¡¯t judge.¡±


    Anastasia thought that he was out of his mind. As she folded her arms in front of her chest, she leaned


    back in her chair and asked, ¡°Which part of my past do I have to confess to you?¡±


    Elliot¡¯s expression changed slightly. He wanted her to leave the past behind and walk out of the dark;


    only then could she face the future positively, ept him, and be with him. He had to help her out of her


    misery.


    He didn¡¯t care about her past actions or whether she used to have any rtionships with other men, for


    he was willing to brush everything off. To him, all that mattered was their future together.


    ¡°I heard that you worked as a hostess five years ago to fund your studies abroad, and you always went


    in and out of the club to serve customers. I also heard that you had Jared around that time, am | correct?


    You even got kicked out of the house by your father. Are all of these true?¡± Elliot questioned in one go.


    Anastasia¡¯s mind buzzed continuously. Other than Erica, who else would possibly make up such a cruel


    story?


    Anastasia¡¯s face darkened before she mmed the desk with both hands. This startled Elliot, and he


    looked at her with a shocked expression, not knowing what had gotten into her.


    ¡°Erica Tillman, you little b*tch!¡± Anastasia rarely cursed, but at this moment, she didn¡¯t bother to be polite


    anymore. She just wanted to give Erica a good scolding.


    Meanwhile, Elliot¡¯s eyes widened as he watched her.


    Anastasia got up and left through the door, leaving a puzzled Elliot standing there by himself.


    Once the elevator arrived on the first floor, Anastasia made her way to the front desk while exuding an


    intimidating aura. Erica was ying with her phone, but when she saw Anastasia walking over, she got


    up guiltily. By the time Anastasia was right in front of her, Erica wrapped her arms around her head and


    warned, ¡°Go on if you dare to hit me! I¡¯ll tell Dad about it!¡±


    ¡°Erica Tillman, I¡¯m giving you two choices. One, leave thepany and go home. Two, take full


    responsibility for your words and let me p you in the face!¡±


    ¡°Are you afraid that I¡¯ll expose you? Isn¡¯t it true that you gotid by a host five years ago?!¡± Erica


    shouted.

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    Chapter 212


    Anastasia¡¯s face instantly turned pale. Then, she picked up a folder on the desk and threw it at Erica¡¯s


    face.


    ¡°Ah.¡± It hurt so bad that Erica cried out in pain. The sharp corner of the folder scratched her face, leaving


    an obvious scar.


    *Ouch! My face! My face¡­¡¯ Erica cherished her face dearly. Even though blood wasn¡¯t oozing out of the


    scratch, she felt devastated.


    When Elliot came out of the elevator, he realized he was toote; Anastasia was already teaching Erica


    a lesson.


    *Stop it, Anastasia,¡¯ ordered Elliot in a low voice. The woman needed to be disciplined sometimes, and


    Elliot feared that she would ruin her own reputation by going too far.


    The otherdies at the front desk had been watching the fun, but once they saw the president, they


    shivered and quickly retreated to the back.


    Nheless, Anastasia ignored the man as he came to persuade her. She stared at Erica and said, ¡°Do


    you swear that every insult you¡¯ve spread about me is real?¡±


    ¡®Yes, I swear!¡± Erica yelled.


    ¡®Alright, go on and swear that every word you¡¯ve said is true. If there¡¯s even one fabricated lie, you¡¯ll be


    hit by a car once you exit the building!¡± Anastasia was so furious that she couldn¡¯t behave rationally


    anymore.


    *LL¡¯Erica dared not do so. Just like everyone else, she was afraid of karma. What if the heavens


    punished her for this?


    Upon hearing that, Elliot stared at Erica coldly. When he saw that she stuttered for a long time and didn¡¯t


    dare to swear on her life, he realized that she must have made up those stories about Anastasia.


    ¡®You don¡¯t dare to swear on your life, do you?!¡±


    ¡°You ruined my face! I¡¯m going to tell Mom and Dad!¡± Erica instantly held onto this matter. After all, her


    face was still burning from the scratch just now! Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Erica Tillman, just resign on your own and head to the HR department right now. We don¡¯t need people


    who talk nonsense in thepany.¡¯ Elliot¡¯s cold gaze swept across Erica.


    The woman shuddered in response. She nced at the handsome man in front of her as she couldn¡¯t


    believe that he had fired her on the spot.


    That bitch, Anastasia Tillman!


    Erica scolded in her heart. She was going to seek revenge on her one day!


    After grabbing her bag, she stomped out of the lobby while feeling aggrieved. She didn¡¯t even bother


    going through her resignation process with the HR department.


    Anastasia was like a fiery rose with thorns all over her body. When her gaze swept across the other


    ladies at the front desk, they quivered in panic and fear. After all, they were afraid that they would get


    involved too. What if Elliot decided to fire them all?


    ¡®Miss Tillman, we didn¡¯t talk bad about you¡­¡±


    That¡¯s right. Erica was the only one who spread the rumors. We¡­¡±


    Of course, Anastasia knew that they were also involved in disseminating such rumors. However, since it


    was all Erica¡¯s fault, she didn¡¯t want to say anything more. Instead, she turned on her heels and left the


    building because she needed some time alone.


    Elliot squinted his eyes and immediately followed her out of the building, fearing that she would do


    something unthinkable as she wasn¡¯t in her right mind.


    Indeed, Anastasia wasn¡¯tpletely herself. She raised her head to look at the green pedestrian light


    across her, but just as she stepped onto the pedestrian crossing, the lights instantly turned red.


    Fortunately, a strong arm gripped her and pulled her back to the side of the road. A frustrated and angry


    voice sounded beside her ears as Elliot yelled, ¡°Are you trying to die?!¡±


    In response, she looked up at the man while mocking herself, ¡°Didn¡¯t you believe their nonsense too? |


    worked as a hostess and have entertained many men. I¡¯m a filthy woman, so don¡¯t touch me if you don¡¯t


    want to dirty your hands.¡±


    Elliot held both her thin shoulders while narrowing his eyes. Even though he knew that she was just


    saying that out of anger, he was enraged upon hearing those words. He then scolded, ¡°You¡¯re not


    allowed to give up on yourself!¡±


    All of a sudden, Anastasia was spewing nonsense in front of him. Her clear and round eyes widened as


    she uttered seriously, ¡°I am filthy. Other men have touched me, so just go on and judge me however you


    want to! ¡­¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence, she felt arge palm holding the back of her head. Another hand


    was clutching her waist, and the person¡¯s minty lips covered her own.


    Elliot kissed her.


    They were currently standing beside the road full of traffic where people came and went. With that, Elliot


    forced Anastasia into a kiss.

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    Chapter 213 Ruin My Daughter


    Blood gushed into her brain as a shade of crimson crept up her cheeks, and Anastasia froze because of


    his actions.


    All she felt was the hot kiss that Elliot left on her lips. In order to show her that he wasn¡¯t going to look


    down on her, he dived in for a long and desperate kiss.


    Anastasia¡¯s mind went nk as she let him take control of her.


    When Elliot let go of her, he pressed his forehead against hers and uttered in a low and hoarse voice,


    ¡°Listen up, Anastasia. I don¡¯t despise you, so you can¡¯t despise me too. I don¡¯t care about your past; I


    just want to be in your future.¡±


    At that moment, Anastasia was blushing uncontrobly. She shoved him away in anger and red at


    him. Was he insane?!


    They were at the entrance of thepany. If anyone saw them, she would never be able to clear up this


    misunderstanding.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Elliot¡­¡± Anastasia suddenly threatened.


    ¡°You¡¯d better not touch me, or else¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll marry me,¡± Elliot smirked, finishing her sentence on behalf of Anastasia.


    The woman stared at him, dumbfounded. She couldn¡¯t think of any words to refute him for a while, so


    she turned around and headed toward anothermercial street.


    This time, Elliot didn¡¯t chase after her anymore. He had calmed down by then, and he believed that she


    wouldn¡¯t have any thoughts of suicide anymore. After all, she loved her son far too much to do that.


    On the other hand, Anastasia sat down in a cafe with her face flushed.


    No one saw us earlier, right?


    She was silently praying that no one had seen them kiss. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be able to work in the


    office anymore.


    Elliot always took advantage of her regardless of the asion, and he was a terrible person for that.


    When her cup of iced coffee was served, Anastasia took a small sip. They were currently going through


    late Autumn in November, so a cup of iced coffee was enough to calm her nerves down. Her sudden


    outburst of anger earlier was due to the umtion of resentment she had toward Erica since she was


    a child, and she couldn¡¯t take it any longer.


    Now that she thought about it, she didn¡¯t have to be upset. After all, she was only hurting herself.


    Her phone rang at that moment, notifying Anastasia of a call from her father. She never expected to hurt


    Erica with the folder she had thrown at her.


    ¡°Hi, Dad.¡± Anastasia picked up the call.


    ¡°What happened to you and Erica, Anastasia? Did you two fight?¡± Francis inquired in an using tone.


    All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, and I identally injured her,¡± Anastasia apologized.


    At that moment, Naomi¡¯s angry voice sounded from the other end as she spoke. ¡°Anastasia Tillman! Are


    you trying to ruin my daughter? Are you happy now that her face is scratched?!¡±


    When she heard that, Anastasia furrowed her brows. Was her dad at home?


    ¡°You¡¯ve always bullied my daughter, Erica! Why does she have such a hard life? She hasn¡¯t even been at


    work for two days, yet you¡¯ve already hurt her! Don¡¯t cross the line, Anastasia.¡± Naomi sounded


    exasperated.


    A speechless Anastasia rolled her eyes. Naomi was acting like the guilty party who was filing the suit and


    pretending to be pitiful.


    ¡°You should ask your daughter how she ndered me at work first,¡± Anastasia retorted without backing


    down.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t like you don¡¯t know Erica¡¯s temper. She¡¯s just straightforward and likes to be nosy sometimes.


    That doesn¡¯t give you the right to dismiss her from her job and hurt her. If the scratch leaves a scar on


    her face, I¡¯m never going to forgive you,¡± said Naomi as she huffed, not forgetting to justify her


    daughter¡¯s actions.


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough. Their fight isn¡¯t that serious,¡± Francis reassured Naomi as the woman sobbed.


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be hanging up. Goodbye, Dad.¡± Anastasia had had enough of Naomi. She was


    pretending to be pitiful in front of her dad, and she wanted to let Anastasia know her ce in Francis¡¯


    heart.


    Back at the office, Elliot suppressed the gossip about Anastasia and fired three employees. In just one


    day, he had fired Anastasia¡¯s step-sister as well as two other female staff. His actions made the other


    staff panic, and no one dared to talk bad about Anastasia anymore.


    When the woman returned to the office, no one dared to utter a word in front of her, but curious eyes


    were still locked on her behind Anastasia¡¯s back.


    Seeing how President Presgrave had defended her, was she really in a rtionship with him?


    After today¡¯s incident, that rumor seemed to have be reality.

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214


    Chapter 214 Be Careful, Hayley


    How nice would it be to sleep with President Presgrave? This was the inner voice of most female staff.


    I¡¯m so envious that Elliot Presgrave gets to have Anastasia Tillman! Meanwhile, this was the inner voice


    of most male staff.


    Anastasia sat in her office with a headache, and all of her inspiration had dissipated by then. Even more


    so, her mind was filled with the kiss that happened on the streets earlier. Was Elliot just repaying her


    kindness, or did he really like her?


    Back at Tillman Residence, Erica was staring at her swollen face in the mirror as she gnashed her teeth


    in anger. Anastasia merely wanted to ruin her face! If it weren¡¯t for her luck, Erica might have suffered a


    huge cut on her face.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you off so easily, Anastasia! I will make you pay back double for today¡¯s humiliation,¡± hissed


    Erica. Once she was done scolding Anastasia, she picked up her phone and dialed Hayley¡¯s number.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Hello, Erica.¡± Hayley was as friendly as ever.


    ¡°Do you know what I went through today, Hayley? My face was almost ruined by Anastasia.¡±


    Hayley was extremely surprised when she heard that. She hurriedly asked, ¡°What happened between


    the both of you?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not mention it.¡± While Erica said not to mention it, she proceeded to exin the entire incident.


    However, she didn¡¯t mention that she only went to work at Bourgeois because of Elliot. Instead, she


    simply said that she needed a job.


    ¡°What? You went to Bourgeois to work for two days?¡± Hayley was shocked, but she was even more


    relieved that she hadn¡¯t gone to the atelier for the past two days.


    ¡°I just wanted to gain some experience there, but I didn¡¯t expect Anastasia to treat me like an eyesore.


    Not only did she ruin my face, she even took the chance to fire me,¡± said Erica as she huffed in


    exasperation. At the same time, she smiled proudly while uttering, ¡°Of course, I didn¡¯t let her have it all. I


    told the wholepany that she worked as a hostess and entertained customers in a club, and she even


    gotid by a host five years ago. The wholepany is treating her like a joke now!¡±


    However, Hayley was anxious to hear that, so she inquired tentatively, ¡°Do you remember what the host


    looked like? What about his stage name?¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who arranged it? How would I know? Anyway, you should have selected an ugly


    host for her in the first ce. That way, she¡¯d be disgusted to death. Why did you even get her a host?


    What a waste of money.¡± Erica had been partying like a wild animal that night, and it was Hayley¡¯s idea


    all along. She was just watching the fun.


    Hayley heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing that. She figured that the heavens had helped Anastasia out


    that fateful night five years ago. She assumed that the host had run away with the 2,000 he received


    from Hayley when he saw another man in the private room. As for why Elliot had shown up in the private


    room she booked, she guessed he had probably been drunk and entered the wrong room.


    What a bummer! Anastasia slept with Elliot and even gave birth to his son. Hayley desperately wished


    that she had been in Anastasia¡¯s position that night.


    ¡°Hayley, what have you been up to these days? We haven¡¯t gone shopping in a long time,¡± Erica


    comined.


    ¡°When your face heals, I¡¯ll treat you to a nice meal.¡± Hayley had to maintain her rtionship with Erica.


    Who knew she might be of use to Hayley one day?


    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll wait for your call.¡± Erica was a simple-minded person. Since she had her mother¡¯s protection,


    she wasn¡¯t a schemeful woman. However, just like her mother, she was not a kind person either.


    Hayley, who was in her luxurious mansion, put down her phone. At that moment, her mind was already


    full of schemes. How much would Elliot despise Anastasia after knowing that she worked as a hostess


    before?


    She couldn¡¯t help but call May in hopes of knowing how much Anastasia would be judged, but she didn¡¯t


    expect to hear that Elliot fired three employees because of that woman! All of a sudden, she nearly


    choked on her anger.


    ¡°What?! Elliot fired Erica on the spot?!¡± Hayley couldn¡¯t believe that Erica met Elliot without telling her


    about it.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Two nosy staff who gossiped about Anastasia were also fired on the same day. You¡¯d better


    be careful, Hayley. Anastasia is a cunning woman! She managed to enchant President Presgrave with


    her tactics!¡±


    Although Hayley knew that May cared for her sincerely, her words sounded extremely harsh to the


    former.

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215


    Chapter 215 Elliot¡¯s Girlfriend Is Here


    ¡°President Presgrave just left my cest night! I¡¯m the only woman sleeping with him every night, so


    don¡¯t worry about it!¡± Hayley couldn¡¯t help but lie and create a false impression that she and Elliot were


    very much in love with each other.


    Fortunately, May believed every word she said. Thetter thought that she was Elliot¡¯s real girlfriend


    while Anastasia was just a shameless mistress.


    After hanging up the phone, Hayley was so enraged that she threw her pillow away. ¡°Anastasia Tillman¡­


    Why are you still haunting me? Why do you have to circle around Elliot all the time? I must ruin your


    reputation and make your life miserable!¡±


    Meanwhile, in the office of Presgrave Group, Elliot came back to settle some work. As he sat in front of


    his desk, there was a pile of documents waiting to be signed. Yet, he was daydreaming.


    At that moment, he was extremely eager to find out what had happened to Anastasia back then. He


    wanted to know the b*stard who slept with her so that he could figure out how to help her in any way


    possible.


    As long as Anastasia opened her mouth, he would definitely find that jerk and make him pay for his


    actions.


    Suddenly, Elliot thought of someone¡ªHayley knew exactly what happened to Anastasia back then, so


    he could perhaps fish some information out of her.


    Elliot also realized that after he met Anastasia, he no longer thought about Hayley anymore. He had only


    given Hayley materialpensation, but it still struck him how Hayley didn¡¯t appear as much in his


    thoughts anymore.


    He used to recall the night five years ago when poor Hayley was bawling in front of him. When he


    thought about how bad of a scar he had left on her, he med himself for it. Now that Hayley epted


    his materialpensation while he did everything in his power to satisfy her current situation, he could


    finally put down the stone in his heart.


    With that, Elliot made a call to Hayley.


    ¡°Hello, Elliot! Is that you?¡± Hayley sounded enthusiastic on the other end.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. Are you free tonight? I¡¯ll treat you to a meal.¡±


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯m free. Should Ie and meet you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a callter.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ve missed you so much, Elliot.¡± Hayley grabbed the opportunity to confess her feelings.


    ¡°Okay, see you tonight.¡± With that, Elliot hung up the phone. He was aware of Hayley¡¯s admiration for


    him, but he couldn¡¯t ept her feelings. All he felt for her was guilt, and there was nothing more.


    Then, Elliot made a call to Anastasia. It took her a while to pick up the phone. ¡°Hello, do you need help


    with anything?¡±


    Anastasia sounded as cold as ice. Although she knew that Elliot was calling her, she still sounded


    business-like.


    Meanwhile, the man furrowed his sharp brows upon hearing her answer. Indeed, Anastasia knew how to


    grab every chance to provoke him with her words.


    ¡°I have something going on tonight, so I won¡¯t be eating at your ce,¡± uttered Elliot in a low voice.


    This time, Anastasia sounded a little happier. ¡°Okay, sure.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you talk to me in a friendlier way?¡± asked Elliot in frustration.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that it ismon courtesy to respect others first for them to respect you?¡± Anastasia


    mocked. After all, someone who forcefully kissed and took advantage of her wasn¡¯t worthy of her


    respect.


    After staying silent for a few seconds, Elliot replied, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    Anastasia hung up the phone after that, leaving Elliot stunned. He had always been the first one to end


    their calls, so he didn¡¯t expect her to hang up first.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    At 2.00PM, Hayley booked a whole team of professional makeup artists and stylists to prepare her for


    dinner. Although it was just a meal with Elliot, she had to make sure she looked presentable. She wanted


    to wear the prettiest makeup and the most beautiful dress, and every detail had to be perfectly refined.


    Not only that, Hayley wanted to brag in front of Anastasia and let her know that she was having dinner


    with Elliot!


    Since there were not many chances for Hayley to show off, she wanted to grab this opportunity.


    At around 4.00PM, Hayley arrived at Bourgeois. She purposely went to Anastasia¡¯s office, attracting all


    the eyes of the other staff in the process.


    Goodness! Isn¡¯t that President Presgrave¡¯s real girlfriend?


    Is she here for Anastasia? Is this a meeting between love rivals? Will they start a fight?


    Just as Anastasia packed her bag and was about to pick up her son, Grace suddenly barged in and


    stammered, ¡°A-Anastasia¡­ P-President Presgrave¡¯s girlfriend is here.¡±

 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216


    Chapter 216 The Boy¡¯s Father is Elliot


    Anastasia looked up to find Hayley walking up behind Grace with a cold face. Just then, Hayley shot a


    re at the assistant and unted her status. ¡°Get out,¡± she said with a in snort.


    Grace stuck her tongue out in response and left. Meanwhile, Anastasia sneered to herself as she


    watched their interaction unfold. Who did Hayley think she was to order her assistant around?


    ¡°Please remember who you are, Hayley. This is Bourgeois, and the employees here are not maids you


    can order around as you please,¡± Anastasia warned with a quirked brow.


    However, Hayley simply dismissed her as she sat down on the couch and crossed her legs. ¡°Anastasia,


    why did you hit Erica?¡±


    ¡°This is between me and my family. You have no part in this.¡± Anastasia nced coldly at her.


    ¡°What do you mean I have no part in this? Erica is my best friend, and it¡¯s only right that I defend her.


    Just because your mother saved Elliot, don¡¯t assume that you can use this debt to behave unruly,


    Anastasia. Served your mother¡¯s cheap life right to die for Elliot.¡± Hayley attacked mercilessly.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Anastasia¡¯s pupils shook with rage, for Hayley had crossed the line. Anybody could talk sh*t about her,


    but nobody was allowed to do that to her loved ones.


    ¡°You¡¯d better shut your mouth, Hayley. Otherwise, I¡¯ll skin you alive.¡± Anastasia shot right up, beyond


    furious.


    It was a pity that Hayley had indeede to anger Anastasia. After all, she knew that Amelia was


    Anastasia¡¯s taboo. ¡°Some people are destined to live a short life, and your mother was one of them.¡±


    Hayley was practically digging her heart out! With that, Anastasia came out from behind her desk.


    Sometimes, a hand was more useful than words.


    ¡°Get out. Get the hell out!¡± Anastasia roared as she threw the cup on her table at Hayley, who dodged


    reflexively. ¡°How dare you throw things at me, Anastasia!¡± Hayley yelled, evidently pissed off by this.


    ¡°If you stay a second longer, I will even kill you,¡± said Anastasia as she growled.


    However, Hayley blurted, ¡°If you dare kill me, who¡¯s going to look after your son? His gigolo of a father?¡±


    Hayley¡¯s words took Anastasia aback, and she red daggers at Hayley. She was so livid that she


    choked on her words.


    On the other hand, Hayley sneered as though she suddenly had leverage over Anastasia. ¡°Oh, that


    reminds me! I think I still remember his name and face. Why don¡¯t I help your son find his father? The


    guy should know that he has a son after that night, don¡¯t you think so?!¡±


    Hayley¡¯s words were like a vortex that sucked out all of Anastasia¡¯s strength in one second. ¡°I dare you,


    Hayley.¡± Anastasia looked at the woman while gritting her teeth.


    ¡°What? Are you scared now, Anastasia? Are you afraid that your baby boy will be taken away from you?


    In that case, you¡¯d better not give me your attitude. I have a date with Elliot tonight, and I will give you a


    piece of my mind if you pour water on me.¡±


    Anastasia suddenly felt a pang in her heart. She then looked at Hayley, who was all dolled up. She¡¯s


    seeing Elliot tonight, huh?


    No wonder he said he isn¡¯t avable. He has a date with Hayley.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stay out of each other¡¯s business from now on, Hayley. I can overlook what you did to me back


    then, but don¡¯t cause me any more trouble. Otherwise, I swear I¡¯ll fight you to the death,¡± Anastasia


    warned.


    ¡°Oh, have you forgiven me? You¡¯d better thank me too; how would you have had your son if it weren¡¯t for


    me?¡±


    Hayley¡¯s shameless behavior made Anastasia close her eyes and suppress her desire to kill this woman.


    A momentter, she looked coldly at Hayley. ¡°Stop bugging me, or I won¡¯t y nice anymore.¡±


    Hayley suddenly turned cold as well. ¡°Alright. As long as you leave Elliot, I promise I won¡¯t ask that gigolo


    toe to you. However, if you continue to pester Elliot, I¡¯ll make sure your son meets his gigolo of a


    father. When that timees, you¡¯d better pray that he doesn¡¯t take your son away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call the police right away if he dares to show himself. Have you forgotten that you¡¯re also responsible


    for what happened back then?¡± Anastasia wasn¡¯t going down with a fight either, and she didn¡¯t want


    Hayley to think she was an easy target.


    After all, people like Hayley would only continue to bully if they knew their victim was a weakling.


    Anastasia¡¯s threat worked, for Hayley began panicking. After all, she was only intimidating Anastasia,


    and there wasn¡¯t any gigolo at all¡ªthe real father of her child was Elliot!

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217


    Chapter 217 I Hope You Can Tell Me the Truth


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a deal. You stay away from Elliot, and I won¡¯t tell anyone what happened back then.


    Otherwise, your son will know how he came to be. Even if you call the police and have the gigolo


    arrested, he is still your son¡¯s father, and he¡¯ll have a gigolo of a father who even served time in prison.


    Haha¡­¡± Hayley couldn¡¯t help cackling as she spoke. ¡°What a joke!¡±


    ¡°Get the hell out of here!¡± Anastasia roared.


    ¡°Fine. It¡¯s almost time for my date with Elliot anyway. You¡¯d better not bother us tonight, and I dare you to


    ruin our night with work. We will be very busy the entire night, after all. I¡¯m sure you know just how good


    of a stamina Elliot has.¡± Hayley deliberately lied to disgust Anastasia, and she seeded. With that, she


    headed out with a smug face.


    Inside the office, Anastasia slumped back on her chair weakly. Her body trembled involuntarily as all


    sorts of emotions stirred within her, and she felt absolutely awful.


    Hayley knew her best, and that woman knew precisely where to strike. After all, her mother and son


    were the people she loved most. Elliot, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t somebody to her, yet it still did some


    damage.


    She thought he was a b*stard for dating Hayley while kissing her with the same pair of lips that he had


    used to kiss the other woman.


    She could even picture what this man and Hayley would be doing in bed; just imagining it had already


    suffocated her.


    With that, Anastasia decided she would stay far away from Elliot; she would never allow him to make a


    move on her ever again.


    Meanwhile, just as Hayley returned home in a rush, she got a call from Daniel. s, she had her hopes


    up for nothing, for she thought Elliot would pick her up himself!


    After picking Hayley up, Daniel snuck a few peeks at her, not daring to look her straight in the eye. It was


    only reasonable that he was somewhat fearful of her after what had happenedst time. Then again, he


    felt truly bad for the woman after making out with her.


    He felt bad that she couldn¡¯t do anything but only hope that President Presgrave would visit her in this


    lavish mansion like she was a caged bird unwilling to be free, waiting for its owner to show it some love.


    ¡°Daniel, am I pretty?¡± Hayley asked out of the blue.


    Daniel was somewhat jumpy within, for he was genuinely afraid whenever she called him ¡®Daniel¡¯ in such


    a coquettish tone.


    ¡°You look stunning, Miss Seymour,¡± he praised.


    ¡°Do you think President Presgrave will like me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ he definitely will.¡± Daniel knew he had to lie. He worked closely with Elliot, and he could tell that


    the president fancied the designer working in Bourgeois and not Hayley.


    Though it was a lie, it brightened up Hayley¡¯s mood. With that, she took herpact mirror out to


    retouch her makeup, pleased with how she looked that night. In fact, she hoped Elliot that would take her


    back to his ce so that she could be the woman who drove his loneliness away.


    Meanwhile, the car continued its journey to the high-end restaurant.


    By the time Hayley arrived, Elliot was already waiting inside the private room. The moment she opened


    the door, her heart pounded wildly, for he¡¯d be able to capture all of her attention and have her lose


    herself whenever she saw him.


    ¡°Elliot,¡± Hayley called out affectionately as she sat across from him.


    Elliot dipped his head in response. Then, he asked a server toe in to take their order. Since he was


    a gentleman, he let Hayley decide what they were going to eat that night, and like a fish craving for


    water, she viewed Elliot¡¯s every bit of gentlemanliness as his love for her.


    She believed Elliot surely had feelings for her. Unfortunately, the vamp named Anastasia had lured him


    away.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finished ordering our dishes, Elliot. Why don¡¯t you see if there¡¯s anything you¡¯d like to order?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Just bring the dishes over!¡± Elliot hadn¡¯te to eat. Instead, he was here to find out what he


    could about Anastasia from Hayley.


    The air grew silent for a while, and Hayley fidgeted around nervously for some time. She tried to get


    Elliot¡¯s attention, but he would either look out the window or stare at the table, looking preupied.


    Atst, she had no choice but to speak up in a coquettish voice. ¡°Elliot, let¡¯s talk about something!¡± she


    said.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°I do have something to ask you, Hayley,¡± said Elliot as he looked up at her. ¡°I hope you can tell me the


    truth.¡±

 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218


    Chapter 218 Anastasia Is Selfish


    Hayley nodded immediately, feeling joyful. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll tell you everything you want to know.¡±


    ¡°Hayley, you were friends with Anastasia growing up. I want to know how she lost her chastity and who


    was the guy who defiled her,¡± Elliot asked as he stared gravely at her.


    Hayley¡¯s smile frozen upon hearing his question. With that, she pursed her lips and let out a murky


    breath. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ what you want to know?¡±


    ¡°Please tell me about it, Hayley.¡± It was evident Elliot wasn¡¯t going to take no for an answer.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Hayley didn¡¯t know what to do. The man sitting across from her had no clue that he was the one who


    defiled Anastasia back then. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t let Elliot shoulder such an offense. She took a deep


    breath at that, for she had long been mentally prepared for this day toe.


    ¡°Poor Anastasia. That night traumatized me as well since it only happened because she came to save


    me. If I hadn¡¯t phoned her, she wouldn¡¯t have gone into that room, and she wouldn¡¯t have encountered


    that psycho. Even when Anastasia wrongly used me of what happened, I still admitted that everything


    was my fault.¡±


    ¡°What did she wrongly use you of?¡± Elliot frowned.


    When Hayley looked up, her eyes were red-rimmed and filled with remorse. Then, she drew a deep


    breath. ¡°I know no one can ept such an experience happening to them. Anastasia is a strong woman,


    but still, she has lost her virginity. She hates me. She said I had purposely arranged for that man to be in


    there, and I created the tragedy that befell her. I ept all her usations since I do deserve to be


    d*mned. In fact, I shouldn¡¯t have asked her toe at all. I was with some clients at that time, and they


    were being handsy, so I asked Anastasia toe and save me. However, I didn¡¯t expect her to go to the


    wrong room and fall into that man¡¯s¡­¡± Hayley closed her eyes at that, and beads of tears fell the next


    second.


    Elliot¡¯s heart grew incredibly heavy as well. Was this how everything went down for Anastasia?


    Coldness zed his eyes as he asked, ¡°In that case, do you remember where it all happened?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the one thing I don¡¯t want living in my head. I only know that it was in a small nightclub, and I


    can¡¯t remember the name anymore. I¡¯ve been trying to forget about this, but¡­ I can never forget how


    Anastasia looked when she came out disheveled.¡± She wouldn¡¯t stop emphasizing how horribly


    Anastasia had been defiled back then, for she believed Elliot would definitely mind it. Surely, someone as


    outstanding and noble as him must have some sort of OCD. Hence, he wouldn¡¯t touch Anastasia ever


    again!


    However, she bit her lower lip in anger when she saw the popping veins on his clenched fists that were


    on the table. Was Elliot feeling furious for Anastasia?


    Nevertheless, she continued to let her tears fall, acting like she was a victim as much as Anastasia was.


    ¡°I also think I deserve to be d*mned for letting her suffer such a traumatic experience. However, what I


    don¡¯t understand is why Anastasia still gave birth to his child when she loathed that night so much.¡±


    bbergasted, Elliot eximed without thinking, ¡°Are you saying that the man back then is Jared¡¯s


    father?!¡±


    Hayley nodded at that. ¡°I guess so. Do you think Anastasia is able to ept other men when something


    like that has happened to her? I¡¯m sure she finds all men repulsive.¡±


    With that, Elliot fell into deep thought. It seems like Jared is that b*stard¡¯s son¡­


    ¡°Elliot, I know you care about Anastasia because her mother sacrificed her life to save you. It¡¯s only right


    that you look after her.¡±


    Elliot didn¡¯t recall telling Hayley about this, but then again, seeing how close she and Anastasia used to


    be when growing up, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising for her to learn about it.


    ¡°I am indeed racked with guilt for her family. In that case, do you know why Anastasia still conceived the


    child?¡± Elliot couldn¡¯t figure out Anastasia¡¯s reason for doing so as well. Nheless, given how


    adorable the boy was, he was happy that Jared hade into this world.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Knowing Anastasia, she¡¯s a headstrong woman. Her father even chased her out back then


    because of this. He thought she had brought disgrace to their family and had shown him up. As for why


    she conceived the child, she probably had no other choice. I worry about how the child should face a


    father who defiled his mother, though. Poor kid! Anastasia shouldn¡¯t have kept him.¡± All in all, Hayley was


    trying to hint that Anastasia was nothing but selfish.

 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219


    Chapter 219 Keep Me Company


    Elliot¡¯s heart tightened when he heard Hayley¡¯s words. So, she really was kicked out of her house, huh?


    Is that why she was abroad for five years.


    But he believed the reason Anastasia conceived Jared was that the child¡¯s adorableness could heal her


    pain. Jared was like a cure for Anastasia, liberating her from that horrific experience. This little one, on


    the other hand, needed love and care, and it would be his duty from now on.


    Just then, the dishes were served. Hayley was looking forward to dinner when she made the orders, but


    now she felt as though she was chewing wax. Who¡¯d have thought Elliot invited her to dinner only to


    learn about Anastasia¡¯s past? At the end of the day, all he had in mind was Anastasia.


    ¡°Elliot, Anastasia¡¯s a sweet girl. If it weren¡¯t for that encounter, she would be living a happy life.¡± Hayley


    continued to put on her saint fa?ade in front of Elliot.


    Elliot, however, was still deep in his thoughts. After hearing Hayley¡¯s words, he nodded in agreement, for


    the rest of Anastasia¡¯s life had everything to do with him now. He would give her the happily ever after


    she deserved.


    Then, Hayley thought of something, and she shyly asked, ¡°Say, Elliot, has Anastasia ever asked you


    about us?¡±


    However, Elliot¡¯s gaze at her was clear and collected. ¡°Hayley, what happened between us was a


    mistake. I¡¯ve hurt you unconsciously that night, and I¡¯ll make it up to you in my own way.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t me you, Elliot. Really. Maybe I¡¯ve suffered for five years, but after knowing you, those


    sufferings became sweet experiences.¡± Hayley tried her best to confess her love for him.


    Too bad Elliot didn¡¯t feel the same for her. ¡°It¡¯s best that you don¡¯t dwell on that night. It¡¯ll do nothing but


    harm to you, after all.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m happy as long as it¡¯s you.¡± Hayley shook her head like a rattle. She was beyond willing to


    experience such happiness again. ¡°Elliot, I¡­ Anytime you want, I¡¯m willing to¡ª¡±


    Just then, Elliot¡¯s phone rang, and she looked exasperatedly at the caller ID, only to find it was


    Anastasia.


    Immediately, a fire raged beneath her eyes. Oh, how she wanted to kill this b*tch! She swore Anastasia


    had deliberately called to meddle at this time.


    On the other hand, Elliot hurriedly grabbed his phone and stood up. ¡°Let me take this call.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Hayley beamed, suppressing her raging fire.


    With that, he went to the empty private room next door and answered the call with a gentle voice.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you¡¯ve promised to y with me downstairs. Why haven¡¯t youe?!¡± The little one¡¯s


    voice traveled from the other end of the line.


    ¡°Can you wait for me, Jared? I¡¯ll go over once I¡¯m done with dinner.¡±


    ¡°Really? You¡¯ll stille over, Mr. Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°I will. I never go back on my words,¡± Elliot promised. He adored the child immensely, even if they weren¡¯t


    rted by blood.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be waiting for you!¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get there soon,¡± Elliot promised again.


    After hanging up, he checked the time and returned to the private room. When he saw that Hayley had


    barely eaten, he couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Hayley, are you done eating?¡±


    ¡°Are you leaving?¡± She couldn¡¯t help panicking. Must he go as soon as Anastasia called?


    ¡°Yeah, I still have something I have to get to first. I¡¯ll have Daniel send you home.¡±


    ¡°But Elliot¡­ I¡­ I hope you can finish this dinner with me.¡± Hayley wished he could stay, but when he


    looked over with his suit jacket in his hand under the light, she lost all courage and bit her lip aggrievedly.


    ¡°Y-You go ahead then! I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hayley. I¡¯ll treat you to another meal,¡± Elliot apologized, standing on ceremony, before striding


    out.


    Now that he was gone, Hayley could throw her fa?ade away and bear her bitter, resentful face.


    Anastasia, of all people, it has to be Anastasia! That b*tch shrouded her like a nightmare she couldn¡¯t


    drive away no matter how.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    With that, she picked up her phone and called Daniel. ¡°Daniel,e up here and keep mepany.¡±

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220


    Chapter 220 She Hates Him Because She Hates Hayley


    Daniel came up in two shakes, and when he saw Hayley chugging liquor, he snatched the ss from


    her. ¡°Don¡¯t drink like this, Miss Seymour. You¡¯ll get sick.¡±


    ¡°Daniel.¡± Hayley got up and hugged him. She seriously needed a man and she didn¡¯t want to give herself


    a hard time, even if she couldn¡¯t have Elliot to herself.


    His body stiffened at her contact. He tried to push her away, but she had a tight grip around his neck.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave me too, Daniel. Hug me.¡±


    Daniel obliged half-heartedly. Though Hayley knew she was leaning against Daniel, she couldn¡¯t stop


    thinking about Elliot. With that, she closed her eyes and consoled herself by thinking she was hugging


    Elliot.


    Meanwhile, at Anastasia¡¯s home. Jared waited in his room for Elliot to arrive after making a sneaky call to


    him. Meanwhile, Anastasia was busy with house chores and it was already around 8.00PM by the time


    she was done with theirundry.


    Just as she was about to return to her room to continue working, the doorbell rang.


    Hmm? Who could it be at this hour?


    With that, she walked to the door and found Elliot standing outside through the peephole.


    She was surprised he would stille. Isn¡¯t he supposed to be on a date with Hayley? What the hell is


    he doing here?!


    The doorbell rang again, and she knew he wasn¡¯t going to leave anytime soon. Hence, she opened the


    door with frustration and pulled a grim face. ¡°It¡¯s alreadyte at night. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to y with Jared.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but no thanks. I¡¯ll y with my son. Please leave,¡± Anastasia said indifferently.


    However, the little one ran out from behind her at that moment. ¡°You¡¯re here, Mr. Presgrave. Let¡¯s y


    downstairs.¡±


    Anastasia stared at her son as she watched him dashing out the door to hold Elliot¡¯s hand and say, ¡°I


    didn¡¯t expect you toe so soon, Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    She was once again rendered speechless. Had her son called Elliot toe over?


    ¡°Mommy, please don¡¯t be mad at Mr. Presgrave. I called and asked him toe to y with me.¡± Jared


    looked back at his mother.


    Apart from speechlessness, she was now troubled as well. With that, she reprimanded, ¡°Jared, who said


    you could bother him as you please? I¡¯ve told you before that he¡¯s a very busy man. He doesn¡¯t have the


    time to y with you. Why can¡¯t you listen?¡±


    It was rare for Anastasia to get upset over her son, but right then, she was truly pissed. She thought her


    son was being inconsiderate by calling Elliot over when he was on a date with Hayley.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mommy.¡± Jared drooped his head and apologized when he realized he had angered his


    mother.


    It was Elliot¡¯s first time seeing Anastasia reprimanding the little one, and with that, he carried Jared up


    and looked at the little fellow with distress before turning to Anastasia. ¡°I have the time. I¡¯m more than


    happy to y with Jared, so please don¡¯t scold him anymore.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t want to scold her son either, but she was in a bad mood that day, and she didn¡¯t want to


    have any more to do with Elliot either. So, she wished Jared would stop being attached to Elliot and stay


    away from him even more so.


    ¡°Jared,e back inside and let Mr. Presgrave go home.¡± With that, she came out and reached out with


    her hands to carry Jared, who immediately leaned toward her.


    On the other hand, Elliot was actually afraid of Anastasia at this moment. He was worried that he had


    hurt her with his words or disturb her, and she¡¯d even hate him.


    He just learned from Hayley how Anastasia got hurt, how she conceived and birthed the child of the man


    who defiled her, and how she was chased out of her own home. It was only normal for Anastasia to


    repulse men when she had been through all she had.


    With that, he tried to exin, saying, ¡°Anastasia, I mean no harm. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°No need to exin, President Presgrave. I know you have a date with Hayley. I¡¯m sorry that my son has


    bothered you guys.¡± Anastasia looked inly at Elliot as she carried her son in her arms.


    Elliot¡¯s breathing stopped for a split second after she finished speaking and he frowned. ¡°How did you


    know I was having dinner with Hayley?¡±


    However, Anastasia didn¡¯t want to talk. Just the thought of him exhibiting his excellence on top of Hayley


    and fulfilling his biological imperative had Anastasia thinking the air around him was suffocating.


    As she hated Hayley, she hated him as well. She wanted nothing to do with anyone or anything rted


    to Hayley.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221


    Chapter 221 I¡¯ll Go and Get It From You


    With that, Anastasia stepped back inside the room and shut the front door, leaving Elliot outside on his


    own.


    Jared, on the other hand, was brought to the couch and lectured. The little boy pouted and finally


    mumbled after a long while, ¡°But I like Mr. Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t. And never call him without my permission ever again. He¡¯s a big boss, and he¡¯s super busy,


    understand, Jared?¡±


    Anastasia knew only by telling Jared Elliot was swamped with work that he would eventually stop


    approaching Elliot.


    Jared nodded, expressing that he got it. But deep down, he genuinely liked Elliot, for he saw a father in


    that man. Oh, how he wished his mother would marry Elliot so that he could be his father.


    Anastasia felt bad for her little boy despite reprimanding him, as it was her fault, to begin with. She


    shouldn¡¯t have let Jared grow attached to Elliot.


    She decided that she would never make such mistakes ever again. It was time she and Elliot drew a line.


    They shouldn¡¯t be in this ambiguous rtionship any longer.


    Anastasia mulled over many things when shey in bed that night, mainly about Elliot. She wondered


    when this man filled every corner of her mind, so much so that she couldn¡¯t even chase him away.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    But even so, she couldn¡¯t let this go on. If she really couldn¡¯t chase him away, she¡¯d find another man to


    rece him. It was just a man. No matter how desperate she got, she would never share a man with


    Hayley.


    To Anastasia, Elliot¡¯s entire body was long enveloped in Hayley¡¯s stench. It was the repulsive kind that


    would suffocate her as soon as she got three feet close.


    That night, Hayley yed drunk and brought Daniel to her room. Under her seduction, they rolled around


    in bed despite Daniel¡¯s feigned rejection. Yes, Hayley did the deed that night as she proimed, just that


    it wasn¡¯t with Elliot. While Daniel was asleep, Hayley took a few sneaky pictures. She could use them to


    fool Anastasia into thinking Elliot was sleeping with her.


    After a night¡¯s deliberation, Anastasia woke up with an eased mind the following morning. She wouldn¡¯t


    have to worry anymore after she cleared her mind and nned out her future.


    She had no time to waste on such things. She had to work hard and earn money, for her son was her


    everything.


    Apart from Jared, no one was worth her time and energy.


    Making money is the top priority.


    It wasn¡¯t until after Anastasia dropped Jared off at school that she realized she had left her sketches at


    home. With that, she headed back home to retrieve it. On her journey, she got a call from Felicia telling


    her toe in for a meeting.


    After hanging up, Anastasia identally left her cell at the back of the cab, and soon after she got out,


    the cab driver picked up another passenger not far away. As soon as the young man opened the car


    door, he found a phone sitting in the back seat. Judging from the phone case, he assumed it belonged to


    ady.


    As soon as he unlocked the phone, a little boy¡¯s face popped up, and his heart melted a little. With that,


    he called thest person the owner of this phone contacted.


    Meanwhile, while Felicia was listening to her subordinate speak in the meeting, her phone buzzed. She


    took a gander at it and looked toward Anastasia with surprise. ¡°Are you calling my number?¡±


    Anastasia shook her head in response. ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°But your ID is showing up on my phone.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no! I must have left my phone in the cab. Answer it.¡± Anastasia immediately got what was going on.


    With that, Felicia answered the call. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hi, are you a friend of this phone¡¯s owner? She left it in a cab.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m her boss. She happens to be right next to me. I¡¯ll let her talk to you.¡± And Felicia handed her phone


    to Anastasia.


    With that, Anastasia hurriedly took it and walked out of the conference room. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m the owner of the


    phone you found.¡±


    ¡°Hi, Miss. I¡¯m running an errand. Why don¡¯t you give me your address, and I¡¯ll bring your phone to you


    later?¡± A clear and melodious young man¡¯s voice sounded on the other end of the line.


    ¡°Thank you, but I should go and get it from you instead.¡±

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222


    Chapter 222 Is Your Husband Not With You?


    ¡°I bet you work nearby! I¡¯m at Crystal Enterprise. What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier.¡±


    ¡°Wow! We work next to each other!¡± the man eximed.


    Anastasia looked out the window and happened to see the Crystal Enterprise building right outside. With


    that, she smiled. ¡°Yeah! I can see your office building from where I¡¯m at!¡±


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll wait for you in front of your office building at around eleven-thirty. Juste down by


    then.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much!¡±


    ¡°No worries.¡±


    With that, she hung up and returned to the conference room. After the meeting, Felicia leaned over with


    a smile. ¡°You should treat the guy to lunch, no?¡±


    Anastasia nodded at that. ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡±


    ¡°He sounds like a handsome young man! I wonder if he actually is,¡± Felicia teased.


    Anastasia, too, thought the young man sounded amiable. She bet he must be the aspirant, hard-working


    type. She had gone down and waited at eleven-twenty for the guy toe, d that she encountered a


    stranger who would return her phone.


    Just then, a cab pulled over at the entrance, and Anastasia looked up to find a guy in a id shirting


    out. He was a six-foot tall, handsome young man with a clean temperament and an affable look. He was


    stumped for a few seconds, for he saw Anastasia right as he looked up. With that, he blinked and asked


    with a smile, ¡°Are you Miss Tillman?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me.¡± Anastasia nodded and smiled.


    At that, he pulled her phone out of his bag and handed it to her. ¡°Here you go. You should check and see


    if there¡¯s any damage. I¡¯ve put it in my bag all this while.¡±


    Anastasia was touched. Of course, she wasn¡¯t going to check because she was already thankful to get


    her phone back.


    ¡°Thank you so much. If you¡¯re not in a hurry, why don¡¯t I treat you to lunch?¡±


    ¡°Please, call me Oliver. I¡¯m a programmer, and I have to rush back for a meeting. So I¡¯ll have to turn


    down your offer. But I hope we can be friends.¡± Oliver Shaw scratched his head, clearly a little flustered


    talking to a gorgeousdy.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s exchange numbers. Do let me treat you to a meal sometime,¡± Anastasia said


    enthusiastically.


    After exchanging their contacts, Anastasia saw him off to the cab before returning to the lobby. She had


    to admit Oliver left a great impression on her.


    What was more, she had a thing for clean, refreshing-looking guys since she was little.


    As soon as she returned to her office, her inte rang, and she answered it. ¡°Hello, Anastasia


    speaking. Who is this on the line?¡±


    ¡°Come to my office.¡± A maic voice unique to Elliot sounded on the other end.


    However, Anastasia didn¡¯t want to see him. ¡°I¡¯m busy with work, President Presgrave. You can tell me on


    the phone.¡±


    ¡°I need to talk to you about something in person.¡±


    ¡°You can just tell me what it is, President.¡± Anastasia spoke with aloofness.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to your ce for dinner tonight.¡± Elliot cut to the chase.


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to take Jared out for dinner tonight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you guys then.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like it to be just me and my son.¡±


    ¡°Let me treat you guys.¡±


    ¡°No, thanks.¡± With that, she wanted to end the call, but Elliot said, ¡°I want to let you know that I¡¯ll be on a


    business trip for a week.¡±


    His words took Anastasia aback for a few seconds. He¡¯s going to be away for a week? Great, I don¡¯t


    have to see his face for one whole week!


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be telling Hayley this instead of me, President Presgrave? Surely she will miss you,¡±


    Anastasia reminded indifferently.


    ¡°And you won¡¯t?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Anastasia answered without a second thought. After all, she had decided to stay away from him


    once and for all.


    ¡°Heartless.¡± With that, he hung up, and his reaction got her stumped for a few seconds.


    At three in the afternoon, Anastasia decided to leave work early to pick her son up.


    When she arrived at the kindergarten, the gates were still closed, so she waited aside. Unfortunately, the


    friendly mother fromst time bumped into her and approached her.


    ¡°Hi, Miss Tillman. You¡¯re early today! Is your husband not with you?¡±

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223


    Chapter 223 She Has Now Be Anastasia¡¯s Boss


    Anastasia didn¡¯t like answering such questions deep down, but she still had to out of politeness. ¡°Yeah,


    he¡¯s busy.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°During the family sports day, your husband said he¡¯s working in finance. Most people in this line of work


    are, like, super busy but super rich. What¡¯s your job, Miss Tillman?¡± Clearly, she was idle chatting.


    ¡°I¡¯m a stay-at-home mom.¡± Anastasia made up an answer, for she wasn¡¯t a fan of background-check kind


    of questions.


    ¡°Where do you guys stay, then?¡±


    ¡°The block over there.¡± Anastasia pointed randomly.


    ¡°Your husband¡¯s car costs a lot, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Hispany loaned it to him.¡±


    The more this woman asked, the more she believed Anastasia wasn¡¯t well off since Anastasia enrolled


    her son in this kindergarten. Hence, she felt a little better, but when she sized Anastasia¡¯s body and


    features up, she felt absolutely envious and jealous, for she weighed about a hundred and thirty pounds.


    Details of Anastasia¡¯s skin could be visibly seen under the afternoon sun. Barely any pores were visible,


    and her skin was crystal clear and fair¡ªa typical beauty. She had long, silky, smooth hair, and her light


    gold blouse and ck pencil skirt entuated her shapely figure. There was not a single w this


    woman could find in Anastasia, and she couldn¡¯t help bemoaning how unfair the heavens could be.


    Just then, the gates opened, and Anastasia dashed to pick up Jared.


    One more question from thatdy, and I¡¯d¡­ Ugh!


    After picking Jared up, the mother and son duo got into a cab and headed to the mall near home for


    dinner.


    It was around seven-thirty by the time they came out, and the sky had already gone dark. With that,


    Anastasia hailed a cab home.


    Many people wereing back from work when they arrived at the entrance of theirmunity, and so


    Anastasia decided they should get out of the cab and walk home. Just then, a guy eximed behind


    them. ¡°Miss Tillman?¡±


    She looked back while holding Jared¡¯s hand to find Oliver approaching them with aptop bag on his


    back.


    ¡°Oliver?¡± Anastasia was just as surprised to find him here.


    ¡°I live here. You too?¡± he asked with a smile.


    ¡°Yeah, I live in Block 8. What a coincidence!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at Block 10.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, who is this?¡± Jared asked curiously.


    ¡°He¡¯s the nice guy who returned my phone!¡± Anastasia smiled. She had brought it up to Jared over


    dinner.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you, Mr. Nice Guy!¡± Jared smiled courteously.


    ¡°Have you just gotten off work?¡± Anastasia asked with concern.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m all alone anyway, so it doesn¡¯t matter where I am.¡± With that, he tapped the fob to enter, then


    held the door for the mother and son.


    Oliver¡¯s every action was exceptionally thoughtful and courteous. Right then, he was sizing the boy


    Anastasia was holding hands with. ¡°Your son sure is a handsome little guy!¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡±


    ¡°Since we¡¯re neighbors, you cane to me for anyputer problems. I deal withputers for a


    living, so I can surely solve your problem.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d really appreciate that! Let me treat you to a meal sometime.¡±


    When they arrived at Block 8, Oliver waved them goodbye.


    After returning home, Anastasia decided to go and take a look at some cars for the next two days. It was


    a much more cost-effective solution than having to hail a cab wherever she went. With the savings she


    could use, she could buy a two hundred thousand car with full payment.


    It was a major decision for her. Hence, she decided to have a proper look at which car to get, which


    became something she was super serious about for the next few days.


    As Elliot was away on a business trip, he hadn¡¯t attended the recent meetings. Five days passed with the


    blink of an eye, and Felicia made an announcement that morning. The position of the Deputy Director


    has been given to Alice.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t at all surprised, for Alexia wasn¡¯t Alice¡¯s match at all. Alice had a wide connection, and


    her family and friends were well off, too, for they helped the retails under Alice¡¯s management earn tens


    of millions of profit.


    During the meeting, Alice nced smugly at Anastasia. She had now be Anastasia¡¯s boss, her


    superior.

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224


    Chapter 224 Is He Back?


    ¡°All right. Next, ourpany will give our all to pull through this season. By the end of this month,


    everyone will be expected to submit double of your usual workload. Also, make sure you show me the


    extent of your capabilities, and don¡¯t bex about it.¡±


    After the meeting, Felicia knocked on Anastasia¡¯s office door and came in with a cup of coffee, meaning


    to have a chat with Anastasia.


    ¡°Anastasia, Alice is now promoted to associate director, and she¡¯s trying to make things hard for you in


    every aspect in thepany. You should watch out in case you fall into her traps.¡±


    ¡°Okay, got it. Thanks for your concern, Felicia.¡± Anastasia pursed her lips and smiled, grateful for a


    wonderful friend like Felicia.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re looking at cars! You decided to get one, then?¡± Out of curiosity, Felicie leaned over and


    peered at the screen of her monitor.


    Anastasia nodded. ¡°I¡¯m looking at some models. It¡¯s not very convenient to hail rides to and from work


    every day, and the expenses add up quite a lot as well. It¡¯d be more convenient if I had a car.¡±


    ¡°Did anything catch your fancy? Which model?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never driven a car ever since I got my license, so I¡¯ve decided on this hatchback.¡± Anastasia pointed


    at a smaller BMW hatchback. It was right within her budget.


    Felicia looked through the configurations with Anastasia, then in the afternoon, she went with Anastasia


    to look at the car in person. Anastasia gave it a test drive, and it was quite a decent experience. The


    performance was satisfactory, and the car looked nice and elegant with its white exterior.


    Anastasia had been deliberating over cars for around 5 days now, and she finally decided on this model.


    Right on the spot, she paid the price in full with her card, and let the shop handle the paperwork and


    whatnot before going back to thepany with Felicia.


    The car would be ready to drive the day after tomorrow, and Anastasia was also looking forward to the


    first car she would own in her life. This was an important milestone for normal folk like her.


    Anastasia had also invited Oliver to lunch, but this programmer never really had time. He was tackling a


    tricky project at the moment, so he was extremely busy. Anastasia could only wait until Oliver had more


    time before treating him to lunch. She still owed him one for picking up her phone the other day.


    These few days, Anastasia¡¯s life had been very peaceful because itcked one person.


    Elliot!


    If that man didn¡¯t take the initiative to appear in front of her, Anastasia would have a zero chance of


    bumping into him.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    This was because this man dwelled only in high-ranking areas. Even his own subordinates didn¡¯t get to


    meet him once in the span of a whole year, much less normal people.


    Six days passed in the blink of an eye. Halfway through her drafting, Anastasia paused her actions


    before a domineering figure appeared in her mind. He should be back from his business trip by now.


    Anastasia immediately shook her head. Why am I thinking about him?


    Anastasia bit her red lip and returned her attention to her draft. Just then, herndline rang. Anastasia


    looked up with her pretty eyes and hastily answered the call. ¡°Hello, who is it?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, have you finished signing the document sent to you just now?¡± Grace¡¯s voice sounded.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Yes, I¡¯m done. You cane and take it back.¡± With that, Anastasia hung up, then pped her


    head in annoyance.


    What¡¯s wrong with me? Did I just hope that it was Elliot? I can¡¯t believe how much this dude can affect


    me!


    Just then, the phone rang again, and her heartbeat quickened a little. She reached out and picked up the


    call. ¡°Hello, who is it?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, when are you submitting your drafts for this month? I¡¯ve already dyed your deadline by


    two days. Don¡¯t you dare ck off¡± Alice¡¯s voice went through the device, urging her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll work overtime tonight, and I¡¯ll try my best to submit it tomorrow,¡± Anastasia replied.


    ¡°Listen, I¡¯m keeping an eye on you. If you still haven¡¯t submitted it by 10am tomorrow, I¡¯ll deduct your


    performance bonus. Humph!¡± Without saying goodbye, Alice hung up.


    Anastasia felt a little troubled. Alice was now starting to bully Anastasia with her new position as the


    associate director. She would use every small mistake Anastasia made to get at her.


    Anastasia knew she couldn¡¯t keep on daydreaming. Therefore, she returned to her drawing pad, but


    when she looked at the time, it was already 3.30pm. She was forced to give up and continue her work at


    hometer at night because she had to pick up her son.


    At the kindergarten, the little fellow had asked her about Elliot before, and she had told him that Elliot


    would be away on a business trip for one week. Unexpectedly, the little guy remembered this detail.


    ¡°Mommy, did Mr. Presgravee back today? Will he be having dinner at our house?¡± Jared had a look


    of expectation on his face.

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225


    Chapter 225 A Visit


    ¡°He¡¯s noting. He¡¯s a busy man, Jared. He might never being again. Don¡¯t miss him too much.¡±


    Anastasia looked at her son with a serious expression, trying to rid him of his longing.


    ¡°But I miss him.¡± The little guy pouted because he missed Elliot terribly.


    ¡°Keep it to yourself, then. We can¡¯t bother him too much, all right?¡± Anastasia said, then continued in a


    happier tone, ¡°I may be getting my car tomorrow, so when I¡¯ve gotten the hang of it, let¡¯s go on a drive,


    shall we?¡±


    ¡°Yay! Sure! All the best in your driving, Mommy.¡±


    Anastasia took her son home and got some pizzas for dinner. She had a lot to work on tonight, so the


    little guy didn¡¯t bother her. Anastasia continued working on her draft in her room when suddenly, the blue


    screen of death popped up on herputer.


    Anastasia was on a roll, but now, faced with the blue screen, she was at a loss. What¡¯s going on? What


    about my precious saved files?


    Anastasia held her head between her arms and groaned. It was 9 pm, but she had to submit her drafts


    by 10 am tomorrow. If she couldn¡¯tplete her work tonight, Alice would deduct her performance


    bonus for sure.


    No freaking way! I just bought a car, and I¡¯m tight on money. I need to make money!


    Anastasia fretted for a few seconds, then immediately thought of someone: Oliver from Block 10. He was


    good withputers, but she couldn¡¯t lug herputer out to be repaired, so she could only ask him


    over to have a look.


    Also, Oliver seemed to be a trustworthy person. Anastasia looked at the time and knew she had to


    trouble him for help. I wonder if he is working overtime or at home?


    Anastasia tentatively dialed Oliver¡¯s number. It rang for around eight seconds before a bright male voice


    sounded on the other end. ¡°Hello? Miss Tillman?¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Olive, do you have time now? Myputer just got the blue screen, but I have a bunch of drafts to


    submit by tomorrow. Can youe over now and have a look at it for me?¡± Anastasia pleaded sincerely.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll be right there. Give me a while.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course. Sorry for the trouble.¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Oliver said readily.


    Anastasia told her son that Oliver would be here to repair theputer in a bit. The little guy nodded.


    She also hastily changed out of her pajamas and into a casual T-shirt and jeans, waiting for Oliver to


    come knocking.


    Around 10 minutester, Olive knocked on the door, and Anastasia weed him in. Oliver was wearing


    a clean blue id shirt paired with jeans. As a programmer, he had unusually thick ck hair, which


    gave him a cheerful and cool aura when coupled with his handsome features.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Oliver! Come in,e in! No need to change into indoor slippers.¡± Anastasia immediately


    weed him with enthusiasm.


    Oliver hade prepared to fix herputer, and he had a thumb drive with him as he entered


    Anastasia¡¯s bedroom. The little guy also came over to watch as he passed Oliver a ss of water. ¡°Mr.


    Shaw, have some water.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Jared. I¡¯ll fix your mommy¡¯sputer first.¡± Oliver took the ss of water and set it aside,


    then began to work earnestly on theputer.


    Meanwhile, a mysterious and noble ck car pulled up at the entrance to themunity. Rey nced at


    the man in the back seat, who had his eyes closed. ¡°President Presgrave, are you sure you don¡¯t want to


    go home and rest for a while? You haven¡¯t slept in thest 24 hours.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Elliot opened his eyes. He had rushed back just to see this woman and her son.


    ¡°Shall I apany you?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay.¡± Elliot opened the car door and got out. He was already a familiar face to the security


    guards, so the middle-aged guard allowed him passage.


    Even though Elliot¡¯s handsome face was colored with fatigue, he appeared to be in a good mood at the


    thought of the mother and son. As the breeze grazed across his face, he walked toward his destination. I


    wonder if that ungrateful woman had missed me in thest few days.


    Elliot went over to unit number 1502 on the 15th floor of Block 8. He had owned a key before, but


    Anastasia had retrieved it, so he could only knock on the door.


    Anastasia was in the bedroom, intently watching Oliver repair herputer. She frowned a little when


    she heard the knock on the door. Who could possibly visit me at this ungodly hour?


    Could it be a workering to check the gas meter? There was a notice stuck on her door in the


    afternoon, after all. Anastasia didn¡¯t think twice, believing that it must be the worker. She walked over to


    the door and reached out to open it, only to be stunned right on the spot as she recognized the man


    standing under the light.

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226


    Chapter 226 Hostile Encounter


    How could it be Elliot?


    Anastasia was dumbfounded for a few seconds. Then, she immediately frowned. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I missed Jared, so I¡¯m here to see him.¡± The man expressed that he went to her house for her son.


    Anastasia blocked his way. ¡°My son is asleep. Try again next time!¡±


    Elliot watched as she blocked the door, his beautiful eyes narrowing. ¡°You¡¯re mad just because I had a


    meal with Hayley?¡±


    Immediately, Anastasia widened her eyes and red at him, as if she had taken a huge hit. ¡°Angry?


    Who? You can have meals with whoever you like, so what right do I have to be mad at you? I¡¯m nobody


    to you.¡±


    Just then, a man¡¯s voice came from the master bedroom. ¡°Anastasia, do you have a screwdriver in your


    house? Can I borrow it?¡±


    Those words caused the man at the entrance to darken his expression. There¡¯s another man in this


    woman¡¯s house?


    ¡°You¡¯re hiding a man in your house?¡± Elliot stared at her, his gaze sharp.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia finally remembered that Oliver was fixing herputer. After some quick thinking, she raised


    her eyebrow on purpose. ¡°President Presgrave, it¡¯s not the best time for me to be seeing guests, so


    please leave.¡±


    The man narrowed his eyes and stared at her with an unfriendly gaze. Then, he pushed her out of his


    path and strode right in.


    ¡°Hey, Elliot¡ª¡±


    Elliot walked briskly to the door of the master bedroom and saw a man crouching and working on the


    computer tower. Oliver was disassembling the motherboard when he suddenly felt a chill run down his


    spine, as if someone were staring at him.


    In the end, he couldn¡¯t help but turn around to look. A tall andrge man was standing at the door, staring


    at him with a frightening gaze.


    Oliver was startled and identally ran his palm against a sharp corner of theputer tower. A


    bleeding wound surfaced in his hand.


    Anastasia had just arrived at the door when she saw Oliver checking his palm. She hastily pushed aside


    the man blocking the entrance. ¡°Oliver, did you hurt your hand? Let me see.¡±


    With that, Anastasia immediately bent over and gripped Oliver¡¯s palm. She felt terribly sorry at the sight


    of the wound. ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll get some gauze and bandage it for you.¡±


    As the man standing at the door watched the scene unfold, he felt like his heart had been stabbed, and it


    was throbbing in dull pain.


    This woman was not only hiding a man. This man was also in her master bedroom fixing herputer


    late at night. Moreover, this man just got a little scratch on his hand, but she was already reacting like


    that.


    Oliver said hurriedly, ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s nothing. Just get me a screwdriver, thanks.¡±


    However, Anastasia still hastily came out and, getting annoyed at a certain someone standing in the way,


    said, ¡°Elliot, can you not get in the way?¡±


    That certain someone put on a tight frown, ring daggers at Oliver.


    Oliver met his gaze and instantly realized what people meant by the overpowering contempt of a king.


    He was so shaken that he felt his heart tremble, for this man¡¯s re was terrifying.


    Just then, Anastasia came in with her medicine kit. She hastily opened it and took Oliver¡¯s hand as she


    disinfected his wound, then wrapped the gauze around it.


    At that moment, the little guy from the next room popped out. He eximed in surprise, ¡°Mr. Presgrave!


    How are you here?¡±


    The cold expression on Elliot¡¯s handsome face immediately switched to a warm smile. ¡°Yes, I passed by


    your home, so I came up to visit.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave is here.¡± The little guy poked his head in and immediately eximed, ¡°Is Mr.


    Shaw hurt?¡±


    Elliot was stunned once again. Even the little guy is concerned about this man? Who¡¯s he? I have only


    been away for a week, and they have a new favorite person?


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. Anastasia, maybe I can move yourputer to my house, and I¡¯ll deliver it


    tomorrow morning. I promise I¡¯ll get it fixed.¡±


    ¡°Please, how could I? You¡¯re already so tired from work, so how could I trouble you to work overtime to


    fix myputer?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I have tools at home, so I¡¯ll be able to work faster if I bring your device home. Do rest early,


    you guys.¡± With that, Oliver picked up Anastasia¡¯sputer tower and went out. At the door, he looked


    at Elliot out of courtesy but was met with a terrifying re.


    His gaze is so cold and sharp!

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227


    Chapter 227 Are You Worried?


    Oliver¡¯s heart was racing. They were both of the same age, but how could this manmand such a


    strong aura and have such an intense gaze? He knew right away that this man was someone he mustn¡¯t


    offend, and he also thought that this must be Anastasia¡¯s boyfriend.


    Anastasia saw Oliver off at the elevator and said with enthusiasm, ¡°Oliver, I¡¯ll treat you to lunch tomorrow.


    Be sure toe!¡±


    ¡°Of course. See you tomorrow.¡± Oliver left with theputer tower in his arms.


    Anastasia turned around to meet the questioning gaze of the man standing at the door. She said calmly,


    ¡°You should go back as well. It¡¯s gettingte.¡±


    ¡°Exin. Who is he, and why is he helping you fix yourputer?¡± Elliot¡¯s expression was grave, as if


    his rights had been infringed.


    ¡°His name is Oliver Shaw, and he¡¯s a neighbor. He¡¯s a decent fellow who¡¯s excellent at his job.¡±


    Anastasia quickly introduced, then felt a little annoyed. Why did she bother exining? He could


    misunderstand as much as he liked!


    The little guy ran over and said, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, Mr. Shaw lives right next to us. A week ago, my mommy


    left her phone in a cab, and Mr. Shaw was the one who picked it up and gave it back. Also, Mr. Shaw is


    super good atputers. Mommy¡¯s workputer suddenly broke down tonight, so she asked him to


    come over and help fix it. Don¡¯t misunderstand, Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    ¡°Jared, it¡¯ste already. Go to sleep.¡± Anastasia felt like her son was a busybody, as he had no obligation


    to exin things in such detail to the man.


    Hearing that, Eliot was still a little upset. After all, he would never allow the existence of other men


    around Anastasia.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, my mommy will get her new car tomorrow. She said she¡¯ll bring me on a drive!¡± Jared


    continued.


    Elliot turned around to look at the woman. ¡°You bought a car? Do you have a license?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate me. Of course, I have a license.¡± Anastasia had gotten it six years ago when she


    was in her second year of college, but she just never had a chance to drive ever since.


    ¡°Jared, go to bed. It¡¯s already 10 pm, so what are you dallying around for?¡± Anastasia nced at her


    son.


    Immediately, the little guy said knowingly, ¡°Okay. Mommy, Mr. Presgrave, keep chatting! Don¡¯t fight, all


    right? I¡¯m off to sleep.¡±


    The little guy went back to his room. As soon as he closed the door, a certain forceful man gripped


    Anastasia¡¯s arm. A low voice warned, ¡°Anastasia, don¡¯t let people you don¡¯t know in your house in the


    future. Am I clear?¡±


    Anastasia looked down at her wrist, which the man was holding. She struggled a little. ¡°Oliver isn¡¯t a bad


    man. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t judge a book by its cover. How are you so sure that he doesn¡¯t have any indecent thoughts about


    you? There¡¯s only you and Jared at home, so if you meet someone with bad intentions, both of you will


    be in danger.¡± Elliot¡¯s heart was bunched up in anxiety. Does she not have the slightest bit of wariness


    toward danger at all?


    Anastasia did, of course. She had the ability to judge people, and to her, Oliver was considered a good


    person. ¡°You¡¯re also a very dangerous man to me. Please leave!¡± Anastasia took a step backward and


    tried to chase him out indifferently.


    Of all the men she knew, the one who had taken the most advantage of her and disrespected her the


    most was none other than Elliot.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired. Let me crash on your couch.¡± Elliot didn¡¯t want to leave because he was beat. In reality, he had


    finished his work beforehand so that he could return as soon as possible. Hence, he hadn¡¯t slept in the


    last 24 hours.


    Anastasia was stunned. She had just talked about how dangerous he was, but now he was refusing to


    leave her house. ¡°Elliot, stop fooling around and go home right now.¡± Anastasia reached out and tugged


    at him.


    The man turned around to look at her, and when she peered into his eyes, she was shocked. This man¡¯s


    beautiful eyes were bloodshot, as if he had stayed up all night.


    Anastasia released her grip on him and asked out of concern, ¡°H-How long has it been since youst


    slept?¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Elliot¡¯s eyes were still red as his thin lips curved into a smile. ¡°Are you worried?¡±


    This man was obviously exhausted. Anastasia wasn¡¯t exactly worried about him; she just thought that if


    he continued on like this, he would fall sick someday.

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228


    Chapter 228 Breakfast


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Rey waiting for you downstairs?¡± Anastasia asked.


    ¡°I told him to leave.¡± Ellioty down on her couch and rubbed his eyes as he spoke.


    ¡°Look how exhausted you are. Next time, can you just go home instead ofing over?¡± Anastasia said


    in annoyance.


    ¡°I sleep like a baby when I¡¯m here. It¡¯s not like I can sleep at home anyhow,¡± Elliot said in a hoarse voice,


    as if he were going to sleep as soon as he touched the couch.


    Anastasia looked at hisrge body curled up on the couch and felt somewhat sorry for him. She bit her


    lip and said, ¡°Elliot, you can sleep in my bed.¡±


    Elliot turned around and looked at her with his red eyes, the smile in his gaze deepening. ¡°You¡¯re really


    willing to let me have your bed?¡±


    Anastasia avoided his gaze and humphed. ¡°Do it before I change my mind.¡±


    Elliot sat up and walked toward her bedroom. Then, he said quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t let any other man into your


    house ever again, much less your bedroom.¡±


    ¡°Mind your own business.¡±She stood by the door when she talked back to him.


    Elliot took off his shoes before getting into bed. After he settled infortably, he said, ¡°Anastasia, you


    do care about me. You just haven¡¯t admitted it yet.¡±


    ¡°Quit the nonsense if you want to sleep.¡± Anastasia turned off the lights for him and closed the door. She


    moved to her son¡¯s bedroom after that.


    The little guy was actually sound asleep. Anastasiay down next to him, and in the darkness, some


    thoughts began popping up.


    Do I care for him? No, of course not. I was merely taking pity on him for overworking. After all, he¡¯s my


    superior, and he took care of Jared.


    While Anastasia looked for some more excuses, she got so tired that she, too, went to sleep.


    Early the next morning, the little guy woke up first. When he saw his mommy sleeping on his bed, there


    was a sh of confusion in hisrge eyes. Then, he seemed to have guessed something as he


    immediately got out of bed and opened the door.


    When he saw an unusually handsome figure seated on the couch, he cried out in joy, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, did


    you sleep over at our housest night?¡±


    Elliot pursed his lips and smiled. ¡°Yes. Is your mommy awake?¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°She¡¯s still sleeping.¡±


    ¡°Let her sleep, then. I¡¯ll take you to school.¡± Elliot knew he had disturbed her nsst night.


    The little guy was ted because he loved it when Elliot took him to school. He changed into his uniform


    and put on his little backpack, then emerged again.


    Elliot took the car keys to the table, along with a lunch box that contained whole-grain bread Rey had


    bought earlier that morning.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you got breakfast for my mommy?¡± The little guy noticed the lunch box on the table.


    Elliot smiled and patted him on the head. ¡°Let¡¯s go! I brought some for you to eat in the car.¡±


    Anastasia woke up in a daze. When she realized that her son wasn¡¯t with her and noticed that her son¡¯s


    backpack was missing from the desk, she knew a certain someone had taken him to school.


    Anastasia took a few seconds to adjust herself, then she got out of bed and washed up. When she went


    out and saw the lunch box on the table, she was stunned.


    She thought she must be out of her mind. She had just sworn not to get close to him, but she failed


    again.


    s!


    Wondering if the man had breakfast, Anastasia sat down for breakfast. She received a call from the car


    dealer telling her that she could get her car at 10 amter.


    Anastasia called Felicia up, and Felicia told her to head on over first, then she would apany her to


    retrieve the car. Anastasia worried that she wouldn¡¯t dare to drive on the road, so she had asked Felicia


    to keep herpany as she drove the car back.


    She had just finished the call when she heard the sound of keys outside the door. Elliot¡¯s back.


    Anastasia said to him, ¡°You don¡¯t have to take me to work today. I took half the day off; I¡¯m going to the


    car dealer.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Elliot raised an eyebrow as he walked over gracefully.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Felicia is going with me. You can focus on your work.¡± Anastasia had already changed her


    clothes. She wore a simple white blouse paired with jeans. It was both a practical and fashionable outfit.


    To her, the simpler her color palette, the more beautiful she would look.

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229


    Chapter 229 I¡¯m Here With My Wife


    Elliot¡¯s gaze lingered on Anastasia. It was true that the woman he loved would look good no matter what


    she wore.


    ¡°Oh! Really? All right, I¡¯ll leave now.¡± With that, he turned around and opened the door to leave.


    It happened so fast that Anastasia could hardly react and she even forgot to chew her food. When she


    heard the door banging shut, she realized he was truly gone. This man¡¯s emotions were truly difficult to


    grasp.


    As Elliot walked out of the residential area, he whipped out his phone and dialed Felicia¡¯s number. ¡°Hello,


    President Presgrave.¡± Felicia was a little shaken to receive a call from her boss at such an hour in the


    morning.


    ¡°Send me the address where Anastasia would be getting her carter. You don¡¯t have to show up


    anymore.¡±


    She was an understanding person, and she knew what was going on right away. Her boss was going


    instead of her with Anastasia and Felicia hastily said in enthusiasm, ¡°Of course, of course. I¡¯ll send you


    the address right away.¡±


    Soon, Elliot received the address of the car dealer where Anastasia would be getting her car. He started


    his car and went over first to wait for her.


    Anastasia finished her breakfast and looked at the time. I should be heading over soon. She hailed a cab


    and headed toward the car dealer; while on her way there, she even asked the driver for some tips on


    driving. She had a good chat with the female driver until they arrived at the car dealer.


    After getting out of the car, Anastasia took out her phone and dialed Felicia¡¯s number as she walked


    toward the entrance.


    ¡°Hello, Felicia? Have you arrived?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ Anastasia, something urgent came up, so I can¡¯t make it,¡± Felicia said hesitatingly.


    Anastasia was immediately tense. ¡°What? You¡¯re noting?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been so busy all morning. Anastasia, get someone else to help you, okay?¡± With that, Felicia


    hung up.


    Anastasia was instantly worried as she wondered who could help her to drive the car home. While she


    was pondering, a man emerged from his car, which was parked next to the car dealer.


    Anastasia subconsciously looked in that direction as her pretty eyes widened in shock when she


    registered what she was seeing.


    Then, she finally understood why Felicia couldn¡¯t make it. Felicia wasn¡¯t busy; she was under a certain


    someone¡¯s orders.


    Elliot was simply too persistent. Why wouldn¡¯t he do something else instead of sticking his nose into my


    life all the time? Does he have too much time on his hands? He has Dominion Corporation and QR


    Jewelry Group to handle, so isn¡¯t he busy?


    The man coughed lightly. ¡°What a coincidence!¡±


    Anastasia rolled her eyes at him. A coincidence? Yeah, right. It was definitely a chance encounter that he


    nned and created on purpose.


    ¡°You seem to have a lot of time on your hands, President Presgrave.¡± She crossed her arms and with the


    wind lifted her long hair into the air, she looked quite pretty.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to bother other people to help you get used to driving. You have me.¡± Elliot narrowed his


    eyes because he was willing to risk his safety to help her practice.


    Anastasia tried to scare him away. ¡°Are you sure you want to be my passenger?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re willing to drive.¡± The man was all ready to be by her, even if his life might be at stake.


    She swallowed nervously. At this moment, she received another call from the salesperson. As she


    answered the call, she walked into the car dealer shop while the man behind her followed suit, taking


    long strides.


    As soon as the man walked in, the female assistant standing at the entrance was awestruck.


    Wow, what a handsome man! Is he here to buy a car? Is he a client? Is he married?


    Some men were worth chasing after and Elliot was one such man. Anastasia walked over to a tall and


    amiable person¡ªit was her sales consultant, Flynn. Flynn was enthusiastic as she eximed, ¡°Miss


    Tillman,e over here. Your precious car awaits you.¡±


    A few saleswomen were swarming around Elliot. ¡°Sir, are you here to look at some cars?¡±


    Elliot didn¡¯t like getting too close to other women, so he said clearly, ¡°I¡¯m here with my wife to pick up her


    car.¡±


    His voice was loud enough to reach Anastasia¡¯s ears. She stopped in her tracks and turned around to


    look at the man smiling and walking over to her. What nonsense was he saying? His wife?


    The saleswoman immediately looked at Anastasia in envy and admiration.


    So, this handsome man is apanying his wife to get her car! His wife must be so happy!

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230


    Chapter 230 How Long Has It Been Since You Last Drove?


    Although Elliot was known to be the face of Presgrave Group, he was a mysterious figure who rarely


    even appeared on magazine covers, let alone the news on the inte. Unless it was necessary, he


    would avoid all unnecessary attention by keeping a low profile on his social media. While those who met


    him in person could sense the elegance he was giving off, they had no idea who he really was.


    At that moment, Flynn looked in Elliot¡¯s direction and saw thettering her way as he greeted him.


    ¡°Miss Tillman¡¯s husband. This way, please.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was stunned by how meek Flynn addressed Elliot, wondering if it was one of her


    marketing techniques as her cheeks blushed in embarrassment. She really has no problem calling Elliot


    so gently, does she?


    While Elliot didn¡¯t like any other woman to get too close to him, Flynn was surprisingly an exception that


    he appeared to like. Well, I guess her tender attitude has just turned things in her favor.


    At the thought of that, Anastasia gave up her thought to exin their rtionship, knowing that it would


    turn out to be awkward if she did that. At the same time, all she ever wanted was to drive that car and


    leave that ce so that she could practice her driving skills.


    ¡°See? You have to admit that Anastasia has good taste, don¡¯t you? This is ourtest model that is most


    suitable for young officedies in modern society.¡± Flynn pointed at the car that was already paid for at


    the entrance.


    At the sight of the vehicle, Elliot squinted and scanned around the exhibition hall, thinking Anastasia


    could have chosen a more premium car.


    Is she tapped out or something? Why does she settle for a car like that one?


    ¡°Come on, Miss Tillman. Get inside and feel it for yourself.¡± Flynn opened the car door.


    Anastasia happily entered the vehicle upon hearing Flynn¡¯s words. To her, she was satisfied with an


    average car that she could drive around town. Although it wasn¡¯t an expensive car, she was proud of


    herself for buying it with her own money.


    ¡°Alright. Anyway, now that I¡¯m done with the necessary procedures, can I take the car with me now?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Your license te is ready, and once everything is done, the car is yours to drive away shortly


    after.¡± Flynn rested her arm on the car door, gazing at Anastasia in the driver¡¯s seat while admiring the


    sight of a beauty with her fancy car.


    Soon, Elliot sat in the front passenger seat, finding the space in front of him a little too narrow for his legs


    to rest. Thus, he changed his sitting posture and turned his attention to thedy next to him. ¡°This car


    doesn¡¯t suit you. I¡¯ll get you a better one.¡±


    While Flynn¡¯s smile stiffened, Anastasia felt satisfied and experimented with the controls in the car.


    Without even looking at the man, she said, ¡°No need for that. I like this car.¡±


    Noticing how much she liked the car, Elliot decided not to insist any longer as he stretched out his legs


    and buckled up. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take this car out for a spin.¡±


    Anastasia nervously gulped as Flynn encouraged her. ¡°Try it, Miss Tillman.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Upon changing the gear, Anastasia stepped on the elerator just as the car charged forward with a


    loud bang that rendered her panicky. Thus, she stepped on the brake pedal hard just as the car jerked


    violently. At that moment, she heard something hitting the dashboard and looked beside her, only to see


    the man bumping his head onto the dashboard in front of him before he could fasten his seatbelt.


    ¡°Are you alright, Elliot?¡± Frightened, Anastasia quickly leaned closer to check on the man beside her.


    Elliot was seen covering his forehead with his hand, his heart pounding rapidly as he asked himself


    whether thedy was trying to kill him.


    In the meantime, Flynn, who witnessed what happened, was shocked, as she couldn¡¯t help but wonder


    how long Anastasia hadn¡¯t driven. That just gave me a heart attack.


    ¡°Get out of the car and sit in the front seat.¡± Elliot angrily demanded Anastasia to do as he told her to.


    Anastasia reacted submissively and swapped seats with the man. Since Felicia didn¡¯t tag along, she


    could only count on the man to drive the car away and get them both out of that ce. After settling


    down in the driver¡¯s seat, Elliot adjusted the seat to afortable position before he hit the gas pedal. At


    the same time, Anastasia nervously looked at him and asked, ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°To practice your driving skills,¡± the man answered.


    Anastasia blinked, wondering where they were going to do that.


    On the other hand, there was a Rolls-Royce worth nearly a billion parked right in front of the shop as it


    was surrounded by a number of salespeople who were admiring its magnificent appearance. Deep


    down, they were all wondering who the car owner was and whether it belonged to one of their


    customers.


    Damn! How rich does someone need to be to own a car like this one?

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231


    Chapter 231 Be Reasonable


    Soon, Elliot drove Anastasia through a bridge, seemingly making his way to the beach. In the meantime,


    Anastasia was delighted, sitting in her new car while admiring the power of her new ride. Oh, I love my


    car so much! It¡¯s like a wild horse that¡¯s sprinting freely in an empty space.


    Not long after that, they arrived at a coastal freeway without any signs of other cars in sight. Then, he


    stepped out of the vehicle to let Anastasia sit in the driver¡¯s seat just when thedy noticed how


    immediately the man fasted his seatbelt and mped the handle tightly with his hand. Does this man


    have no trust in me at all? Are my driving skills that terrible?


    ¡°Change the gear. Then, step on the elerator gently and drive forward.¡±


    Under Elliot¡¯s instruction, Anastasia stepped on the elerator gently to feel what it was like when her


    car slowly moved forward. It was then that she began to feel more and more relieved as she curled her


    lips upward happily. At the same time, Elliot slowly lightened up as well, his eyes bing gentler with a


    smile as he was seemingly influenced by her positive aura.


    As Anastasia began to drive back and forth on the same road, her grip on the steering became more and


    more rxed. Meanwhile, she also started to get the hang of how much pressure she should put on the


    gas pedal, acting calmly, unlike her previous nervousness.


    Not long after that, Elliot told her to continue driving forward as she did exactly what she was told. In the


    end, they arrived at a 5-star hotel, whereupon Elliot opened the door and stepped out of the car. ¡°Why


    don¡¯t you repay my favor by treating me to a meal?¡±


    Feeling happy about her new car, Anastasia raised her eyebrows and gave an affirmative reply. ¡°Sure!¡±


    At that moment, her phone rang, at which point she took a closer look and tapped her forehead because


    she had just remembered she was supposed to treat Oliver to lunch that afternoon.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Oliver. I¡¯m a little busy at the moment, so I don¡¯t think I can meet you for lunch. Why don¡¯t I


    treat you to a mealter at night?¡± Anastasia postponed her appointment to the night, thinking she had


    more time to spare since Felicia had given her time to work on her draft.


    ¡°Alright, see you tonight then,¡± Oliver replied pleasantly.


    ¡°Sure, see you tonight.¡± Anastasia smiled, thinking she must repay the man¡¯s favor with the dinnerter


    for the help he had offered her earlier.As soon as Anastasia hung up the call, her eyes were met with the


    man¡¯s menacing gaze like a hungry beast that was about to eat her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t wait to treat


    another man to a meal?¡± Elliot mocked Anastasia.


    Anastasia speechlessly replied, ¡°You did me a favor, which is why I¡¯m going to treat you to a meal now,


    but when someone else did me a favor, don¡¯t you think I should do the same to show my appreciation?


    Be reasonable, could you?¡±


    As someone who was rather sensitive with words, Elliot felt even more jealous after hearing Anastasia¡¯s


    reply, wondering whether she wasining about him. What kind of person was so kind enough to fix


    herputer in the middle of the night? At the thought of that, Elliot entered the restaurant with a


    darkened look.


    When Anastasia was ordering their dishes, he appeared to be in a sulk and let her make all the


    decisions, which ruined her mood the moment she noticed his expression. Therefore, she propped her


    chin with her hands and stared at the man¡¯s good looks with her big eyes.


    This man is so handsome that I¡¯d almost describe him as perfect if only he weren¡¯t so arrogant. After all,


    his sulky look is keeping all thedies away from him. ¡°What pissed you off, man? Did someone owe you


    money?¡± Anastasia teased the man.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Elliot red at thedy with an intimidating gaze. ¡°You mustn¡¯t fall for any other man besides me,


    Anastasia.¡±


    Needless to say, Anastasia could clearly tell that the man¡¯s words were an order instead of a warning,


    but nheless, she had grown tired of hearing them again and again, so she squinted and looked him


    in the eye. ¡°President Presgrave, I¡¯m in a good mood today, but why must you ruin it?¡±


    Bothered by his pent-up emotions, Elliot felt as if he wanted to jump into the sea to calm himself down,


    but when Anastasia didn¡¯t seem to care about that, he couldn¡¯t help but feel disheartened about that. I¡¯ve


    been by her side for so long, so does she not feel my presence at all?


    ¡°Anastasia, is your heart made of stone or something? Won¡¯t your heart melt for someone who seemed


    sympathetic to you?¡± Elliot¡¯s eyes were filled with resentment.


    ¡°President Presgrave, I think you should stop wasting your time on me. There is only enough room in my


    heart for two men in this world. One of them is my son, and the other one is my father.¡± Anastasia picked


    up the teacup, trying to y it cool, but she forgot that the tea she poured into the cup was still hot. Thus,


    she dropped it immediately and ended up making a fool out of herself.

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232


    Chapter 232 The New Driver


    Overwhelmed by her panic, Anastasia covered her mouth and reached for the tissue paper while Elliot,


    who was sitting opposite her, immediately showed his concern. ¡°Did the tea scald you? Show me.¡±


    Anastasia covered her mouth, shaking her head. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine.¡± It¡¯s just my tongue that got scalded.


    Therefore, Elliot quickly sent for the waiter to get Anastasia a ss of ice water to cool her scalded


    tongue off. When the seafood was served, thedy began to dig in happily and indulge herself in it, but


    nheless, Elliot was calm and graceful like he usually was, even in front of the mouthwatering


    seafood. After all, he had grown up trying all kinds of nice food and was hardly impressed with the


    seafood Anastasia was enjoying.


    In the meantime, Anastasia was biting the crab leg like a hungry little kitten, making sure she bit off all


    the flesh underneath the shells as she demonstrated just how strong her teeth were by leaving nothing


    behind.


    ¡°Watch out for your teeth.¡± The man reminded her out of kindness with a pair of furrowed brows on his


    face.


    Halfway through their meal, Elliot got up from his seat and excused himself. Meanwhile, Anastasia was


    satisfied with her meal as she turned her attention to the window and noticed how beautiful the scenery


    was. Wow! There seemed to be no boundaries across the sea, and the yachts that were sailing on it


    made this scene look even more rxing. I wish it could take away all the problems that are bothering


    me. When Elliot returned to his seat once again, he took a look at the time on his watch and said, ¡°It¡¯s


    time to go now.¡±


    ¡°Alright, wait for me here while I foot the bill.¡± Anastasia finished her words and stood up from her seat.


    ¡°No need for that. I just took care of it.¡± Elliot looked at her in a mischievous manner, stunning Anastasia


    as she was bewildered why he would beat her to it and foot the bill.


    What?! Why was he desperate to foot the bill? ¡°Why did you rush to pay the bill? Are you obsessed with


    footing restaurant bills?¡± Anastasia felt slightly unhappy that the man wouldn¡¯t let her treat him to a meal,


    even though she was ready to do it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Elliot ignored thedy¡¯sint and gracefully made his way to the restaurant¡¯s exit, turning


    many heads with the morous aura that he gave off in the process. At the same time, there were a few


    other women sitting at the table on the other side, as they couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the handsome man.


    Needless to say, Anastasia naturally became the person that thosedies envied, which was something


    she frequently experienced ever since Elliot entered her life. The next moment, Anastasia followed


    behind Elliot and reached her car, proudly reaching for her car keys to open the door. However, she soon


    saw Elliot walking toward the front passenger seat and called out to him. ¡°President Presgrave, why are


    you sitting there? You need to help me drive my car back.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re going to drive it yourself.¡± Elliot opened the car door and gave Anastasia an indifferent reply.


    ¡°Wait a second! But we¡¯re going back to the city!¡± Anastasia felt her anxiety surging through her, but as


    she saw the man sitting in her front passenger seat, she could only stomp her feet helplessly and brace


    herself for what she must do. Then, she saw the man fastening his seatbelts with his hand on the


    handlebar above his head like he had a severe phobia of female drivers. Thus, Anastasia yfully


    scared Elliot and said, ¡°Sit tight, President Presgrave. Your new female driver is about to hit the road.¡±


    ¡°Stop messing around and focus on the road.¡± Elliot tilted his head, lecturing Anastasia and urging her to


    take her driving seriously.


    After that, Anastasia nervously hit the road, driving on a highway that stretched all the way from the


    coast to the city. At first, she was drivingfortably in the light traffic with barely any cars on the road,


    but as the traffic got heavier and heavier, she began to feel so uneasy and stressed out that her palms


    and forehead started to sweat.


    Upon entering the urban area, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but murmur in a fidgety manner. ¡°Why do the


    people behind me keep urging me? Am I driving in the wrongne?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, can you tell me when I can switch to anotherne?¡¯


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Is the map directing me the wrong way? I don¡¯t seem to be driving on the right path, President


    Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Why is the car in front of me moving so slow? Even a tortoise moves faster than it. Now, how do I


    overtake this car?¡±


    ¡°Why are you urging me, idiot?! Can¡¯t you treat new drivers better on the road?¡±


    As Anastasia began to lose her temper, the man standing beside her reminded her to stay calm. ¡°You


    need to keep a cool head when you¡¯re driving.¡±


    Anastasia replied in frustration, ¡°What¡¯s he doing?! If I hadn¡¯t stepped on the brake in time, I would have


    crashed into him.¡± After traveling for a few moments, a sports car suddenly sped past Anastasia¡¯s car,


    shocking her so much that she turned her steering to the side while Elliot looked at her in bewilderment.

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233


    Chapter 233 Show Me Some Respect


    ¡°That was a sports car worth a few million! If I had caused so much as a scratch on it, I could kiss my car


    and money goodbye,¡± Anastasia replied, knowing well about the risk.


    Elliot was rendered speechless. ¡°Screw that. Just drive like you¡¯re supposed to. I¡¯ll pay for the damage if


    the worstes to the worst.¡± His face darkened before he asked thedy on the inside if she had


    forgotten who was sitting right next to her.


    Oh,e on, I¡¯m someone who is going to ensure everything turns out as a sess for her. Has she


    really forgotten who is sitting beside her now?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you getting scared of being my passenger?¡± Anastasia chuckled in irony.


    Although Elliot felt helpless about thedy¡¯s mischief, he somehow felt happy on the inside because no


    one else had made him feel so rxed in a while. When they stopped at the traffic light, Anastasia


    turned to the man and said, ¡°President Presgrave, there is a box of tissue paper that they gave as a gift.


    Could you please give me two pieces of tissue paper? Thank you.¡±


    Elliot then reached for the box and gave thedy two pieces of tissue paper. With sweat covering her


    forehead, Anastasia immediately grabbed them and wiped her forehead just as the man sitting next to


    her chuckled at the sight of her rare true self.


    Not long after that, Anastasia anxiously drove her car to the basement car park at Bourgeois. With Elliot¡¯s


    guidance, she sessfully parked her car in the VIP lot, which was among the lots where Elliot usually


    parked his car in.


    ¡°This is going to be your parking lot from now on,¡± Elliot said as he opened the car door and stepped out


    of the vehicle.


    When Anastasia stepped out of her car, she started to feel a soreness in her back and shoulders, her


    legs feeling a little numb. Thus, she swung her shoulders in circles to rx the muscles in her arms,


    kicking to stretch her legs at the same time. Meanwhile, Elliot, who saw that, couldn¡¯t help but look the


    other way with a chuckle, thinking he shouldn¡¯t embarrass her by letting him see herughing at her.


    As soon as the elevator arrived on the sixth floor, Anastasia stepped out of it and looked back at the man


    behind her, meeting his gaze by coincidence. In that instant, she felt her heart pounding rapidly just as


    she decided to walk away immediately. Then, she entered Felicia¡¯s office and told her that she had just


    collected her new car earlier. Also, she invited Felicia, along with both of their assistants, for lunch the


    next day at noon to celebrate her new car. Momentster, Anastasia returned to her office shortly before


    Alice entered in a hostile manner. ¡°Where is the draft, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°I talked to Felicia about that, and I¡¯m allowed to submit it tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just procrastination. You¡¯re abusing your power because you think you¡¯re given the privilege to do


    so.¡± Alice then propped herself with her arms on the table, ridiculing Anastasia. ¡°Don¡¯t ever think that


    you¡¯re going to win it all after seducing President Presgrave and stealing his heart.¡±


    ¡°Well, it takes a lot to win it all. Do you know that? But speaking of that, I don¡¯t think my capability is


    outmatched by yours in any way!¡± Anastasia folded her arms, refuting Alice¡¯s words.


    ¡°A true woman never relies on a man to achieve sess. You¡¯re a disgrace to all thedies!¡± Alice


    humiliated Anastasia.


    ¡°Watch your mouth,dy! You¡¯d better show me some respect.¡± Anastasia stood up and red at Alice.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°If you want somebody else¡¯s respect, you¡¯re going to have to make sure you behave yourself. Everyone


    in ourpany knows that President Presgrave has a girlfriend, but you won¡¯t stop hanging around with


    him every day. Do you know you look like a filthydy to me, Anastasia?¡± Alice fixed her gaze upon


    Anastasia in a sarcastic manner, yet her eyes were filled with envy and jealousy.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was aware of how her rtionship with Elliot was viewed to be a


    laughingstock in herpany, but only she knew that she didn¡¯t do anything to seduce Elliot. Therefore,


    she had no choice but to bear with the misunderstanding and disdain that everyone had toward her.


    ¡°Get out of my face! I still have work to do.¡± Anastasia immediately cut the argument short as Alice


    walked away satisfactorily. After all, she only swung by Anastasia¡¯s office to get on thetter¡¯s nerves,


    trying to y on her emotions.


    Soon, Anastasia gave Oliver a call fifteen minutes before she could leave work and discussed the dinner


    they were going to have togetherter that night.


    ¡°Anastasia, I applied for a leaveter in the afternoon, and I¡¯m ready to make a move anytime.¡±


    ¡°Really? I¡¯ll pick you up then since I just got my new car today.¡± Anastasia finished her words and


    mocked herself. ¡°Well, that is, if you¡¯re not afraid to let a new female driver give you a ride.¡±


    ¡°No worries, I¡¯m pretty gutsy. I¡¯lle to your office right now.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be waiting then.¡± Anastasia smiled and hung up the call.


    As soon as Oliver arrived, Anastasia descended to the basement car park with him. Then, Oliver rode


    shotgun just as Anastasia switched her phone to hands-free mode and yed some music. After the first


    time she drove on the road with Elliot by her side, she felt less nervous now that she was driving again,


    not to mention the fact that it was past peak hour. Therefore, her driving journey was smooth all the way


    until she arrived at her son¡¯s kindergarten.

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234


    Chapter 234 Anastasia¡¯s Guts


    ¡°Are you sure your husband is fine with you treating me to a meal, Anastasia?¡± Oliver asked in


    embarrassment.


    It was then that Anastasia realized she didn¡¯t tell Oliver about herself. Thus, she smiled and replied, ¡°I


    don¡¯t have a husband. I¡¯m a single mother.¡±


    Although Oliver had long had a feeling that Anastasia was a single mother, he was still surprised when


    he heard thedy admitting that by herself. ¡°Isn¡¯t the man I saw in your housest night your husband?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. Of course not. He¡­ is just a friend of mine.¡± Anastasia refused to reveal Elliot¡¯s identity, but


    Oliver was sure about what he saw. After all, he could still remember Elliot¡¯s menacing gaze the night


    before, as if he was a beast that wanted to devour him alive. Thus, he was sure that Elliot was


    Anastasia¡¯s admirer.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re living so close to each other, please don¡¯t forget to tell me what you need, Anastasia.¡± Oliver


    scratched his head, enchanted by Anastasia¡¯s pretty looks as he considered her a beauty, although she


    was already a mother.


    In fact, when Oliver firstid eyes on Anastasia, he was deeply attracted by her elegance and


    gracefulness. After all, a charmingdy like Anastasia was most attractive to men who hardly ever


    socialized.


    ¡°Alright. By the way, what time do you go to work? Would you like me to give you a ride to work?


    Because that should also help you save some money on traveling,¡± Anastasia asked.


    Oliver¡¯s eyes lightened up as he happily smiled and replied, ¡°Sure, but I¡¯ll either pay for your fuel or


    ording to the mileage traveled.¡±


    Anastasiaughed it off and said, ¡°No need for that. I¡¯m driving to work anyway, so it causes me no


    trouble to pick you up along the way.¡±


    ¡°No way. You¡¯re putting me in a tough position to ept your offer.¡± Oliver insisted that he pay for her car


    fuel.


    ¡°Alright then, pay for me once every month when I gas up my car.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll pay for your fuel then.¡± Oliver insisted.


    Anastasia smiled and said, ¡°Sure, when we happen to stop by a gas station.¡±


    Thinking the chances of them stopping by the petrol station were slim, Anastasia was willing to give


    Oliver a ride to work because she wanted to have somepany so that she wouldn¡¯t feel bored.


    At that moment, Anastasia¡¯s phone, which was connected to her car¡¯s audio, rang, whereupon the


    caller¡¯s name made her heart sink when she saw it. Seriously, Elliot? Why are you calling me? Unwilling


    to answer the call, she let her phone ring while Oliver caught a glimpse of the caller¡¯s name¡ªPresident


    Presgrave.


    ¡°Is he your boss?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he is.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and answer the call, then.¡± Oliver felt worried about Anastasia.


    Thus, Anastasia showed Oliver a quiet gesture and picked up the call. ¡°Hello, President Presgrave.


    What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Where is your car?¡± The man¡¯s maic voice reverberated in the car¡¯s interior.


    ¡°It¡¯s with me. I¡¯m on my way to pick up my son now, so if there is nothing important..¡±


    ¡°Watch out, Anastasia!¡± Oliver shouted out because Anastasia¡¯s car was about to crash into another car.


    Therefore, Anastasia applied an emergency brake, realizing that she must not let herself get distracted


    when driving.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the man in your car?¡± The caller questioned Anastasia, his voice echoing in the car.


    ¡°I¡¯m driving now, President Presgrave, so it¡¯s not really a good time for me to talk now. Bye.¡± Anastasia


    eventually lost her patience and told the man that she was about to hang up the call.


    In the meantime, Oliver was puzzled by what was going on, as he couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the


    rtionship between Anastasia and her boss. Why is her boss so angry after he heard my voice?


    ¡°Anastasia, if you ever dare to¡­¡± Before Elliot could finish his sentence, Anastasia went ahead and hung


    up on the former, only to receive another call from the man. Just when Oliver was nervously wondering


    why her boss was calling again, she heard Anastasia¡¯s reply that was about to surprise him. ¡°Don¡¯t


    bother picking it up. Just let it ring.¡±


    Oliver was speechlessly stunned upon hearing Anastasia¡¯s words but was impressed by her courage to


    let her boss¡¯ call go unanswered. His respect for her grew greater when she subsequently switched her


    phone to silent mode.


    In the meantime, Elliot was seen with a darkened gaze in the basement car park. I was only a few


    minuteste, and thatdy is now gone with another man in her car. Who¡¯s that man, by the way? Why is


    he calling her Anastasia instead of Miss Tillman like she is his¡­ What¡¯s worse is that she had the guts to


    hang up my call. Did I interrupt her affair with another man? At the thought of that, Elliot clenched his


    fists, feeling jealous of the man who was with Anastasia as it seemed to him that Oliver was having a


    good time with the woman he loved, just like he did earlier that afternoon.


    Overwhelmed by his jealousy, he began to feel restless and uneasy.

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235


    Chapter 235 Elliot¡¯s Jealousy


    Imagining the man who was with Anastasia enjoying the sight of her sweet smile when she was driving,


    Elliot called his assistant, Rey, and asked him to collect him. ¡°Come pick me up.¡±


    Meanwhile, Rey quickly got to his car and drove from Presgrave Group. Just when he parked his car and


    was about to get out of the vehicle to open the door for his boss, Elliot had already gotten in, radiating an


    aura of rage and anger. I wonder who¡¯s gotten on my boss¡¯s nerves. Upon running through a list of faces


    in his mind, he couldn¡¯t think of anyone else besides Anastasia.


    ¡°Start driving now. We¡¯re heading to the area where Anastasia lives.¡± The man¡¯s voice was hearding


    from the backseat, as expected.


    In the meantime, Anastasia, who pulled up outside her son¡¯s kindergarten, sneezed as she felt a cold


    chill running down her spine. Because of that, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if someone was speaking ill


    of her behind her back. While Oliver waited for Anastasia to return with her son, the kid was excited at


    the sight of his mother¡¯s new car. Soon, they entered the car, but in order to apany the boy, Oliver


    decided to sit in the backseat with him. ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s dinnertime.¡± Concerned about her son¡¯s safety,


    Anastasia reckoned she should buy a harnessed seat for him as soon as she could.


    At the same time, the boy was able to hit it off with Oliver, having a liking for him because he appeared to


    treat his mother well.


    Not long after that, Anastasia went to a restaurant near the area where they lived with Oliver and her


    son. Upon settling down around the dining table, Oliver soon found himself enchanted when heid eyes


    on the young and beautiful mother. After all, he reckoned no man could have resisted the motherly


    charm and love that Anastasia was giving off when she looked at her son. In that instant, Oliver slowly


    lost the courage to look at Anastasia¡¯s smile because he was afraid that she would see through his


    feelings for her.


    When Anastasia footed the bill at the cashier, she reached for her phone and was shocked to see 28


    missed calls on her phone. The moment she viewed them, she saw the same name for each one of them


    ¡ªElliot.


    What¡¯s wrong with this man? Is he out of his mind or something? Why did he call so many times? Wait a


    second. Could there be anything urgent? But if there was really something urgent, his bodyguards would


    have protected him, so I can¡¯t see how his safety could have been threatened.


    After paying the bill, Anastasia returned to her seat shortly before she exited the restaurant. Then,


    Anastasia drove them back to the basement car park in their residential area. Upon arrival, they were


    greeted by the sight of a luxurious ck car that seemed to be waiting there for no one knew how long.


    On the other hand, the man in the car was able to recognize the familiar BMW to be Anastasia¡¯s even


    before he saw the license registration number. ¡°Get in her way.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was about to drive her car into the car park just when another ck car suddenly


    appeared right in front of her and forced her to brake. She then stared at the car in surprise, wondering if


    the driver knew any manners. What¡¯s this fe doing here? Does he know that his car is now at the car


    park¡¯s entrance? Nheless, at that moment, the tall silhouette exited the car like the intimidating and


    fearsome demon himself from hell. As soon as Anastasia saw the man, she was puzzled and surprised.


    Elliot? What¡¯s he doing in my residential area?


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave doesn¡¯t seem to be happy.¡± The child sitting in the backseat could tell from the man¡¯s


    expression.


    At that moment, Anastasia was reminded of the 28 missed calls she saw earlier, thinking Elliot must have


    been mad because of that as her heart pounded rapidly. Furthermore, the man¡¯s hot temper only served


    to make her fear the worst even more. Therefore, she gulped in fear before she revealed her adorable


    side and leaned closer to Elliot, sticking her head out to greet the man. ¡°What a small world, President


    Presgrave.¡±


    Then, Elliot slowly leaned closer in an intimidating manner just as his silent facial features became


    clearer and clearer, making him look like an emotionless statue. On the other hand, Anastasia, who


    sensed the man¡¯s intimidating aura, believed that someone like him would overshadow every other man


    in the same domain. Thus, she couldn¡¯t help but feel overwhelmed by her panic because she had no


    idea what the man would do to her.


    Is he going to be mad and shout at me? Or is he going toy me off directly?N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236


    Chapter 236 An Assertion of Dominance


    Soon, it turned out that neither of what Anastasia was expecting happened as the man propped his body


    with his arms on his car frame and bent over slightly. The next second, he spoke with a maic voice,


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you at your doorstep. Hurry up and get inside.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Before Anastasia could react, Elliot went to the backseat and greeted Jared with a gentle smile. ¡°Hello,


    Jared.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you¡¯re not mad, are you?¡± the child asked.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not.¡± Elliot smiled as he worked past his anger about the 28 missed calls that Anastasia


    didn¡¯t pick up earlier. However, when he shifted his gaze to Oliver, his eyes were like a sharp de,


    warning him not to get any closer to thedy.


    Needless to say, Oliver understood the man¡¯s warning gesture, knowing that Elliot was trying to assert


    his dominance over Anastasia.


    After the car in front of Anastasia made its way, Anastasia turned her attention to Elliot and said, ¡°I¡¯ll park


    my car in the basement first.¡±


    Then, she went ahead to park her car in a serious manner after locating a nice parking lot. In the


    meantime, Oliver caught a glimpse of the side view of Jared¡¯s face, feeling shocked by what he saw


    when he was trying to remind the kid to bring his belongings out of the car with him. This kid looks just


    like the man we just met. Is he the father of this boy? So, does that mean Anastasia bore a child for her


    boss?


    Although Oliver was not someone who was afraid of trouble, he was a man with a sense of shame within


    him. At the same time, he pitied himself for having to give up the idea of wooing Anastasia before he


    even had the chance to do anything. ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯ll deliver yourputer to you in a while.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m going to be working overtimeter anyway.¡± Anastasia expressed her gratitude, whereupon


    she entered the elevator with her son and made their way to the 15th floor. As soon as they stepped out


    of the elevator, Anastasia was greeted by the sight of a man leaning against the wall with a gloomy look


    on his face.


    ¡°Have you eaten, Mr. Presgrave?¡± Jared asked the man in a concerned manner.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡± Elliot shook his head in exhaustion.


    The child told his mother, ¡°Mom, Mr. Presgrave hasn¡¯t eaten yet!¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you eat dinner?¡± Anastasia looked at the man in surprise after hearing her son¡¯s words.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± The man grunted unhappily.


    When she heard Elliot¡¯s reply, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but frown at his unconcerned attitude about his


    own health, asking herself deep down whether he wasn¡¯t afraid that his health would worsen because of


    that. After opening the door, she entered the house with her son as the man followed them and closed


    the door behind him.


    ¡°What would you like to eat? Is there anything I can cook for you?¡± She turned around and asked.


    ¡°Maybe some spaghetti will do.¡± Elliot wasn¡¯t particr with what he was going to eat as long as it was


    prepared by her.


    On the other hand, Anastasia put down her purse and walked toward the refrigerator, feeling fortunate


    that she still had the ingredients she needed in it. She then took some chicken and a jar of marinara


    sauce out of the refrigerator before she began cooking. While Anastasia was busy preparing Elliot¡¯s


    meal, Jared stayed in the living room to keep the manpany.


    In order to keep the air in her house fresh, she closed the kitchen door when cooking, but at that


    moment, the doorbell rang just when Jared said, ¡°It must be Mr. Shaw who hase to deliver Mom¡¯s


    laptop.¡±


    Elliot stood up and looked at the boy. ¡°Sit here. I¡¯ll check it out.¡±


    When Oliver opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of a tall, buff man who stunned him. ¡°Where is


    Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°She is busy, so just pass me theputer.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I still need to take care of the instation for her.¡± Oliver insisted on finishing his business despite


    the pressure Elliot was giving him.


    ¡°No need for that. From now on, she will no longer require your service to fix herputer.¡± He extended


    his arms and took theputer away from Oliver¡¯s embrace while staring at Oliver. ¡°Stay away from her


    and leave her alone.¡±


    Before Oliver could react, the door was shut right in front of him. Then, when he snapped out of his


    trance and made sense of what was going on, the man¡¯s face began to seem familiar to him. Where


    have I seen him before?


    Deep down, Oliver believed he had seen Elliot¡¯s face before, thinking it was probably on the list of the


    world¡¯s richest men. Therefore, he made his way to the elevator while reaching for his phone, browsing


    through the list of the world¡¯s richest men on the inte. Soon, he found an analysis of the richest men


    in the world for thest five years, feeling shocked and stupefied when he saw the first person¡¯s picture


    on the top of the list.

 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237


    Chapter 237 Do You Like Him or Something?


    Goodness! Are you telling me that the guy who¡¯s been hanging around Anastasia is the heir to the


    country¡¯s foremost elite family and the president of Presgrave Corporation?


    As the revtion dawned upon him, Oliver felt his legs grow weak. He couldn¡¯t believe he had the good


    fortune of meeting someone as important as Elliot under such circumstances. When he came to his


    senses and searched up the list of billionaires in the country, he was surprised to find that Elliot¡¯s name


    was no longer on it.


    However, he dide across an article that exined why some of the country¡¯s billionaires had


    mysteriously disappeared from the aforementioned list. Upon clicking into it, he saw that Elliot was the


    first person mentioned in the article, and the only reason that was orded for his disappearance from


    the list was that he simply didn¡¯t care about the status. Not dering his family¡¯s worth only made it


    all the more elusive, so much so that no one could even make a fair estimation.


    Whatever the public had seen or heard about his wealth was but the tip of the iceberg; whaty beneath


    the surface could be far more astounding than anyone might imagine.


    Having read this passage, Oliver suddenly felt d that he had not been so ignorant as to offend the


    man earlier. Otherwise, he would be in a world of trouble.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia ted the spaghetti after she had cooked it and brought it over to the dining table,


    whereupon Jared told her happily, ¡°Mommy, yourptop is back!¡±


    She froze. Did Oliver drop by? She hurried into the master bedroom, only to see someone crouching by


    the desk and assembling something with fervor.


    It wasn¡¯t Oliver, but Elliot instead.


    He had shrugged off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves, and right now, he was setting up her


    laptop.


    ¡°You do know what you¡¯re doing, right?¡± Anastasia asked casually as she peered over his shoulder. She


    wasn¡¯t so much doubting him as she was concerned about having him work on such tedious tasks. After


    all, he had grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth, and he was probably used to ordering those


    around him.


    ¡°You have such little faith in me,¡± he pointed out sarcastically as he went about the work without so much


    as sparing her a look.


    She did not miss the hostility of his tone. ¡°Mind telling me what¡¯s the deal with the 28 calls you gave me


    tonight? I actually thought something happened to you.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s gaze darkened just then, and he turned to re at her furiously as he demanded, ¡°Anastasia,


    don¡¯t you feel the slightest bit of guilt for treating me this way?¡±


    Upon hearing this, she gaped at him speechlessly. Those who didn¡¯t know better would have heard his


    angry usation and assumed that she had taken his money after toying with his heart. s, she was


    innocent, and the only crime she could have possiblymitted was missing his calls.


    Anastasia looked at him awkwardly. ¡°Sure, I didn¡¯t pick up your call, but you don¡¯t have to behave this


    way.¡± For a moment, she thought he resembled a disgruntled housewife. The idea of it made her sputter,


    and sheughed so hard that she had to hold onto the door frame to steady herself.


    Elliot glowered at her grimly. If looks could kill, she would be dead by now. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you find this


    funny.¡±


    She knew thatughing at him like this was rather disrespectful, but it was highly entertaining to see him


    crouching next to aptop while trying to assemble its parts. Atst, she swallowed her remaining


    giggles. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stop, but you have to promise me that you won¡¯t spam me calls just because I don¡¯t


    pick up the first time. I¡¯d be scared out of my mind,¡± she said, showing that she truly had been worried by


    his incessant phone calls. Then, she put on a concerned front as she added, ¡°I made spaghetti. Why


    don¡¯t you have some before you set up theptop?¡±


    Elliot was admittedly hungry, and he was pretty much done setting up theputer anyway. He rose to


    his feet and narrowed his eyes at her. ¡°That guy earlier¡ªwhat did you say his name was?¡± he asked in a


    low voice.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Oliver,¡± she replied, blinking.


    ¡°Where does he work?¡±


    ¡°At the building next to mine.¡±


    ¡°What does he do?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a programmer.¡± She was a little baffled by his line of questioning. Is he actually interrogating me


    right now?


    Presently, Elliot was but one step away from Anastasia. His gaze darkened considerably as he bit out,


    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll remember him.¡±


    She finally understood why he had asked about Oliver. Her hand darted out and clutched his arm as she


    pressed frantically, ¡°Wait, what do you mean by that? You¡¯re not going to pick on him, are you?¡±


    ¡°If he keeps pestering my woman, I¡¯ll do more than just pick on him. He ought to watch his back if he


    wants to stay alive.¡± There was a murderous gleam in his dark eyes as he said this, and Heather thought


    she saw an insidious look sh over his handsome features.


    When he was about to walk out the door, Anastasia felt the abrupt need to clear things up with him. She


    hurried to the door and closed it to keep her son from overhearing this conversation. ¡°Elliot, don¡¯t even


    think about hurting him.¡±


    ¡°You seem worried about him. What? Do you like him or something?¡± Elliot asked icily without a shred of


    warmth in his obsidian, stormy eyes.

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238


    Chapter 238 A Jerk With a Pedigree


    Anastasia was left speechless following Elliot¡¯s outburst. Where is all this jealousying from? I¡¯m not


    his girlfriend, and nothing is going on between us, so why is he getting jealous of Oliver out of the blue?


    Is there even a point to this?


    The lights brought out the defiant edge to her delicate features as she raised a brow at the man in front


    of her and pointed out sardonically, ¡°Elliot, I think you have yet to reconcile with the fact that I can like or


    fall for someone without having to get your permission. What right do you have to butt into my personal


    life?¡±


    However, little did she know that every one of her gestures and expressions only drew Elliot in deeper.


    Even the way she behaved like an agitated kitten was stroking and stirring his wildest desires.


    A devious smirk curled on his lips as he drawled ominously, ¡°True, you can choose to love whoever you


    want, but I can promise you that person will end up in the most unfortunate of situations. In the end, I¡¯ll


    make sure all the men who think they have a chance with you be so miserable that they¡¯d wish they


    were dead.¡±


    Anastasia had never met anyone so unbelievably unreasonable. Just as she was about to retort, Elliot


    closed the distance between them and backed her up against the wall. He then said, ¡°Let me tell you


    something, Anastasia¡ªa man¡¯s bodynguage says a lot about what he feels for a woman.¡±


    The next second, she was made acutely aware of just how dangerous and domineering he was. It wasn¡¯t


    just the insidious gaze in his eyes that sent chills running down her spine, but also the way he moved so


    lithely and cornered her like she was helpless prey.


    She could even feel the heating off him through the fabric of their clothes.


    It was as if her mind had imploded at that moment, and blood subsequently rushed to her face. Elliot had


    discarded his gentlemanly and civilized front, revealing the starved and ferocious beast within him. He


    wanted her to know with every fiber of her being that he was not as tame as he seemed; he was just as


    tempestuous as anyone else, and he was not one to be messed with.


    The 28 calls he had made to her tonight were thest of the walls that kept his rage at bay.


    Anastasia was about to push him away when his lips crashed down on hers, demanding and punishing


    as ever.


    Her skin prickled as something warm and electrifying coursed through her, but just as she was about to


    lose herself in the kiss, the man pulled away from her and walked out the door, leaving her startled and


    slumped against the wall.


    Anastasia left the room after regaining herposure, only to see Elliot sitting at the dining table


    enjoying the spaghetti she made, and he even served a small portion of it to Jared. The both of them


    looked like a jolly pair as they sat across from one another and slurped on the noodles hungrily.


    Anastasia had a hard time believing that this man, who looked like a warm and affable house-husband


    type, had pinned her against the wall like a roguish brute moments ago. He¡¯s just a jerk with a pedigree,


    that¡¯s what, she thought grimly.


    She was starting to hate herself for allowing Elliot to make her feel all those things back in the room.


    Perhaps she really was a pushover.


    Elliot brought Jared out for an evening stroll after dinner. Though it was gettingte, Anastasia knew that


    her child would be safe with him. Presently, she sat on the couch and let her mind wander, but she


    chewed on her lower lip when she realized that she was thinking about that kiss earlier.


    The kiss had been a demanding and unforgiving one. Elliot was in every way despicable, but for some


    reason that Anastasia couldn¡¯t quite fathom, she was swept up in the sweet and overpowering current of


    his kiss. She distinctly remembered feeling like there was a hollow part of her that was finally being filled


    up, and she was disappointed when he pulled away abruptly in the end.


    What in the world is going on? I¡¯m not falling for him, am I?


    She wanted to p herself in the face. No, I can¡¯t fall for him. He¡¯s Hayley¡¯s man!


    As much as she wished to take revenge on Hayley for putting her through the horrific ordeal years ago,


    and even though Elliot presented himself as the perfect pawn for revenge, Anastasia had no intention of


    stooping so low. She didn¡¯t want to mess up the life that she had carved out for herself despite all the


    adversity, after all.


    She might have considered revenge if she didn¡¯t have Jared, taking any crazy idea and running with it.


    s, she did have a son to care for, and her motherly duties tethered her to reason. She refused to do


    anything that could potentially hurt Jared in the end.


    More importantly, she could still hear Hayley¡¯s threat echoing in her ears. The male escort who had found


    her not too long ago could have shown up out of the blue courtesy of Hayley¡¯s doing. This could only


    mean that Hayley and the escort had been in contact all this while.


    If that jerk were to appear in front of Jared one day, Anastasia shuddered to think how the little boy would


    react to having an unfamiliar and hostile sc*mbag for a father. What if that man decides to take my son


    away from me?


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    She began to drown in paranoia, and she was truly worried and terrified that one day, that scumbag of a


    man would show up and wreck her life again.

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239


    Chapter 239 We Need to Talk


    However, Hayley had only warned Anastasia to stay away from Elliot.


    Anastasia was more than happy to oblige, but Elliot simply wouldn¡¯t leave her alone. As things were, she


    was at her wits¡¯ end trying to shake him off.


    Initially, she thought it was a brilliant n to have a fling with another man so that Elliot would see that


    she was taken and back off, but having heard his very ominous warning just now, she was starting to


    have second thoughts. If Elliot made good on his threats and decided to go berserk, the men whom she


    had taken advantage of for the sake of a tactical fling would be sacrificialmbs.


    At that moment, her phone chimed with a new message. She picked it up and saw that it was a text from


    Alex which read, ¡®Miss Tillman, will you be dropping by thepany to see how things are anytime


    soon?¡¯


    It was only upon reading this that she remembered she had promised Francis to drop by thepany


    and check things out. A while had passed since then, yet she still had not gotten around to it.


    ¡®How about this Saturday? I¡¯ll try to clear my schedule.¡¯


    ¡®Friday might be better; we don¡¯t work on Saturdays.¡¯


    ¡®Oh, right. Well, Friday it is. I¡¯ll see you at my dad¡¯spany,¡¯ she replied.


    ¡®Very well, Miss Tillman. I¡¯ll see you then.¡¯


    After the conversation ended, Anastasia suddenly recalled the matter of Francis¡¯pany getting


    acquired. She wondered how that was going. If Dad hasn¡¯t said anything about it, does it mean that the


    acquisition won¡¯t be happening?


    She was still deep in thought when she heard the sound of keys turning outside the door. Jared had


    returned from his evening stroll, and his little face was flushed and glistening with sweat following the


    exercise.


    ¡°Time to shower up and go to bed,¡± Anastasia said. It was already 9.40PM, and it was a school day


    tomorrow. She stood up from the couch and added stoically, ¡°President Presgrave, you ought to be


    getting home now that it¡¯s sote at night.¡±


    Elliot was drinking when he heard this and choked. As he coughed, he turned to look at the cold and


    unfeeling woman that he was so in love with.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia didn¡¯t think he would actually choke on water. She hurried up to him and asked out


    of concern, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    He was exasperated. The woman had mood swings that were as unpredictable as the June weather.


    She had been fine moments ago when he and Jared left for their evening stroll, but now, she was


    treating him like he was wholly unwee in her home. He thought his anger was perfectly justified.


    ¡°Go and give Jared a bath while I catch my breath here,¡± he said in clipped tones as he walked away


    with the drinking ss in hand. Then, he sat down on the couch and took another graceful sip of water.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia gave him an incredulous look, but she proceeded to ignore him as she turned to give Jared a


    bath.


    Ten minutester, the little guy was dressed in pajamas, and he padded over to where Elliot was on the


    couch. Anastasia, on the other hand, was bringing in theundry from the balcony when she saw this


    scene, and even she had to admit that Jared and Elliot shared a striking resemnce.


    However, not even their striking resemnce could change the fact that they were not biologically


    rted. Unfortunately for Jared, his father was a douchebag through and through.


    Anastasia took a deep breath and said to her son, ¡°I think it¡¯s time for bed now, Jared. I need to talk to


    Mr. Presgrave about some work stuff.¡±


    Jared blinked hisrge doe-eyes at her and asked, ¡°Can I stay and listen?¡±


    ¡°No. This conversation is strictly adults-only, so you have to go into your room,¡± she insisted. Then, she


    took on a semi-threatening tone as she added, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want me to drag you out of bed tomorrow if


    you wake upte, would you?¡±


    It was only then that Jared mbered out of Elliot¡¯s arms and hurried into his bedroom. She went to tuck


    him in and turned on the air-conditioning. Then, she closed the door behind her as she left.


    She nced over at the man lounging on her couch and steeled herself for the conversation she was


    about to have with him.


    Elliot seemed to have sensed this as well, for he appeared to be waiting to see what she wanted to talk


    to him about. Whatever it was, it definitely wasn¡¯t about work.


    She poured out a cup of tea for him and set it down on the coffee table. Anastasia then looked at him


    solemnly as she said, ¡°Elliot, we need to talk about whatever is going on between us right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡± He would very much like to hear what she was thinking.


    Anastasia sighed. ¡°First of all, I¡¯d like to thank you for all the help you¡¯ve given to me and Jared. You¡¯re a


    good man, and you shouldn¡¯t have to waste your time taking care of us. Secondly, I want you to walk out


    of my and my son¡¯s life and leave us alone. I can tell that Jared is starting to grow attached to you, and I


    don¡¯t want whatever might happen between us to hurt a kid like him. Thirdly, I¡¯d like to make it clear that


    ours is a strictly professional rtionship, especially in the workce where any dating or flirting is


    prohibited. Finally, I¡¯m really grateful for all the help you¡¯ve given to my father¡¯spany. I promise you


    that I¡¯ll find a way to repay your kindness.¡±

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240


    Chapter 240 Give Me a Kiss


    The implication behind such carefully-phrased and stoically-arranged words did not escape Elliot.


    Anastasia was asking him to walk out of her life entirely.


    She never tried to see things from his point of view; instead, she tried to build wall after wall between


    them so that she could hide from the feelings they had for each other.


    Presently, the chord in Anastasia¡¯s heart was wound taut, and it felt like something in her would snap at


    any given moment. She stared at him intently, her gaze tracing over his handsome features in hopes of


    finding even a flicker of emotion. s, the man was a champ when it came to putting on a poker face, for


    she couldn¡¯t see even the slightest shift in his expression.


    ¡°I¡¯ll agree to whatever you¡¯ve proposed, but there¡¯s something I want you to do for me as well,¡± Elliot


    finally said as he propped his elbows up on the back of the couch and leaned into the seat insouciantly.


    He had tipped his chin up at an almost haughty angle, revealing his wless jawline. The elegant curve


    of his neck extended down to where his chiseled corbone was partially obscured by his shirtpel, and


    for some reason, he looked particrly alluring and dangerously seductive.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help sneaking a few more nces at him. He wouldn¡¯t ask me to do anything crazy,


    would he? She decided to hear him out. ¡°What is it? Just forewarning you, I might not be able to do


    whatever you want me to,¡± she said.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll certainly be able to,¡± he said confidently.


    She eyed him skeptically. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it then.¡±


    He raised a brow as amusement and mischief glittered in his dark eyes. ¡°Give me a kiss.¡±


    Shock rippled through her, and it was almost as if she was operating on instinct when she snapped, ¡°No


    way!¡±


    He didn¡¯t seem like he was going to force her into doing it, for he rose to his feet and drawled


    nonchntly, ¡°Fine. That just means I don¡¯t have to agree to anything you¡¯ve asked me to do either. We


    can just let this will-they-won¡¯t-they trope go on for as long as it can!¡±


    Panic filled her at the prospect of this, and she put out an arm to stop him. ¡°Hey, you can¡¯t leave until we


    clear things up between us!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already made my part clear, but you refused to go along with it,¡± Elliot pointed out unhappily. Is it so


    hard for her to kiss me? Will it shorten her lifespan or make her bleed a pint of blood or something?


    Anastasia¡¯s thoughts were mored. Bewildered as she was, she blurted out, ¡°Are you serious? Will you


    really leave me alone if I just¡­ kiss you?¡±


    ¡°You have my word,¡± he promised as his lips curled into a roguish smirk. After all, there might still be a


    chance for him to turn things around.


    She was so flustered that blood rushed to her face, and she pursed her lips as she fell into a furious


    debate with herself. The idea of kissing him was enough to plunge her into this unprecedented crisis. If


    she agreed to do this and kissed him, they would go back to being strangers; if she refused, their


    continued entanglement would onlye with the risk of Hayley showing up with that male escort and


    threatening to wreck her and Jared¡¯s lives.


    Putting a safe distance between herself and Elliot was clearly in her best interests at this point, and she


    wondered why she was even having a dilemma in the first ce.


    Anastasia was in such deep thought that she didn¡¯t even notice how Elliot¡¯s expression had soured. He


    could hardly believe that she would be so reluctant to kiss him, so much so that she appeared to be


    weighing out the pros and cons of it.


    At longst, a clear and unwavering look shed in her eyes, and she met his gaze as she agreed,


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll kiss you, but you have to make good on your word. No take-backs.¡±


    He felt his amusement drain out of him in record time. She was only agreeing to kiss him so that he


    would leave her and her son alone. It was like ying a game of truth or dare, and the person who chose


    thetter would be rewarded with a million in cash prize if they followed through.


    In this case, Elliot was getting kissed because it was a dare on her part, and she was getting her old life


    back in return.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Since he didn¡¯t want to back down so easily, he said, ¡°You have five seconds. If you don¡¯t kiss me within


    that time frame, the deal¡¯s off the table.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart dropped to her stomach. She had to crane her neck just to look up at him, and there


    was no way she could kiss him while he was standing at his full height!


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my room,¡± she suggested after considering the embarrassment that woulde from having


    her son walk in on them while they were kissing in the living room.


    Elliot narrowed his eyes and watched as she retreated into her bedroom. At that moment, he looked like


    a hungry wolf who had zoned in on a helpless bunny.


    He went into the room after her, and she closed the door. She took a deep breath and said, ¡°I can¡¯t kiss


    you while you¡¯re standing. You¡¯re too tall.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault you¡¯re short,¡± he retorted wickedly.


    ¡°You¡­¡± She glowered at him, cursing him inwardly. ¡°Do you still want me to kiss you or not?¡±


    He smiled, and it looked like he had resumed his yful mood as he said in a husky, maic voice that


    sent tingles up her spine, ¡°Of course I want you to kiss me.¡± There was no hiding the excitement and love


    in his eyes.

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241


    Chapter 241 Keeping His Word


    Anastasia had turned a bright shade of red, and she could hear her heart beating in her ears. The man


    who stood in the room with her was so suave that he was basically a walking tower of testosterone.


    Just as she tried to recollect her thoughts, Elliot suddenly reached out and drew her close with one arm.


    She gasped when he suddenly leaned forward and dipped his head, and his lips were but inches away


    from hers.


    She blushed furiously as the air around her grew warm and became engulfed with his scent, which had a


    familiar tinge of peppermint to it. She blinked and realized that Elliot¡¯s skin still looked wless from up


    close.


    For some reason, this goodbye kiss was bing too hot-and-heavy forfort. More importantly, he


    was gazing down at her with nothing but endearment, which made her heart beat so fast that it could fly


    out of her chest.


    She looked away nervously, and though she tried to back away from him, his arm was so tightly wound


    around her waist that she could not budge. She could only cling to his muscr arm and his broad


    shoulder, using them as her pivot as she tried to break free.


    ¡°Three!¡± Elliot started counting in a voice that sounded like a low, dangerous growl.


    She gaped at him incredulously. Wait! He said five seconds! How did it be three all of a sudden?


    This guy¡¯s trying to weasel his way out of the deal!


    However, she couldn¡¯t let her anger settle; when she was about to use him of cheating, he parted his


    lips and said, ¡°Two!¡±


    This sent panic coursing through her. In a fit of desperation, she reached out her delicate hands and


    cupped his face. Then, she closed her eyes as she leaned forward to kiss him on his perfectly-carved


    lips. It¡¯s just a kiss. What¡¯s the big deal¡ª


    ¡°Mmph!¡± Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened when she realized that Elliot¡¯s ferocity was probed.


    He was kissing her back aggressively, seeming as though he wanted to pack all his pent-up feelings into


    this one kiss. At that moment, he was no longer the cool and reserved president of apany; he was a


    man who had relinquished all his self-control just to pour his love out for her.


    He had abandoned his calm reasoning in favor of heated recklessness. He wanted to show his true self


    and bare his soul to her.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was startled by how hungrily he kissed her that she instinctively tried to


    push him away. However, he did not release her, and as he demanded more of her, she found herself


    starting to cave into the kiss. She was losing herself, and the air was thick with electrifying tension.


    Just then, the tenant upstairs moved what sounded like a heavy object, and two muffled thuds were all it


    took for Anastasia to snap out of her reverie. She summoned all the strength she had and pushed Elliot


    away before he got the better of her. He was a little confused by her sudden rejection at first, but he


    quickly broke into a grin as he said, ¡°I¡¯m very much satisfied.¡±


    It was by sheer force of will that she managed to keep her heart from leaping out of her ribcage as she


    said calmly, ¡°You may leave now.¡±


    Elliot stared at her. She was so beautiful under the lights that he felt he could stay there and look at her


    forever.


    A bad feeling rose in her when she met his burning gaze. Why is he still looking at me like that when he¡¯s


    supposed to leave? ¡°Are you considering going back on your word?¡± She was furious now. She could


    hardly believe that he would refuse to hold up his end of the deal after what she had just done.


    He raised a brow. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ll get going now. Call me if you miss me.¡± Then, he suddenly thought


    of something and asked in a confrontational tone, ¡°You¡¯re not nning to carpool with that programmer


    punk to work, are you?¡±


    She was at a loss for words. She didn¡¯t think it had anything to do with him whether she carpooled with


    anyone or not.


    Before she could say anything, a frosty look shed in his eyes as he ordered imperiously, ¡°You are not


    allowed to have any man other than myself in the passenger seat of your car, Anastasia.¡±


    She nearly burst outughing, but she kept a straight face as she drawled sarcastically, ¡°Is that so? I


    should probably have all the men in thepany line up to take a ride in the passenger seat of my car.


    What are you going to do about that? Fire all of them?¡±


    Elliot was stumped by this for a few seconds, but when he thought about how he had given the


    programmer a stern warning earlier that evening, he figured that the man would know better than to try


    his luck with Anastasia.


    This was the first time Anastasia had ever encountered anyone so outrageously demanding and


    controlling. It was as if he wouldn¡¯t be happy until he could pick out all the molecules in the air and force


    her to only breathe in the ones he deemed fit. Perhaps he should try getting global warming under


    control and do everyone a great service!


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now,¡± he said as he gave her a long, hard look. After that, he grabbed his keys off the table


    and left without putting up a fight.


    Anastasia was skeptical as she watched him leave, and she wondered if this truly marked the end of his


    constant presence in her and Jared¡¯s private life. She began to question if he really would hold up his


    end of the deal, and she found herself hoping that that would be the case.


    As shey in bed that night, sleep evaded her once again. She couldn¡¯t stop reying the scene of the


    kiss from earlier, and there was no shaking it off no matter how many times she had tossed and turned in


    bed. She was starting to think that Elliot had cast some kind of spell on her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242


    Chapter 242 Oliver¡¯s Excuse


    Anastasia didn¡¯t know why she would think of Elliot now and then even though they had already agreed


    to go back to being strangers. No, stop this, she chided herself. I have to stop thinking about him. I still


    have work tomorrow. She still had to work for a living, and she couldn¡¯t afford to lose sleep right now. In


    fact, she had to catch up on rest.


    However, the more she tried to convince herself to sleep, the harder it was for her to actually drift off into


    slumber. She gave up in the end, and at some point, sleep came to her without having to be beckoned.


    Early the next morning, she woke up and opened her eyes blearily. Then, she reached for her phone and


    texted Oliver, telling him to meet her at the basement parking lotter.


    Her phone rang shortly after, and she answered the call. ¡°Hey there, Oliver. How much longer will you


    need?¡±


    ¡°Uh, Anastasia, I don¡¯t think I can carpool with you anymore. I¡­ I need to make a trip back to my


    hometown, and I¡¯ll probably be there for half a year,¡± Oliver said on the other line.


    ¡°That¡¯s sudden,¡± she remarked. ¡°Did something happen back home?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, it¡¯s just¡­ I figured I should keep my parentspany for a while. Anyway, don¡¯t worry about


    me. Remember to drive safe to work,¡± he replied, adding a gentle reminder at the end.


    She nodded and said kindly, ¡°Well, you take care as well and don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s reluctance did not wane even after he had hung up, but he was admittedly relieved. After all,


    getting too close to Anastasia would only evoke the Presgraves¡¯ wrath and put him on their assassination


    radar.


    When Anastasia had dropped Jared off at school, she got a text from Felicia telling her to drive safely to


    work and that she had already helped her check into work. Upon reading this, Anastasia felt a surge of


    warmth go through her, and words couldn¡¯t describe how grateful she was to have such a considerate


    person for a superior.


    Now that she was no longer anxious to get to work on time, she slowed down and found herself


    maneuvering through the streets easily. She hardly hit any traffic on the way, and by the time she pulled


    into thepany building¡¯s basement parking lot, she deliberately chose not to park in the spot Elliot had


    reserved for her, but in one of the ordinary spots instead.


    She had only just gone up to the office when Grace told her that Felicia wanted to see her. Since she


    didn¡¯t want to dawdle, Anastasia headed straight into Felicia¡¯s office.


    Felicia was dressed in a rose-red suit today, adding a vibrant edge to her already-professional


    appearance. Although she was 36 this year, she was still full of life and zest.


    Presently, it was only after Anastasia had walked into her office that she looked down at Felicia¡¯s fingers


    as they flew across the keyboard, and she noticed the diamond ring Felicia was wearing. She couldn¡¯t


    help smiling as she leaned forward and asked knowingly, ¡°Felicia, has someone perhaps¡­ proposed to


    you?¡±


    At once, Felicia grew bashful as she nced at the ring on her finger. ¡°You¡¯re the first one to notice, and


    yes, I¡¯m seeing someone right now.¡±


    ¡°Congrattions! Do I hear wedding bells?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re still in our early stages! We just want to take things slow for now.¡± Felicia was known to have


    strong ideals, and it went without saying that her values and principles in life were carried into her


    newfound rtionship as well.


    Having exchanged pleasantries, Felicia opened up a cab and produced an intricately-wrapped gift


    box. Then, she opened it to reveal an ornate jewelry case painted over with floral motifs. In the case


    were nestled two nes that glittered breathtakingly under the natural light.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think these would be ready so soon!¡± Anastasia eximed in surprise. The nes were


    designed by her, and she had toiled over them in earnest. To see them brought to life now made her feel


    like she was on cloud nine, and any other designer would rte to this.


    Felicia hummed in response as she gazed at the jewelry proudly. ¡°The workmanship and the design are


    wless. If these weren¡¯t limited edition pieces, I would have petitioned to have them sold at all of our


    boutiques.¡±


    ¡°What time will the client being to collect these?¡±


    Needless to say, Felicia had contacted the customer at the very first instance. ¡°I¡¯ve already given them a


    call, and they said they¡¯ll be here in the afternoon.¡±


    Anastasia nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch together. I¡¯ll make reservations.¡±


    Felicia agreed to this with a nod.


    When Anastasia left the office afterward, she did not notice the malicious gaze fixed on her.


    Alice had never expected Anastasia and Felicia to get along so well, much less be on such friendly


    terms. She couldn¡¯t put pressure on Anastasia now even if she wanted to, for Felicia would only nip it in


    the bud.


    Alice knew that the only way for her to climb up the corporatedder now was to have Felicia and


    Anastasia kicked out of Bourgeois. Otherwise, her career here would stagnate.


    That afternoon, Anastasia and Felicia brought their assistants along with them to lunch. The whole affair


    was a lighthearted one as they exchanged funny anecdotes and enjoyed the reprieve from work.


    Meanwhile, over at the luxurious vi, Hayley had already gotten a call from Bourgeois at 10.00AM


    telling her that her jewelry was ready to be collected. This was the moment that she had been waiting a


    whole month for, and now that she could finally gloat in Anastasia¡¯s face, she was not going to let the


    chance go.

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243


    Chapter 243 His-And-Hers Nes


    Harriet had been waiting for days to have a meal together with her grandson, and he finally returned to


    Presgrave Residence to fulfill her wish.


    They were both seated at the dining table when she asked hesitantly, ¡°Elliot, did Anastasia really mean it


    when she said she would never marry?¡±


    ¡°Rx, Grandma,¡± Elliot consoled. ¡°Things change all the time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been speaking to Nigel on the phone over the past few days. I was hoping that he could put more


    effort into pursuing Anastasia romantically, and I told him not to give up just yet.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s spoon halted mid-way to his mouth as he sighed and said, ¡°Grandma, Nigel and I both like the


    same girl, and you should be encouraging me now that he¡¯s backed off so that I can go on to pursue


    her.¡±


    Harriet¡¯s eyes lit up when she heard this. ¡°What? Are you pursuing Anastasia now? Does she reciprocate


    your feelings?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still working on making that happen, but don¡¯t worry, Grandma. I promise I¡¯ll marry her,¡± Elliot said


    solemnly. For some reason, he was confident that he would make her his wife.


    When Harriet saw how determined her grandson was about this, she chuckled. ¡°Well, I know you¡¯ll give it


    your best shot. Don¡¯t let me down, Elliot.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°By the way, do bring that little boy around here sometime soon. I want to take a look at him too,¡± Harriet


    added expectantly.


    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the right time, but give me a month and I¡¯ll bring him back here to visit you.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± she conceded. ¡°Talk to Anastasia about this and have here by house whenever she¡¯s


    free.¡± She nodded slowly. Knowing that her grandson would take care of everything, she could afford to


    wait patiently.


    At 2.30PM, Anastasia was drinking coffee in her office while tweaking some design sketches on the table


    when her extension line suddenly rang. She picked up the receiver and greeted, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, the customer has arrived. We have to go to Room 302 now.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ming,¡± Anastasia said. She set her coffee aside and grabbed the relevant folder off her


    desk before getting up to leave her office.


    Room 302 was the VIP guest lounge. After Anastasia and Felicia met each other in the middle of the


    hallway, they turned to make their way to the lounge. Felicia knocked on the door before entering, and


    when she saw the girl seated on the couch, she was stunned.


    On the other hand, Anastasia fell in step behind her. When she saw the customer, her eyes widened in


    surprise as well, for the girl who was seated on the couch was not the same one who had ced orders


    for the nes the other day. Instead, it was Hayley.


    ¡°Good day, Miss Seymour,¡± Felicia greeted enthusiastically after a few seconds of hesitation, and she


    walked up to the girl with a friendly smile in ce.


    A million questions flooded Anastasia¡¯s mind at that moment, but at the same time, she seemed to have


    unraveled a great mystery. As it turned out, Hayley had asked someone to ce the order for two


    nes specifically designed by her. It would be of no surprise now if Hayley were to tell her that the


    nes were for Elliot and herself.


    After taking a deep breath, Anastasia sat down next to Felicia and nced at Hayley, only to meet the


    girl¡¯s triumphant gaze as expected.


    ¡°Thank you for putting in such hard work to design these gorgeous his-and-hers nes, Anastasia.


    I¡¯m very pleased with them,¡± Hayley said as she crossed her legs. ¡°I¡¯m sure Elliot would love them once


    he sets eyes on them too.¡±


    Anastasia had nothing to say to her. Next to her on the couch, Felicia interjected politely, ¡°We¡¯re d to


    hear that, Miss Seymour. You¡¯re a really important client of ours, and we know that Anastasia has the


    impressive ability to create something special for you and your loved one.¡±


    Hayley smirked as she eyed Anastasia viciously. ¡°How about you personally give me your blessings,


    Miss Tillman? Just a few nice words for my boyfriend and me for sentiment¡¯s sake.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    At that moment, Anastasia felt like all the air had been sucked out from her lungs, and she bit out icily,


    ¡°I¡¯m never one to give my blessings.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be so frigid, Miss Tillman! Here, why don¡¯t I help you start it off? You can never go wrong with


    wishing us evesting happiness, that we would grow old together and have a family of our own¡ªstuff


    like that!¡±


    Felicia stepped in naturally and said soothingly, ¡°In that case, on behalf of Miss Tillman and all the


    employees here, I wish you and President Presgrave all the happiness in life, and that the both of you


    will stick by each other through thick and thin. May you guys find wonderfulpanionship in one


    another.¡±


    However, Hayley quirked her lips unhappily and pointed out, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to give me your blessings,


    Director Evans. It¡¯s Miss Tillman¡¯s I want.¡±


    Felicia grew stiff in her seat, evidently flustered. Beside her, Anastasia knew how wicked Hayley could


    get. Since she didn¡¯t want to humiliate Felicia, she said begrudgingly, ¡°Hayley, for the sake of getting you


    to shut up about this, I wish you and Elliot all the happiness. There! Is that what you want to hear?¡±


    Once she heard Anastasia¡¯s words, Hayley¡¯s smug smile widened. She was pleased to have the upper


    hand here, and she snorted as she drawled, ¡°Seeing as you¡¯ve given us your blessings, Miss Tillman, I


    will be ever so gracious and thank you for it. Elliot isn¡¯t in the office now, so I¡¯m going to need you to


    personally deliver these nes to himter and tell him that you designed these for the both of us.¡±

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244


    Chapter 244 A Symbol of Irony


    Hayley was dangling her rtionship with Elliot in front of Anastasia on purpose now. However, the other


    woman didn¡¯t shy away from agreeing to it as she said nonchntly, ¡°Sure, that won¡¯t be a problem at all.


    I¡¯ll personally drop these nes off at his office, and I¡¯ll be sure to give him my blessings as well.¡±


    Hayley was somewhat unsettled after hearing this, so she turned to address Felicia curtly, ¡°Director


    Evans, could you give me a few moments alone with Miss Tillman?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Excuse me,¡± Felicia replied courteously and rose to leave, but not before giving Anastasia a


    worried look.


    The door had only just fallen shut when Hayley glowered at Anastasia viciously and snapped, ¡°If you¡¯ve


    taken my warning to heart, you ought to know better than clinging to Elliot like gum stuck to the bottom of


    his shoe. You wouldn¡¯t want me to bring a certain gigolo around to see you, right?¡±


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Looks like you were the one who told that man where I was, and that was how he found me,¡± Anastasia


    deduced grimly instead of responding to Hayley¡¯s threat. The man had even arranged for her to sleep


    with punters just to rake in some extra cash for him, which aggravated her to the point of wanting to


    throttle him.


    Hayley nodded smugly. ¡°Yes, I was the one who told him. Do you know how miserable he is right now?


    He¡¯spletely broke, and he has neither family nor children of his own. He has nothing in this world to


    live for, so when he found out about his adorable and precious son, he was ted. I was the one who


    gave him money to stall him froming after the both of you. Pretty charitable of me, right?¡± The smirk


    on her lips grew even more wicked as she said this.


    The gigolo was but a fictional character anyway, and she could give him whatever tragic backstory she


    liked.


    Hatred filled Anastasia¡¯s eyes, and she dug her nails into her palms as she seethed, ¡°Why must you go


    out of your way to put me through hell all those years ago, Hayley? I saw you as my own sister, but you


    stabbed me in the back and left me to bleed to death.¡±


    Hayley snorted in disgust, and there was unmistakable resentment in her eyes. ¡°You should have never


    been my best friend to begin with! You don¡¯t know how invisible I felt next to you. You were beautiful, on


    the honor roll, and from a well-off family. When I finally summoned enough courage to confess my


    feelings to a boy I liked, he told me that he had a crush on you the entire time! Back then, my parents


    wouldn¡¯t stop praising you either. You have no idea what it was like for me!¡±


    Anastasia instantly regretted ever associating herself with Hayley during their school days. Some people


    in this world simply didn¡¯t deserve kindness and friendship. Needless to say, Hayley was so twisted that


    her worldview was warped by her own bitterness.


    There was only one thing for Anastasia to do when it came to dealing with people like Hayley¡ªshe had


    to stay away from her and hope that they would never run into each other ever again.


    ¡°I hate you, Anastasia, and I can¡¯t stand to see you any better off than I am. I¡¯d like to see you writhe in


    misery and be a shell of the person that you were. I finally got my wish five years ago,¡± Hayley went


    on to say. She reached for her tea, but just as she was bringing her cup to her lips, another cup of tea


    sshed onto her face and ruined her delicately-applied makeup.


    She stood up abruptly and shrieked, ¡°How dare you ssh tea all over me, Anastasia?!¡±


    ¡°Oh, but I dare,¡± Anastasia drawled defiantly. She rose to her feet and eyed the other girl menacingly. ¡°I


    could even kill you if I wanted to. If you so much as mess with me again, I¡¯m going to tell Elliot about all


    the despicable things you¡¯ve done. He might have slept with you, but that won¡¯t be enough to make him


    put up with someone like you.¡±


    Fear rippled through Hayley when she heard this. As droplets of tea rolled down her cheeks, she looked


    as pathetic as a wet dog.


    ¡°I¡¯d watch myself if I were you,¡± Anastasia added coldly. Then, she spun on her heels elegantly and


    walked out the door.


    Behind her, Hayley was so angry she couldbust on the spot. However, she could only bottle up her


    spite and resentment. She was used to it anyway, and all she had to do now was wait for the right time to


    unleash vengeance on Anastasia in a fit of maniacal rage, just like how all the grudges she had saved up


    since grade school burst and culminated into a glorious form of revenge against Anastasia back in


    college.


    Ten minutester, Felicia brought the nes into Anastasia¡¯s office and offered empathetically,


    ¡°Anastasia, would you like me to have these delivered to President Presgrave on your behalf instead?¡±


    Hayley had been the one who assigned this task to Anastasia to rile her up, but she would not rise to the


    bait. She would execute it personally just to show that she was better than that. As such, she said, ¡°No, I


    can do it. Has President Presgravee into work yet?¡±


    Felicia called the extension line for the president¡¯s office, and after hanging up, she told Anastasia, ¡°He


    doesn¡¯t usuallye in until 3.00PM. Mind waiting for him?¡±


    Anastasia shook her head. After all, she wasn¡¯t in a rush anyway.


    When Felicia left, Anastasia opened up the ornate jewelry case and gazed upon the nes she had


    so painstakingly designed and created. There was even a symbol engraved on the sp that signified


    true love.


    She had put so much thought and effort into this pair of nes. While she designed them, she had


    hoped that whoever received them would share an eternal love and that nothing would separate the


    lovers no matter what. However, the nes were nothing more than a symbol of irony right now.

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245


    Chapter 245 Motivated by Money


    Anastasia got a call from Felicia at around 3.00PM informing her that Elliot hade into work. From the


    looks of it, Felicia was more invested and concerned about this matter than the designer herself.


    After regaining herposure, Anastasia grabbed the jewelry case from her desk and walked out of her


    office.


    Over at the presidential office, Rey handed over the report he was holding to the man in the white shirt


    who had just shrugged off his suit jacket. ¡°President Presgrave, ording to the investigation, Lawrence


    will be actively acquiring Tillman Constructions within a week. As of now, he has already bought up a


    huge number of shares in Tillman Constructions, which is enough to enter into negotiations with the


    board.¡±


    Rey had yet to finish his report when a knock came from the door, and it was followed by a woman¡¯s


    voice. ¡°President Presgrave, it¡¯s me, Anastasia. May Ie in?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Elliot immediately loosened up and gave Rey a meaningful look. ¡°Keep an eye on


    Tillman Constructions and let me know if anything happens.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Rey replied. Then, he hurried over to open the door and shed a smile at Anastasia as he


    greeted, ¡°Good afternoon, Miss Tillman.¡±


    ¡°And to you as well, Mr. Osbourne.¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave is in,¡± he said before stepping to the side. ¡°This way, please.¡±


    Anastasia walked through the door and immediately saw the man at the desk. He was wearing a simple


    white satin shirt, but for some reason, he looked imposing all the same.


    When she thought about what happenedst night, her clear and determined gaze suddenly wavered,


    and she felt flustered just from looking at him.


    She lowered her gaze and headed straight for his desk, and sheter heard Rey closing the door behind


    her.


    ¡°What can I do for you?¡± Elliot asked with a smile.


    She passed him the jewelry case and said casually, ¡°Here you go. This is for you.¡±


    A surprised look shed across his face when he saw the box in her hand, for it looked like it contained


    jewelry. He took the box and opened it, and his eyes lit up at the sight of the nes nestled within.


    ¡°This is quite the sudden gift.¡±


    Anastasia could tell that he had mistaken this as a gift from her. She crossed her arms and exined


    pointedly, ¡°It¡¯s a gift from a woman, but the woman isn¡¯t me. It¡¯s Hayley.¡± She ground out the name with


    no small amount of hatred.


    Elliot froze, and he let his hand drop as he asked, ¡°Why are you giving it to me on her behalf?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to either, but seeing as she specifically asked me to design the nes, I have no choice


    but to deliver it for her as well,¡± she answered impassively and turned to leave.


    She had only just spun on her heels when a low male voice called out after her, ¡°Wait.¡±


    She turned to look at him with narrowed eyes. ¡°What? Do you want me to help you put on the ne


    as well, President Presgrave?¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Elliot red at her incredulously. He couldn¡¯t understand why she was not even the slightest bit jealous.


    He raised a brow and said, ¡°I have no intention of epting this gift.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not my problem. If you don¡¯t want it, just give it back to Hayley yourself,¡± Anastasia countered


    indifferently, though her heart gave a squeeze. Is he really not going to ept it?


    ¡°Well, Anastasia, I would like you to take my order for a ne. You cane up with any design you


    think best,¡± he said smoothly as he stood up. His towering height seemed to put pressure on her as he


    took a few steps toward her. ¡°Something close to around ten million, and you¡¯ll get a handsome


    commission out of it. What do you think?¡±


    She narrowed her pretty eyes at him. Did he fall out of bed this morning and hit his head? She could


    come up with no other reason as to why he was making such a random proposition all of a sudden. He


    was the president of thepany, and he could have all the jewelry he wanted. However, he chose to


    spend ten million on something designed by her. Then again, themission that coulde from this


    would be a handsome sum. All in all, she had nothing to lose.


    It took only a few seconds for her to ponder on this, and a smile curled on her lips as she asked, ¡°Are


    you serious about this, President Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°Very serious,¡± he answered, and he didn¡¯t look like he was joking as he eyed her steadily. ¡°In fact, I can


    pay up right now.¡±


    ¡°Take it easy, President Presgrave. I¡¯m willing to take up any order as long as I get paid for it,¡± she


    drawled breezily before turning to leave the office.


    Elliot smirked. As expected, the woman was highly motivated by money.


    Presently, Anastasia opened the door and left. The frustration she had been feeling earlier was gone.


    She was amused at how the sentiment behind Hayley¡¯s gesture was lost on the likes of Elliot, who had


    not only been uninformed of the gift but also refused it without even giving it a second thought.

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246


    Chapter 246 The Center of Her Universe


    As things were, Anastasia was rather pleased with how things had turned out in the end.


    Ten minutester, Felicia received a call from a customer who specifically asked Anastasia to design a


    men¡¯s ne for him, and he was willing to pay ten million for the final product. He also mentioned that


    she had free rein over the design.


    Felicia just about copsed in her seat when she heard this. Themission that she would get from


    two consecutive personal orders alone was staggering enough to make anyone¡¯s jaw drop. She went to


    Anastasia¡¯s office and said, ¡°Anastasia, make sure you give this project your all. Forget about the other


    regr designs you¡¯ve been working on and focus on this order. Don¡¯t hesitate toe to me for any


    input.¡± With that, she left.


    Anastasia waited until Felicia had gone out of earshot before picking up the phone to call the man¡¯s


    extension line. A low and husky voice drawled insouciantly on the other line, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you actually ced the order,¡± she said in bewilderment.


    ¡°Well, now that I have, I expect you to work hard on it.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any specific designs in mind? What about the style of the ne?¡± she asked further,


    treating him like how she would any other customer.


    ¡°You have free rein over this,¡± he said. He had to stop himself from adding, I know thay I¡¯ll like it anyway.


    Anastasia considered this for a moment and suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t Ie up with a rough sketch and


    you can tell me what you think about it?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Elliot replied easily. After a pause, he continued, ¡°Just put your heart into it.¡±


    Like I¡¯ve never done that for all my other designs, she thought dryly. ¡°That¡¯s sort of like an entry-level


    requirement for a designer, you know,¡± she pointed out witheringly.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s different.¡± He chuckled. ¡°You could picture me as your husband or boyfriend and really throw


    your heart and soul into the design. Think of the ne as a token of love.¡±


    She was rendered speechless by this, but she pretended to be serious as she countered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry,


    President Presgrave, you are the center of my universe, which makes you far more important than my


    future boyfriend or husband!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get cute with me,¡± he warned darkly on the other end and immediately ended the call.


    Anastasia was already used to this. She set the phone down and nced at the time, only to see that


    she had to head over to pick Jared up from school now. It looked like she was going to have to dig deep


    for inspiration for the rest of the night if she wanted toe up with the perfect men¡¯s ne for Elliot.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    When she picked up Jared from school that afternoon, he asked if Elliot would be dropping by the


    apartmentter. She took the chance to tell him solemnly that the man would no longer be visiting them,


    and the little boy was so disappointed that he didn¡¯t speak throughout the entire car ride home.


    Since she had to work through the night, Anastasia waited until Jared had fallen asleep before she


    started pondering on the design of the ne. However, she found herself thinking about Elliot¡¯s


    handsome face and his domineering expression from time to time. As night fell, she no longer had to


    keep all her emotions bottled up, and the lights above brought out the dazed look in her eyes.


    The feelings that she had suppressed during the day suddenly welled up in her, reminding her of their


    presence. She wondered why she had felt so uneasy when Hayley had given Elliot the nes and


    why that feeling disappeared when he declined the woman¡¯s gift.


    Perhaps Anastasia was only happy to see Elliot turn down the nes because she didn¡¯t like Hayley.


    She adamantly believed that her hatred for Hayley was the only reasonable exnation for this.


    Presently, Anastasia did not spend too much time thinking upplicated designs for the ne.


    Knowing Elliot, he preferred something understated and disliked anything gaudy. With that in mind, she


    decided that the ne would have to be simple and sturdy. Moreover, it would have to be something


    that couldplement his masculine charm.


    The recent trend for men¡¯s nes gave Anastasia inspiration for an elegant herringbone-chain


    ne that would tter the man¡¯s chiseled and alluring corbone, which, if left unadorned, would be


    a great disservice to the jewelry industry.


    He had set the budget at ten million, which offered her great flexibility given that she was in charge of


    picking out the materials for the ne. As for the design, it was up to her to imbue her personal ir


    into it. She gave a rough sketch and let inspiration take control. She imagined the way the chain would


    drape just above his corbone, and if she added another chain to it, the visuals would be stunning.


    The tip of her pencil gently sketched over the paper as she drew the man¡¯s broad shoulders and the


    curve of his neck. She then added the chains, which nestled just slightly above the dip in his corbone.


    She paused and leaned back slightly to see how the design looked.


    It was only then that she froze in her seat, and her mind went nk for a moment. Why does this


    drawing look so much like Elliot? Anastasia couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing. At that moment, she


    realized just how clearly she could picture every part of Elliot in her head.

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247


    Chapter 247 Too Much for Him to Bear


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It turned out that giving Elliot too much room in her headspace during the day was a bad idea because


    Anastasia was having a hard time falling asleep right now without thinking about him. She even had a


    wet dream that involved him doing several unspeakable, yet sinfully pleasurable things to her, and she


    woke up the next morning loathing herself for having subconsciously enjoyed it.


    On Friday, she got a message from Alex asking her if she would drop by Tillman Constructions. Seeing


    as all her other work had been set aside while she focused on designing Elliot¡¯s ne, she decided


    that it would do her some good to go out and get some air. As such, she asked Felicia for the rest of the


    day off and headed over to Francis¡¯pany.


    In thest few years, Francis¡¯pany had doubled in size, and thend next to the ten-story office


    building was upied by warehouse after warehouse where all the inventory for their building materials


    was kept. While the area was rather remote, the size of the enterprise was more than enough to


    compensate for its location.


    Anastasia¡¯s car drove past the warehouse estate for quite a while before she even drew close to the


    company building. At that moment, she suddenly understood why Francis could not bear to part with the


    business. He had poured all his blood, sweat, and tears into building up thepany from scratch, and


    he had a trove of employees who depended on him for a living. In other words, thispany was a part


    of his soul.


    When she pulled up outside the building entrance, she headed for the doors and was immediately


    stopped by the security guard. ¡°Is there something I can help you with, miss?¡±


    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m Anastasia, and I¡¯m here to look for my father, Francis.¡±


    The security guard was startled by this, and he appraised her in shock as he pressed, ¡°You¡¯re President


    Tillman¡¯s daughter? Howe I¡¯ve never seen you before?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not surprising, seeing as I¡¯ve been abroad for thest few years.¡± Anastasia smiled. Since she


    didn¡¯t want to put the security guard in a hard ce, she added, ¡°How about I give my dad a call and


    have him send his assistant down to escort me?¡±


    The security guard decided to believe her, and he wasted no time in opening the door for her as he said,


    ¡°Pardon me, Miss Tillman. I didn¡¯t mean to doubt you. Pleasee in.¡±


    She nodded and strode through the door beforeing to a stop at the front desk. Thepany


    building had only been set up not too long ago, and she wasn¡¯t sure which floor Francis¡¯ office was on.


    After asking the receptionist, she made her way up to the third floor.


    Francis did not care much about decorum or formalities. One might even say he wasissez-faire. Since


    Alex had seen Anastasia before at the banquet, he approached her enthusiastically and told her that


    Francis was in a meeting, informing her that he would be done soon.


    She took the chance to survey his office and sat down on the chair behind his desk. She had long since


    outgrown days where she whined, pestered, and vied for her father¡¯s love and attention, but moments


    like these were reminiscent of those times.


    She waited patiently for her father¡¯s meeting toe to an end, but just as she was about to take a sip of


    her tea, the door to the office suddenly swung open, and the female assistant who had escorted her up


    earlier came rushing in. ¡°Miss Tillman, something terrible has happened! Your father copsed in the


    conference room. Quick, go take a look at him!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s hand trembled, and the tea in her cup nearly spilled over as she stood up abruptly. ¡°What?¡±


    Then, she hastened out the door after the assistant as the both of them made their way to the


    conference room.


    Meanwhile, in the conference room, an ashen-faced Francis was being carried over to the couch by a


    few of his employees. Anastasia frantically ran over to him and crouched down next to the couch, urging,


    ¡°Dad? Dad, what happened?¡± She was beside herself with panic as she demanded, ¡°Has anyone called


    911? What in the world happened here?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve called 911. President Tillman looked fine earlier before he suddenly copsed.¡±


    ¡°He probably heard that thepany is getting acquired and he couldn¡¯t take the news,¡± one of the


    managers said gravely.


    ¡°What? What do you mean thepany is getting acquired? Who said that?¡±


    ¡°The clients just now weren¡¯t here to talk about business; they were the representatives for the acquiring


    party, and they were here to discuss the acquisition.¡±


    Even Anastasia was stunned. The news of the acquisition must have been too much for Francis, and he


    had copsed out of shock. Is there no way for Tillman Constructions to escape the acquisition at all? Is


    this just fate?


    ¡°Anastasia, President Tillman will be just fine,¡± said a young man. She looked up and saw that Alex was


    eyeing her worriedly.


    Then, she turned to look at her father. He was breathing heavily, and his eyes were tightly shut as though


    he was in pain, his skin pale and waxy. How can I not worry about him?


    20 minutester, an ambnce sent by the 911 dispatcher arrived to ferry Francis to the hospital.


    Anastasia and Alex went as well, and upon their arrival, Francis was immediately wheeled into the


    emergency room.


    Only then did Anastasia snap out of her reverie, and she debated on calling Naomi and Erica. After a


    moment of thought, she decided that she had to call them.

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248


    Chapter 248 The Acquisition


    Anastasia got Alex to make the phone call. When he was done, he walked over to her and said, ¡°Mrs.


    Tillman and Miss Erica are on their way to the hospital.¡±


    Anastasia nodded tiredly as a worried look etched upon her face. She wasn¡¯t sure what would happen to


    Francis¡¯pany. Elliot had told her before that the acquiring party had their eyes set on the profitable


    construction industry, and Francis¡¯pany had been their target for a while now. It followed that they


    would have done plenty of homework and made arrangements well in advance. They were determined to


    go through with the acquisition no matter what.


    Just then, Alex sighed. ¡°Anastasia, the whole acquisition thing hase up out of the blue, and


    President Tillman likely copsed from the shock of it all.¡± Frankly speaking, he didn¡¯t want to leave the


    company either. He had toiled hard to get promoted to financial manager, which was a position that came


    with a handsome paycheck.


    Out of everyone, Anastasia was perhaps the first to know about the possibility of Tillman Constructions¡¯


    acquisition. If such was the fate of thepany, it would have been toote regardless of whether she


    told Francis about it or not.


    With a sigh of resignation, she hummed in response and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and see how my dad¡¯s doing


    right now.¡± She could only pray that her father would pull through.


    Ten minutester, the doctor came out of the emergency room and told them that Francis¡¯ heart problem


    was acting up again. Additionally, he would be transferred to the ICU for further observation.


    Anastasia let out a breath when she heard this. Age was catching up with Francis, and his body was no


    longer as tough as it used to be.


    Half an hour had passed before Naomi and Erica showed up at the hospital. The former¡¯s eyes were red


    and puffy as she barreled down the hallway. Thetter, however, was seething with rage when she saw


    Anastasia.


    ¡°How¡¯s my husband? How is he?¡± Naomi demanded urgently as she marched up to Alex.


    ¡°Calm down, Mrs. Tillman,¡± Alex said in a soothing tone. ¡°President Tillman has only juste out of the


    emergency room. For now, it seems that his old heart problem is acting up again, and he¡¯s been


    transferred to the ICU for further observation.¡±


    Just then, Naomi noticed Anastasia standing there and realized that she must have arrived before them.


    A skeptical look shed in her eyes as she asked, ¡°How did you get here before us?¡±


    ¡°Miss Tillman was at thepany when President Tillman copsed. She came with me to the hospital,¡±


    Alex exined.


    Naomi sneered icily, ¡°Eyeing your father¡¯spany, huh? What, are you here so you can hasten the


    handover proceedings? That must be the case, or you wouldn¡¯t have beaten us to the hospital.¡±


    To the side, Erica scoffed. ¡°Dad said nothing about leaving thepany to you, so what are you still


    badgering him for?¡± she snapped.


    Upon hearing this, Alex was stunned. He never thought that there was so much going on in the Tillman


    Family.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t care less about the mother-and-daughter duo, not while she was upied with her


    own thoughts. Even if Francis woke up, it wouldn¡¯t change the fact that thepany was being acquired.


    Will the ongoing acquisition worsen his condition? Will he be able to pull through this and hand the


    company over to the other party?


    If he couldn¡¯t go through with the acquisition, Anastasia could very well be forced to turn to Elliot for help.


    No, I mustn¡¯t. Not in this life. She had only just drawn the line between them and told him not to cross it.


    As things were, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to swallow her pride and ask him for yet another favor.


    After a while, Francis woke up and was transferred to the regr ward. Without another word, Naomi


    rushed over to his bedside and began to sob dramatically, and she was nagging away at him as well.


    This irritated him to no end.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Enough,¡± he snapped. ¡°I¡¯m still alive, aren¡¯t I? What are you crying for?¡±


    ¡°Dad, you can¡¯t just fall sick like this! What will Mom and I do if anything happens to you? How will we


    live?¡± Erica wailed as if ming him for suddenly having a heart attack.


    Anastasia wanted nothing more than to chase the crying pair of stooges out of the room. She red at


    them and pulled up a seat next to her father¡¯s bed as she asked, ¡°Dad, how are you feeling? Are you


    hurting anywhere?¡±


    When Francis heard her words of concern, his heart felt warm as he answered reassuringly, ¡°I¡¯m fine.


    There¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±


    Alex, on the other hand, could no longer keep his curiosity and anxiousness at bay as he piped up and


    asked, ¡°President Tillman, is it true that thepany is being acquired?¡±


    ¡°What? Thepany is being acquired?¡± Naomi shrieked, and even Erica jumped in shock.


    Since she knew that her father was having a hard time reconciling with this, Anastasia consoled, ¡°Take it


    easy, Dad. Nothing else matters as much as your health right now.¡±


    At once, Francis¡¯ chest rose and fell rapidly as if the mention of the acquisition was like a rock crushing


    the air out of his lungs. In abored voice, he said through gritted teeth, ¡°I built thatpany up from


    scratch, and I put all my best years into it. I will not stand to let someone else take it away from me, and I


    won¡¯t have those b*stards buy it out either!¡±

 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249


    Chapter 249 Desperate Measures


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, honey. You can¡¯t just let anyone take thepany away from you! You have to pull


    through this no matter what,¡± said Naomi as she encouraged him with renewed fervor.


    Anastasia interjected, ¡°Dad, do you know who the acquiring party is?¡±


    Francis was seething with rage, and his eyes were bloodshot red as he snapped angrily, ¡°He¡¯s an old


    rival of mine. He¡¯s despicable and disgustingly ruthless, and I can¡¯t believe he¡¯d resort to such


    underhanded ways to whittle me down!¡±


    Upon hearing this, Anastasia¡¯s heart dropped to her stomach. If the acquiring party was Francis¡¯ old rival,


    she couldn¡¯t possibly expect her father to go through with the acquisition without putting up a fight. Even


    if he did, he would resent and grow angry over this for the rest of his life.


    Naomi was beside herself with panic as well. Her continued life of luxury depended on her husband¡¯s


    company, and if he were to call it a day and let the acquisition go through, it would be the end of her


    privileged lifestyle. A look of horror colored her face as she turned to Francis and urged, ¡°In that case,


    what should we do? Honey, you have to think of a way to save thepany, and you must be quick! We


    can¡¯t just let someone snatch thepany away!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Dad! You have to do something!¡± Erica chimed nervously.


    ¡°My hands are tied,¡± Francis admitted a little tiredly. ¡°The acquiring party now holds thirty percent of the


    shares in thepany, giving them enough leverage. More to the point, the business hasn¡¯t been doing


    great for thest two years, and I¡¯ve had to sell ten percent of my own shares to anotherpany to


    help tide things over. Now, thatpany has decided to join forces with the acquiring party. As things


    are, I¡¯m left with a forty-percent share in thepany, and if they were to persuade the other


    shareholders to jump on their bandwagon, my words will not carry any more weight.¡±


    Francis was devastated. Never did he think that hispany would fall victim to such a hostile takeover.


    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t you just buy those shares back?¡± Erica suggested.


    Alex, who had been standing to the side all this while, knew thepany¡¯s financial troubles well


    enough. He pointed out emotionlessly, ¡°Buying back those shares isn¡¯t as easy as it sounds. Our


    company hasn¡¯t been profiting for thest two years, and we¡¯re making just enough to keep the business


    afloat.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯d known that this would happen, maybe you wouldn¡¯t buy that house,¡± Naomi said begrudgingly


    as she implicitly med her husband for buying Anastasia the apartment.


    Francis was already annoyed to begin with, so he red at Naomi and snapped, ¡°Keep quiet, will you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I? You should¡¯ve tightened your belt and stopped spending money so frivolously if you


    knew thepany was struggling,¡± Naomi argued, rubbing salt in his wound.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Anastasia knew that she was using her of being a liability to Francis, and she wished she could


    shove Naomi and Erica out of the room. All they were doing was aggravating Francis instead of helping


    hime up with feasible solutions.


    ¡°Is there no one who can save Dad¡¯spany?¡± Erica whined.


    Just then, a lightbulb went off in Naomi¡¯s head when she heard this. ¡°Wait, there is! I can¡¯t believe we


    didn¡¯t think about this before. Anastasia, you know Elliot, don¡¯t you? Why don¡¯t you get him to save our


    company since he¡¯s such a bigshot?¡±


    Anastasia had been trying to avoid bringing up Elliot¡¯s name, and she was flustered to hear Naomi even


    suggest this. She maintained her indifference as she retorted, ¡°Why should he help us?¡±


    ¡°Why not? Your mother died protecting him! This is the least he can do for our family,¡± Naomi argued like


    she was only stating a matter of fact.


    Our family? When were we ever a family? Anastasia didn¡¯t bother entertaining the woman¡¯s crazy idea


    and fell silent instead.


    Erica was supportive of her mother as well. ¡°Mom¡¯s right. Elliot is a mogul and a billionaire. If he


    intervenes, I¡¯m sure Dad¡¯s old rival would be so intimidated that he¡¯d back out of the acquisition


    altogether!¡±


    There was an unreadable look in Francis¡¯ eyes. He had stayed quiet throughout this, but he did sneak a


    nce at Anastasia, and she did not miss the pleading look on his face. Desperate times called for


    desperate measures, and he was very much desperate.


    Suddenly, he said, ¡°Naomi, go home and take Erica with you. Alex, could you drop them off at the


    house?¡±


    Alex was stunned at first, but he quickly nodded and replied, ¡°Very well. Mrs. Tillman, Miss Erica, I¡¯ll be


    dropping the both of you home now.¡±


    ¡°I have to stay and take care of you, Francis!¡± Naomi insisted, refusing to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, and I have Anastasia here to take care of me. Besides, having all of you here is aggravating.


    Go home,¡± he said firmly, his patience for both Naomi and Erica wearing thin.


    Upon seeing that her husband was determined to have her leave the room, Naomi said to Erica, ¡°Come


    on, let¡¯s go back.¡±


    Meanwhile, Erica was filled with bitter jealousy as she glowered at Anastasia. Why does she get to stay?


    Is it because Dad likes her more?

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250


    Chapter 250 Spilling the Secret


    Naomi brought her daughter along and followed Alex out, leaving the ward in a solemn and quiet


    atmosphere. Meanwhile, Anastasia poured a ss of water for Francis before sitting down. He then said,


    ¡°Anastasia, I actually agree with Naomi¡¯s suggestion. I hope you can ask Young Master Elliot to save my


    company.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia looked up at him in surprise. ¡°How can we ask him for help, Dad? This is a


    family matter.¡±


    ¡°I know how difficult it is to ask for help, but I¡¯m truly desperate this time. There is nothing else I can do. If


    I can¡¯t get any assistance, I will have to give up mypany to someone else.¡± After saying that, Francis


    shuddered and started coughing.


    ¡°Calm down, Dad. We¡¯ll find a way,¡± Anastasia reassured him as she patted his back.


    Naomi, who just left the hospital lobby, felt like she had left something behind. When she looked down


    and realized that her bag wasn¡¯t with her, she turned to Erica and Alex. ¡°I left my bag in the ward, so I¡¯m


    going back to get it. Can you guys wait for me at the entrance?¡± With that said, she turned around and


    walked into the elevator.


    Erica nced at Alex and ordered, ¡°I¡¯m thirsty. Get me a bottle of water!¡±


    Naturally, Alex treated every member of the Tillman Family politely since he had his own ns.


    When Naomi arrived at the door of the ward, she realized that the door was left ajar. Just as she was


    about to push the door open and enter the ward, she heard Francis saying, ¡°Anastasia, I have something


    to tell you. I don¡¯t wish to lose thispany because I hope that it will be passed down to Jared in the


    future. He will be my sessor.¡±


    As Naomi stood outside the ward, her eyes widened in disbelief. It was her first time hearing about


    Francis¡¯ thoughts on thepany¡¯s sessor. However, she never expected that her husband would


    pass down such a hugepany to Anastasia¡¯s son, who was barely a few years old!


    It was also Anastasia¡¯s first time hearing about her father¡¯s thoughts, so she waspletely


    dumbfounded. ¡°What are you talking about, Dad? Isn¡¯t Jared too young? He¡¯s only four years old! How


    do you expect him to take over your business?!¡±


    Francis then exined with a serious expression, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I¡¯ve already made all the


    necessary ns. If anything happens to me, you will take over my business. I know you have no idea


    about the industry, so that¡¯s why I trained Alex. He might just be an outsider, but he has all my trust. I will


    be your matchmaker, and once you guys get married, it will be much more convenient for him to help you


    manage thepany together.¡±


    Anastasia was instantly speechless. What was her father thinking about? Why would he push her and


    Alex to be together?


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound appropriate,¡± said Anastasia as she rejected his idea.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing inappropriate about it. I don¡¯t have a biological son, but I have you as an excellent


    daughter. Jared is also part of the family, so he shall be the most qualified sessor. You know how


    much I adore him, after all.¡± Indeed, Francis had always loved this grandson of his.


    ¡°You¡¯re still young, Dad. Let¡¯s not think too far ahead. We should think of a way to save thepany


    first!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but there is only one way to save thepany, and that is to seek Elliot¡¯s help. I know it


    might be hard for you to ask him, so let me do it instead. Your mother, who is watching us from heaven,Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    will definitely agree with me.¡± Francis decided to throw his pride away.


    Anastasia was surprised to hear that, so she blurted, ¡°Don¡¯t beg him, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Francis looked at her surprised expression and questioned.


    Anastasia felt her face heating up all of a sudden before she uttered reluctantly, ¡°Anyhow, we shouldn¡¯t


    beg him. He isn¡¯t obliged to help us. Even if Mom saved him back then, he doesn¡¯t owe us anything. It


    was Mom¡¯s responsibility to save him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, but your mother sacrificed her own life to save him!¡± Francis felt that it was unfair. Back


    then, he was aggrieved that he lost his wife. His daughter had also lost her mother, and it was simply


    heartbreaking.


    ¡°To be honest, Elliot has helped us a lot without your knowledge, Dad. Did you think yourpany


    managed to grow to such a scale by mere luck? No, Elliot¡¯s connections have been helping you grow


    your smallpany to a listed one.¡± Anastasia had no choice but to spill the secret.

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251


    Chapter 251 Lawrence Is Here


    Francis stared at his daughter in bewilderment. ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°Remember thest time you asked me to apany you to win the bid? With so manypanies


    competing, did you think yourpany was qualified to win such a big project? Elliot was there at the


    time, and he was the one who told the organizers to let you win.¡± As she watched the dumbfounded look


    on her father¡¯s face, Anastasia could only say that her father¡¯s shock was inevitable.


    ¡°Really? Has President Presgrave been helping me out secretly? No wonder business has been smooth-


    sailing recently, making it seem like all the luck finally bestowed upon me. He¡¯s the one who has been


    quietly supporting me from behind!¡± Francis¡¯ eyes were filled with gratitude right now. ¡°Turns out the


    Presgrave Family have long beenpensating us!¡± he added.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t justpensate yourpany; Old Madam Presgrave even approached me to offer


    compensation, but I refused their kindness. I don¡¯t think they should repay us, but when I found out what


    they¡¯ve been doing all along, Elliot was already helping you out big time.¡± Anastasia sounded helpless.


    Francis let out a loud sigh, and his feelings were mixed.


    Naomi, who was hiding outside the door and eavesdropping at the moment, was shocked to hear that


    Elliot valued the Tillman Family so much; he even supported her husband¡¯s business. Therefore, she


    concluded that once Anastasia gave in and epted theirpensation, she would be sessful


    sooner orter.


    How could all the good things go to Anastasia only? Since there was nothing else to eavesdrop on


    anymore, Naomi knocked on the door and pretended to rush in, eximing, ¡°Oops! I only remembered


    that I left my bag here when I reached the car park!¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    After saying that, she walked over to the cab beside the chair, grabbed her bag, and inquired in a


    concerned tone, ¡°Francis, is it really okay for me to leave you here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. You should go home!¡± Francis insisted.


    ¡°Rest well, alright? Call me if anything happens.¡± After saying that, she turned to Anastasia and reminded


    the woman, ¡°Take good care of your dad, okay? He has worked so hard for this family.¡±


    However, Anastasia didn¡¯t like to hear words like thating out of Naomi¡¯s mouth, so she didn¡¯t


    respond. Meanwhile, Naomi sighed andmented, ¡°I know that I might be too straightforward and blunt at


    times, but I do hope that we can get along well as a family.¡±


    Since they were in front of Francis, Anastasia couldn¡¯t refute her, but she never regarded them as one


    family in her heart.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡± With that, Naomi left with her bag. Francis then turned to Anastasia and asked, ¡°Do


    you still me Naomi for everything?¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why you would betray Mom back then. Isn¡¯t she good enough for you?¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but question her father.


    Francis seldom mentioned this matter to her, but at that moment, he looked regretful. ¡°It¡¯s all my fault, but


    I never betrayed your mother on purpose. I made a mistake when I went out drinking and socializing.


    Naomi had just graduated from university and was working in the purchasing department back then, so


    we had Erica by ident.¡±


    Hearing that, Naomi furrowed her brows. ¡°You were dead drunk, but what about Naomi? I don¡¯t think she


    was drunk!¡±


    ¡°I was forced by my clients to drink until I almost died on the table, and when I woke up, Naomi was


    already right beside me. I had been waiting toe clean to your mother about it, but in less than a


    month, your mother¡­¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t need her father to exin all the details. After all, she understood it well as an adult. Her


    father was already running the constructionpany then; although it was of a small scale, he earned


    millions per month. Naturally, Naomi must have plotted a n to seduce her father.


    Even if her mother was still alive, Naomi would still try to ruin their family. Therefore, after Anastasia¡¯s


    mother passed away, Naomi gave birth to Erica and got married to her father immediately.


    ¡°It was because of my carelessness that caused what happened five years ago. I owe you, so I want to


    compensate you with thispany.¡± Francis had already written a will to distribute his assets, and


    Anastasia would get the biggest share.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want yourpany, Dad. I just want you to be healthy,¡± Anastasia uttered with sincerity.


    Just then, there was a knock at the door. A man who looked to be in his fifties entered the ward, and he


    was apanied by an assistant carrying a fruit basket.

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252


    Chapter 252 Promise Me You¡¯ll Seek His Help


    ¡°Francis, I heard you were so upset that you ended up in the hospital, so I¡¯vee to visit!¡± The man


    entered the ward with a fake smile on his face.


    When Francis saw him, his face instantly turned scarlet as he bellowed, ¡°What a despicable man you


    are, Lawrence vell! You think I¡¯m an easy target, right? Leave this ce at once!¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia instantly became alert. As she looked at the well-dressed middle-aged man in front of her, she


    could tell that this man was up to no good. When she saw how her father reacted to his visit, she


    assumed that he was the acquirer of her father¡¯spany.


    ¡°Tsk, Francis, why are you still struggling at this point? Leave thepany to us, and you can retire in


    peace!¡± The man looked kind, but he was mocking her father in actuality.


    ¡°Get out. I¡¯m not going to negotiate with people like you. You can¡¯t take mypany away from me.¡±


    Francis¡¯ chest was heaving, obviously angered by Lawrence¡¯s words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are, but please leave my father¡¯s ward.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, there! This must be your daughter! What a beauty!¡± Lawrence looked at Anastasia with a hint of


    lewdness in his eyes. One could tell with a nce that he looked like those perverted old men on the


    streets.


    Under his scrutinizing gaze, Anastasia felt goosebumps forming on her skin while she dismissed him


    coldly by saying, ¡°Please leave.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the rush, beautiful? I¡¯m just here to have a little chat with your father before I go.¡±


    Lawrence then looked at Francis and gloated, ¡°Look how the tables have turned! Thepany will finally


    be in my hands. Read the room, Francis. You should be enjoying life after working so hard all these


    years. Just give up on yourpany already! It¡¯ll be beneficial for the both of us, after all.¡±


    Once again, Francis was so furious that his chest started heaving. When she saw that her father was


    enraged, Anastasia recalled the doctor mentioning not to get him too emotional, or else it would trigger a


    full-blown heart attack. In the end, she couldn¡¯t hold back her anger and picked up the fruit knife on the


    table. ¡°I told you to leave! Do you hear me?!¡± she threatened.


    Lawrence was instantly frightened upon seeing this, so his assistant quickly held on to him.


    ¡°Whoa! You have a feisty daughter right here! It¡¯s not a bad thing to have such an overbearing stance at


    a young age. I like you,¡± Lawrence remarked while tossing Anastasia a smug look.


    Anastasia felt disgusted by him, but she didn¡¯t know how to handle this kind of person.


    ¡°Get out.¡± Anastasia took another step forward. Before Lawrence left, he didn¡¯t forget to provoke her


    father by saying, ¡°Francis, I¡¯ve said whatever I want to say. Don¡¯t push me into a tight spot!¡±


    After saying that, he nced at Anastasia and continued, ¡°I heard that you have two daughters. If both


    are equally beautiful, I¡¯m sure many people will be interested in them, heh.¡±


    Anastasia went over to shut the door, but Francis was still trembling from anger as he shouted, ¡°Even if I


    die, I will never leave mypany to a b*stard like him!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Dad. You have to take care of your heart!¡± Anastasia quickly went over to calm her father


    down.


    ¡°Do you think I can hand him thepany? I¡¯d rather beg Elliot to help us than let this b*stard acquire


    mypany! Anastasia, can you promise me that you¡¯ll ask President Presgrave for help, please? We


    need him to save us no matter what this time.¡± Francis was so anxious that he held both Anastasia¡¯s


    hands, wanting her to promise him.


    Anastasia was stunned for a few seconds, unable to give her father a reply.


    However, Francis looked at her with a desperate gaze and begged, ¡°I¡¯m aware that you know President


    Presgrave personally. Can you please promise me that you¡¯ll ask for his help?¡±


    Anastasia felt bitter. How could she tell her father about her difficulties?


    She knew that Elliot would help her if she asked. After all, he once promised her that he would help her


    father. However, she had already drawn a line between the both of them the night before yesterday.


    If she were to ask for his assistance now, it wasn¡¯t about her feelings of embarrassment, but rather her


    pride and dignity.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t promise me this, I¡¯ll make the call myself. I know you might feel embarrassed to ask because


    you¡¯re still young, but to me, my pride doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡± After letting go of her hands, Francis


    realized he couldn¡¯t put his hopes on his daughter anymore. At the end of the day, she was still a young


    woman.

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253


    Chapter 253 I¡¯m Thinking About Work and Grandpa


    Anastasia was conflicted. Seeing her father like this, she felt distressed and wanted to help him shoulder


    the burden.


    How could she bear to let her old father beg a young man like Elliot?


    Even if they were to ask for help, she should be the one doing it. Even if she lost her pride, it was better


    than letting her father lose his.


    However, Anastasia was distressed. On one hand, she was adamant about rejecting Elliot¡¯s


    compensation, but on the other hand, she was forced to ask for his help. Therefore, she was in a


    dilemma.


    Especially after seeing the nasty look on her father¡¯s rival, it seemed like her father wouldn¡¯t be able to


    swallow hisst breath if Lawrence acquired thepany.


    ¡°I promise you that I¡¯ll seek help from President Presgrave, so calm down, okay?¡± Anastasia could only


    reassure her father so that he would calm down and let his heart rest.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! In that case, I don¡¯t have to be worried.¡± Francis nodded his head, feeling much


    more at ease.


    As long as they had Elliot to back them up, Francis¡¯pany would certainly be saved.


    After a while, Anastasia checked her phone and was shocked by how much time had passed. ¡°Dad, I


    have to pick Jared up now. It¡¯ste.¡±


    ¡°What? Hurry up and go now! I¡¯ll ask Alex toe over instead,¡± Francis urged.


    With that, Anastasia left the ward and took a taxi to Francis¡¯ office to pick up her car. She also called the


    teachers at school to look after Jared while she rushed over.


    While Anastasia drove in the direction of the school, she felt as if there was a heavy stone on her heart.


    How was she going to ask Elliot about it?


    To her, that was the biggest problem on earth right now.


    In the evening, Elliot was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the president¡¯s office while


    holding a cup of coffee in his hands. As he elegantly sipped on his coffee, he stared into the distance


    with darkened eyes, looking like a beast that was waiting for its prey.


    Why wasn¡¯t Anastasia calling him for help yet?


    The acquisition process of her father¡¯spany had already started. Did Francis not mention anything


    about it to her?


    Elliot knew that Anastasia woulde and ask for his help sooner orter, so when she made such


    requests the night before yesterday, he agreed without hesitation.


    Everything was under his control for now, Anastasia¡¯s every move included.


    If there were no hups, she would most likely take the initiative to ask for his help. When the day came,


    he would do her a favor and return to her side.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia finally arrived at the kindergarten to pick her son up. He was thest one to leave


    the school, and when she saw him sitting pitifully in the yground with the building blocks, she felt bad


    for him. She called out to him tenderly, ¡°Jared, let¡¯s go home!¡±


    ¡°Mommy, can¡¯t you ask Mr. Presgrave toe and pick me up if you¡¯re not free?¡± Jared inquired while


    holding her hand.


    Anastasia reassured him, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t trouble others for our own matters. I¡¯ll pick you up on time from


    now on, alright?¡±


    Jared nodded at that. Although he was young, he knew how to feel sorry for his mother.


    When they reached home, Anastasia made a simple meal for Jared. She watched him eat his spaghetti


    with gusto, but she didn¡¯t have any appetite. Her mind was currently full of thoughts about her father¡¯s


    request to seek help from Elliot. How was she going to start the conversation?


    She wasn¡¯t able to!


    However, she couldn¡¯t dy the request any longer. The acquirer was aggressive, and now that her


    father had a heart attack, the doctor advised him to rx and be stress-free.


    While Anastasia was in a daze, Jared looked at her and asked, ¡°What are you thinking about, Mommy?


    Are you thinking about Mr. Presgrave?¡±


    Anastasia was taken aback by her son¡¯s sudden question. Since he was staring at her with his big eyes,


    she felt her cheeks getting warm as she lied, ¡°No. I was thinking about work and your Grandpa. He¡¯s


    fallen sick and is currently at the hospital now.¡±

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254


    Chapter 254 Calling Him


    ¡°What happened to Grandpa?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. He¡¯s just stressed out.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°In that case, please tell Grandpa to take care. I want to see him tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll bring you over to see him tomorrow.¡± Anastasia decided it would be a good idea for Jared to


    cheer her father up.


    ¡°Mommy, I think Mr. Presgrave is a good man. You should consider being his girlfriend,¡± suggested Jared


    as he blinked his eyes. He looked and sounded exactly like a worried old man to Anastasia.


    Meanwhile, the woman was amused to see her son acting like a grown-up, so she chuckled and ruffled


    his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want a boyfriend for now. All I need is you.¡±


    ¡°What if someone else snatches Mr. Presgrave away, though?¡± Jared asked anxiously.


    ¡°If he truly likes me, no one else will be able to have him. Likewise, if someone else can snatch him


    away, that means he doesn¡¯t like me,¡± answered Anastasia meaningfully.


    Upon hearing that, Jared seemed rather confused. He couldn¡¯t understand his mother¡¯s deep meaning


    behind those words, so he mumbled, ¡°What if Mr. Presgrave really likes you and not anyone else? If you


    don¡¯t marry him, won¡¯t he have to wait for a long, long time? Won¡¯t he feel lonely?¡±


    Anastasia was rendered speechless.


    A child¡¯s words could sometimes hit hard, and that made Anastasia silently wonder whether Elliot really


    liked her.


    Was he truly interested in her, or was he just doing this to repay her? There was no way for her to find


    out, and it felt like everything he did was out of gratitude.


    ¡°Jared, the adult world isplicated. You¡¯ll learn as you grow. Hurry up and finish your spaghetti!¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± answered Jared. He then wondered to himself, Mr. Presgrave likes me, and I like him too. Why


    can¡¯t Mommy understand that, though?


    After Jared went to his room to y, Anastasia cleared the table and sat on the sofa, feeling conflicted.


    The phone was right next to her, but she didn¡¯t dare to call Elliot.


    Her phone rang at that moment, and it gave her a shock. When she saw that it was her father who was


    calling her, she quickly answered the phone and said, ¡°Hi, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, have you called Young Master Elliot? What did he say?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ I-I haven¡¯t called him,¡± Anastasia stammered.


    ¡°Ah! I know it must be embarrassing for you to talk to him. Let me do it instead!¡± Francis no longer


    wanted to make it difficult for his daughter.


    ¡°No, Dad. I¡¯ll ask him. You just have to sit back and rest. I know him better than you, after all.¡± Anastasia


    didn¡¯t want her old father to beg him, and she thought it was more appropriate if she did it.


    ¡°Mypany depends on you now. Give me a call after you ask him, okay? I want to know his opinion


    too.¡±


    At first, Anastasia wanted to stall for some time, but now that her father had asked her to call Elliot


    immediately, she could only obey her father¡¯s instructions. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll let you know after I speak to him.¡±


    Anastasia felt tensed as soon as she hung up the call. Her whole body went numb, and she still couldn¡¯t


    figure out how to bring it up to Elliot.


    Now, begging him was even more difficult than epting death.


    After she grabbed her phone, she went into her room and shut the door. She sat beside her bed and took


    several deep breaths while looking down at her device. Finally, she found the courage to dial Elliot¡¯s


    number.


    When the call went through, Anastasia¡¯s mind was still nk. Suddenly, a deep yet gentle voice sounded


    over the phone. ¡°Hello.¡±


    Elliot knew that it was her, so he deliberately sounded gentler than he usually would at the office.


    Anastasia¡¯s mind was in a mess as she greeted, ¡°Good evening, President Presgrave¡­ Did I wake you


    from your sleep?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not even 9.00PM yet, and I haven¡¯t gone to bed yet.¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes, wanting to p herself. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to talk to him


    about the issue.


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡­ I¡¯ve called to ask you for a favor,¡± said Anastasia as she stuttered.


    ¡°Is it about the acquisition of your father¡¯spany?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. You were right; someone is targeting hispany, and the acquirer came to my dad¡¯s office to


    have a discussion today. However, my dad¡¯s blood pressure went up and triggered an acute heart attack,


    so I¡­¡± Anastasia pursed her lips.

 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255


    Chapter 255 He Doesn¡¯t Care About Us


    Anastasia was interrupted by Elliot¡¯s self-me. ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I should¡¯ve prevented this from


    happening, and then your father wouldn¡¯t have suffered.¡±


    ¡°How is it your fault, Elliot? I just want to ask if it¡¯s okay for you to help my father this time. If you can help


    my father settle the acquisition, I will do whatever you want to repay you,¡± blurted Anastasia.


    After all, one should be humble and put themselves at the lowest when asking for a favor.


    Elliot, on the other end, was silent for a few seconds, and when he spoke again, his voice was hoarse.


    ¡°Are you willing to do anything?¡±


    Somehow, Anastasia felt a current running through her body as her face heated up. Elliot didn¡¯t even say


    anything flirty, but she could feel her body going limp a little after hearing his words.


    ¡°Yes. I will do anything in my ability to repay you.¡± Anastasia shut her eyes and went all out this time.


    Anyway, she had no more pride in front of him anymore.


    ¡°Okay. I will settle your father¡¯spany acquisition. Tell him not to worry about it.¡± Elliot¡¯s voice sounded


    low yet powerful, reassuring even.


    It was as if everything he uttered would give anyone peace of mind.


    Breathing a sigh of relief, Anastasia thanked him, saying, ¡°Thank you, President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Call me Elliot.¡±


    His order sounded irrefutable, leaving Anastasia with no choice but to obey his demand.


    ¡°Thank you, Elliot,¡± Anastasia repeated, face burning hot.


    Elliot chuckled at that, asking, ¡°Does this mean we¡¯ve made up?¡±


    Anastasia fell silent for a moment when she recalled how she came to a resolute decision to draw lines


    with himst time. It was a painful p to her face now.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stop teasing you. Bye!¡± Elliot didn¡¯t want to embarrass her anymore, so he hung up the phone.


    Putting down the phone, Anastasiay down on her bed weakly and pulled the covers over her face.


    Ugh¡­


    However, she quickly regained her senses and called her father. After passing Elliot¡¯s message to her


    father, Francis sounded surprised. ¡°That¡¯s great news, Anastasia! Mypany has hope now! I feel


    reassured now that Young Master Elliot is willing to help us.¡±


    Anastasia understood how her father felt. Thepany was like his third child¡ªone he would never give


    up on.


    After hanging up the phone, Anastasia felt relieved because her father was fine now, so she didn¡¯t have


    to worry.


    In Tillman Residence, Erica noticed that her mother was sitting on the sofa thoughtfully after dinner.


    When she came downstairs, her mother was still there, so she sat beside her and inquired, ¡°Mom, are


    you worried about Dad¡¯spany?¡±


    Besides her husband¡¯spany, Naomi was also distressed because of her husband¡¯s conversation


    with Anastasia earlier. He said he would pass down thepany to Anastasia and then to Jared but


    never mentioned a word about Naomi and Erica.


    It seemed that he wasn¡¯t going to let them both have thepany anymore.


    ¡°Erica, I¡¯m sure you can tell who your father¡¯s favorite child. You should work harder.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean I don¡¯t work hard? Dad is always biased toward Anastasia, and she is also a cunning


    woman.¡± Erica couldn¡¯t admit that she was useless.


    Naomi was aware of her own daughter¡¯s ability, but she was too tired to criticize her, so she looked into


    her daughter¡¯s eyes with a serious gaze. ¡°Guess what I overheard from your father when I went back to


    get my bag this afternoon?¡±


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°Your father ns to let Anastasia¡¯s son inherit thepany, and he is also currently training Alex so that


    he will marry Anastasia in the future and help her manage thepany.¡±


    ¡°What about us? Mom, what about me? What do I get?¡± Erica was so anxious that she leaped up from


    the couch and looked at her mother.


    ¡°What else do we get if thepany is going to be passed on to Anastasia and her son? We don¡¯t get


    anything. Your dad never nned to leave us with anything. Hah! I finally see his true colors now. He


    only cares about Anastasia and his ex-wife. I guess our rtionship means nothing to him!¡± Naomi


    gnashed her teeth in anger.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256


    Chapter 256 A Meal With Anastasia


    ¡°We have to find a way to grab Dad¡¯spany, Mom! We can¡¯t let Anastasia and her son have


    everything. Dad has already been so cruel to us, so we shouldn¡¯t worry about him anymore.¡± Erica


    wanted her father¡¯spany desperately because no other asset wasparable to a listedpany


    worth several billion.


    Instantly, there was a sh of ruthlessness in Naomi¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re right, Erica! Your father is too harsh


    on us. He doesn¡¯t even care about us! You must inherit thepany. Will you take my advice, Erica?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I will! I will do whatever you ask me to.¡± Erica grew up under her mother¡¯s protection, so she


    believed that everything her mother did was for her own good.


    ¡°Then, seduce Alex and make him stand in line with us. He will be of big help to us when we decide to


    take over your father¡¯spany.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Erica grunted in disdain. ¡°Alex Hunter? He¡¯s just an insignificant finance manager under Dad¡¯s


    company.¡±


    ¡°But he is the sessor of thepany chosen by your father and Anastasia will depend on him in the


    future. Your dad has already been so cruel to us, so he can¡¯t me us for being unloyal to him one day.


    Alex will be really useful to us in the future.¡± Naomi looked at her daughter calmly, already having a rough


    n in her mind.


    ¡°Hmph! He¡¯s just a sore loser. Getting him to fall head over heels for me is easy-peasy. It¡¯s a blessing for


    him to have my admiration.¡± Though Erica was forced by her mother to seduce Alex, she despised his


    background from the bottom of her heart.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Having known someone like Elliot, who was high-up and elegant, there was no room for ordinary men in


    Erica¡¯s eyes. Even if she couldn¡¯t marry Elliot, she still had to marry into a wealthy family.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Dad¡¯spany going to be acquired, Mom? What if Dad no longer has hispany?¡± Erica


    inquired worriedly.


    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? The Presgrave Family is still indebted to Anastasia¡¯s mother, so they definitely won¡¯t


    sit back and do nothing. Once Anastasia asks them, the Presgraves will definitely lend a hand.¡± Naomi


    was certain that Anastasia would ask for Elliot¡¯s help.


    ¡°Anastasia wouldn¡¯t be so delusional to think that she can marry Elliot, right?¡± Erica inquired with


    jealousy.


    A worried Naomi thought that no matter what, the Presgraves would never ept a woman with a child.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think the Presgraves will take her in. They are just nice to her because they are repaying her


    mother¡¯s kindness. Besides, why would they want a woman with a child born out of wedlock?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Anastasia isn¡¯t even worthy of such a handsome and sophisticated man like Elliot.¡± Erica


    also thought that the reason why Elliot was nice to Anastasia was to repay her kindness and that he


    would certainly marry another woman in the future.


    In the early morning, Anastasia woke up, but she didn¡¯t catch a good night¡¯s sleep. After having


    breakfast, she brought Jared to the hospital to visit her father.


    When Francis saw his grandson, he was delighted and his mood had lightened so much that he was


    able to be discharged from the hospital by noon.


    Anastasia came out to the corridor, not wanting to interrupt the grandfather-and-grandson moment. Just


    then, Alex walked over with some fruits in his hands. ¡°Miss Tillman, I heard that you sought help from


    President Presgrave. President Tillman looks more rxed now.¡±


    Anastasia nodded, but her heart was heavy since asking for help came with a lot of pressure.


    Looking at her, Alex could feel a strong sense of admiration as he had fallen in love with Anastasia at


    first sight. No word could describe how much he liked her or loved her.


    At that moment, Anastasia was wearing a ruffled blouse paired with denim jeans. She looked casual yet


    stylish and her long hair was let down over her shoulders as it entuated her delicate face. All in all,


    she looked extremely attractive.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, let¡¯s have lunch together. I have already booked a restaurant to celebrate President


    Tillman¡¯s discharge.¡±


    ¡°Okay, sure!¡± Anastasia nodded.


    Hearing that, Alex was over the moon. He could finally sit down for a meal and have a proper


    conversation with her. Taking out a bottle of water from his bag, he handed it to Anastasia, offering,


    ¡°Here, drink some water.¡±

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257


    Chapter 257 We Must Repay Their Kindness


    Anastasia took the bottle and unscrewed the lid to drink it. Just then, footsteps were heard in the corridor,


    and they wereing from the corner of the elevator. Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but nce over curiously


    while drinking her water.


    Pfff! When she saw who it was, she instantly choked on her drink.


    It was Elliot and Rey who came uninvited.


    Elliot strode in with his strong and slender legs. At the same time, he exuded a powerful aura that forced


    anyone on his way to look at him.


    Why is he here?


    When he saw that Anastasia was standing beside Alex and was seemingly chatting with him, he


    narrowed his eyes dangerously. He didn¡¯t like the fact that men were always around Anastasia.


    ¡°President Presgrave, what brings you here?¡± Anastasia walked up to him politely.


    ¡°President Presgrave came because he is concerned about your father,¡± Rey exined with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern. My dad will be discharged by noon.¡± Anastasia looked at Elliot gratefully.


    ¡°Bring me over to see your dad,¡± uttered Elliot in a low voice.


    With that, Anastasia led him into Francis¡¯ ward. When she pushed open the door, she informed her


    father, who was ying with Jared. ¡°Dad, President Presgrave is here to see you.¡±


    Francis immediately felt overwhelmed. Beside him, Jared eximed, ¡°Is Mr. Presgrave here?¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Right then, Elliot entered the ward, his gaze turning gentle upon seeing Jared. ¡°You¡¯re here too, Jared!¡±


    ¡°Hi, Mr. Presgrave.¡± Jared walked up to him and held his hand before they both walked hand-in-hand to


    Francis¡¯ bed.


    ¡°Young Master Elliot, why did youe all the way? It must have been bothersome. Why did you buy all


    these gifts too?¡± Francis felt ttered because he was grateful that Elliot was willing to save hispany,


    so why would he stille all the way to visit him?


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. I was so worried when I heard that you were hospitalized.¡± Elliot looked at Francis with


    concern, and he was also aware that Francis was eager to know what would happen to hispany. ¡°I


    already settled the acquisition of yourpany.¡±


    ¡°So soon? How did you do it?!¡± Francis eximed in astonishment. ¡°Did Lawrence agree to give up on


    acquiring mypany?¡±


    Rey, who was standing at the side, smiled while answering, ¡°Old Master Tillman, you might not know


    about it, but President Presgrave has long been worried that yourpany will be acquired, so he has


    prepared for this beforehand. We¡¯ll acquire theirpany soon, so you don¡¯t have to worry about it


    anymore.¡±


    Hearing that, Francis was shocked yet relieved. At the same time, he also witnessed the power of wealth


    and power. That was the cruel reality of the business world that resembled a battlefield. Like a food


    chain, the strong ones would feed on the weak ones. Though hispany was small, Lawrence¡¯s


    company eventually couldn¡¯t escape the fate of being acquired by another biggerpany.


    Standing on the side, Anastasia was also dumbfounded. Elliot acquired Lawrence¡¯spany?! When


    she thought about how the old man bragged and yelled in front of her father yesterday, she could finally


    breathe a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern. I¡¯m really grateful for your efforts.¡± Francis was so overwhelmed that his


    eyes turned red. He looked into Elliot¡¯s eyes as if thetter were a parent who provided for him all their


    life.


    At the same time, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but cast a look of gratitude at Elliot. She wasn¡¯t capable of


    supporting her father, but Elliot managed to boost up her father¡¯s confidence in front of his rival.


    ¡°This is what I should do, Mr. Tillman.¡± Elliot stayed true to his words that he would do anything for the


    Tillman family.


    Jared, who was standing beside Elliot, seemed to have sensed the atmosphere. He hugged Elliot and


    raised his head at him, saying, ¡°You¡¯re a good man, Mr. Presgrave. You saved Grandpa¡¯spany and


    even helped my mom out a lot.¡±


    ¡°Haha. I¡¯m doing this willingly.¡±


    ¡°Mommy, you said we should be grateful to anyone who helps us and repay their kindness. Now that Mr.


    Presgrave helped us, do you have to repay his kindness?¡± Jared didn¡¯t know that the Presgrave family


    was indebted to his grandmother, so based on his understanding, his mother had to repay Elliot¡¯s


    kindness.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Jared! We must repay their kindness if they help us!¡± Anastasia took the opportunity to


    educate her son.

 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258


    Chapter 258 Elliot Will Join Us


    ¡°So, how will you repay Mr. Presgrave¡¯s kindness?¡± Jared inquired out of curiosity.


    ¡°Erm¡­ I-I need some time to think about it.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you marry Mr. Presgrave, Mommy? You can be his wife and take care of him,¡± Jared


    suggested loudly.


    In a hurry, Anastasia rushed over to cover Jared¡¯s mouth, but she heard Francis chuckling. ying along


    with his grandson, Francis joked, ¡°Jared is right.¡±


    Rey couldn¡¯t help but chime in, ¡°President Presgrave actually needs someone to take care of him.¡±


    On the contrary, Alex stood aside with a stiff smile because he wasn¡¯t having any of it.


    Anastasia blushed in crimson as she pulled her son over and uttered, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t talk nonsense,


    Jared.¡±


    When Elliot¡¯s gaze was locked on Anastasia, his eyes were dark. He looked like a wild beast wanting to


    hunt her down.


    Under broad daylight, Anastasia was so flustered that her face turned red. She quickly felt shy because


    her father was also there.


    Seeing that his mom¡¯s face had turned red, Jared quickly shut up.


    ¡°Young Master Presgrave, if you¡¯re not in a hurry to head back, stay back for lunch with us!¡± Francis


    offered.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Elliot nodded.


    Alex¡¯s eyes darkened at that. He was nning to get close to Anastasia through the lunch gathering


    later, but Elliot came out of nowhere and disrupted all his initial ns.


    Coming from an ordinary family, Alex desperately wanted to improve himself. He didn¡¯t want to live at the


    bottom of the hierarchy as his parents did. However, with his connections and ability, it was difficult for


    him to break out of the bottom level of the social hierarchy.


    When he met Francis and heard that he had two daughters, he found a shortcut to sess. He thought


    he could marry into the Tillman family and be the sessor to Francis. That would help him leap


    out of his predestined fate.


    There were two daughters in the Tillman household. Alex had met Erica before, but he knew that Francis


    didn¡¯t value her. Instead, the eldest daughter in the family, who had been mysterious all this while, caught


    his breath when he first saw her at the banquet.


    Alex was aware that Francis wanted to train him into being his sessor and intended to introduce his


    eldest daughter to him. When he heard that, he was overjoyed. He would be achieving the peak of his


    life when he had both Francis¡¯pany and his daughter.


    Despite that, he never expected that Elliot would be the most powerful obstacle to his sess.


    Elliot, who stood at the top of the food chain, also admired Anastasia! Alex heard that Anastasia¡¯s mother


    sacrificed herself to save him, so he had always been doing his best to repay the Tillman family. It was


    also a coincidence that Elliot was attracted to Anastasia.


    ¡°Alex,e here. Let¡¯s switch to a ssier restaurant. President Presgrave and his assistant will be


    joining us for lunch.¡± Francis looked at Alex while instructing him.


    At that moment, Alex had mixed feelings, but he still had a conscientious expression on his face. Smiling,


    he replied, ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll book another restaurant right now.¡±


    Alex then proceeded to leave the ward with his phone. Standing outside the ss window, he red at


    Elliot with resentment in his eyes.


    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t I book the restaurant and bring President Presgrave over? I¡¯ll ask Mr. Hunter to bring


    you over once the documents for discharge are ready,¡± suggested Anastasia.


    Francis nodded and agreed, saying, ¡°Sure. You should leave first. Ask Alex toe in.¡±


    Anastasia pushed the door open and said to Alex, ¡°Mr. Hunter, I¡¯ll book the restaurant. You can help my


    dad with the discharge process, and I¡¯ll text you the addresster.¡±


    ¡°Sure, Miss Tillman.¡± Alex nodded. When Anastasia turned around, he couldn¡¯t hide the affectionate gaze


    he had for her.


    After Anastasia brought her son, Elliot, and Rey out of the ward, they headed toward the car park. Elliot


    instructed Rey to drive Anastasia¡¯s car, while Anastasia and Jared took his car.


    Anastasia hadn¡¯t bought a child safety seat yet, but Elliot had it in his car, so she agreed to Elliot¡¯s


    arrangement after considering her son¡¯s safety.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    By 12.00PM, they arrived at the fancy restaurant.


    Francister brought Alex along, and once they were done with their orders, they started chatting.

 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259


    Chapter 259 He Has Nothing on Elliot


    Francis mentioned his feud with Lawrence in passing, and the revtion shocked Anastasia. It turned


    out that Lawrence used to be her father¡¯s business partner when thepany was first established.


    Later, Lawrence used thepany¡¯s public funds to gamble, which Francis found out about. Then,


    sometime after serving a one-year sentence in jail, Lawrence earned a load of ck money and used it


    to enter themercial industry to exclusively steal Francis¡¯s businesses and clients. In the end, it was


    thanks to Elliot that Francis managed to bag a lot of orders and projects while Lawrencey low for a few


    years before resurfacing as an acquirer.


    Anastasia knew she had Elliot to thank for saving her father from a horrible fate once again.


    ¡°Here¡¯s to you, Young Master Elliot.¡± Francis raised his wine ss toward Elliot.


    With that, Elliot got up and clinked his ss against Francis¡¯s humbly. As Anastasia watched Elliot drink,


    she couldn¡¯t help worrying about his stomach. It was why she was particr about the spiciness level


    when she ordered the food.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Tillman. As long as I¡¯m around, yourpany will be fine,¡± Elliot promised.


    ¡°I feel absolutely rxed, knowing I have your help. It¡¯s just that I feel bad to keep asking for your help.¡±


    At that, Francis turned to Anastasia. ¡°Anastasia, you should toast Young Master Elliot too!¡±


    To men, toasting someone meant that they respected that person.


    However, Anastasia thought otherwise and smiled. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t drink so much. Here, have some food.¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mon, toast Young Master Elliot. He has done us a great favor.¡± Francis urged his daughter.


    Left with no choice, Anastasia poured a ss of wine and toasted Elliot. ¡°Here¡¯s to you, President


    Presgrave.¡±


    Elliot brought the ss to her and clinked it against hers elegantly. Anastasia didn¡¯t realize it, but she got


    visibly worried when she saw him down the entire ss of wine. However, Elliot noticed it, and he


    couldn¡¯t help smiling in response, clearly pleased with her reaction.


    Anastasia leaned toward Elliot, and so did he when he noticed she seemed to have something to tell


    him. From Anastasia¡¯s angle, his longshes covered his eyelids, blurring his sharp, cold features.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help gawking a little, for his tenderness right then carried a hint of alluring charm.


    ¡°Watch your stomach,¡± Anastasia whispered.


    Elliot said nothing buttched his fathomless gaze at her and blinked, indicating he got it.


    ¡°Here, Young Master Elliot, have some food.¡±


    Meanwhile, Rey and Alex chatted away, and it was then they realized they had studied at the same


    university one year apart. Alex envied Rey¡¯s job, for Rey surely would have a bright future when he could


    work for someone like Elliot.


    However, Alex was a little greedier, for he didn¡¯t just want a high sry but also a broader future. What


    was more, he was good at concealing his ambitions. Hence, he was a hard-working, aspirant young man


    in Francis¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Young Master Elliot, Anastasia is working in yourpany. I hope you can look after her.¡± Francis tried


    to put in a good word for his daughter.


    ¡°I will.¡± Elliot nodded. Oh, how he wanted to take good care of her, but what could he do when she kept


    rejecting his kindness?


    Just then, a thought popped into Francis¡¯s mind, but he suppressed it in two shakes. As outstanding as


    Anastasia was, she still wasn¡¯t enough for someone like Elliot. Besides, she had a son. No way would


    rich families like the Presgraves ept a woman who had given birth before marriage. Hence, he didn¡¯t


    dare hope Anastasia would develop any romance with this rich young man.


    Jared sat next to Elliot, and Elliot would check up on the little guy from time to time, adding whatever


    Jared liked to his te.


    Alex¡¯s worry grew when he saw Elliot¡¯s behavior toward Jared. Is Elliot trying to win Anastasia¡¯s heart? If


    that was the case, he had no chance against Elliot at all! What was more, he hadn¡¯t even confessed his


    love for her. She has no clue I like her!Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260


    Chapter 260 She Can¡¯t Just Sit and Do Nothing


    Alex could tell Anastasia might stand on ceremony with Elliot, but she cared deeply about Elliot.


    After dinner, Alex went to pay the bill, only to learn that Rey had already done so. With that, he went


    back to the table to tell Francis. ¡°President Tillman, President Presgrave had already paid the bill.¡±


    ¡°What?! Young Master Presgrave, I should be the one paying the bill!¡± Francis felt horrible. How could he


    continue to let Elliot spend the money?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Mr. Tillman; we¡¯re all family here.¡± A hint of a smileced Elliot¡¯s eyes as he looked


    knowingly at the young woman next to Francis.


    Anastasia reflexively lowered her head and retorted inwardly, Who¡¯s family with you?!


    On the other hand, Francis couldn¡¯t thank Elliot enough. But just then, Francis got a call from his office,


    saying there was something he needed to see to urgently. It was only when Anastasia watched how her


    father kept shaking Elliot¡¯s hand and thanking him again and again that she realized how rude she was


    to Elliot.


    Look at what she had done when even her father behaved differently around Elliot, fearing that Elliot


    experienced any remiss.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She had no respect for him from the moment they met, and she even found him repulsive. Even at this


    point, she still saw him as an equal, in no way any more superior than her.


    But now, looking at how her father behaved toward Elliot, she realized how horrible she had been acting


    toward Elliot.


    It was time for Anastasia to go home as well. With that, she went up to Elliot. ¡°Thank you for today,


    President Presgrave. I should take Jared home now.¡±


    However, he had other ns. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go shopping instead? I¡¯d like to get Jared some toys.¡± With


    that, he picked the little guy next to him up and headed toward the mall.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Anastasia called out anxiously and chased after them with resignation.


    Later, they arrived at the Lego store. Whatever Lego set Jared looked at and expressed his liking for,


    Rey would take one box for him, and in the blink of an eye, the cart Rey was pushing behind Jared


    already had a good few sets of Legos.


    ¡°President Presgrave, you¡¯re going to spoil Jared. This is already plenty enough.¡± Anastasia had to stop


    Elliot from splurging further.


    Elliot, who was still carrying the little guy in his arms, still wanted to pick out a few more sets. But


    Anastasia¡¯s bright, insisting gaze told him she was serious. With that, he turned to Rey and said, ¡°This


    will be all.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, can I y over there?¡± Jared pointed at the y station aside, hoping he could y with


    the other children there.


    As soon as Elliot put Jared down, the little guy dashed toward the y station. A gentle smileced


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes as she watched her boy ying happily.


    When she looked up, she was surprised by the pair of dazzling eyes staring right at her, melting her


    away.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a few beats, and hershes instantly fluttered in difort, unsure of where


    to look.


    Even if Elliot didn¡¯t look at a woman with a tender gaze, he could already have her falling head over


    heels for him, so which woman could say no to him if he softened up?


    After paying for the Lego sets, Anastasia thought it was time for Jared and her to go home. With that,


    Elliot told her to drive safely before leaving with Rey.


    After returning home, Jared yed with his new Lego sets on the carpet, minding his own business, and


    Anastasia took this opportunity to work on her sketches. Now, all she had to design was Elliot¡¯s ne.


    But she wasn¡¯t happy with any of the designs she came up with that night. Worse, her mind was


    everywhere, and she couldn¡¯t focus.


    Back in the Tillman Residence, Naomi called Francis to ask about Tillman Construction¡¯s fate. He


    naturally didn¡¯t hide anything from her, telling her Elliot had stepped in and thepany wouldn¡¯t be


    acquired.


    Naomi heaved a sigh of relief after hearing the news. Francis¡¯spany had been saved, so now she


    had toe up with a n to seize thepany for herself. She couldn¡¯t just sit idly by and get nothing


    in the end.


    Meanwhile, Hayley was waiting for Elliot¡¯s phone call in thevish mansion. It had been two days since


    she told Anastasia to give him the ne, but Elliot had never given her a call at all.

 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261


    Chapter 261 Lunch With Nigel


    Hence, Hayley could only make the call. It was a Saturday, so Elliot should be at home. Meanwhile, Elliot


    was in his mansion, about to rx after a video conference when his phone rang. He checked it to find it


    was Hayley.


    With that, he answered. ¡°Hi, Hayley.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, did you get my ne?¡± Hayley spoke in a sweet and joyous tone.


    ¡°Yeah, I did.¡±


    ¡°Can you please put it on? See it as preventing bad luck,¡± she pleaded coyly.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Elliot asked concerningly. He was a human, after all.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had a tarot card readingtely, and the fortune teller told me my Mercury¡¯s in retrograde. So the man


    I love and I will have to wear the ne at the same time for the bad luck to go away. Elliot, can you


    wear it for a month for me?¡± Hayley pleaded and didn¡¯t forget to add, ¡°Pretty please with a cherry on


    top?¡±


    Of course, Elliot didn¡¯t believe in such superstitions. With that, he frowned and said, ¡°You can leave the


    ne with me for a month, but I¡¯m not used to wearing nes.¡±


    ¡°Then how about three days? Just wear it for three days, or even one will do. Please, Elliot. I¡¯ve been


    feeling terribly sick these past couple of days. Yesterday, I mmed my finger on a car door, and now my


    tummy hurts.¡± Hayley recounted her misfortunes.


    ¡°Well, you take care of yourself. I¡¯ll keep your ne safe and return it to you a monthter.¡± Elliot


    wasn¡¯t going to wear it no matter how, for he didn¡¯t want Anastasia to see it.


    ¡°Oh, okay. Can you treat me to dinner tonight, then?¡± Hayley could only act aggrievedly, seeing that Elliot


    wouldn¡¯t wear the ne, no matter how she begged.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    However, he declined without a second thought. ¡°I¡¯m busy tonight. I have a meeting.¡±


    ¡°When are you avable then? I miss you so much.¡± Hayley whined like a neglected wife.


    But it only got Elliot¡¯s brow furrowing deeper. ¡°Hayley, don¡¯t waste your time on me. You should go out


    more, make some friends and find a guy you like to spend the rest of your life with.¡±


    ¡°No, Elliot. You¡¯re the only one I like. I will never be able to love any other man but you.¡± Hayley


    eximed her love like she had been triggered.


    Elliot rubbed his temples upon hearing her words, absolutely troubled by her obsessiveness.


    ¡°Hayley, I¡¯m a little busy now. We¡¯ll talk about this some other time; I don¡¯t want to keep you from your


    life.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be waiting. You have to call me.¡± Hayley wanted his promise.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m free.¡± With that, he hung up.


    After the call ended, Hayley panted slightly as she sat on the couch. She had just boldly confessed her


    love for Elliot. No matter whether Elliot rejected her or not, she had to make him hers. After all, it was a


    fact that she used Anastasia¡¯s body to sleep with him.


    A white war unfolded every day in the unpredictablemercial industry. Right then, Lawrence was


    sitting in his office, face paled with terror. Hispany was also suffering the fate of being acquired, and


    the acquirer was the world-renowned Presgrave Group.


    An eye for an eye. Presgrave Group maliciously acquired hispany just as how he had done it to


    Tillman Constructions.


    ¡°There must be a reason Presgrave Group would have their eyes on the country¡¯s mere construction


    material business. Go and find out. I want answers,¡± Lawrence ordered his men as rage crept up his fat


    cheeks.


    ¡°If I go out of business because of you, Tillman. I¡¯ll drag you down with me.¡± Hostility filled Lawrence as


    he cursed. He surely was no decent guy when he could get to where he was today.


    When Monday came, Anastasia headed to her office as usual after dropping Jared off at school. While


    driving, she got a call from Nigel asking if they could have lunch together.


    Of course, she said yes. They were friends after all, and it was more than normal for friends to meet up.


    During lunch, Anastasia didn¡¯t tell Nigel what nearly happened to her father¡¯spany but only talked


    about Jared and her troubles at work.

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262


    Chapter 262 Lawrence Wants to Get Back at My Dad


    ¡°Anastasia, if you¡¯ve encountered any trouble at work, don¡¯t hesitate to tell Elliot. Go ahead and bother


    him. If he doesn¡¯t deal with it, tell me. I¡¯ll give him a piece of my mind.¡± Nigel was all enthusiastic when it


    came to giving his cousin trouble.


    Anastasia chuckled in response. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. My projects won¡¯t escte to his level.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not just talking about your projects. You have colleagues too. Just have Elliot fire whoever you


    despise.¡± He didn¡¯t want her to have a hard time at work.


    ¡°Please, Nigel. The office is a ce for work, not for me to bully people.¡± Anastasia waved her hand.


    Just then, her phone rang, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw the caller ID¡ªit was Elliot.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering? Who is it?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t hide it from Nigel.


    ¡°Give it to me. I¡¯ll answer it.¡± With that, he grabbed her phone.


    ¡°Hey. Nigel¡­ No nonsense, please!¡± Anastasia¡¯s heart raced as Nigel took her phone away, for she


    knew he was a man of mischief.


    However, it wouldn¡¯t be Nigel if he didn¡¯t cause a little bit of trouble. ¡°Hey, Elliot. Anastasia can¡¯te to


    the phone right now. Just talk to me.¡±


    ¡°Why are you two together?¡± Elliot asked monotonously.


    Though Nigel had already given up fighting for Anastasia¡¯s love, he still couldn¡¯t help but want to mess


    with his cousin. ¡°Why? Are you scared that I¡¯ll take her for myself?¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°Hand the phone to her. This is important.¡± Elliot wasn¡¯t in the mood to joke.


    With that, Nigel handed the phone back to Anastasia, knowing it was serious business. ¡°He wants to talk


    to you!¡±


    After taking the phone, she got up and went aside. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Your father¡¯s enemy, Lawrence, has done many evil deeds and has even been in jail. For your safety,


    I¡¯ve decided that you and Jared should live with me for now.¡± Elliot cut to the case.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡± Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened with incredulity. ¡°Live with you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged for Jared to go to a prestigious private kindergarten. The security there is tight.


    You don¡¯t have to worry about his safety there,¡± he said gravely.


    ¡°Thanks, but I don¡¯t want to trouble you further. I¡¯ll be extra careful.¡± Anastasia thought she couldn¡¯t keep


    troubling him and that she should take matters into her own hands.


    ¡°Anastasia, what¡¯s more important, Jared¡¯s safety or your ego?¡± Elliot hit the roof.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, President Presgrave.¡± With that, she hung up.


    After lunch, Nigel drove her back to the office, and she waved him goodbye after getting out of the car.


    When Anastasia was about to go into the lobby after seeing Nigel¡¯s car drive away, she sensed a pair of


    eyes staring at her. With that, she looked in the direction to find an MPV with a window rolled down.


    Inside, a man was watching her as he took a drag.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    When their eyes met, the man didn¡¯t even look away but sized her up lecherously. He took another drag


    and exhaled the smoke toward Anastasia before smiling menacingly at her.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and Elliot¡¯s warning popped into her head. Is that guy really


    Lawrence¡¯s henchman? Is he really intending to get back at Dad, and now he has his eyes on me?!


    With that, she dashed into the lobby and headed straight to the elevator, hitting the eighth floor¡ªthe


    president¡¯s floor.


    Aftering out of the elevator, Anastasia went straight to Elliot¡¯s office. Before entering, she checked


    with one of his assistants. ¡°Is President Presgrave in?¡±


    ¡°The president had just arrived. He¡¯s inside,¡± the assistant answered.


    With that, she knocked on the door, and a husky male voice came from inside. ¡°Come in.¡±


    Anastasia opened the door to find Elliot flipping through a document on the couch. Thete fall afternoon


    sun shone in, enveloping his shadowy figure with ayer of golden rays.


    ¡°President Presgrave, I have something to discuss with you.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t dare act carelessly


    anymore. After seeing that spotter, she began growing nervous. Ever since having Jared, the slightest


    signs of danger would have her jumpy.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Elliot put the document down.


    ¡°There¡¯s a spotter at the entrance. I suspect he works for Lawrence. How did you learn that Lawrence


    wants to get back at my dad?¡± Anastasia asked with absolute worry.

 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263


    Chapter 263 What¡¯s Most Important Is Her Son¡¯s Safety


    ¡°He¡¯s always been on my radar, so I know everything he¡¯s doing.¡± Elliot looked up with beaming


    confidence in his eyes.


    It wouldn¡¯t surprise Anastasia that this man would have full control and perfect nning over everything


    he did. So she believed him when he said Lawrence might get back at her father.¡±I¡¯d like to take an


    extended leave.¡± Anastasia thought she should go into hiding for some time. She had to ensure Jared¡¯s


    safety, even if she had to sacrifice work. More than that, she had to remind her father to be extra careful


    lately.


    Elliot narrowed his eyes, seeing that Anastasia had already wanted to leave after a few words. ¡°Rx.


    I¡¯ve sent my men to pick Jared up and made the necessary arrangements to keep your father safe. I¡¯ve


    got you covered.¡±


    Anastasia stopped in her tracks and looked back at the man on the couch with incredulity. He had taken


    Jared away?!


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my son?!¡± she asked in shock.


    ¡°He¡¯s at my home right now. From now on, you and Jared have to stay at my ce. Don¡¯t run around. Do


    you think you¡¯ll be safe just because you go into hiding? Lawrence once roamed the underworld; he has


    powerful connections.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat reflexively. He has already arranged everything?!


    ¡°Thanks, but I can protect Jared myself.¡± Anastasia thought she should turn down his kindness. As


    dangerous as things might get, there was bound to be somewhere she and Jared could hide.


    ¡°So far, only I can give you and Jared absolute safety.¡± Elliot looked over at her, exceptionally confident.


    ¡°I¡ª¡± Just as she wanted to retort, he cut her off. ¡°Has it urred to you that you and Jared will be


    Lawrence¡¯s best target if he really wants to get back at your father?¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart stopped beating for a split second, shocked. Surely Lawrence has a solid degree of


    social influence when he can acquire a few construction materialpanies in one go, while she¡¯s just a


    mere woman. Will she really be able to keep her son safe?


    Elliot softened up, seeing that she was still deliberating. ¡°I really like Jared, and I don¡¯t want anything bad


    to happen to him. I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t, too.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Anastasia sighed and looked toward him. ¡°It makes me feel bad that my family and I have to


    keep troubling you.¡±


    ¡°You think you¡¯re troubling me, but I don¡¯t. I¡¯m most at ease when you guys are with me. I won¡¯t feel good


    either if anything happens to you guys.¡± Elliot looked deeply into her eyes.


    Anastasia fell silent for a moment, struggling to decide before she finally looked up at the man in front of


    her. ¡°Then Jared and I will have to bother you for some time.¡±


    ¡°Protecting you guys is something I should do.¡±


    ¡°Have you told my dad about this?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll send my men to keep an eye on the situation at your dad¡¯s,¡± Elliot reassured her.


    Anastasia¡¯s jumpy heart had now calmed thanks to him. It was like he had the power to make people


    trust himpletely.


    ¡°Thanks. I should go and ask Felicia for a leave.¡± With that, she headed out, calling her father in the


    meantime.


    Francis wasposed, having gone through most things in life. He was happy to learn that Elliot would


    protect his daughter and grandson, so he reminded, ¡°Anastasia, don¡¯t feel bad and don¡¯t let Young


    Master Presgrave think his kindness is for nothing. You and Jared just stay by Young Master Presgrave¡¯s


    side with peace of mind!¡±


    ¡°You be careful too, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me! I¡¯ve been through most things in life already. Situations like this are inevitable in


    themercial industry,¡± Francisforted.


    In actuality, the only reason Francis could act so calmly was that he had Elliot¡¯s help. Even if Lawrence


    was no good guy, he couldn¡¯t do just anything he wanted in front of the Presgraves.


    Later, Anastasia lied to Felicia, saying she wanted to look after her father for a week, and Felicia


    approved her leave without a second thought. But she hoped Anastasia could finish the order worth ten


    million during her time off.


    And Anastasia couldn¡¯t help feeling awkward. She wondered how Felicia would react if she knew this big


    client was the great President Presgrave upstairs.


    After all that was settled, Anastasia decided to head home and pack some clothes before hiding at


    Elliot¡¯s. When something like this had happened, no ego in this world was more important than her son¡¯s


    safety anymore.

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264


    Chapter 264 I Will Do Something to You


    Anastasia went back to the office after a quick pack-up and then called Elliot through the inte.


    ¡°What time are you leaving? I¡¯d like to see Jared.¡±


    ¡°Meet me down at the basement car park in ten minutes,¡± Elliot replied.


    Ten minutester, Anastasia moved the two suitcases from her car into Elliot¡¯s trunk. Rey, the assistant,


    now became Rey, the chauffeur, driving Elliot and Anastasia back to Elliot¡¯s ce as the two sat in the


    back seat.


    Anastasia was still reeling at the fact that she had to stay with Elliot for some time while she watched the


    view outside the window. s, what to do when life throws you a curveball?


    ¡°Take a good rest while you¡¯re at my ce,¡± Elliot said, the joy beneath his fathomless eyes


    unconceble.


    However, Anastasia still felt bad for troubling him. ¡°Sorry for intruding, President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± Elliot¡¯s face rxed as he thought, How can you call this intruding?! He¡¯d die to have her


    move in with him.


    In actuality, he deliberately made things sound more severe than they actually were. Yes, Lawrence¡¯s


    men were digging into Francis¡¯s rtionship with his family, but Lawrence himself was in deep sh*t right


    now, for he was pulling every possible connection to remove himself from a few women-missing-from-


    nightclub cases.


    And if Anastasia hadn¡¯t spotted the spotter so coincidentally, he wouldn¡¯t be able to take her home so


    easily.


    Anastasia gradually spaced out as she continued to watch the view outside the window. Then, when her


    current situation popped back into her head, she looked over to Elliot to find he was looking out the


    window and musing as well. Sigh, his handsome side profile was a sight to behold as well. After gawking


    for a few seconds, she looked away with a flushed face.


    Elliot¡¯s mansion upied the city¡¯s best terrain, for it was located near the sea and the hills. Plus, it was


    built on high grounds, so it was the perfect spot to watch the stars or view the cityscape. The entire


    mansion took up nearly half the hill, and it was designed by a renowned architect as well.


    Anastasia had the privilege ofing once before, but she left in a hurry. This time, she managed to


    admire the view along the journey to the top of the hill. Amidstte fall, the mansion looked like a


    crouching gray giant.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Right as Anastasia got out of the car, she heard a familiar voiceing from the yard¡ªit was Jared!


    Pleasantly surprised, she followed the voice to a garden, and through it, she found Jared ying ser


    with two bodyguards on the field.


    The little guy had no sense of strangeness, ying happily as though he was in his own home, and it got


    Anastasia mortified. This child is way too approachable!


    ¡°Jared!¡± she called out to him.


    ¡°Mommy! You¡¯re finally here!¡± Jared beamed in surprise and trotted to his mother when he heard her


    voice.


    Anastasia pulled him closer and wiped the sweat off his forehead. ¡°Is it really that much fun?¡±


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave said we¡¯ll be staying here for some time. Is it true?¡± Jared looked at Anastasia


    with his big, round, innocent eyes.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t want him to know the reason behind it for fear that he¡¯d have trouble socializing in the


    future. With that, she made up an excuse. ¡°Yeah, because we have to fix some things at home, so we¡¯ll


    have to crash at Mr. Presgrave¡¯s temporarily.¡±


    ted, the little guy nodded. ¡°Yay! We can live with Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    Anastasia, on the other hand, had mixed feelings about this. She kept saying no to the debt he kept


    trying to repay, but at the same time, she constantly had to ept them. Would her mother get upset if


    she found out in heaven?


    Anastasia felt absolutely awful. However, her circumstances weren¡¯t giving her options.


    She let Jared go back to his ser while she entered the foyer. A few servants were busying away, and


    when they saw Anastasia, they greeted her, saying, ¡°Miss Tillman.¡±


    It seemed that the maids here had found out she and Jared would be living here for some time and even


    learned who they were.


    Just then, Elliot approached her from the wing and said, ¡°I¡¯ve told them to prepare you and Jared each a


    room.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s totally fine if Jared shares a room with me,¡± she said hurriedly upon hearing his words.


    To that, he teased, ¡°What are you worried about? That I¡¯d do something to you?¡±


    Mortified, she deliberately said, ¡°No, I trust you¡¯re a fine gentleman, President Presgrave. You surely


    won¡¯t take advantage of my vulnerability.¡±

 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265


    Chapter 265 This Is Your Office


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Smart girl. The kid¡¯s bedroom is right next to yours. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t do anything to you,¡± Elliot


    reassured Anastasia as he headed upstairs.


    Anastasia followed behind him to find not only the kid¡¯s bedroom and hers were next to each other, but


    Elliot¡¯s room was on the same floor as well, and very close at that.


    Her luggage had already been brought up. With that, Elliot said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask the servants to help you sort


    your luggage out.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can do it myself.¡± Anastasia wasn¡¯t used to ordering servants around.


    Elliot nodded at that and let her get to her luggage. After sorting out her own luggage, she put Jared¡¯s


    clothing in the kid¡¯s bedroom. At the end of the day, Jared was a growing boy. Though he hadn¡¯t reached


    the age where they had to start setting boundaries, it was time to start training his independence.


    Anastasia took a break after sorting everything out, and Hayley¡¯s warning popped into her head.


    However, she couldn¡¯t care less anymore. If Hayley dared bring that b*stard to her son, she¡¯d


    immediately send that b*stard to jail. She would never forgive him for defiling her back then!


    She would never forgive him for traumatizing her. That man deserves to rot in hell! Even if he was


    Jared¡¯s biological father, she would show him no mercy.


    When Anastasia came to the living room balcony on the second floor, she discovered that she could see


    Jared ying from there. With that, she sat down and enjoyed the view. Meanwhile, the servants brought


    some fruits and afternoon tea over almost instantly. This is an A+ service right here.


    Sometimeter, Elliot came to the balcony and sat next to her, watching the little guy y on the field.


    ¡°Jared seems to like my ce a lot.¡±


    ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t like avish mansion?¡± Anastasia retorted with a chuckle.


    ¡°So, are you saying you like it too?¡± he asked.


    Elliot¡¯s question got her choking for a second, but she didn¡¯t choose to lie. ¡°Of course.¡±


    With that, he suggested with a quirked brow, ¡°Why don¡¯t I give you a chance to own it, then? Marry me,


    and this mansion will be yours.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s mind turned nk for a few seconds, and she tried to steer away from the subject, offering


    him a piece of watermelon.¡± The watermelon¡¯s really sweet, President Presgrave. You should try it.¡±


    Elliot took the piece of watermelon from her with some indignation. However, he didn¡¯t press on after


    taking a bite, for he didn¡¯t want to scare her away when she had just arrived.


    ¡°You sure have a lot of servants, President Presgrave!¡± Anastasia gushed. She had already seen about


    seven or eight of them from the moment she came.


    At that, Elliot narrowed his eyes a little and exined, ¡°They¡¯ll all leave in a bit. Normally, only two


    servants woulde to make breakfast and dinner.¡±


    Then, he was reminded of something, and with that, he turned to Anastasia. ¡°C¡¯mon, let me show you


    your studio.¡±


    Stumped, she asked, ¡°What studio?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when you see it.¡± Elliot got up and headed back inside, acting all mysterious.


    Curious, Anastasia followed behind him to a double door on the other end of the floor, facing the yard.


    Elliot pushed the door open, letting the evening sun shine in, giving the room life. The space was


    decorated with nts and an elegant ivory work desk. What was more, the panoramic window wall


    overlooked the sea. Coupled with cozy furnishing, it surely was a designer¡¯s ultimate studio.


    What a sight to behold. Surely no creative professional would say no to such a studio. It would be a treat


    to work in this space, as all the worries would disappear in a snap.


    While Anastasia was taking it all in, Elliot¡¯s deep voice came beside her. ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    How could she not?! But still, she turned to him. ¡°I can make do and work in my room. You didn¡¯t have to


    go through all the trouble of preparing a studio for me.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as ¡®make do¡¯. This will be your office from now on, and I¡¯m still waiting on my


    ne!¡± Elliot narrowed his eyes and looked at her with aspiration.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t stand on ceremony anymore. She would only be staying here for a while,


    anyway.

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266


    Chapter 266 She Would Love a Man With All Her Heart


    They had a hearty dinner that night, and by dinnertime, Jared was sweating buckets from having so


    much fun. Seeing so, Elliot ruffled the child¡¯s hair affectionately and asked, ¡°Jared, do you like my


    ce?¡±


    ¡°I do!¡± Jared said as he stuffed his mouth full like a chipmunk.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help chucking under her breath in response. Great, Jared likes his house and his


    food!


    After dinner, she brought Jared upstairs for a shower. The refreshing bath and a blow-dry of his short hair


    made the little guy even more handsome.


    Anastasia had packed some Legos for him, so Jared entertained himself with them on the sofa in his


    bedroom. Meanwhile, she went back to her room and stood in front of the French windows that


    overlooked the night cityscape. A stunning light show was on disy within the forest of tall buildings,


    making it a sight to behold.


    She went to check on Jared at around 9.30PM and she couldn¡¯t help chuckling because the little guy had


    fallen asleep on the couch with the Lego bricks in his hands; his stomach was t on the couch and his


    legs were touching the floor.


    With that, she carried him to the bed, tucked him in, adjusted the air conditioning, gave him a peck on his


    forehead, and headed out before leaving the bracket light by the door on.


    Right as she came out, Elliot happened to be walking toward her from the study and he asked in a soft


    voice, ¡°Has Jared fallen asleep?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he has,¡± Anastasia whispered as she looked up at him. A hint of weariness enveloped Elliot after


    a day¡¯s work, making him look exceptionallyzy instead of the usual aloof guy that he was.


    ¡°You should turn in early too, President Presgrave,¡± she said warmly before entering her room.


    However, just as she closed the door, Elliot pushed it open and she couldn¡¯t help being stumped while he


    entered her room and carried a hint of intimidation with him.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat reflexively, for he would always behave recklessly back in her home


    and now, they were at his ce. He hadn¡¯t stuck to this habit still, had he?!


    ¡°Do you need something from me, President Presgrave?¡± Anastasia asked, feigning calmness.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t said goodnight to me.¡± It was just a bloody random excuse.


    She immediately said ¡®Goodnight¡¯ upon hearing so.


    Elliot smirked in response. ¡°Are you that afraid of me?¡± he asked as he sat cross-legged on the couch.


    ¡°Are you worried that I¡¯ll eat you up?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re no beast, President Presgrave. You wouldn¡¯t eat a human being.¡± Anastasia decided to y


    dumb.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong because I would.¡± He didn¡¯t want her to exalt him constantly.


    She knew well that she wouldn¡¯t be able to chase him out anytime soon, so she sat on the edge of the


    bed to face him. ¡°President Presgrave, my father and I are indebted to you, and we¡¯ll definitely repay


    your kindness in due time.¡±


    Before she knew it, her family had already owed him so much.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to repay any of it, but if you insist, I want¡­¡± Elliottched his gaze on the woman on the


    bed as he spoke.


    She was like a rose that had just bloomed at night under the lights and her features made her oval face


    stunning and alive. Her beauty was rare, for she would look stunning with either light or heavy makeup,


    and she could already have men falling for her even with just the light makeup.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia looked curiously at him, waiting for what he would say next.


    ¡°You,¡± he said firmly.


    She blushed upon hearing his words, vexed that she had let her curiosity get the best of her. The hell, he


    wants me?! What flirtatious words!


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia knew she had to chase him out now. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, President Presgrave. You should get


    some rest.¡±


    Of course, Elliot knew she was going to do that. Hence, he got up and said ¡®goodnight¡¯ to her before


    leaving.


    Anastasia heaved a sigh of relief as she watched the door close, but what in the world was she actually


    afraid of? That he would behave recklessly or that her unyielding heart would get lost in him?


    If she didn¡¯t have a son, or that incident five years ago had not happened, she would surely love a man


    with her entire heart¡ªthe ¡¯till death do us part¡¯ kind of love.


    Now, with Jared by her side, she didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with love. It wasn¡¯t that she had trust


    issues, but she had parental duties.

 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267


    Chapter 267 Protection


    Elliot was a good person, and he was also nice to Anastasia¡¯s son. Still, he wasn¡¯t Jared¡¯s biological


    father, so even if he could love her son unconditionally now, no one knew if this would change in the


    future.


    She dared not bet on it. She always saw online news of women who remarried, but their children were


    shunned by the husbands¡¯ families. All in all, it would be best for single women with children to never get


    married.


    At the Tillman Residence, Francis returned home after a busy day at work. As soon as he reached home,


    he summoned his wife. ¡°Tell Erica toe down. I have something to say.¡±


    Naomi went upstairs and called her daughter over. Then, the two sat on the couch and looked nervously


    at Francis¡¯ stern expression.


    ¡°Hubby, what happened?¡±


    ¡°Lawrence might get revenge on me. So when you and Erica go out these days, be extra careful, or just


    don¡¯t leave the house if possible,¡± Francis reminded them in a serious tone.


    ¡°Why would he get revenge on us?¡± Erica asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Why else? Hispany was bought by Presgrave Group, and he dared not take it up to Presgrave


    Group itself, so he could only vent his hatred on me. Just stay at home for the time being.¡±


    ¡°What about Anastasia? Have you informed her about it?¡± Naomi asked casually. She thought that if


    Lawrence really wanted his revenge, he should do it to Anastasia and her son. Lawrence better kidnap


    the child and maybe get the child involved in a fatal ident or something.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Francis didn¡¯t understand the ulterior meaning of his wife¡¯s words, of course. He even thought she was


    worried about their eldest daughter! A smile shed across the depths of his eyes as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t


    worry about Anastasia and Jared. They are in a very safe ce.¡±


    Erica was a little jealous as she said, ¡°Dad, where have you taken them to hide?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not me who took them somewhere safe; Anastasia and Jared are living in Elliot Presgrave¡¯s home


    right now. They have countless bodyguards, and their security system is top-notch. No matter how skilled


    Lawrence is, he won¡¯t dare to mess with the Presgraves.¡± Francis even felt somewhat proud as he


    spoke.


    Naomi and Erica exchanged nces. Erica was obviously green with envy. How did Anastasia get so


    lucky that she would have the chance to live in Elliot¡¯s home?


    She got so close to Elliot, so she could use every tactic she knew to seduce Elliot as much as she liked!


    ¡°How lucky she is! And that child too, getting to live in Elliot Presgrave¡¯s home.¡± Naomi humphed in a


    weird way.


    ¡°Anastasia probably got her luck in exchange for her mother¡¯s life.¡± Francis sighed. When he recalled his


    previous wife¡¯s heroic actions, he felt something weighing on his heart as well.


    Erica went back to her room, an unspeakable hatred inside her. She grabbed her phone and dialed


    Hayley¡¯s number, intending to vent to thetter.


    When Hayley received Erica¡¯s call, she was already lying in her luxurious bed. She couldn¡¯t go to sleep


    because of her troubles. She had money, a huge house, and a luxurious car now, but there was no one


    she could show off to. She could only put on airs in front of strangers, but she couldn¡¯t show off to those


    people who used to look down on her and trampled her.


    ¡°Hello, Erica.¡±


    ¡°Hayley, are you free now? I want to chat.¡±


    ¡°Of course! About what?¡±


    ¡°That b*tch Anastasia.¡± Erica immediately swore in anger. ¡°Do you know what a good life she¡¯s having


    right now? Hayley, do you know the Presgrave Family? That super rich one.¡±


    ¡°Yes. They own that skyscraper in the city center called Presgrave Corporation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, Presgrave Corporation. Their current president is someone named Elliot Presgrave. Has


    Anastasia told you before? Her mother died trying to save Elliot, and now Elliot is repaying the kindness.


    Anastasia and her illegitimate son are now living such a good life that it pisses me off.¡±


    ¡°Oh! How did the Presgraves repay her kindness?¡± Hayley asked curiously.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it in terms of something close to me. My dad¡¯spany was almost bought by someone


    else, right? It¡¯s the young master of the Presgrave Family who spoke up and resolved the situation. Now,


    the person who tried to buy my dad¡¯spany is trying to get revenge on him, so my mom and I are told


    not to go out in the meantime. But do you know where Anastasia went with her son? They went to live in


    Elliot¡¯s vi, and they¡¯re under his protection now!¡±

 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268


    Chapter 268 Middle of the Night


    Erica was furious as she spoke, and Hayley, too, was so enraged that she breathed heavily. She was


    both angry and terrified that Anastasia would move into Elliot¡¯s house with the excuse of hiding from


    danger.


    Hayley thought she had managed to threaten Anastasia, but thetter didn¡¯t even take her warning


    seriously. If Erica hadn¡¯t told her, she would have no idea that Anastasia was living with Elliot right now


    and could be close to him 24/7.


    ¡°Say, Hayley, what if Anastasia suddenly marries Elliot one day? Will she get her revenge on us?¡± Erica¡¯s


    voice pulled Hayley back from her raging fury.


    ¡°Of course, Erica. If she obtains power, we will never live in peace. When that happens, she will trample


    both you and me, and we¡¯ll never recover in our entire lives.¡±Hayley wanted to incite Erica¡¯s fear so that


    she would do something about Anastasia.


    ¡°Then what do we do, Hayley?¡± Erica finished talking, then said right out, ¡°Do you know? My dad is trying


    to let Anastasia and her son inherit thepany behind my and my mom¡¯s backs. We¡¯ll get nothing.¡±


    Hearing that, Hayley hastily advised, saying, ¡°Erica, you and your mom have to guard against Anastasia.


    Perhaps this isn¡¯t your dad¡¯s intention at all. Anastasia might be ying tricks behind the scenes, so your


    dad could do nothing but let her have thepany.¡±


    ¡°I think so too. If not, why would my dad let that mongrel inherit thepany?¡± Erica was quite simple-


    minded, and she believed everything Hayley said.


    ¡°Erica, are you very sure that Anastasia has moved into Elliot¡¯s house?¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Of course I am! My dad said it himself.¡± Erica was so pissed that she felt her internal organs writhing.


    Hayley gripped her nket tightly, ripping the high-quality silk fabric. The fear in her heart had


    manifested in the depths of her eyes. Even if Hayley pretended to be the victim five years ago, had fate


    still pulled Anastasia and Elliot together?


    No, she had to change this fate. She had to get the position of Young Mistress of the Presgrave Family. If


    Anastasia got the position instead, Hayley¡¯s life in the future would be a disaster.


    Perhaps when Anastasia had obtained power, she would make Hayley disappear entirely from the face


    of the earth. This would no longer be a question of the quality of life: her life itself would be in danger.


    In Elliot¡¯s vi, Anastasiay on the bed, tossing and turning as she tried to sleep. Perhaps it was the


    new surroundings, or perhaps the scenery outside was too beautiful. Either way, she couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Anastasia got up, intending to check on her son to see if he had kicked his nket off. She quietly


    creaked open the door and went out. As soon as she opened the door to her son¡¯s room, she was


    startled by the man behind the door. She was about to scream when the man¡¯srge hand covered her


    mouth, and she was pinned against the wall.


    Elliot was wearing gray pajamas with his chest exposed, so his full, attractive muscles were on disy.


    The strong and muscr shape looked exceptionally alluring under the lighting, causing Anastasia to


    look away in her panic, blushing.


    Why would Elliot be in her son¡¯s room in the middle of the night?


    Elliot gave her a ¡®shh¡¯, then removed his palm from her mouth. He pulled the door open and led her


    outside.


    As soon as Anastasia got out, she struggled free of his grip and questioned in a tiny voice, ¡°Why are you


    in my son¡¯s room?¡±


    ¡°I was worried that Jared would wake up in the middle of the night because of his new surroundings, and


    he might get scared. That¡¯s why I came over to check on him,¡± Elliot said in a low voice, looking at the


    woman who was also in pajamas.


    Anastasia never expected to bump into him in the middle of the night. Hence, the pajamas she was


    wearing were of the silk and suspender sort. She didn¡¯t even wear her bra, and under the light, the man


    could see certain shapes.


    Anastasia realized this a little toote, and she hastily covered her chest in fear. She warned in a low


    voice, ¡°Don¡¯t look.¡±


    Elliot had seen all he wanted to see. A satisfied smile crept onto his lips because he had noints


    about the size and shape.


    Anastasia had seen him pulling the nket back on her son, so she didn¡¯t have to go in anymore. As she


    turned around to go back to her room, the man¡¯s long arm hooked onto hers and pulled. She turned right


    on the spot and fell into the man¡¯s chest.


    Anastasia felt a little dizzy as she ran into his firm chest. When she looked up, she met the man¡¯s


    lowered and staring gaze. The lights in the corridor blurred the man¡¯s cold outline, and he actually


    looked¡­ gentle.

 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269


    Chapter 269 A Kiss and a Plot


    It was seductive and hypnotic, and Anastasia was dumbfounded for a while.


    Anastasia struggled as if her life depended on it, unwilling to lose her sense of self in those eyes.


    However, right then, the man was already reaching out greedily and touching her exquisite face. ¡°Miss


    Tillman, it¡¯s such a wonderful night. It will be a pity if we don¡¯t do something romantic.¡±


    Anastasia was in Elliot¡¯s arms now, enveloped in his fragrance. She was invaded by the fiery light in the


    depths of his eyes, letting down her guard a little. She fought to get her sense of reason back and


    reached out to push him away.


    However, in the next second, the man lowered his gaze and cut off all her chances of escape. He kissed


    her forcefully, his tongue exploring her mouth and stealing her sweet essence.


    This is horrible! Anastasia thought, but she felt her determination wavering. She was also holding back


    when she pushed him just now. What¡¯s going on?


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but curse her hesitation, which was why this man thought her a vulnerable victim.


    That was why he would take advantage of her in the corridor in the middle of the night. But this man¡¯s


    kiss wasn¡¯t something she hated.


    She actually experienced a sense of wonder and expectation. This man had dug out her hidden


    excitement and awakened her sleeping passion.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    The kiss was like a fire that burned Anastasia¡¯s reasoning away. Some timeter, in addition to their


    already loosely clothed bodies, the man¡¯s more dangerous spot had startled Anastasia back to her


    senses. She would only permit one kiss, and anything further than that would be considered crossing the


    line.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte¡­ Go to sleep!¡± Anastasia struggled and finally broke free of him, then turned her back


    on him, expressing her rejection with her entire being.


    Elliot didn¡¯t force her. He just leaned in close to her ear and spoke in his alluring voice. ¡°Whatever we left


    off tonight, I will continue in my dreams.¡±Anastasia felt her mind explode. This man even wanted to


    dream of such things? When she turned around, only the aura of the man¡¯s hormones remained. The


    man himself had left.


    It was just one sentence, but Anastasia couldn¡¯t stop blushing about it.


    She felt dizzy as shey on the bed, and the kiss came to her mind as soon as she closed her eyes. Her


    body was heating up for some reason.


    What was wrong with her? She went to sleep in a daze, and she could no longer differentiate dreams


    from reality. No matter what, she was blushing both in and out of sleep.


    The next morning, Anastasia opened her eyes and noticed that it was alreadyte in the morning. She


    got out of bed in annoyance at the absence of her biological clock.


    She went downstairs and prepared breakfast for the servants, whereas her son and Elliot were in the


    field. The little guy fell in love with this patch of grass, and once he got hold of a ser ball, he could


    y there all day.


    It had been a long time since she had time to rx and enjoy the morning. Anastasia found a spot from


    where she could watch her son y ser, and then she sipped her morning coffee as she watched her


    son run around in the sunlight. This was one of her happiest moments as a mother.


    However, Anastasia still felt her attention drawn to the man in sports attire. He was wearing a gray top


    paired with ck sweatpants. As he stood among the grass, he appearedrge, mighty, and imposing.


    There was a constant, strong, and domineering aura about him.


    Anastasia bit her lip and couldn¡¯t help but recall what happenedst night. She was once again troubled,


    and she made up her mind that such things must never happen again.


    Never!


    She then mocked herself. She had sworn the exact same thing more than once, but it always seemed to


    fail. When faced with this man, no single oath she swore could be kept.


    In another vi area, Hayley didn¡¯t get much sleep throughout the night. Her eyes were red as she took


    her phone and dialed Daniel¡¯s number. As soon as the call went through, she ordered, ¡°Daniel, I want to


    see Elliot. Help me think of a way.¡±


    On the other end of the line, Daniel thought for a few seconds before answering, ¡°This Saturday, Old


    Madam Presgrave will be celebrating her 70th birthday. President Presgrave is already preparing for it,


    so you can find an opportunity to let him know that you want to attend and celebrate Old Madam


    Presgrave¡¯s birthday.¡±


    Hayley was ted. ¡°Really? Then what should I do?¡±


    ¡°You can look through old news articles; there should be reports of the exact time of Old Madam


    Presgrave¡¯s birth. You can ask President Presgrave to bring you to the celebration with him. He¡¯ll most


    probably agree,¡± Daniel suggested.

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270


    Chapter 270 Invitation


    Pleasant surprise shed across Hayley¡¯s eyes, but she kept her tone cold as she said, ¡°Got it. Report


    these things to me of your own ord next time. Don¡¯t wait until I ask.¡±


    Join Telegram Group For Fast update and Novel Query


    ¡°Understood, Miss Seymour.¡± Daniel was extremely submissive.


    After ending the call, Hayley took up her iPad and began looking for old news articles. Just as expected,


    she found an article dated two years back, a promotion article for Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s 68th birthday


    celebration. The celebration was quite grand that year, and it was all over the news.


    A look of hatred appeared in the depths of Hayley¡¯s eyes. It was apparent that Anastasia would be


    attending as well.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia had a seriousck of sleepst night. She felt sleepy as soon as she finished


    breakfast, and as she basked in the sunlight of thete fall, she began to nod off a little. After a slight


    nap, she heard footsteps, so she opened her eyes to see a smart figure getting close to her.


    She immediately sat up and gazed at him, trying to look energized.


    ¡°How long did you stay upst night?¡± The man sat down beside her, a suggestive smile in his eyes.


    He was arge part of the reason she lost sleep.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Anastasia said stubbornly.


    ¡°My grandmother will be celebrating her 70th birthday this Saturday. I want to invite you and Jared over


    to join in the festivities,¡± Elliot started, his gaze tightly locked on her.


    Anastasia blinked, then shook her head. ¡°We won¡¯t be going.¡±


    ¡°My grandma told me specifically to bring you and Jared, and also invite your father along.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Anastasia cried in surprise, ¡°My dad is also on the list of people to invite?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve already sent the invitations. He¡¯sing.¡± Elliot nodded.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but think of another problem. If her father was attending, then Naomi and her


    daughter might take the opportunity toe as well.


    If the Presgraves didn¡¯t mention her father specifically, then the mother-daughter duo would definitely tag


    along to have a look.


    As they spoke, Anastasia¡¯s phone rang. She gave it a look and realized that it was a call from his


    grandmother.


    ¡°A call from your grandmother.¡± Anastasia looked nervous as she held her phone.


    ¡°Answer it. She must be inviting you to her birthday celebration.¡± With that, Elliot got up and walked


    toward the little guy practicing his kicks on the field.


    Anastasia picked up the call. ¡°Hello, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, are you busy? Has Elliot told you about my birthday celebration?¡±


    ¡°Yes, President Presgrave did,¡± Anastasia replied in a respectful tone.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be waiting for you!¡± Harriet thought she would definitelye.


    Anastasia was going to decline, but when faced with Harriet¡¯s enthusiasm, she really didn¡¯t know how to


    say no.


    ¡°Your father will being over as well. It¡¯s a good chance for me to meet your family,¡± Harriet


    continued.


    ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the gift. I¡¯ll be happy enough to see you attend. I¡¯ve been looking forward to meeting


    your son, so remember to bring him, all right?¡±


    Anastasia changed her thinking. Her father would be there as well, and she only had to join in the


    festivities and eat something nice. It was easier to ept than to decline the invitation, so she smiled


    and said, ¡°Of course! I¡¯ll definitely be there.¡±


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll get Elliot to make the arrangements.¡±


    After hanging up the call, Anastasia secretly wished that her father woulde alone, but she didn¡¯t


    have a right to interfere with her father¡¯s decisions.


    At the Tillman Residence, Francis was having lunch at home. Naomi prepared some dishes, and after a


    few sips of alcohol, Francis couldn¡¯t help but mention, ¡°Naomi, I¡¯m joining Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s


    birthday celebration this Saturday, so get me a decent outfit for the asion.¡±


    Naomi¡¯s eyes lit up as she asked immediately, ¡°Are you the only one invited? What about me and Erica?¡±


    ¡°Why would you go?¡±


    Erica was anxious at the side. ¡°Dad, I want to go too. I want to see what it¡¯s like.¡±


    Naomi thought that the Presgrave¡¯s banquet would be a gathering of talented and famous people. It was


    a golden opportunity for her daughter to make friends in this situation, so it was a good thing for her


    daughter. What if a rich young man took a liking to her daughter?


    ¡°Francis, Erica and I will go with you!¡±


    ¡°Their guests are all top figures from the upper ss. Don¡¯t humiliate me now.¡± Francis shook his head.

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271


    Chapter 271 An Invitation to Attend Harriet¡¯s Birthday Celebration


    ¡°Dad, please! Just let us attend the event! I want to go there.¡± Erica pouted her lips, demanding her


    father to go along with her.


    ¡°Just do us a favor and let us explore around, Francis. The ce is going to be crowded with guests by


    then, so no one is going to notice us. I promise we won¡¯t give you any trouble.¡± Naomi sincerely


    beseeched Francis.


    Realizing he had been neglecting Naomi and her daughter all this while, Francis eventually softened up


    when he thought to himself about how rare the asion was. ¡°Fine. Remember to wear something


    decent.¡±


    Later that afternoon, Erica and her mother happily went shopping at the apparel shop, during which she


    texted Hayley to unt her good news. ¡®Erica, guess where I¡¯m going this Saturday?¡¯


    ¡®Where are you going?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m going to apany my dad to Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday feast.¡¯


    ¡®Are you free tonight, Erica? Let¡¯s meet up!¡¯ Hayley responded by asking.


    ¡®Alright!¡¯ Erica agreed to meet up with Hayley, thinking they were just going to catch up with each other


    like old friends did.


    In the meantime, Hayley, who was reading Erica¡¯s message, was surprised to find out how lucky Erica


    was to attend Harriet¡¯s birthday celebration. For that, she knew Erica and Elliot would surely run into


    each other by then and was determined to exin everything to Erica so that her friend wouldn¡¯t


    embarrass her by ident. After taking a look at the time, Hayley reached for her phone and dialed


    Elliot¡¯s number.


    On the other hand, Elliot was skimming through his emails in his study when he saw his phone vibrating


    on the table. Upon taking a glimpse of it, he reached for it and said, ¡°Hello, Hayley.¡±


    ¡°Let me ask you something, Elliot. Is Grandma¡¯s birthday this Saturday?¡± Hayley probingly asked.


    ¡°How did you know about that?¡± Elliot frowned and asked in a deep voice.


    ¡°I happened to stumble upon Grandma¡¯s birth date when I was reading a news article that was published


    two years ago. After doing a little calction, I realized it¡¯s this Saturday, so will she be celebrating her


    birthday?¡± Hayley asked in excitement.


    ¡°Yes, she will.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s awesome! I remember Grandma was asking me when I¡¯ll be visiting her against time, so I


    suppose her birthday makes a perfect opportunity for me to visit her, Elliot. Maybe I could drop by and


    celebrate with her,¡± Hayley happily said.


    ¡°Hayley, the ce is going to be full of guests, so I don¡¯t think I can make sure you¡¯re well received.¡±


    Elliot implied in his tone that he was reluctant to let Hayley attend the event.


    ¡°Don¡¯t have to worry about me, Elliot. I¡¯ll be good, and I can take care of myself¡­ Or is it because you


    don¡¯t want me to be there? Am I really a shameful presence to you? I know my modest background may


    have always been a disgrace to you, but¡­ I really want to attend Grandma¡¯s birthday feast. I just want to


    be there to give her my blessings. Is that too much to ask for? Can you grant me my wish?¡± Hayley


    spoke with a bitter voice, making herself sound sympathetic.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll arrange it.¡± Elliot continued to say, ¡± But you mustn¡¯t stir up trouble during the feast at all


    because Anastasia and her son will be there as well. So, try to stay away from them as much as


    possible.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Elliot. I promise I¡¯m only there for Grandma¡¯s birthday. I¡¯ll behave myself and stay away from


    trouble.¡± Hayley obediently agreed to behave well.


    Soon, Elliot hung up the call, thinking his responsibility was nothing more than making sure Hayley


    wouldn¡¯t have to worry about her own livelihood.


    Meanwhile, Hayley was stung by Elliot¡¯sst few words, although she had already received permission to


    attend Harriet¡¯s birthday feast. After all, the answer to who was more important between Anastasia and


    her in Elliot¡¯s heart was obvious enough the moment the man Elliot told her to avoid Anastasia. Why


    should I be the one who stays away from Anastasia?


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Soon, Erica and Hayley met up at a western food restaurant in the city, where Erica showed off the


    nightgown she was going to wear during Harriet¡¯s birthday feast. Then, Hayley stared at her friend and


    said, ¡°Erica, there is something I want to tell you, but promise you¡¯re going to keep it a secret. Can you?¡±


    ¡°Speak your mind.¡± Erica looked at her while sipping her juice.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to attend Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday feast too.¡±


    ¡°Pff!¡± Erica spat out her juice, and her eyes were left wide open in disbelief. ¡°What did you just say?


    You¡¯re going to attend Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday feast too? H-How can you¡­?¡±

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272


    Chapter 272 A Common Enemy


    Erica stammered and asked, ¡°There is something I¡¯ve been wanting to tell you. Fate has brought me


    together with the Presgrave Family. I once saved someone from the Presgrave Family, and now they¡¯re


    repaying me by taking good care of me, which is why I¡¯ve been invited to Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s


    birthday feast.¡±


    ¡°Tell me how you got to know the Presgrave Family. What have you done to make them appreciate you


    so much?¡± Erica curiously asked, wondering how Hayley got so lucky to know the Presgrave Family.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t tell you why right now, but I know we both have something inmon to do when we


    get there¡ªto turn the Presgrave Family against Anastasia. We¡¯re going to make them hate her so much


    that she¡¯ll never live it down again,¡± Hayley said.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Erica echoed Hayley¡¯s feelings and expressed her thoughts of resentment. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. We


    must work together and undermine Anastasia¡¯s rtionship with Elliot because she must never marry


    into the Presgrave Family.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll figure out a n, so just cooperate with me by then.¡± Hayley was usually the mastermind with ideas.


    In the meantime, Erica had always known Hayley was a shrewddy, so she nodded her head in


    agreement. ¡°You can be sure I will because I want to humiliate Anastasia during the feast just as much


    as you do.¡± Although Erica had no idea how Hayley got to know the Presgrave Family, she received a


    present, which was a ne worth 500 thousand, from Hayley before they left. Upon receiving the


    ne, Erica fell in love with her new gift and was instantly bought over by Hayley. Because of that,


    she didn¡¯t even bother to learn more about the rtionship between Hayley and the Presgrave Family as


    she was now thinking about how to warm up to Hayley. Guess what? I mustn¡¯t look down upon Hayley


    anymore.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was sitting in her office while working on her draft design on azy


    afternoon. With inspirations and ideas flowing through her mind, she added some modifications to Elliot¡¯s


    ne to make it look thicker so that it would entuate the wearer¡¯s manliness. However, as she


    continued to work on her draft design, she suddenly felt like drawing the man¡¯s face out of a whim.


    Although Elliot seemed like the perfectly handsome man who looked wless from all angles, she


    wanted to draw the man when he toasted her thest time with his gentle eyes showing on his face.


    Thus, she proceeded to spend her entire afternoon drawing Elliot. Needless to say, she would not say a


    single word about the portrait to anyone because she intended to admire it herself and kill boredom.


    In the meantime, Elliot had spent his entire afternoon in a conference meeting in his study while the child


    was busy ying with his Lego in the game room. Upon taking a look at the time, he stood up and


    walked out of the study, wondering what Anastasia was doing since his study was on the same floor as


    Anastasia¡¯s office. Therefore, he decided to find out and walked toward her office.


    Meanwhile, Elliot¡¯s portrait came to life on the piece of paper, thanks to Anastasia¡¯s skillful drawing.


    Then, she went on to amend his eyebrows a little, making them seem less hairy because the man had


    thick and long eyebrows. Now, his eyes look perfect. After amending the eyebrows, the man in the


    drawing looked so vivid as Anastasia admired her own masterpiece with a teacup in her hand, wondering


    how biased fate was to let a man so handsome like him exist.


    At that moment, Anastasia heard someone knocking on the door, so she quickly grabbed anything


    around her to cover her draft before she looked at the door and said, ¡°Come in.¡± When the door was


    open, Elliot¡¯s charming silhouette came into view, causing an anxious look to sh across Anastasia¡¯s


    face. Nheless, she stood up and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Is my ne design ready?¡± Elliot asked, leaning closer to thedy¡¯s desk.


    Anastasia passed the draft she had justpleted to the man. ¡°Here you go. Take a look and see


    whether you like it.¡±


    Elliot took a closer look at the draft, admiring the beauty and elegance when the ne chains


    intertwined together. At the sight of the wonderful masterpiece, he nodded his head satisfactorily and


    said, ¡°Not bad. I like it.¡±

 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273


    Chapter 273 A Portrait of Elliot


    ¡°Is there anything else that you think needs some changes?¡± Anastasia asked.


    ¡°Nope. This draft will do. Send it to Felicia right away and have it made.¡± Elliot put down the draft and


    noticed a pile of other draft papers. ¡°What else are you working on?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ N-Nothing,¡± she stuttered as she walked toward the window to open it and leave it ajar upon


    finishing her words. After all, she wanted to experience the chilly breeze grazing across her cheeks, but


    when she did that, she was greeted by a strong rush of wind that flew into the room. For that, the papers


    on her desk were scattered all over the ce, except the one that was pinned down earlier.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Anastasia was overwhelmed by her panic and came over to pin the paper down, but the gust of


    wind carried the papers along with it and left them scattered all over the ground, which amused Elliot.


    At that moment, he suddenly recognized that one of them was not a nk piece of paper that happened


    to billow in front of him, so he extended his arm to catch it. Meanwhile, she bent over to pick up the


    papers, desperately looking for the one that she didn¡¯t want Elliot to see, but when she looked up once


    again, the paper she had been searching for was already in Elliot¡¯s hand.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t see it! Give it back to me!¡± Anastasia charged at the man to snatch the paper away, but


    Elliot had raised his hand up high with the drawing in it to keep the paper out of her reach. Although he


    hadn¡¯t been able to see what she drew, thedy¡¯s desperation only made him even more curious to find


    out who she had just drawn.


    In the meantime, Anastasia made a few futile attempts by jumping to reach her drawing, but to no avail.


    Soon, when Elliot looked up and set his eyes on the portrait, he finally understood why she wanted to


    snatch the paper from him because the person she was secretly drawing was¡ªhim.


    Then, he passed the paper back to her. ¡°You can have it back.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t read too much into it. I-I was just being bored.¡± Anastasia held the draft paper in her hand, her


    cheeks blushing bashfully.


    The man curled his lips upward happily. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m aware of that. You think about me when you get


    bored.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not true. I was just¡­ practicing my drawing skills, and since you are handsome, your face


    makes a perfect choice for portraying. That¡¯s how simple it is.¡± Anastasia was tongue-tied and stuttered


    as she spoke.


    ¡°Are you saying I look handsome to you?¡± Elliot folded his arms and leaned closer to thedy with his


    face to unt his good looks to her.


    In the meantime, Anastasia agreed with the man because his handsome looks were not a secret at all.


    ¡°Nigel is handsome too, but why didn¡¯t you draw him?¡± he asked with a smile, trying to make her admit


    he was important to her.


    Since she was unable to talk her way out, she decided to admit it and said, ¡°Yeah. Yeah, you¡¯re right. I


    like drawing you. If you like it so much, you can have it.¡±


    ¡°I like it a lot, so I guess I¡¯m going to keep it then! In fact, I¡¯m going to hang it on the wall in my room.¡±


    Elliot finished his words and took the paper from her hands. ¡°I¡¯m going to keep it nicely as a token of


    appreciation for your¡­ good faith.¡±


    Anastasia was rendered speechless upon hearing his request. After all, she was annoyed by the man¡¯s


    narcissism, even though she had already made it clear that she only drew him out of a whim.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to check on Jared now.¡± Feeling too embarrassed to stay with Elliot, Anastasia quickly pushed


    the door open and walked away. However, what she didn¡¯t know was that the man¡¯s eyes were still glued


    to the portrait at her desk for what seemed like an eternity with a pair of tender eyes on his face.


    Since the next day was Saturday, Anastasia finished her dinner and supervised her son, who was doing


    his homework. At the same time, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder where she could rent her nightgown for


    the event tomorrow because most of her attire was casual and formal wear, which was why she didn¡¯t


    seem to have anything suitable to wear for the asion. Also, she didn¡¯t ask her father whether Naomi


    would be attending that event with her daughter because she reckoned that was Francis¡¯ business.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Later that night, Elliot took over Anastasia¡¯s job and put Jared to sleep on her behalf by ying Rubik¡¯s


    Cube with him to tire him out. On the other hand, Anastasia was in her room, reading the text messages


    on her phone to kill time until she went to bed.


    Despite the vast range of short videos that were avable to watch on the inte, she couldn¡¯t help but


    feel empty on the inside. After all, she was upied by her work and apanied by her son during the


    day, but when the sun went down, she began to feel lonely.

 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274


    Chapter 274 The Influence of Alcohol


    Anastasia turned off her phone and let her mind wander, eventually returning to that man. She felt the


    men in the video earlier, who were showing off their bodies,cked something, despite the fact that they


    added a lot of filters and effects to the video. Elliot is far superior.


    Oh! Why did I think about him again? She closed her eyes, wanting to get the thought of him out of her


    head.


    Their rtionship was a mess to her. They kissed and moved in together, but they were just friends.


    Everything he said and did, including how close he got to her, felt surreal.


    Shecked the courage to either push him away or get closer to him, fearing that everything he did was


    simply to repay her debt or to satisfy his sudden romantic interest in her. And there was one thing she


    had to face¡ªhe had slept with Hayley.


    She sat down, frustrated, and began imagining images that caused her insomnia. As a result, she


    opened her door and went downstairs to get some drinks. Standing in front of the fridge downstairs, she


    stared at the items within, which were full of various types of drinks. Then, she took a can of beer from it.


    Immediately, she opened the lid and began drinking, as if she was trying to suppress her frustration with


    alcohol. While drinking, she walked upstairs. This was her first time consuming so much beer. All she


    wanted was to sleep and get rid of all her jumbled thoughts.


    Even though the beer was bitter, she felt better after half a can. But she had no idea that there was a


    figure in the dark behind the railings of the second-floor corridor. The image of her drinking had been


    entrenched in the back of his head. When she realized the beer was almost finished, she burped and


    went to the second-floor living room, where she threw the can into the trash can.


    She thought she had perfectly kept her drinking under wraps, only to be shocked the moment she turned


    around. ¡°W-Why are you here without making a sound? You are aware that people can be scared to


    death, correct?¡± She squinted grudgingly at the man approaching her with his arms crossed in front of


    him.


    ¡°You were drinking?¡± he asked.


    She assumed he had just arrived and thus immediately denied it, saying, ¡°No! I would never drink


    alcohol.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± He approached her with a skeptical look on his face.


    She immediately took a few steps back in response, for she knew she stank of alcohol now, and he¡¯d


    definitely smell it if he got too close.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    He, on the other hand, did not expose her lie but merely satzily on the sofa. Looking at her, he asked,


    ¡°Is there anything troubling you? You can tell me.¡±


    It was said that under the influence of alcohol, one became more courageous, and Anastasia certainly


    felt braver now. He had previously rejected any mention of his rtionship with Hayley, but now, she had


    the urge to probe further on it.


    ¡°Really? Regardless of what I asked, you¡¯ll answer me seriously?¡± With her brows raised, she sat


    opposite him.


    His eyes shed with a tinge of shock when he heard that. She couldn¡¯t sleep because of me?


    Generously, he nodded. ¡°Fire away.¡±


    With that, she stared into his eyes and said straightforwardly, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about your rtionship with


    Hayley!¡±


    Her words immediately tensed him up. ¡°Why are we talking about this?¡± he asked, his gaze indicating


    reluctance.


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious how she slept with you,¡± she inquired, acting as if she were a bystander.


    ¡°Someone tricked me into it. It happened when I wasn¡¯t conscious.¡± He furrowed his brows and said each


    and every word cautiously.


    ¡°Where did that happen? In a hotel?¡±


    ¡°The club,¡± he answered.


    That didn¡¯t surprise her. These locations were, after all, ideal for such a ridiculous incident.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve been trying to make amends to her for the past five years?¡± she continued.


    ¡°No. I merely found her this year.¡± These were his truthful words.


    But such words stunned her. ¡°How did you find her?¡±


    ¡°Before I passed out that day, I gave her a watch. She sold the watch to a second-hand watch seller a


    few months ago, so I knew the woman that night was her.¡± He told her everything, no holds barred.

 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275


    Chapter 275 The Past Couldn¡¯t Be Changed


    Something urred to Anastasia. Why is every man like this, onlypensating after taking


    advantage?


    She was reminded of the night she was taken advantage of. While she was crouching beside the sofa in


    agony, the b*stard did the same thing; he seemed to be removing his watch and handing it to her. At that


    moment, she was overwhelmed by rage and agony that she simply pped his hand away and dashed


    out.


    If she had the strength, she would definitely look for a knife on the room¡¯s fruit tter and kill him with it.


    Even if she couldn¡¯t kill him, she would at least ensure that he could no longer engage in sexual activities


    in the future and that he would have no heirs for the rest of his life.


    But, after being vited, all she could think about was finding Hayley and making sure she was okay.


    Thus, it was such an irony to discover that Hayley was the source of all her pain.


    Elliot noticed Anastasia¡¯s face bing solemn, as if she was lost in her thoughts. He couldn¡¯t help but


    be concerned and inquired, ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°So she left you with a wonderful memory, right? It¡¯s been five years, and you are still looking for her,¡±


    she said, attempting to be sarcastic.


    He was stumped for words. She was right. In fact, he had been thinking about that night and the woman


    who cried before him for the past five years.


    But he hadn¡¯t thought about that night since he found Hayley. Even if he did, he couldn¡¯t connect what


    happened that night to Hayley because she gave him apletely different vibe than the one he


    remembered.


    ¡°Are you bothered by what happened between Hayley and me?¡± As if he was afraid of something, his


    voice was tense.


    To that, she fluttered her long hair, revealing her cheerful face, and smiled. ¡°Of course I¡¯m not!¡±


    Why should she be bothered by that? She merely wanted to know the truth.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Anastasia, I can¡¯t change the past. Don¡¯t be concerned about my past; we have a future together.¡± His


    brows furrowed, and his gaze tensed under the light. He was obviously nervous at the moment.


    ¡°That¡¯s true; there are things that just can¡¯t be changed. It¡¯ste now. Rest earlier, President Presgrave.¡±


    She had experienced the same thing in the past. So, she was well aware that time couldn¡¯t be reversed,


    and she could only ept what had happened.


    With that, she rose to her feet and made her way to her room. But the man sitting on the sofa blocked


    her with his leg, and his broad palms pressed against her shoulders before turning her around to face


    him.


    She stumbled into his embrace, dizzy from the alcohol she had just consumed. But she feltpelled to


    push him away. ¡°Don¡¯t do this, Elliott!¡±


    ¡°It is bothering you. Isn¡¯t it just that you don¡¯t want to admit it?¡± His gaze was fixed on her, making it


    impossible for her to flee.


    She was startled by this. Pushing him, she said, ¡°Let me go, Elliot. Stop acting unreasonably.¡±


    ¡°Is it me who is being unreasonable, or is it you who is unwilling to face your true feelings? You obviously


    like me, but you refuse to admit it.¡± He wanted to expose her true thoughts in order to force her to face


    her true feelings.


    But she, too, was no longer a young and naive girl, knowing full well that she could only face what could


    not be avoided calmly.


    Raising her head and looking at him with her clear eyes. ¡°President Presgrave, I¡¯m the one who knows


    better whether or not I like you. If you want to know the truth¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop giving me this.¡± He heartlessly stopped her because he knew that her so-called truth was nothing


    more than a lie.


    But she insisted on going on. ¡°President Presgrave, you had the wrong impression. I¡¯m not sure what I


    did to make you feel that way, but you must have misunderstood something. You have such a high


    position, and you¡¯re also my boss. You have my gratitude and admiration for all that you have done for


    me, but they are not love. Please do not confuse them.¡±


    Elliot was enraged by this. This woman was clearly lying through her teeth, and she even said it so boldly


    and confidently!


    His body stiffened. He was now like a trapped beast, almost insane from suppressing all of his emotions,


    in desperate need of venting everything he was feeling.

 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276


    Chapter 276 The Rare Side of Him


    Elliot found his way to vent upon seeing Anastasia¡¯s red lips. With hisrge palm pressing against her


    head and his other hand clutching her waist, he sealed her red lips with his. Her delicate lips were


    enraging him and driving him insane.


    She deserves to be punished.


    She had consumed alcohol earlier, and her mind was already foggy. She felt even weaker in the face of


    his actions. His kisses were alwaysmanding, with no room for defiance, especially tonight¡¯s.


    He was like a wild beast waiting to devour her alive. Looking at him behaving in this manner, she had no


    idea how she had offended him. This kisssted until a stray bird flew across the window, as they both


    assumed her son had awoken.


    Grabbing the opportunity, she immediately pushed him hard and covered her swollen lips. ¡°If you keep


    on behaving so rudely, I¡¯ll move out tomorrow.¡±


    Though he hadn¡¯t had enough, he replied, ¡°Okay. No more kissing.¡±


    Immediately, she returned to her room, her brain appearing to be depleted of oxygen. She fell asleep


    within seconds, convinced that she would never mess with him again.


    The next day, when Anastasia awoke around eight o¡¯clock in the morning, Elliot¡¯s house was already


    crowded with people. They were all from the Global Haute Couture Customization Company, which sent


    ten mini tuxedos and ten evening gowns for Jared and her to choose from.


    Oh, woah! This is unexpected. She had assumed she would have to rent an evening gown on her own,


    but Elliot had now arranged for door-to-door service.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, these are all for you to choose. If none of them is to your liking, we¡¯ll rece them with a


    whole new set. They are all from our headquarters, and I can assure you that they¡¯re one of a kind. With


    them, you¡¯d never have to deal with the awkward situation of bumping into someone wearing the same


    gown as you.¡±


    Looking at the gowns, she realized that each one was beautiful enough to entice everyone at the


    banquet. A silver-gray gown with gray sequins on the upper part and a gauze skirt for the rest drew her


    attention. Because of the off-shoulder design, it appeared elegant and sexy but not overly revealing.


    ¡°Let me try this.¡± She pointed at the gown she saw.


    She went back to her room to try it on, and because it fit her well, she decided to wear it to the banquet.


    She then started looking for a suit for her son. The moment he put on the suit she chose, she was


    startled by how simr Jared looked to Elliot.


    He is just a mini version of Elliot! Will someone mistake Jared as Elliot¡¯s son tonight? She was worried


    because she would not know whether tough or cry if such a thing happened.


    Thinking about this, she realized she hadn¡¯t seen Elliot all morning and had no idea what he was up to.


    Thus, she told her son, ¡°Jared, go y alone for a while.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Jared immediately heeded to his ying room. Meanwhile, she went up to the third floor to look for Elliot.


    She was on the third floor when she heard a voice resonating from the study room and decided to go in.


    As she stood by the door, she saw a man talking on the phone on the balcony.


    Seeing that, she tactfully turned around to avoid disturbing him. Just when she was about to leave, she


    heard his shouting from the balcony. ¡°Ask him to leave! If he dares to attend my grandmother¡¯s birthday


    party, I¡¯ll make him vanish from this world.¡±


    That made her heart pound anxiously, and she turned around to see the man standing on the balcony


    with his back facing her. He was gripping the rails and clutching the phone tightly, as if someone had


    enraged him. This was his rare angry side, and she happened to catch it.


    Who made him angry so early in the morning?


    ¡°This is myst warning. If he refuses to take my warning seriously, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless.¡±


    He dropped such words to the person on the other end of the call. His phone was still tightly gripped in


    his hand, and with his head lowered, his figure from behind appeared depressed.


    Such a scene made her chest tighten, and she feltpelled tofort him even before she realized


    why. But she had no idea whether she had the right to do so. This man had always appeared


    domineering before her, and he might not want her to see his weaker side.


    Just when she was hesitating, the man on the balcony turned around suddenly, and their eyes met.

 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277


    Chapter 277 Hidden Vi


    Elliot¡¯s brows were furrowed, and his gaze was terrifyingly cold, as if it were covered with ayer of ice.


    Seeing that, Anastasia froze, and even her legs felt weak. Leaving or not was the million-dor question


    on her mind right now while she stood awkwardly with her body stiff.


    But he was already approaching her. His rage seemed to subside, and his gaze shifted to a bright and


    warm one.


    ¡°Did I scare you?¡± He took a deep breath and looked at her.


    ¡°Who made you this furious?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡°Someone insignificant.¡± He shook his head, clearly unwilling to borate further. But how could


    someone insignificant enrage him?


    It must be someone important to him!


    Looking embarrassingly at his leaving figure, she said, ¡°Thank you for preparing the gown and suit for


    me and Jared.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done choosing them?¡± he turned and asked her while walking down the stairs.


    And suddenly, for some unknown reason, she slipped on the t and smooth ground.


    ¡°Ah!¡± She tried to hang on to the railing, but his arms reached out and drew her into his embrace. ¡°Be


    careful. Probably the water stains from the morning are still there.¡±


    At this moment, she realized that her arms were also firmly wrapped around his sturdy waist. She


    hurriedly let go of her hands, but hisrge palm immediately grabbed hers and led her downstairs.


    This made her feel as if she were a child who couldn¡¯t even walk properly to him.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He led her all the way to the second floor until the servant walked up when she immediately broke her


    hand from his. ¡°We can go to the banquet venue earlier to have some fun.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± She nodded. ¡°You better work on whatever you need to do first.¡±


    ¡°Hayley will be there too. If you do not want to see her, I can arrange a private room for you and Jared,¡±


    he said out of the blue. While he was speaking, his gaze was fixed on her.


    Her eyes twitched slightly. In fact, she wasn¡¯t surprised at all. She knew exactly what Hayley was


    thinking, and that woman wouldn¡¯t miss such an asion.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡± She wasn¡¯t resentful about it, but when she turned around, her action was so


    candid that she appeared to be jealous.


    Meanwhile, Hayley was looking through the album in a high-end gown shop in the city to find the perfect


    gown. Every gown in the collection was handcrafted and customized. Finally, she found the one that she


    preferred. Looking at the price, which was around three million and two hundred thousand, she


    intentionally said in a nonchnt way, ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡±


    After she changed into the gown, she looked at herself in the mirror. The gown was stunning, and her


    body was in good shape as well, but she wasn¡¯t satisfied with her face.


    She had a mean appearance, and her face was not feminine enough, in contrast to Anastasia, who had


    a pure appearance and an oval face. Hayley had always considered getting stic surgery, and at this


    instant, she made up her mind to do so. After the banquet tonight, she needed to do something to her


    face.


    Why could Anastasia have Elliot¡¯s attention? It must be because she was beautiful enough to captivate


    him.


    Anastasia and Jared arrived at the banquet venue around three o¡¯clock in the afternoon, well ahead of


    the scheduled start time. The venue was a hidden luxury vi in the city,plete with its own artificial


    pool and a breathtaking view of the vast gardens. The vi only epted VIP guests and had a top-


    notch security system, making it the ideal ce for the wealthy to hold events or work. The total amount


    spent here each year was in the tens of millions.


    And such an exceptional location had been reserved and had stopped epting guests a week ago to


    host Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s grand birthday banquet. When they arrived, all of the guests had not yet


    arrived. It remained a quiet and serene ce for Anastasia and Jared to walk around since they had not


    changed into their gown and suit.


    Elliot immediately went to handle matters concerning the birthday banquet, leaving only the two of them


    free to roam the vi. Every structure was custom built and had its own unique feature.


    ¡°Stand there, Jared. I¡¯ll take a photo of you. Come on!¡± Just like all the mothers who were proud of their


    children, she was busy taking photos of her son with the phone in her hand.

 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278


    Chapter 278 They Looked Alike


    Jared became Anastasia¡¯s young model, posing for her with his bright smile that revealed eight of his


    teeth. He was extremely adorable. Anastasia was busy taking photos and videos at the same time,


    documenting her son¡¯s growth. She intended to record all his growth process to y in his wedding


    ceremony one day. It would undoubtedly be a touching moment.


    She felt sentimental thinking about Jared, who had been a babbling baby in the past, and was now a


    toddler jumping around. Time had flown by without her noticing, and her son had grown up. Even up until


    now, the only thing she wanted to do in life was to apany Jared on his journey of growing up.


    When she saw Jared running away, she immediately got up and chased after him. Not far away from


    them, there was a man sitting on the second floor of the vi, having his tea, with his gaze full of


    happiness when he saw both of them running around.


    They yed for a few hours before returning to the hotel at five o¡¯clock in the evening. There was a vi


    prepared for them, and when they arrived, the makeup artists were already there, preparing their clothes


    and makeup for tonight.


    Around five o¡¯clock, all of the guests arrived one by one. Harriet was also present. Despite her age, she


    appeared lively. She was already a heroine who could face anything head-on when she was younger,


    and even as she grew older, she maintained her vigor.


    ¡°Is Anastasia and her child here?¡± Harriet looked at her eldest grandson beside her.


    ¡°Yes. They are resting in the hotel.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°I leave everything here to you. I¡¯ll check them out now.¡± After her words, she left with her caretaker,


    Anna.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was standing on the balcony. All the makeup artists had left. Jared was sitting on


    the sofa on the balcony, ying his Rubik¡¯s Cube, and Anastasia was apanying him while admiring


    the scenery.


    At this moment, the doorbell rang. She was stunned for a while before trotting to the door and opening it.


    Seeing the gray-haired old woman standing before her, she immediately invited her in. ¡°Old Madam


    Presgrave, you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Elliot is busy, so I¡¯m here to chat with you both,¡± Harriet smilingly replied.


    With Anastasia¡¯s assistance, Harriet entered the living room and took a seat on the sofa. Just when she


    was wondering where Jared was, he walked in from the balcony. The instant she saw him, her eyes


    widened, and she thought that her presbyopia had worsened.


    Why did this child who just came in look exactly like Elliot when he was a kid?


    She almost thought she had traveled back in time to when Elliot was a child, and he would be calling her


    ¡®Grandma¡¯ the next second.


    Anna, who was standing beside her, was surprised too. ¡°This child looks exactly like Young Master Elliot


    when he was still a young child!¡±


    To that, Anastasiaughed awkwardly. ¡°Jared,e here.¡±


    Jared put down his Rubik¡¯s cube and obediently walked to her. While walking, his bright eyes were


    staring curiously at the old woman sitting on the sofa.


    Harriet¡¯s eyes were filled with surprise too. She looked at him, and suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes.


    Though Jared was not a descendant of the Presgrave family, she felt a connection with him the moment


    she saw him.


    ¡°Jared, right? Can you address me as Great-Grandma?¡± She treated him as her great-grandson.


    ¡°Hello, Great-Grandma. I am Jared, and I¡¯m four this year,¡± Jared politely greeted her with his bright


    voice.


    After his words, Harriet turned to Anna and said agitatedly, ¡°They look alike, right? I think they look


    absolutely simr!¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, he looked just like Young Master Elliot!¡± Anna nodded.


    Harriet then returned her gaze to Jared, wishing he could be the Presgrave Family¡¯s child. Even if he


    wasn¡¯t, she hoped Anastasia could marry Elliot and bring Jared along to be a Presgrave.


    ¡°You¡¯re a wonderful mother, Anastasia. Look at how well he has grown. So adorable,¡± Harriet praised.


    But immediately following her words, Anna handed her the phone. ¡°Your call, Madam Presgrave.¡±


    She then picked it up. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°What? Why did hee back?¡±

 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279


    Chapter 279 He Appeared


    ¡°For my birthday? When did I invite him? I don¡¯t want to see him here. Chase him away.¡± Harriet¡¯s


    expression was solemn. ¡°If you can¡¯t, ask Elliot to handle him.¡±


    After her words, she ended the call and sighed. ¡°Some things could never be forgiven.¡±


    ¡°It appears that the Second Master has not yet given up, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Well, the Presgrave Family has nothing to do with him, whether he gives up or not.¡± She then smiled


    gently and said to Jared, who was standing next to her. ¡°Jared, I hope I didn¡¯t scare you. Someone I


    dislike called, which is why I was so stern.¡±


    ¡°Get him some fruits he likes.¡± She then instructed Anna before returning her attention to Anastasia and


    saying, ¡°Have a seat, Anastasia. Let¡¯s have a chat.¡±


    The moment she sat down, Harriet candidly asked, without taking her as an outsider. ¡°Do you know who


    the person that I said I hate was?¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s head shook. ¡°I¡¯m unfamiliar with the Presgraves.¡± She assumed Elliot¡¯s rage this morning


    was also because of the same person.


    ¡°He is Riley Presgrave, my husband¡¯s illegitimate son who¡¯s supposed to be Elliot¡¯s uncle. He had


    previously secretly sold off thepany shares, which I eventually discovered. My son and daughter-in-


    law went abroad to handle this matter, and the helicopter they took crashed, killing them both.¡± Harriet


    calmly revealed this tragic past. However uneptable this incident was to her, twenty years had


    passed.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Hearing that, Anastasia was shocked. This was why Elliot had lost his parents when he was young? The


    call this morning¡­ It must be rted to this person too! Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be that furious.


    ¡°Elliot hates him. Though he was part of the Presgrave Family, all of us had chased him abroad more


    than twenty years ago. I know he has returned now, hoping to gain some advantage from me since it¡¯s


    my birthday. Well, I never want to see him for the rest of my life!¡± Harriet¡¯s eyes were filled with hatred as


    she spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Old Madam Presgrave. Elliot will stop him,¡± Anastasiaforted her by saying.


    ¡°Anastasia, Elliot is the main pir of our Presgrave Family now. I¡¯ve aged, but he¡¯s still unmarried. I


    really fear that I may not make it to his wedding.¡± Harriet heaved a sigh as she looked at Anastasia.


    That made Anastasia¡¯s chest tighten, and she immediately lowered her head. She knew fully well what


    Harriet was implying.


    ¡°You¡¯re the only one I¡¯d like to have as a granddaughter-inw. None of the others satisfy me. Just like


    Hayley, I don¡¯t like her. She seemed to be scheming.¡± Harriet treated Anastasia as if she were her own


    family, telling her everything.


    However, Anastasia felt pressed because the thought of marrying Elliot had never urred to her!


    ¡°You¡¯re the best for him,¡± Harriet continued.


    Anastasia was stumped for words. Of course, she wasn¡¯t the best choice for him. She, too, had many


    ws; it was just that she didn¡¯t show them.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of what happened between Elliot and Hayley previously. Elliot was duped; he did not mean it.


    He was still young and inexperienced five years ago. Please forgive him!¡± Harriet tried to speak on behalf


    of Elliot.


    Unsure of what to say, Anastasia could only purse her lips and maintain her smile.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it fate that Jared looks exactly like Elliot? They are truly two peas in a pod. I almost thought I¡¯d gone


    back in time to when Elliot was still a child!¡± Harriet continued lovingly.


    Anastasia had no idea why Jared and Elliot resembled each other, but she knew Jared¡¯s biological father


    was just a random man in the club who sold his body for money.


    ¡°Do consider Elliot, Anastasia. I can assure you that he¡¯s a nice person. Apart from the wrong he did to


    Hayley, he had no other ws.¡± Earnestly, Harriet said to Anastasia, as if no other woman would marry


    him.


    But Harriet¡¯s words stirred up mixed emotions in Anastasia¡¯s heart and made her feel pressed. She did


    not want to bepelled to date anyone. Even if Elliot was the ideal man thousands of women dreamed


    of, she hoped she could get along with him in her own way.

 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280


    Chapter 280 Beyond Her Reach


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Meanwhile, Francis was on his way to the vi with his wife and daughter. Naomi and Erica were


    overjoyed because this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to attend such a grand banquet.


    Hayley, on the other hand, drove herself to the vi. She wasn¡¯t afraid to tell Erica what she had now


    because she had revealed all of her cards to her. Erica was a money-minded person as well, and she


    could simply use the money to pull her over. She had to get Erica to her side to deal with Anastasia. At


    the same time, Erica could also cover up for other things.


    Anastasia¡¯s phone rang just at the right moment. She took a nce at it and said, ¡°Old Madam


    Presgrave, my father is probably here.¡±


    ¡°Answer the phone.¡± Harriet nodded.


    With that, Anastasia walked to the balcony to answer the call while Harriet extended her hand to Jared.


    ¡°Come here, Jared. Let me take a good look at you.¡±


    Jared felt drawn to the gray-haired olddy as well, though he didn¡¯t know why. He had no idea that this


    was due to their blood ties, as Jared was indeed a member of the Presgrave Family. Obediently, he


    came over to Harriet, and she scanned him from head to toes. With him before her, she felt shocked and


    amazed at the same time.


    Why does he look so simr to Elliot? Is this fate?


    In the meantime, Anastasia answered her father¡¯s call.


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯ve reached Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday banquet, along with Naomi and Erica. Are you


    here as well?¡± Francis asked excitedly.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°Where are you? Since the banquet hasn¡¯t started yet, we¡¯ll look for you first. I want to see Jared as


    well.¡± Francis was uneasy in the vi as he did not know the Presgrave Family well, and there was no


    one else he was familiar with.


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯m resting at vi number ten. Come here!¡± she replied.


    After hanging up the call, she walked over to Harriet and said, ¡°My father and the others wille over


    for a while, Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I can meet with your father as well.¡± Harriet nodded, after which she then looked at Anastasia


    lovingly and asked, ¡°Did your stepmother treat you well?¡±


    To this, Anastasia went against her conscience and nodded, not wanting to worry Harriet. ¡°I¡¯m not staying


    with her, and for the time being, we get along fine.¡±


    After a few minutes, Francis and his family alighted from the guest coach. When Erica saw Anastasia¡¯s


    vi, she was filled with jealousy. Anastasia¡¯s life after being with Elliot was really beyond Erica¡¯s reach.


    They then made their way to the lobby. Francis was surprised to see an elegant and solemn-looking old


    woman sitting on the sofa the moment they stepped inside. Naomi was also taken aback. Is this the


    noble madam of the Presgrave Family?


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Tillman. Have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Old Madam Presgrave, you¡¯re here too. It¡¯s been a while.¡± Francis was a businessman, to begin with,


    and he had in his nature to defer to wealth. Despite his ex-wife being sacrificed because of the


    Presgraves, he remained polite to them in light of their wealthy and influential background.


    ¡°Mr. Tillman, so many years had passed before we realized it. Time really flies!¡± Harriet bemoaned.


    ¡°That¡¯s true! I haven¡¯t seen you in over ten years.¡± His demeanor was as if he were her junior, being very


    polite to her.


    ¡°Good day, Old Madam Presgrave. I am Naomi, Francis¡¯ second wife. This is my daughter, Erica.¡± After


    her words, Naomi quickly made eye contact with Erica and said, ¡°Erica, greet Old Madam Presgrave.¡±


    Erica immediately greeted me in a sweet voice. ¡°Hello, Old Madam Presgrave. I am Erica.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you all.¡± Harriet smilingly nodded.


    ¡°You look young, Old Madam Presgrave!¡± Naomi took the opportunity to praise her.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m getting old!¡± Harriet waved her hands with a smile on her face. At this point, Anna approached


    her and said, ¡°Madam, you need to wee the guests now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m leaving for the main banquet hall first. Have a great time here, and doe over


    earlier,¡± Harriet said to the Tillmans.


    ¡°Sure. Let me send you off.¡± Francis stood up, and Naomi immediately followed. Before she left, Harriet


    turned around and looked at Jared. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, Jared.¡±

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281


    Chapter 281 Hatred


    ¡°Okay, Great-Grandma.¡± Jared obediently nodded his head.


    Seeing that Francis was sending Harriet off, Anastasia pulled Jared to her. ¡°Jared, return to your room


    first. I¡¯ll call youter.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± After he ended his words, his bright eyes looked toward Erica. Seeing that, Erica guiltily lowered


    her head to look at her phone.


    After Jared went upstairs, Francis and Naomi returned. ¡°Where¡¯s Jared?¡± Francis asked.


    ¡°He went upstairs to y.¡±


    ¡°Your gown looks stunning, Anastasia!¡± Naomi immediately said, as if she was trying to please


    Anastasia.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, only gave her an indifferent reply. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Naomi and Erica rarely join such an asion, Anastasia. Do take good care of themter.¡± It was


    Francis¡¯ hope that the entire family could get along well.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that. Hayley will be here too; she¡¯ll keep mepany.¡± Erica spoke arrogantly before


    picking up the phone to call Hayley.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see Jared.¡± Francis missed his grandson, and he walked upstairs right after his words.


    Naomi¡¯s eyes welled up with resentment when she saw this. She wouldn¡¯t have known Francis¡¯ true


    intentions if she hadn¡¯t eavesdropped on him in the hospital; he had already taken Jared as his heir to


    thepany.


    ¡°Hello, Hayley, are you here?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here! That¡¯s great. I¡¯ll go over,¡± Erica said eagerly.


    With that, she immediately took her handbag and said, ¡°Mom, Hayley is here. I¡¯m going to look for her


    now.¡±


    She left immediately after speaking. Anastasia did not want to be in the same room with Erica, so she


    went to the balcony with her phone. Naomi, on the other hand, sat on the sofa, munching on a handful of


    pistachios and contemting her ns for the evening. First and foremost, she desired to gain Harriet¡¯s


    favor. Next, she hoped to find a good catch for her daughter at the banquet tonight, andst but not least,


    she would seize any advantage that came her way.


    It was six o¡¯clock when all the guests gathered in the main hall. Ten minutester, Anastasia received a


    call from Elliot.


    ¡°Dinner is beginning soon, Anastasia. Ask your family toe over.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I might get busier tonight and won¡¯t be able to care for Jared and you. You must both take care of


    yourselves.¡±


    ¡°I know that. Don¡¯t worry about us.¡± She did not intend for him to look after them too.


    Ten minutester, Francis, holding Jared, together with Naomi and Anastasia, reached the main hall.


    That night, the banquet was divided into three different periods: six-thirty to eight for dinner, eight to nine


    for all guests to offer their birthday congrattions to Harriet, and nine to ten for the guests¡¯ free time to


    walk around and enjoy the fireworks show.


    As everyone invited to the banquet was Presgrave Group¡¯s close affiliates and Harriet¡¯s close friends, the


    number of guests was limited to around one hundred. Though it wasn¡¯t a lot, the entire banquet


    appeared grand and luxurious.


    Anastasia noticed Hayley, dressed to the nines, standing beside the fountain with Erica. They looked at


    each other, as if they were on opposing sides fighting each other. Anastasia¡¯s hatred for them was


    burning in her heart.


    Despite being the ones whomitted wrongs, Hayley and Erica showed no remorse. Instead, they


    stood haughtily.


    When Anastasia entered the main hall, all of the seats had names written on a gold te. When she


    realized she hadn¡¯t been assigned a seat with Francis, she approached an usher. ¡°I¡¯ll bring you to your


    seat, Miss Tillman,¡± the usher said.


    Surprised, she followed the usher to the main area, where her name was written on one of the seats on


    the side. Elliot¡¯s name was next to hers. Her heart pounded fast when she saw that. Jared¡¯s seat was


    beside hers, and Nigel was the next. Clearly, Elliot had arranged for this.


    But Anastasia did not want to be this high-profiled. There were many noble and reputable guests tonight,


    and it wasn¡¯t appropriate for her to sit here.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She, therefore, called the manager over and informed him of her intention to move to the table where her


    father was seated. Hearing that her family was at the other table, the manager immediately arranged for


    her seat to be changed.


    With that, she sat together with Francis, with Jared between them. Naomi was on the other side of


    Francis, whereas Erica wasn¡¯t there at all. She had gone to sit with Hayley.

 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282


    Chapter 282 Illegitimate Daughter


    While sitting quietly in her seat, Anastasia raised her head and noticed a group of guests entering and


    speaking quietly to the man in front of them. Clearly, that man was Elliot. He looked elegant and


    charming in a ck suit, and his demeanor was a polite one too.


    Tonight, he appeared less dominant but more modest and sophisticated. No matter which side of him he


    revealed, the charm he exuded did not diminish. Her gaze was fixed on him as she was thinking, and as


    if he felt that, his deep eyes looked at her across all the guests. He furrowed his brows in displeasure


    when he noticed she had switched seats.


    When their eyes met, her heart raced inexplicably. She was unsure what to do at that instant, and she


    reflexively took her teacup, pretending to be drinking tea.


    Hayley, on the other side of the hall, took everything in. When Elliot walked in, her gaze was already


    fixed on him. As a result, she witnessed everything, including how he weed the guests and he flirted


    with Anastasia.


    At the same time, a posh ck car came to a halt beside the fountain outside the main hall. A slender


    leg stepped down as the door opened, followed by ady dressed in a silver evening gown. The lights


    highlighted this twenty-five-year-olddy¡¯s wless makeup as well as her bright eyes.


    She swayed her waist as she approached an elderly man who had gotten out of the car on the other side


    and grabbed his elbow. ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    The old man gave her his intricate gaze and let her hold his arms as he walked up the stairs. Elliot, who


    had learned of his arrival, was already waiting for him at the main door.


    ¡°Hello, Lucas. I¡¯m d you¡¯ve arrived. Pleasee in!¡± Elliot greeted the elderly gentleman politely. He


    was one of Elliot¡¯s father¡¯s few close friends when he was alive.


    ¡°Hello, Elliot! It¡¯s been some time since Ist saw you!¡± Lucas gave Elliot a pat on his shoulder. At this


    moment, a youngdy¡¯s sweet voice was heard saying, ¡°Dad, do introduce me as well.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucas¡¯ smile stiffened slightly as he heard that, but he quickly responded, ¡°Elliot, this is my daughter,


    Aliona.¡±


    That took Elliot aback. Although he knew that Lucas had a son, this was his first time hearing Lucas had


    a daughter.


    ¡°Hello, Miss Dora.¡±


    ¡°Hi, Young Master Elliot. I¡¯m Aliona,¡± Aliona smilingly replied.


    ¡°Aliona, you may enter first. I¡¯ll have a few words with Elliot,¡± Lucas faced Aliona and said.


    ¡°Sure, Dad,¡± she replied with a smile on her face.


    Lucas couldn¡¯t help but take Elliot¡¯s hand in his with an intricate expression. ¡°Elliot, Aliona is my


    illegitimate child whom I have just acknowledged. Please look after her in the future.¡±


    Elliot understood Lucas¡¯ words and nodded. ¡°I will.¡±


    As almost all the guests had arrived, dinner was served. Anastasia saw that Elliot was back in his seat,


    and Nigel was there as well. He even came over and said hello to her earlier. All of the dishes for tonight


    were already on the table. Every one of them had its own auspicious meaning. The ingredients were also


    fresh, appetizing, and enjoyable for everyone.


    Anastasia was feeding Jared with Francis¡¯ assistance, while Erica kept looking at Elliot, as if she was


    hoping for something.


    Hayley saw this too, and she silently mocked Erica in her heart. Is she eyeing Elliot as well?


    While Anastasia was busy having her dinner, a man¡¯s deep voice suddenly resonated behind her. ¡°Mr.


    Tillman, let me drink a toast to you.¡±


    She didn¡¯t turn her head, but she knew exactly who was behind her. Furthermore, hisrge palm rested


    on her back, eerily stroking her and exuding a warmth that made her heart race.


    But everyone at the table did not notice that, as they were busy responding to Elliot¡¯s toast. Anastasia


    had to stand up with the others as well, but the palm on her back remained. She was too shy to even


    look at him.


    ¡°Hellodies and gentlemen, please excuse my bad hospitality,¡± he said modestly in his deep and husky


    voice.


    ¡°Not at all.¡±


    Everyone at this table was the elders of the Presgrave Family¡¯s rtives. Facing this current young pir


    of the family, they were filled with courtesy and respect.

 Chapter 283

    Chapter 283


    Chapter 283 His Uncle Appeared


    At the same time, Elliot¡¯s hand, which was ced on Anastasia¡¯s back, moved to Anastasia¡¯s shoulder


    and he softly whispered in her ear, ¡°Take good care of them on my behalf, Anastasia.¡±


    Her face immediately flushed red. His words had another meaning: he did not see her as a guest but as


    a member of his family.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you look handsome tonight!¡± Jared praised him.


    ¡°The same goes for you.¡± Elliot leaned down and rubbed Jared¡¯s head with his big palm. ¡°I¡¯ll y with you


    later.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Jared nodded considerately.


    Then, Elliot moved to the other tables. Anastasia only looked at him when he left and she noticed Rey


    was actually following Elliot around. Though Elliot had Rey with him, it was clear that he was the only


    pir of the Presgrave Family. Thinking of this, she suddenly sensed his loneliness in the midst of the


    bustling atmosphere.


    Her heart ached for him when she realized he was the only one supporting the Presgrave Group.


    Outsiders only saw his morous side, but who could understand how much effort he had exercised and


    how lonely he was?


    Even the food tasted bitter to her now. When she looked at him again, she noticed that he was still


    dominant despite being alone, as if he had the world behind him.


    Meanwhile, Elliot had arrived at Hayley¡¯s table. Since everyone at this table was the Presgrave Family¡¯s


    younger generation, he toasted them patronizingly and left after a few unimportant greetings. Hayley


    didn¡¯t even get a chance to brag about how close she was to him.


    ¡°Hayley, since you¡¯re so close to the Presgrave Family, are you familiar with Elliot then?¡± Erica asked


    curiously.


    ¡°Everything I have now was given by him. What do you think?¡± Hayley boastfully answered.


    ¡°What? Are you that close to him? Then¡­¡± Erica was tongue-tied upon hearing that as envy and


    jealousy began to fill her heart.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you more about itter.¡± Hayley did not want to exin further at the dining table, but Erica


    remained shocked and envious of Hayley¡¯s words. What is she keeping from me? Is she hiding


    something?


    Hayley wasn¡¯t afraid of telling Erica about her rtionship with Elliot too since Erica would never have


    the chance to be in contact with Elliot. Besides, Erica was a simpleton; Hayley could easilye up with


    something to fool her.


    All of the guests had finished their dinner by 8.00PM and it was time to head to the birthday celebration


    hall to extend their birthday greetings. Nigel came over to take Jared away and Anastasia followed


    Francis out of the dining hall.


    The birthday celebration hall already had lively music ying with lights shing while all the guests


    were talking cheerfully. Overall, it was a joyous scene. The elders, who were close rtives of the


    Presgrave Family, were the first to wish Harriet. While they were doing so, Anastasia had the sudden


    urge to take a walk outside to relieve her mind.


    ¡°Dad, you all should head over first. I¡¯ll be thereter.¡±


    Then, Anastasia chose a less busy road and walked down it. That night, the sky was breathtaking. After


    being used to the hustle and bustle of the city, it felt great to be there in this vast and spacious vi for a


    while.


    The hustling sound behind her gradually faded. She was surprised to see a firefly by theke after only a


    few minutes of walking. She hadn¡¯t seen one in more than ten years, so she couldn¡¯t help but follow it.


    As she approached another vi nearby, she heard a man¡¯s voice that sounded familiar to her as he


    asked someone coldly, ¡°Why are you here? Get out.¡±


    Hearing that, Anastasia halted her steps. Is this Elliot? He¡¯s here?


    She panicked at this moment and subconsciously hid under the window. Outside the opened window, the


    sound inside the vi could be clearly heard.


    ¡°My dear nephew, do you no longer recognize me as your uncle?¡± This was a middle-aged man¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to let you ruin my grandmother¡¯s birthday party. Get out right now.¡± Elliot¡¯s voice reflected


    both his warning and his rage.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Your grandma is my stepmother as well, and hence, I should show my respect to her. Don¡¯t stop me


    from doing so, will you?¡± The man¡¯s voice sounded as if he was pleading with Elliot.


    However, Elliot remained extremely hostile toward the man. ¡°You¡¯re not even qualified to see her. The


    Presgrave Family has no room for you either. Don¡¯t me me for being ruthless if you insist.¡±

 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284


    Chapter 284 They Became Closer


    ¡°Elliot, I remember holding you in my arms as a child many years ago. More than two decades had


    passed, and you had grown up to be the head of the Presgrave Family. Now I¡¯m so proud of you!¡±


    Using their family ties, the man attempted to gain Elliot¡¯s sympathy. He then continued pleading, ¡°Do this


    uncle of yours a favor, Elliot. Let me see your grandma; I need just ten minutes.¡±


    ¡°Let me say it again. Get out.¡± Elliot¡¯s tone was cold and unforgiving.


    ¡°You¡­¡± The man was suppressing his rage.


    Despite hiding under the window outside, Anastasia could feel the tension inside the vi.


    ¡°Do you really want to be this heartless, Elliot? I¡¯m still one of the Presgraves and, on top of that, your


    uncle! How can you be so disrespectful to me?¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°The Presgrave Family has no such person. To me, you¡¯re a nobody,¡± Elliot replied tly.


    ¡°Well. What you said today would be etched in my mind. You¡¯ll definitely regret it!¡± Riley yelled, followed


    by the mming sound of the door.


    The sound startled Anastasia, who was hiding outside, and consequently, she stepped on a dried leaf,


    making a small rustling sound.


    ¡°Come out now, whoever you are.¡± Elliot¡¯s uninterested voice rang out from within.


    She had wanted to leave, but she was so stupefied by his words that her heart raced again. As a result,


    she had no choice but to respond, ¡°It¡¯s me, Anastasia.¡±


    Following her words, a figure appeared by the window. Elliot¡¯s voice softened as he looked at her in


    surprise. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°If I said I didn¡¯t mean to eavesdrop, would you believe me?¡± she asked embarrassingly. The situation


    was just too awkward for her.


    To that, he gave her a gentle smile. ¡°Of course I do. Come in!¡±


    She went in through the main door and discovered that he was the only one in the vi. Sitting on the


    sofa, he lit a cigarette and started smoking. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t in a good mood.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have eavesdropped. I promise I won¡¯t say a word to anyone else,¡± she said, raising


    her palm. There was nothing to be said about this anyway.


    Seeing that, he put out the cigarette he had just lit and said, ¡°Have a walk with me.¡±


    And she eded. They both walked down a bamboo path that had no one on it toward a bamboo forest


    with a few dimly lit lights. Looking at his upright body in front of her, she had no idea what to say.


    ¡°He¡¯s my father¡¯s half-brother who was chased out of the family twenty years ago.¡±


    She pursed her lips hearing that. ¡°I know. Your grandma told me about him this afternoon. Your parents


    passed away because of him, right?¡±


    Her words took him by surprise. Turning around, he said, ¡°My grandma really treats you as her family.¡±


    That made her face blush, as she knew that Herriot indeed meant so.


    ¡°My parents flew abroad to deal with the mess he created, but the helicopter crashed, ending both their


    lives,¡± he said, raising his head. The light shone on his face, reflecting his sadness.


    Her heart ached for him, but she had no idea what to say to console him.


    But actions could express those that words couldn¡¯t. She extended her hand and held his arm, her gaze


    revealing her silent concern for him.


    With that, he looked at her hand and quickly gripped it, his other hand holding her waist. They were


    intimately close to each other.


    That made her gasp for air, but she did not break herself away from him. He was staring at her with his


    burning eyes, so alluring that any woman would fall for him just by looking at him.


    And that included Anastasia too. She wasn¡¯t a y figurine or a doll, and her heart, like everyone else¡¯s,


    would be moved. Especially now, when he was vulnerable and was desperate for someone¡¯sfort.


    He approached her with his head tilted slightly, and she didn¡¯t need him to tell her what he was about to


    do.


    Perhaps it was the light, or the moon, or this man himself, who bewitched her. His arms were tight


    around her waist, and every breath she took was filled with his enticing scent. But she was well aware


    that what she was doing was wrong.

 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285


    Chapter 285 Don¡¯t Fall in Love With Anyone else


    Anastasia should have pushed Elliot away, but her body froze as if someone had put a stop button on


    her. A wave of heat rose from her torso and reached her cheek. Her heart pounded in her chest, and all


    she could do was watch his kiss falling down on her.


    ¡°Elliot, don¡¯t do this¡­¡± When his lips were about to reach hers, she made some half-hearted efforts to


    stop him.


    But Elliot seemed to know that her resistance didn¡¯t reflect her actual feelings. The corner of his lips


    curled up, and he sealed his lips over hers. The bamboo forest was peaceful, and muffled sounds from


    the banquet hall were all that reached their ears, but that didn¡¯t matter.


    Anastasia¡¯s head was on his warm, muscr chest, and she could feel his heart hammering against


    hers. It felt safe yet dangerous.


    He provided a sense of security while also emanating a sense of danger.


    The stars in the sky sprinkled down on the bamboo forest. And in the forest, a man was pouring his heart


    and soul into the woman in his arms.


    At that moment, Anastasia¡¯s mind was shifting between two different states. One was making her mind


    go nk and dizzy, but the other was dreamy and mesmerizing; she couldn¡¯t help but sink deeper into


    this wonderful dream that Elliot had brought her into.


    This kiss had put her heart into turmoil; she felt bashful and sweet.


    For Elliot, the warmth and elegant fragrance of Anastasia¡¯s body transformed into aforting therapy,


    leaving him addicted to it and unwilling to let go of her.


    Moreover, this feeling reminded him of that night five years ago, but he quickly shook the thought off. At


    this moment, he didn¡¯t want to think about another woman¡¯s scent while he was kissing her.


    Finally, as Anastasia sensed through the clothes that Elliot was bing more dangerous, she quickly


    came back to her senses. Tonight was Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday party, and it was inappropriate


    to kiss in this setting.


    So, she slightly pushed him away. Elliot let go of her and rested his forehead against hers. His ck


    eyes reflected her blushed face as he said in a husky voice, ¡°Don¡¯t fall in love with anyone else but me.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s lips curved up as she replied, ¡°Does President Presgraveck self-confidence today?¡±


    As soon as he heard her, his eyes glowed with a strong possessiveness. ¡°You can only be mine,¡± he


    imed as he held her tightly in his arms.


    Anastasia looked up and blinked her eyes at Elliot a few times. Her eyes were reflecting the starlights


    and his face.


    She didn¡¯t respond because she wasn¡¯t ready for this. She didn¡¯t refute it because she didn¡¯t dislike his


    possessiveness in her heart.


    Without warning, he suddenly leaned down and nibbled lightly on her ear. ¡°If you don¡¯t answer, I¡¯ll take


    that as a yes,¡± he said with a hoarse voice.


    Elliot¡¯s statement rendered her speechless.


    The reason I¡¯m not answering is that I wanted to show you some respect, alright?


    Just then, Elliot¡¯s cell phone rang. He took his phone out and glimpsed at it. ¡°It¡¯s time to go back for my


    grandmother¡¯s birthday celebration,¡± he said.


    Rey was looking for him.


    After leaving the bamboo forest, Anastasia took a few deep breaths before returning to the party. She


    was afraid that others would notice there was something between her and Elliot, so she hurried to search


    for her son.


    When Elliot saw her walk away as if to get away from him, a trace of frustration shed across his eyes.


    In the banquet hall, Hayley kept looking for an opportunity to walk up and wish Old Madam Presgrave a


    happy birthday, but there were too many elders, and Old Madam Presgrave was surrounded by people


    all the time.


    Aside from that, she was also looking for Elliot for the past fifteen minutes. Elliot and Anastasia both went


    away at the same time, which made her wonder. She imagined Anastasia had taken advantage of the


    situation to seduce Elliot.


    In fact, she wasn¡¯t wrong. They were indeed together.


    Meanwhile, Hayley looked up to see Elliot had returned to the hall. But when she turned around,


    Anastasia miraculously appeared beside Francis. She couldn¡¯t stop herself from clenching her palm


    around the ss she was holding.


    Were they together just now?


    Out of jealousy, Hayley seemed to hatch a plot against Anastasia. She pulled Erica to the side and


    whispered something in her ear. Then, Erica nodded and assured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will carry out your


    n.¡±


    After Erica left the banquet hall, she walked toward the swimming pool. When she looked up at the main


    seats, she noticed that Old Madam Presgrave was leaving the hall with the assistance of her maid.


    Without a second thought, she quickly pulled a waitress to the side. ¡°Please tell Miss Tillman that she is


    wanted by Old Madam Presgrave at the poolside,¡± she instructed.


    Since Erica was a guest and it was just a matter of bringing a message, the waitress smiled and said,


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Just when Anastasia started to worry as she couldn¡¯t find her son, she received a phone call from Nigel.


    He assured her that he was at the children¡¯s y area with her son and that she need not be concerned.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286


    Chapter 286 Fall Into a Trap


    Nigel was not a big fan of socializing at the party, so he was relieved that he got away by looking after


    Anastasia¡¯s little boy.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, Old Madam Presgrave would like to see you by the poolside,¡± said the waitress as she


    approached Anastasia.


    Anastasia was slightly surprised by the request, but when she nced around and realized Old Madam


    Presgrave was not in her seat, she nodded and responded, ¡°Okay. Thank you for informing me.¡±


    As Erica watched Anastasia exit the banquet hall, the corner of her mouth twisted up into a devilish


    smirk. Hayley¡¯s n is working.


    At the poolside, just when Anastasia wondered why Old Madam Presgrave would choose this ce to


    have a conversation, she noticed Hayley sitting on the pool lounge chair. As soon as Hayley saw


    Anastasia, she stood up and sneered, ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±


    Only then did Anastasia realize that she had been fooled. She became defensive as she red at


    Hayley. ¡°Why did you trick me intoing here?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Were you with Elliot just now, Anastasia? What exactly are you two up to? Are you guys messing


    around at Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday party?¡± Hayley provoked her.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia could feel her cheek heated up. Did Hayley spot us?


    Without waiting for Anastasia¡¯s response, Hayley continued, ¡°You really don¡¯t mind that I slept with Elliot?


    Do you want me to go into details of how we spent the night together?¡± Viciousness shed across her


    eyes as she spoke with a smug face.


    ¡°As far as I know, it happened when he was not sober.¡± Anastasia pretended to be indifferent.


    ¡°No matter what state Elliot was in, it didn¡¯t change the fact that he was sweating on me, kissing me, and


    holding me tight in his arms. I was so happy that I was swooning under him.¡± Hayley kept her smug face


    as she recalled that night.


    ¡°Stop it.¡± Anastasia cut Hayley off as her chest heaved with ragged breath.


    ¡°His body is well-built, and he has incredible stamina. I still remember his frantic eyes and how he held


    me tightly afterward; I remember him removing his watch and giving it to me. His pounding heart, his


    scorching body¡ª¡± Hayley¡¯s eyes gleamed with shyness and sweetness.


    Hearing Hayley¡¯s description, Anastasia could feel a wave of pain washing over her from the bottom of


    her heart. It wasn¡¯t hard for her to imagine Hayley and Elliot hugging together, because she and Elliot


    had just shared an intimate moment earlier.


    Hayley curled up the corner of her lips and approached Anastasia with a sinister smile. ¡°I also told Elliot


    how your son came to be, Anastasia. His father is a filthy male escort. Who knows how many women he


    touches in a month? You should get a medical check-up done because if you die from that kind of


    disease, there will be no one to take care of your illegitimate son.¡±


    Anastasia was so furious that her whole body was trembling. Although she knew Hayley was trying to


    provoke her with those offensive statements, she couldn¡¯t take it anymore because Hayley was insulting


    her son.


    Now, Hayley was only two steps away from Anastasia. Her mockery was clearly seen in her eyes. ¡°Your


    kid, Anastasia, had the filthiest blood flowing through his veins. Perhaps he would follow in his father¡¯s


    footsteps in the future. Like father, like son!¡± she snarled.


    ¡°Hayley Seymour, you better shut your mouth,¡± Anastasia warned.


    Staring at Hayley¡¯s smug face, Anastasia clenched her fist tightly to refrain from pping her face.


    However, Hayley¡¯s eyes swept across the corridor, and she suddenly grabbed Anastasia¡¯s hand. ¡°You


    want to p me, don¡¯t you? Go ahead and p me!¡± she yelled at her to provoke her.


    Anastasia was taken aback by her actions and tried to break away from her hands.


    ¡°So what if I don¡¯t shut up? I want the whole world to know your son¡¯s father. I want him to be despised,


    and I want your son to live in shame for the rest of his life!¡± Hayley shouted shrilly.


    Hearing what she had said, Anastasia was getting colder. She gritted her teeth and growled, ¡°Keep going


    if you dare.¡±


    Then, Anastasia started to feel disgusted by Hayley¡¯s hands, which were sping on her wrists.


    Therefore, she pushed Hayley away abruptly, attempting to break free from her grip. However, Hayley


    curved her lips and smirked at Anastasia as she let herself fall behind and into the swimming pool.


    Seeing that, Anastasia froze for a few seconds. Before she could react, she heard someone shouting


    behind her, ¡°Oh my! Someone has fallen into the water! Please help!¡±


    I know this voice. It¡¯s Erica.


    Immediately after, she heard another female voice. ¡°Here! We need some help over here!¡±

 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287


    Chapter 287 Almost Drowned


    When Anastasia turned her head around, she saw two middle-aged female guests standing by the pool.


    Their attention was drawn to Hayley, who was struggling in the water and appeared to be drowning.


    ¡°H-Help, I can¡¯t swim¡­¡± Hayley cried for help in a faint voice.


    ¡°Miss, how can you push someone into the water?!¡± One of the guests red at Anastasia usingly.


    ¡°You should get down there and save her!¡± shemanded.


    At that moment, Anastasia¡¯s heart sank. She realized that she had jumped into a trap set up by Hayley


    and Erica. Now that Hayley had deliberately fallen into the water while Erica¡¯s two witnesses were there,


    Anastasia was painted as the bad guy.


    The situation became critical as Hayley bobbed up and down in the six-foot-deep pool.


    Meanwhile, the two female guests paced along the edge of the swimming pool frantically, for they didn¡¯t


    know how to swim.


    There was no doubt that Anastasia despised Hayley to the core, but she couldn¡¯t ruin someone else¡¯s life


    at Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday party.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hence, she removed her heels and dove into the water. She swam toward Hayley and tried to pull her to


    the surface.


    Hayley was surprised to see Anastasia jumping in to save her. As she iled about in the water, a


    murderous intent began to develop in her eyes. Just as Anastasia reached out to grab Hayley¡¯s arm, the


    latter yanked Anastasia forcefully and pressed her head deeper into the pool.


    There will be no one to me if Anastasia drowns while trying to save me. In fact, people will only me


    her stupidity for trying to save someone¡¯s life when she can¡¯t even swim herself!


    Hayley only dared to jump into the pool because she was confident she wouldn¡¯t drown. She had


    recently taken up swimming for fitness purposes, and she was doing well under the guidance of her


    private coach.


    As Anastasia sank deeper into the pool, she felt the pressure of death.


    Hayley is trying to kill me!


    Anastasia realized Hayley could swim by how she was treading water, but she couldn¡¯t react as the air in


    her lungs was being exhausted. It went without saying that Hayley was going to take this chance to


    drown her.


    Moreover, she could vaguely hear the sound of the two guests yelling for help. ¡°Help! Somebody needs


    help over here!¡±


    ¡°Goodness! Why would she get into the water if she can¡¯t swim? This will put her life in jeopardy!¡± the


    women said frantically.


    They couldn¡¯t see how Hayley was holding Anastasia down under the water, so they thought she couldn¡¯t


    swim.


    On the other hand, Hayley seemed to be struggling as she pped her hands in the water and even


    choked, but her hand was firmly pressed on Anastasia¡¯s back, burying her beneath the water so that she


    couldn¡¯t catch her breath.


    Right then, a tall figure rushed out from the banquet hall. Erica had called Elliot over to help, and he


    immediately noticed the two women in the water, especially the floating gray evening gown that belonged


    to Anastasia. ¡°Quick! Go and save them,¡± Elliot instructed Rey as he hurried toward the pool and


    removed his coat.


    By the time both men jumped into the water and swam toward Anastasia and Hayley, Anastasia was


    already in a semi-conscious state. When Hayley saw that Elliot wasing to save them, she choked a


    mouthful of water and pretended to be drowning as she sank deeper into the water.


    As soon as Hayley sensed a strong arm holding her, she forced her eyes open underwater to find that


    Rey was the one who had saved her, not Elliot. In the meantime, Elliot had carried Anastasia in his arms


    and was swimming toward the surface.


    With the help of the crowd who cameter, Anastasia and Hayley were both brought up to the poolside.


    Elliot went down on one knee in front of Anastasia and performed rescue breathing as soon as they


    reached the surface. First, he applied chestpressions before giving the woman CPR.


    On the other hand, Rey had also rescued Hayley from the pool, but he did not dare to perform CPR on


    her. Hayley didn¡¯t want it from Rey either, not when she was right in front of Elliot.


    As such, she pretended to cough out a mouthful of water and feebly opened her eyes.


    ¡°Miss Seymour is awake,¡± Rey reported.


    However, Elliot didn¡¯t seem to hear Rey¡¯s words, and he was busy rescuing Anastasia next to them. He


    continued to perform CPR on her while frantically calling out her name, ¡°Anastasia¡­ Anastasia, wake


    up! Please don¡¯t scare me.¡±


    Hayley¡¯s eyes shed with hatred as she saw that. ording to her original n, she was supposed to


    be the only one who fell into the pool so that Erica could get Elliot to rescue her. She never anticipated


    Anastasia to save her, which was why she decided to drown that woman. However, Elliot had arrived too


    soon.

 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288


    Chapter 288 ying The Victim Game


    At this moment, Hayley had just witnessed the man she loved the most performing CPR on Anastasia


    and constantly calling her name. The worry and panic in his eyes clearly demonstrated his concern for


    Anastasia.


    Meanwhile, Erica was dumbfounded by this as she stood to the side.


    ording to Hayley¡¯s n, Elliot is supposed to save her. Why is he saving Anastasia now?


    Anastasia eventually regained consciousness, and the first thing that she saw was Elliot¡¯s nervous yet


    gorgeous face.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake.¡± Elliot¡¯s fingers trembled as he caressed her cold, pale face. At the same time, his


    deep eyes filled with ecstasy.


    A round of apuse erupted from the crowd. The twodies who had fallen into the water had been


    rescued, and that was good news in itself.


    Meanwhile, someone in the crowd watched the scene unfold with mixed emotions. The noble and


    handsome man was kneeling on the ground and soaked to the skin, overjoyed that he had managed to


    save Anastasia.


    As Anastasia sat up, Elliot¡¯s suit draped over her body. Right then, she raised her head to meet Hayley¡¯s


    resentful eyes.


    Anastasia pushed away Elliot¡¯s helping hand and stumbled to her feet. Without much strength, she


    walked toward Hayley step by step persistently. Then, she raised her hand and pped the other woman


    forcefully.


    The strong p shifted Hayley¡¯s face to the side. Tears streamed down her face as she raised her head


    and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Anastasia. I know you were kind enough to save me, but you know that I¡¯m afraid of


    water. I didn¡¯t mean to drag you into the water.¡±


    After saying that, Hayley gave Erica a signal through her teary eyes. Thetter understood Hayley¡¯s


    message right away, so she waddled through the crowd and asked, ¡°Hayley, are you alright? Are you


    hurt anywhere?¡±


    Then, Erica turned her head toward Anastasia and confronted her. ¡°I saw you pushing her with my own


    eyes, yet you have the audacity to p her. Do you even have a heart?¡± she chided.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me Anastasia for this, Erica. I was the one who identally fell into the water,¡± Hayley said


    with tears in her eyes.


    ¡°Ladies, would you twoe forward and do Hayley justice? Did you see Anastasia push Hayley?¡± Erica


    asked the two female guests who had just witnessed the incident, eagerly hoping that they would testify.


    At that moment, Anastasia¡¯s body swayed slightly. She almost suffocated earlier and had lost all her


    strength. Just then, a strong arm wrapped around her waist while she leaned against someone¡¯s broad


    chest. Naturally, she knew who it was without having to turn her head around.


    Everyone wanted to know what was going on, so more and more guests gathered around the pool. The


    two female guests who were being questioned by Erica exchanged nces before one of them said,


    ¡°We saw Miss Tillman pushing Miss Seymour into the water. However, when Miss Seymour called for


    help, Miss Tillman jumped into the pool to save her.¡±


    At this point, Hayley staggered to her feet, shivering as she hugged herself. Then, she looked at Elliot


    and said, ¡°Don¡¯t me Anastasia, Elliot. I-I fell into the water by ident, and she almost drowned while


    trying to save me. I deserve this p because I dragged her down with me. In fact, I deserve to die.¡±


    After saying that, Hayley covered her face and started to sob loudly as if she was truly ming herself.


    ¡°Hayley, why are you still speaking up for her? She¡¯s obviously taking revenge on you! She wants you to


    take the me for that incident where she got raped by a male escort five years ago. She wants you


    dead!¡± Erica¡¯s voice was shrill, and the words she said were loud and resounding. It seemed as though


    she was afraid that the crowd couldn¡¯t hear her.


    In an instant, Anastasia¡¯s face turned pale as she trembled with anger, for the duo wasn¡¯t done picking


    on her just yet.


    ¡°Keep your mouth shut, Erica,¡± Elliot warned. His eyes darted at her like a cutting de as he didn¡¯t want


    to hear another word from the woman.


    Erica was so frightened by Elliot¡¯s threats that she shut her mouth immediately. However, the damage


    had already been done, for her words dropped like a bomb among the crowd.


    What? A male escort raped Miss Tillman?


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    This information aroused sympathy among the crowd, but it also made people specte about


    Anastasia¡¯s past.


    ¡°What about pushing Miss Seymour into the water and pping her without an apology?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right! This kind of behavior is uneptable.¡±

 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289


    Chapter 289 Attempting to Commit Suicide


    ¡°Exactly! If you don¡¯t want to apologize, why did you p her? Look at Miss Seymour¡ªshe¡¯s such a poor


    thing.¡±


    Anastasia was feeling a lot of pressure deep down as she listened to everyone else criticizing her. After


    all, only she and Hayley knew how thetter had tried to kill her underwater. However, those who judged


    her without knowing the truth were equally hurtful.


    Meanwhile, Elliot ignored the gazes from the crowd and carried the barely conscious Anastasia into his


    arms. He then instructed Rey, ¡°Take Miss Seymour inside to get her clothes changed.¡±


    ¡°Elliot¡­¡± yelled a sobbing Hayley. Her heart ached from a stabbing pain as she watched Anastasia being


    carried away by the man.


    Even after all of that acting and drama, Anastasia still emerged as the final winner. She received all of


    Elliot¡¯s love and care, yet the man did not even spare a word of concern for Hayley.


    Anastasia¡¯s first thought after being sent inside for a clean change of clothes was her son. As such, she


    turned to Elliot and said, ¡°Don¡¯t tell Jared what just happened.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I have informed Nigel not to bring him over, and Jared is still in the yroom,¡± Elliot


    comforted her.


    Anastasia clenched the quilt tightly as she came to terms with Hayley¡¯s viciousness. She was certain that


    Hayley had purposely pressed her into the water with the intention of drowning her.


    ¡°Why did you jump into the water to save her when you can¡¯t swim?¡± Elliot frowned as he asked. He


    didn¡¯t dare to me Anastasia, but his chest tightened since he was worried about her.


    ¡°Tonight is your grandma¡¯s birthday banquet. It¡¯ll be a bad omen if someone dies,¡± replied Anastasia,


    expressing what she felt at the time of the incident.


    However, she never expected Hayley, who couldn¡¯t swim five years ago, would learn to swim.


    ¡°Did you know that you nearly¡­¡± Elliot couldn¡¯t even finish his sentence as he waspletely terrified of


    what had just happened. She would¡¯ve been dead if he arrived even a few secondste.


    In other words, the only reason why Anastasia was still alive was that Elliot had acted quickly and


    executed a sessful rescue. Otherwise, she would have not survived at all.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Anastasia said genuinely. She could not imagine what would happen to her son if she were


    dead.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to thank me; I just want you to cherish your life in the future. Don¡¯t let this kind of thing


    happen again.¡± Elliot¡¯s eyes were filled with worry as he stepped forward and took her into his arms.


    ¡°Since I have saved your life, will you live a good life for me?¡± he asked.


    Anatasia was feeling the aftershock of the incident. Just then, she raised her head to look up at Elliot and


    blurted, ¡°President Presgrave, can you promise me one thing? If something happens to me in the future,


    please help me to raise Jared on my behalf.¡±


    Her words made his heart tremble. He held her tighter as he nced into her deep eyes and said,


    ¡°Nonsense! I am not going to let Jared lose his mother. We will raise him together.¡±


    Anastasia batted her eyes at Elliot after she heard him. His gaze was like a ck hole, drawing her into


    his heart.


    Just then, she started to feel dizzy. Elliot ced a kiss on her forehead and said, ¡°Stop overthinking. Just


    get some good rest.¡±


    At that very moment, Elliot¡¯s cell phone rang. He nced at the caller ID and answered the call. ¡°What¡¯s


    the matter?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, Miss Seymour is attempting tomit suicide,¡± said Rey promptly.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°What?¡± Elliot scowled.


    ¡°She wants to see you,¡± Rey replied anxiously at the other end.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯lle right away.¡± After Elliot hung up the phone, he tucked Anastasia into bed. Then, he


    added, ¡°Have a good rest. I need to go now.¡±


    Elliot was sitting close to her, so Anastasia had overheard the conversation about Hayley wanting to


    commit suicide.


    Hah! Of course she¡¯d y all her tricks to get Elliot to go over.


    ¡°Just go ahead!¡± Since she felt exhausted after the entire ordeal, Anastasiay on her side and closed


    her eyes.


    When Elliot arrived at Hayley¡¯s room, she was standing in front of the third-floor window, refusing to let


    anyone approach her. She stretched one leg out the window, looking as though she¡¯d fall out at any


    moment.


    ¡°Come back here, Hayley!¡± Elliot pushed the door open and shouted at her. Meanwhile, his brows were


    deeply furrowed.


    Hayley¡¯s tears streamed down her face when she noticed Elliot was there. ¡°You¡¯ve finallye to see


    me, Elliot. I-I thought you didn¡¯t care about me anymore. I would rather die instead,¡± she said through


    tears.


    After saying that, Hayley leaned her upper body toward the window.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, Hayley. Come back here. ¡± Elliot reached out his hand in a hurry. ¡°Come on.¡±

 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290


    Chapter 290 By All Means Possible


    ¡°I w-won¡¯t get down if you don¡¯t carry me.¡± The agitated Hayley held back a sob.


    Elliot immediately stepped forward to carry her down in his arms, whereas Erica who stood aside kept


    pointing her phone¡¯s camera at them as she recorded the whole thing. Hayley had her arms hanging to


    Elliot¡¯s neck as she intimately leaned against his shoulder.


    He then put her down on her bed, and he pried open her grip on him. ¡°Have a good rest. Don¡¯t take


    things too hard.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, do you believe me? Do you believe that Anastasia was the one who pushed me into the water?¡±


    she asked tearfully. She panickedly exined in order to make him believe her, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to press


    her head in the water. I was really scared at that time. All I know is I instinctively wanted to live. I didn¡¯t


    know that I held her in the water¡­ I swear I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±


    ¡°Take a rest first.¡± His eyes held a somber look in them. He knew exactly who to trust.


    Between Hayley and Anastasia, he only trusted thetter.


    ¡°What is the point of living if you don¡¯t believe me?¡± Emotionally perturbed, she struggled and wanted to


    continue jumping out of the window.


    Seeing that, he had no choice but to hold her down as he sighed, ¡°Enough. You were just shocked.¡±


    After saying that, he looked over to Daniel who had been responsible for taking care of Hayley¡¯s affairs


    all this time. He then said, ¡°Danny, stay here and take care of Miss Seymour. The rest of you can leave.¡±


    ¡°Understood, President Presgrave,¡± the man replied with a nod.


    ¡°Elliot, don¡¯t go. Elliot¡­¡± Despite how she tried to make him stay, he still unhesitantly left.


    As soon as Erica came out of the door, she felt a deadly stare on her, only to find that it was from Elliot.


    He exuded an overpowering aura as though he was The Devil himself. ¡°Erica,¡± he warningly started, ¡°I


    won¡¯t let you off the hook if you try starting something again.¡±


    The short warning instantly turned her face pale as her heart trembled.


    Right after Elliot left, Erica¡¯s fear turned into resentment. She hated how unfair it was for him to treat


    Anastasia like a treasure, and yet she had been spoken at in such a cruel tone even though they were


    both women.


    Harriet was in the banquet hall when she heard the startling report about how Hayley and Anastasia


    were almost hurt in an ident, whereas Francis and Naomi only found out after Erica came back.


    Francis wanted to go to Anastasia, but he was stopped by Naomi before he did.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go, Francis. Anastasia should be resting. I am sure the Presgraves are taking care of her!¡±


    ¡°I agree with Mom! Why are you going to her, Dad? Anastasia is fine!¡± Erica didn¡¯t want Francis to see


    Anastasia when she was so weak in order to prevent her father from over-worrying.


    Anastasia had fallen asleep, and in front of her bed, Elliot kept apanying her without leaving once.


    Anastasia could finally have a good sleep tonight since Jared will be brought back to Nigel¡¯s house.


    The birthday banquet ended perfectly. Although there was a false emergency in the middle of it, it was


    still fortunate that no one was harmed.


    In a vi in the city center, Aliona had just returned from outside. She pushed open the door and turned


    toward the middle-aged man who had been waiting for her on the sofa. ¡°Father,¡± she respectfully


    greeted.


    This man was none other than Elliot¡¯s uncle, Riley Presgrave. He looked at her with a serious gaze, and


    he demanded to know. ¡°I hope Elliot hasn¡¯t discovered your identity!¡±


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    She shook her head in response. ¡°He didn¡¯t discover my identity, but I didn¡¯t manage to get his attention


    either.¡±


    ¡°What was the matter? Did you not take the opportunity to get close to him?¡± He stared at her sharply.


    ¡°Something happened tonight. There was another woman on Elliot¡¯s mind. However, I have assumed the


    identity as Lucas¡¯ illegitimate daughter. He has no doubts about this. I will have the opportunity to


    approach him in the future,¡± she calmly told him..


    ¡°Tell me everything that happened tonight.¡± His eyes were practically shining with ambition. He came


    back this time to take back the Presgrave Group by all means possible. At the same time, he raised a


    fostered daughter and sent her to Lucas, who was already under his control. Lucas was a close friend of


    Elliot¡¯s deceased father when he was alive, and Lucas had always been respectful to him. Aliona¡¯s


    mission from now on was to get close to Elliot, win his favor, and finally marry him. She would then be


    Riley¡¯s ultimate weapon in getting back the property that had been snatched away from him.

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    Chapter 291 No One Else Can Ever Find Out


    Riley let out a scornful huff after hearing Aliona¡¯s words. ¡°Anastasia Tillman? Could it be that


    policewoman¡¯s daughter? Interesting¡­¡±


    A dangerous glint shed through his eyes the next moment, and through clenched teeth, he growled,


    ¡°The mother is already a hindrance. I didn¡¯t think she would have an even more annoying daughter.¡±


    Riley was the one who orchestrated the kidnapping that happened to Elliot when he was 6. It was a pity


    he didn¡¯t manage to get rid of Elliot when a female police officer had sacrificed herself to save the young


    boy.


    He had a feeling the reason Elliot kept repaying the Tillmans was because Anastasia was the


    policewoman¡¯s 2-year-old daughter when that incident happened. He even guessed Elliot had the


    intention of marrying Anastasia.


    The Tillman Family only had their luck to me for getting involved with him again.


    Aliona tilted her gorgeous face upward to look at him. ¡°Father, I have decided to strike. I am confident I


    can win Elliot¡¯s heart.¡± As the foster daughter who grew up under Riley¡¯s care, she was also trying her


    best to repay him.


    ¡°Okay. Don¡¯t disappoint me. I will investigate Anastasia.¡± It was hard for Riley to get over his resentment


    when he recalled how Elliot had kicked him out today.


    What¡¯s more, the enormous Presgrave Group was still in his hands. And even though he had the blood


    of the Presgraves flowing in his veins, he couldn¡¯t get even a cent.


    Harriet went into the quiet vi room for a quick visit, and seeing that Anastasia had fallen asleep, Harriet


    could only inform her grandson to take good care of Anastasia. Harriet then went to Hayley. The young


    Harriet finally went to rest when it had gottente. Hayley sat on the bed while Daniel gently massaged


    her shoulders.


    ¡°Daniel, how else do you think I can get Elliot¡¯s attention?¡±


    Hearing that, Daniel tried to persuade her, ¡°Why do you agonize yourself like this, Hayley? You will still


    live a good life even if you leave President Presgrave. He won¡¯t let you suffer.¡±


    She rolled her eyes at him and stood up asking, ¡°What do you know?¡±


    Of course, there was no way Daniel would understand her anxiety. If there ever came a day when


    Anastasia became Elliot¡¯s wife, Hayley¡¯s happy days woulde to an end, especially after the incident


    tonight which would definitely have made Anastasia hate her even more.


    Therefore, even if she knew that it was beyond her power, Hayley was determined to destroy the


    rtionship between Elliot and Anastasia with her own hands by any means.


    ¡°Hayley, I actually¡­¡± Daniel seemed to speak with great difficulty as he looked at her back.


    She turned her head to look into his eyes, and just from his gaze alone, her instincts alone told her that


    the man must have fallen in love with her after they shared 2 nights together!


    After she found out that she was rich, she had gained a lot of charms that made people like Daniel fall in


    love with her. Unfortunately, even if Daniel was going to do well in the future, she could neither wait nor


    fall for him.


    ¡°Just do what you should and don¡¯t overthink the rest. You can go out now!¡± She then walked over and


    patted him. ¡°Elliot is the only man for me.¡±


    ¡°But we¡ª¡±


    She harshly cut him off and warned, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it. You and I are the only ones who know about


    this. No one else can ever find out, understand?¡±


    He could only let out a sigh as he reluctantly pushed the door open, and left.


    Anastasia had a nightmare halfway through her sleep. As if she had sunk into the sea, she struggled


    against the suffocation that felt like death.


    She unknowingly waved her hand in the air as she panted for air with a painful expression on her face.


    Elliot was in the midst of resting with his eyes closed on the sofa beside him when he heard the voice


    coming from the bed. He rushed over immediately, and pressed her outstretched hands down before


    leaning over. ¡°Anastasia, Anastasia¡­¡±


    As he continuously called out to her, she eventually broke free from the dream and opened her eyes. As


    soon as she saw his face, she sat up and tightly wrapped her arms around his neck as if she was


    grabbing thest piece of driftwood when she was on the verge of death in the water. She then buried


    herself in his chest and pulled him in for a tight hug.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave me¡­ I am scared.¡±


    Caught by surprise, he froze for a second before a smile tugged on the corners of his mouth. He also


    reached out to hug her tight, his eyes glowing with joy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± he reassured her. ¡°I won¡¯t leave


    you, I am not going anywhere.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia¡¯s face leaned against his heart pounding hot and fast, and it felt oh-so strong and reliable.

 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    Chapter 292 Do You Mind?


    Elliot stroked her long hair, and heforted her heart that had just recovered from the nightmare.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I am here.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s fear slowly began to subside then. It was only when she returned to reality that she realized


    how tightly she was holding onto him. Her pale face immediately blossomed like a red rose, and she


    quickly let go of him. ¡°Sorry¡­¡± she mumbled, embarrassed.


    ¡°For you to push me away after you have had your fill, you really have no conscience!¡± heined.


    As he sat on the edge of the bed, he looked at the big bed she was in and asked, ¡°It was very


    ufortable to sleep on the sofa just now. Do you mind if I join you in bed?¡±


    Her face turned pink again at that. Thinking that the sofa did look like it wouldn¡¯t fit his frame, she


    couldn¡¯t help scooting to the side to the point where she was about to fall off. She had now left a big part


    of the bed to him.


    ¡°Please go ahead!¡±


    He lifted the nket off the bed, and with his long arms, he tyrannically pulled the woman who was


    hanging on the edge of the bed back. ¡°Why are you running away? What do you suppose I will do to you


    when you are in such a state?¡±


    With a tug, she was now pressed against his chest. It was already the darkest hour of the night then, and


    she didn¡¯t make a sound to break the surrounding silence.


    Just like that, they slept in the same bed.


    Anastasia, who had just had a good rest, found it difficult to fall asleep again. She raised her head, and


    from the angle she was looking up from, she had the prime seat to the man¡¯s attractive jawline and sharp


    corbone¡­


    Undoubtedly, it was impossible to stay in this man¡¯s arms without thinking about this and that.


    ¡°Sleep.¡± As soon as the light was turned off, and her vision went dark, a big palm held her by the back of


    her head and pressed her into the man¡¯s chest.


    ¡°D¡ªdid you give me CPR in front of all the guests?¡± She had thought about it after the incident, and this


    seemed like a usible guess.


    ¡°Mhm. Do you mind?¡± His rough voice came from above her head.


    Her face warmed slightly after his nonchnt reply. ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± she answered. ¡°You did that to save me¡­¡±


    However, she was still a little embarrassed to think how he did it in front of so many people.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem like you can sleep anymore,¡± he suddenly asked again, his voice somewhat enticing


    and dangerous.


    His tone didn¡¯t go unnoticed by her, and she quickly shut her eyes and said, ¡°I can sleep! I am sleeping


    now.¡±


    Wanting to share his feelings then, he randomly threw a question at her. ¡°Anastasia, do you know how


    flustered and scared I was when I performed CPR on you?¡±


    Her heart tightened when she heard his words. If she were to imagine that it was him lying there instead,


    she was sure she would feel the same as he did!


    ¡°I know,¡± she knowingly replied. Her words had just fallen when the hand on the back of her head


    suddenly pulled her in. In the dark of the room, her lips were sealed by the man the next moment.


    A punishment for her was overdue since she made him such a mess when the incident happened.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡±


    Her sensitivity seemed to have heightened when she couldn¡¯t see in the dark.


    But in the end, the man didn¡¯t really do anything else, and only punished her with a kiss. Their bodies,


    however, were clinging to each other. They could feel every inch of each other¡¯s warmth. She was so


    startled that she immediately pretended to sleep.


    She was afraid that he would ¡®help¡¯ her again if she stayed awake.


    Eventually, she unconsciously fell asleep in his arms.


    Elliot¡¯s side of the bed was already empty when Anastasia opened her eyes the next morning. She lightly


    touched it, and upon feeling the lingering warmth, she started to blush. They had slept togetherst


    night, after all.


    An attendant soon quietly brought in clean clothes, and they left as soon as they ced theundry.


    Anastasia also got up at this time to take a shower, and she then put on a clean long dress. She pushed


    open the door and came out to find her phone, where she eventually found both it and her bag in the


    living room. She proceeded to take her phone, and as soon as the screen lit up, she noticed that she had


    gotten a few missed calls from Francis and a text message from Erica. With a frown on her face, she


    clicked into the message.


    It was a video that showed Elliot carrying Hayley down before she was going to jump out of the window,


    and also him putting her on the bed.


    Even though Anastasia knew that Elliot was only looking out for Hayley, it still hurt her to see their


    interaction.


    She took out her bag, and it was only after she gave her father a call to tell him that she was all right that


    Francis could heave a sigh of relief. ¡°You really scared Dad this time.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dad. I am alright.¡±


    He then abruptly asked an unexpected question. ¡°Erica said that you pushed Hayley. Did you really do


    that?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293


    Chapter 293 I Thought We Could Drag It On


    ¡°I didn¡¯t push her. She fell in herself.¡± This was something Anastasia would never admit to.


    ¡°Alright. Dad trusts you. It is fortunate that no lives were lost. Don¡¯t cause this kind of trouble again.¡±


    She too knew that she had worried her father, and so she meekly replied, ¡°Thanks Dad.¡±


    She reminded herself to watch out for Hayley in the future because Hayley was more scary and vicious


    than she ever imagined. She would rather watch her drown than save her if it wasn¡¯t because she didn¡¯t


    know she could swimst night.


    However, it was for a fact that harm had been done to Anastasia¡¯s good reputationst night. Not only


    did the whole of the Presgrave Family know that she had pushed someone into the water, she also


    refused to apologize, and even beat someone up. Erica had also chosen the perfect time to reveal what


    Anastasia had done 5 years ago. After all that had happened, the rtives and friends of the Presgraves


    probably thought that she was an evil woman.


    It wouldn¡¯t have mattered if she didn¡¯t marry into the Presgrave Family. She wouldn¡¯t associate with those


    people anyway.But still, she was concerned at this moment.


    ¡°What are you running around for?¡± She was in the midst of zoning out in the garden when a low male


    voice called out from behind.


    Upon hearing that, she turned back to look at the person, only to see that it was Elliot sauntering toward


    her. At this moment, the man looked like a god as the morning sunlight shone on him.


    He was very good-looking on top of being tall and intimidating. Him being an attractive male was a fact


    that she had to admit despite how reluctant she was.


    In fear of her heart beating irregrly from staring at him, she hurriedly lowered her gaze. ¡°I am not


    running around. I want to go back.¡±


    ¡°I will take you home. Jensen will be backter,¡± he informed her.


    Not wanting to take up his time, she immediately rejected his offer. ¡°You can have someone else send


    me back if you are busy!¡±


    ¡°There is nothing more important than you.¡± After he finished speaking, he reached out his hand to hold


    her. ¡°Have breakfast before you go. Don¡¯t starve yourself out.¡±


    ¡°I am not hungry,¡± she bluntly told him. She had no appetite.


    However, the man was used to being overbearing. ¡°You still have to eat,¡± he demanded, leaving no room


    for her to argue.


    After she conceded and had her breakfast, she received a call from Harriet again. The older woman was


    concerned about her condition. In order to not worry her, Anastasia kept telling her that she was fine.


    She hung up the call soon after. After Anastasia was brought home by Elliot, he went to pick up young


    Jensen in the afternoon.


    She received a call from Elliot after that. He called to let her know that he wasn¡¯t going to have dinner at


    home, and that the servant would prepare dinner for them.


    She was d that Jensen had no clue about what had happenedst night. She was afraid of scaring


    her son.


    When it was time for bed, she unconsciously fell asleep when she was keeping her sonpany. She


    was so deep in her sleep that she slept through even when Elliot hade to check in on Jared.


    He didn¡¯t disturb them, and only went back to his room.


    The next afternoon, Anastasia sent the finished draft of the drawing to Felicia. It was the ne she


    designed for Elliot that was ready for production.


    Elliot was in the president¡¯s office of Presgrave Corporation when an anxious frown appeared on his face


    after he read a notification on the screen. ¡°How did he get in so quickly?¡± he asked.


    Rey couldn¡¯t help but walk to his front to take a look. He thenughed out loud. ¡°You personally went and


    showed your face, Young Master Elliot. How can it not be quick?¡±


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Elliot ced his arms on the armrests as he leaned into his seat. ¡°I thought we could drag it on for at


    least a few months! We probably can¡¯t take this kind of news down, can we?¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy. It is a good thing that brings light to good and evil, after all,¡± Rey answered,


    embarrassed. It might not bring them the result they were looking for if Rey was the one who handled it.


    Hearing that, Elliot could only exasperate, ¡°I hope she doesn¡¯t see this.¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, you can totally ask Miss Tillman to live with you. I am sure she would agree to it.¡±


    Not having the least bit of confidence, Elliot shook his head left and right. ¡°Not necessarily. She isn¡¯t as


    easy to persuade as she appears.¡±


    Anastasia was in Elliot¡¯s vi¡¯s garden swiping on the screen of her phone as she read the news. A


    familiar name in one of the headlines suddenly caught her eyes, stopping her in her tracks.


    ¡®The Crackdown on a Malicious Social Incident Has Come to an End. Lawrence vell¡ªthe Main Culprit


    Involved in the Loss of Two Lives¡ªHas Been Arrested and Jailed. All Involved Perpetrators Have Been


    Dealt With by the Law.¡¯


    Seeing that, Anastasia immediately jumped up in joy as she muttered to herself, ¡°So this thug was


    arrested, huh?¡±

 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294


    Chapter 294 Hunger


    Anastasia clicked into the image which also had a video embedded below it. The man who was arrested


    was definitely Lawrence, the thug who used to be so arrogant. Now that he had been detained, she


    wouldn¡¯t have to constantly be on edge about her and Francis¡¯ safety anymore. Moreover, the nature of


    his crime for having 2 lives lost by his hands was so terrible that Lawrence probably wouldn¡¯t be able to


    get out of prison in this lifetime.


    Anastasia immediately called her father and told him the good news. Francis just so happened to have


    just seen it as well, and he cheered, ¡°Yes! What goes aroundes around.¡±


    ¡°Dad, if this is the case, I might go home and stay there for the next two days,¡± she informed Francis.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay at Young Master Elliot¡¯s ce for a while longer?¡±


    ¡°I am not thick-skinned enough to keep staying here, Dad. I will be bringing Jared home.¡± She had


    always been someone who didn¡¯t like causing people trouble.


    ¡°Alright! Move back here with Jared, then. It will be morefortable for you at home! I wille pay


    and visit little Jared these 2 days.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± she answered before hanging up.


    I have to mention this to Elliot tonight.


    It was Erica¡¯s first time visiting Hayley¡¯s vi. When she saw this luxury vi that stood alone, her eyes


    almost fell out in envy.


    Like someone who had just seen the big city for the first time after living her whole life in a vige, Erica


    started walking around the bungalow and into the cloakroom and master bedroom. ¡°Hayley, you are so


    lucky!¡± she eximed. ¡°The Presgraves have given you such a good life. You get to spend the rest of


    your life indulging in wealth and prosperity.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! I have prepared 2 gifts for you. Erica, I want you to handle Anastasia with me from now on. I


    will share whatever good stuff I have with you,¡± Hayley dered as she tried to get on Erica¡¯s good side.


    Erica, in return, hummed agreeably. ¡°Alright! I will definitely help you deal with Anastasia. She happens


    to be the person my mother and I hate the most.¡± Erica was more than eager to do it. With Hayley¡¯s help,


    she would have a better chance to get her father¡¯s property in the future.


    Hayley then gave her 2 pieces of jewelry that she herself didn¡¯t like very much, but Erica was overjoyed


    just to receive the gifts. The duo started chatting aboutst night as they enjoyed afternoon tea.


    Hayley¡±s eyes were filled with hatred as they spoke. Elliot used to at least show her patience and care to


    a certain extent, but ever since Anastasia had seduced him, his heart hadpletely been taken away..


    ¡°Hayley, I have a question. Exactly who was the guy who slept with Anastasia back then? We can find


    him and have him snatch Anastasia¡¯s son away!¡± Erica also thought of this.


    Hayley let out a frown upon hearing her suggestion. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that for now. She won¡¯t take this


    lying down. I will be in trouble if she decides to bite back.¡±


    Unbeknownst to Erica, the reason Hayley didn¡¯t dare do this was because the man who shared a bed


    with Anastasia that night was Elliot. It was a good thing that Anastasia had been avoiding talking about


    what happened that night. She would definitely trace it back to Elliot if she were to investigate further into


    it.


    Anastasia would definitely know that her son was also Elliot¡¯s. That would only bring them closer when


    the time came.


    Erica then nodded. ¡°Okay!! We will find another way to deal with her.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hayley had actually already thought of a way that she was sure would get her Elliot¡¯s attention.


    Erica and Hayley soon left for dinner in Hayley¡¯s sports car when evening came, where Erica started


    yearning more for the life of a rich person. She knew that her father¡¯s inheritance was what would make


    her rich, and she had to make sure that it would not be taken away by Anastasia.


    Francis¡¯ listedpany was worth more than 1 billion dors! Even if she didn¡¯t want to run the business


    in the future, she could still be a rich woman if she were to sell it off for a few hundred million.


    Erica was getting more and more hungry for the rich life Hayley showed her.


    As night fell, the servants in Elliot¡¯s vi had begun to prepare dinner. Anastasia and Jared had yed


    ser for half an hour, and both of them had gone back to their room to take a shower.


    At that moment, two beams of headlights shone over the yard outside the vi. The owner of the ce


    had returned.


    Elliot, dressed in ck from head to toe, stepped into the brightly lit hall.


    ¡°Young Master Elliot,¡± the servants respectfully greeted him.


    ¡°Where are they?¡±

 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295


    Chapter 295 Bubble Bath


    ¡°Miss Tillman and Young Master Tillman are having a bath upstairs.¡±


    With that, Elliot treaded upstairs with wide steps, where he went straight to Anastasia¡¯s room. Jared had


    already gone to the yroom after Anastasia had washed him. It was her turn to take a shower in the


    bathroom now.


    She yed with the bubbles as she soaked herself in the bathtub, her mind thinking of a way to tell Elliot


    soon that she was going to go home.


    After all, the man had brought her and her son over out of kindness. She couldn¡¯t possibly break his


    heart time after time again.


    Elliot thought that she was in the midst of bathing her son, and out of his intention to join them, he


    unthinkingly pushed open the bathroom door.


    In that instant, their eyes met each other¡¯s as one of them stood at the door, while the othery in the


    bathtub.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Out of surprise, she let out a yelp and sat up straight. Other than the small towel he had on that


    covered the important parts, Elliot had a good look of her fair and supple upper body.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t the only one who was shocked. Even Elliot couldn¡¯t believe that he had chosen the


    wrong time toe in.


    It was only when she felt a chill in her upper body that she realized what she had stupidly done out of


    shock. However, just as she was about to lie back down, she slipped on the bubbles, leaving only her


    pair of hands struggling above the water.


    ¡°Anastasia.¡± This time, he couldn¡¯t care less about anything else as he hurried over with long strides, and


    reached into the water to scoop out the struggling woman.


    At that instant, she almost died from shame on the spot.


    She was wet from head to toe, and even though there was foam on her hair and body, it probably didn¡¯t


    do much in covering her up. She was now like a newborn baby in his arms.


    The only thing she could do now was cover her face with her palms.


    She was almost crying when she begged, ¡°Elliot, put me down.¡±


    His deep eyes fell on her body then, and they seemed to darken with unexinable emotion.


    ¡°How much longer are you going to look?!¡± She almost had a breakdown when she noticed that he was


    quietly looking at her.


    When he finally put her back into the bathwater, she sat there with her body curled up as she started


    getting angry. ¡°Get out,¡± she hissed.


    He only pursed his thin lips to hold back a smile, but still, he gently told her, ¡°Take you bath properly.¡±


    After saying that, he strode out and closed the door behind him.


    She was left to miserably cover her face all by herself in the room. She could only hold in her grief from


    being seen with nothing on her by the man.


    She then quickly washed the bubbles off her body and put on her clothes. She eventually let out a


    relieved sigh when she came out and found that Elliot was nowhere to be seen.


    He was actually apanying Jared at the time. However, unlike his usual self who was always smooth


    at ying the Rubik¡¯s cube, he couldn¡¯t even match the little guy¡¯s speed because his mind was


    preupied with a body figure he had seen earlier.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, I won again,¡± Jared boasted as he proudly waved the Rubik¡¯s cube around.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Elliot reached out and stroked his head, and he praised, ¡°You are awesome, Jared. I admit defeat.¡±


    The little guy seemed to have gotten a great sense of achievement after hearing his words. Elliot turned


    to look at the time then. ¡°I think it is about time we go down for dinner.¡±


    As Elliot walked out with Jared¡¯s little hand in his, Anastasia also coincidentally came out of the room.


    She instantly felt so embarrassed that she wanted to burrow into the ground. It felt rather unnecessary


    for her even if she were to wrap a nket around her body.


    Even though she was wearing a sweater, the way he looked at her made her panic with the feeling that


    she was standing in front of him with nothing on.


    Jared brought her back to reality when he suddenly turned to her and said, ¡°Mommy, let¡¯s go downstairs


    for dinner.¡±


    ¡°Mm! Okay, let¡¯s go!¡± She then went down the stairs first, making the corners of Elliot¡¯s lips curl upward.


    That was definitely a scene he would never forget all his life. Even though all that had happened within a


    short minute, there was not a thing in sight that he didn¡¯t properly appreciate.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was desperate to hide herself in a hole if she could.


    Her face was hot throughout dinnertime. She would also tense up all over whenever his eyesnded on


    her.


    After dinner, Elliot took Jared for a walk. Instead of joining them, Anastasia sat in the side hall as she


    used her phone. She also paid attention to the proceeding of Lawrence¡¯s court case. It seemed that it


    would be impossible for both Lawrence and his goons to get out of prison after the 2 murder cases they


    hadmitted.

 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296


    Chapter 296 Those Are Just Empty Words


    It had turned 9:30PM at some point. Anastasia unconsciously yawned as she looked out the window and


    took note of autumn night sky. It seemed like winter was just around the corner.


    At this moment, she heard a sound from the main entrance of the vi, she guessed that Elliot and Jared


    had returned from their walk.


    As soon as she came out to greet them, she saw Elliot holding the sleeping Jared in his arms with one of


    his coats covering the young boy¡¯s body. Surprised, she hurried over and asked, ¡°How did he fall


    asleep?¡±


    ¡°Jared got tired from walking. I will take him to the bedroom.¡± After saying that, Elliot started walking up


    the stairs with his long legs as Anastasia closely followed after them.


    Elliot was already acting like a father. He gently ced Jared on the bed, took off his coat and shoes,


    covered him with the nket, tucked him in, and brushed his jet ck hair on his forehead before he


    pressed a kiss on the child¡¯s clear forehead.


    She was surprised as she stood at the door and watched their interaction. Is Elliot¡¯s love for Jared true?


    she wondered.


    Does he really like a child that has no blood ties with him?


    She was still in a daze when the man walked toward her and took advantage to hug her by the waist. He


    then gently closed the door.


    In a panic, she quickly took a step back and stretched out her hands to push him by his strong chest.


    However, the man deliberately stuck close to her, his deep eyes revealing a myriad of emotions.


    The scene in the bathroom just now had ignited the fire in him.


    ¡°Elliot, don¡¯t.¡± She looked up at him calmly. ¡°I have something to tell you.¡±


    He seemed to have guessed that this was going to happen, and he swiftly pointed in the direction of the


    living room on the second floor, ¡°We will talk there.¡±


    She followed him with a frown on her face. She didn¡¯t seem to be in a particrly good mood. Suddenly,


    the man walking in front turned back to her and offered, ¡°I can let you look back at me if you think it was


    unfair.¡±


    It only took her a second to understand his words. ¡°I don¡¯t want it,¡± she mumbled as she nced at him


    shyly.


    ¡°Well, your loss.¡± The man who was now behind her sounded extremely confident.


    She sat down on the sofa with a flushed face, and she angrily red at him. ¡°Can you knock before you


    enter next time?¡±


    ¡°I thought you were giving Jared a bath. I apologize,¡± he uttered earnestly. He was in the wrong after all.


    She didn¡¯t want to delve into this matter anymore since it had already happened. Arguing about it would


    only add to her embarrassment. As someone who had given birth to a child, it didn¡¯t matter to her all that


    much anyway.


    ¡°Thank you for caring and protecting Jared and I all this time. I saw the news this afternoon that


    Lawrence has been arrested. Since we are safe now,¡± she spoke her mind, ¡°I have decided to bring


    Jared back to my home tomorrow.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s eyebrows furrowed at that. ¡°Everything has been fine during your stay here. Why must you move


    out?¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I can¡¯t keep bothering you¡­ I¡ª¡±


    ¡°I like it when you do.¡± He cut her off mid-sentence, his deep eyes locked on her.


    She had wanted to properly bid him farewell, but when she heard him interrupt her, she blinked a few


    times and grumbled, ¡°Can you please not interrupt me?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, let me ¡®buy¡¯ you. Name a price!¡± Sitting on the dark sofa, he looked like a noble, godly king.


    She started to feel like her farewell was steering more and more off its course because of him.


    Exasperated, she sighed, ¡°Elliot, can you let me finish?¡±


    ¡°Only if you promise to stay. I don¡¯t want to hear anything else.¡± He wanted to act stubborn despite


    knowing how she would still leave once she had set her mind to it.


    She ignored his words and continued, ¡°Thank you for housing Jared and I for so many da¡ª¡±


    ¡°How are you going to thank me?¡± he interrupted her again, rendering her speechless.


    What a rude guy! she fumed.


    Instead of answering him, she threw a question back at him. ¡°How do you want me to thank you?¡±


    ¡°You know what I want.¡± He tossed it back to her.


    Knowing that it was something she wouldn¡¯t agree to, she acted dumb and eximed, ¡°How would I


    know what you want?!¡±


    ¡°So those are just empty words when you said you wanted to thank me?¡± The man pretended to be


    upset.


    ¡°Ehem, of course I am sincere about it.¡±


    His eyes then shifted to gloomily stare at somewhere else. ¡°But you don¡¯t know what I want,¡± he


    mumbled. He looked like an abandoned child at this very moment.

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297


    Chapter 297 Elliot, Stop It¡­


    Anastasia¡¯s heart softened, and she sighed, ¡°What do you want, then?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know what I want?¡± Elliot threw the question back to her again. It would be meaningless if he


    had to tell her step-by-step about wanting her to love him.


    Seeing that the conversation hade to a dead end, she suddenly thought of something before she


    stood up and said, ¡°Thank you for taking care of us all this while, President Presgrave. It iste. We


    should get some rest. Good night.¡±


    She was just about to walk past him when he, too, stood up from the sofa as he held her by the wrist.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t go. Don¡¯t take Jared away from me,¡± he pleaded.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia stopped walking, her heart skipped a beat..


    What is he talking about? she thought.


    Why is he talking like I am abandoning him by leaving?


    ¡°President Presgrave¡­ Please, let go of my hand.¡± She didn¡¯t have the courage to turn to look at him.


    ¡°Anastasia,¡± he called out. ¡°It is impolite to talk with your back facing others. Look me in the eyes and say


    it to my face.¡± After saying that, he turned her around by her shoulders and pinched her chin with his big


    palm as he forced her to look up.


    She raised her head and looked straight into the man¡¯s eyes. She noticed the anticipation and,


    surprisingly, a hint of fragility in his gaze. She could see her reflection between his long upper and lower


    lashes.


    ¡°Elliot, stop it¡­¡±


    He could only let go of her in frustration. He had zero idea on how to keep her by his side.


    After she was released, she took a step back, turned around, and went back to her room. She could still


    feel the pressure of his intense stare on her.


    She still insisted on taking her son home tomorrow. She was going to return to work, and as for her son,


    she decided to enrol him in a private kindergarten with better security measures.


    Neither Anastasia nor the man in the master bedroom had a good sleep that night.


    She was in the midst of packing things the next morning when Elliot rapped his knuckles on the door


    beforeing in. As soon as she finished packing up, she turned to him and requested, ¡°I will have to


    trouble you to give us a ride.¡±


    ¡°It is about time Jared went to a different school,¡± he abruptly mentioned.


    ¡°I know. I will get in contact with a better school.¡±


    ¡°No need for that,¡± he immediately rejected her idea. ¡°I have already gotten Jared a spot in a prestigious


    kindergarten after contacting them. He can start going to school tomorrow onward.¡±


    ¡°Is it near to Bourgeois?¡± she asked.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It is close.¡±


    ¡°That is great. How about the school fees?¡± She wasn¡¯t a wealthy woman, after all.


    His eyebrows shot up at that. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about this. I will handle his school fees.¡±


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t have you do that. I will pay you,¡± she quickly answered him. She didn¡¯t want to owe him


    anything.Instead, he only unexpectedly said, ¡°Money talks hurt rtionships. He might be my son


    one day. It is my responsibility to raise him.¡±


    She speechlessly stayed in the room for a while.


    After she broke out of her reverie, she sat on the bed and immediately searched for all the prestigious


    kindergartens near Bourgeois. She only found one whose annual tuition fee was about 288,000 dors.


    She was slightly mind-blown when she saw the numbers. Why is this so expensive? she asked herself.


    It was no wonder he didn¡¯t want to tell her. He must have been worried that she couldn¡¯t afford it. But in


    fact, it wasn¡¯t an amount she could support with her meager sry.


    She continued to search for another kindergarten around the neighborhood again, but she could only


    sigh in frustration when she found a few public ones that had a lottery system. There was no way she


    would enroll Jared in these shady schools.


    At about 10:00PM, Elliot drove the mother-and-son duo home. They finally reached the area where


    Anastasia¡¯s house was after an hour of driving. It was only after she pushed open the door to her house


    that she instantly felt a lot more rxed.


    She turned to Elliot and said, ¡°President Presgrave, I won¡¯t be sending you off if you have work to attend


    to.¡±


    ¡°I am not busy,¡± he briefly replied before he sat down on the sofa and kept Jaredpany.


    Anastasia began to clean up then. She busily cleaned the room which was slightly bigger than 100


    square meters, and soon the home looked like it was new.


    Just as she straightened her back, someone beside her handed a ss of water. She began drinking it


    with a smile on her face when she saw that it was her son who brought it. ¡°What a good boy my baby


    Jared is,¡± she cooed.


    ¡°Take a rest, Mommy!¡±


    ¡°Mommy isn¡¯t tired.¡±


    After she was done with the cleaning, she went to the supermarket downstairs to buy some food for the


    evening. It took her until the evening to be done with her grocery shopping, but Elliot was still there by


    the time she returned home. He seemed to have made himselffortable at some point.


    She personally cooked dinner at night, and Elliot only left after eating his share. Before he left, he


    informed her, ¡°I will be picking Jared up for school tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298


    Chapter 298 Donated Five Million Dors


    ¡°I still haven¡¯t thought about whether or not to send Jared to that school,¡± Anastasia replied.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to think about it,¡± Elliot said. ¡°I have already decided for you.¡± He then left after closing


    the door behind him.


    She was thinking if she should just go ahead with the decision! She had gone through the teaching


    philosophy of that school, and it all seemed very good.


    She eventually fell asleep after debating over her dilemma the whole night. The next morning had


    already arrived by the time she opened her eyes. Elliot came and knocked on her door at 8:00PM sharp.


    She hadn¡¯t reallye up with an answer despite her sleepless night, and so Elliot took Jared by his


    hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I will take you to your new school.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about it yet.¡± She pulled her son back. ¡°I have to think about it again. I will check out


    the other schools in the area today.¡±


    Elliot tugged on the little guy¡¯s other hand again. ¡°WOuldn¡¯t I have donated 5 million dors in vain if


    Jared doesn¡¯t go to school here?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She could feel her brain short-circuit. ¡°You donated 5 millions?!¡± She couldn¡¯t believe that he


    actually made a donation just for his son to go to school!


    As she was still frozen in shock, Elliot brought Jared to the elevator. She hurriedly followed after them


    into the elevator, and her head was still a mess when she looked at him and questioned him. ¡°Did you


    really donate 5 million dors?¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± he answered casually while fixing his cufflinks.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you discuss it with me?¡± She was hysterical after hearing him confirm it. She couldn¡¯t believe


    how wilful Elliot was.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think any discussion is needed for this kind of trivial matter. I made the decision almost instantly.¡±


    The man¡¯s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.


    Anastasia felt like a boulder was pressed against her chest that she couldn¡¯t breathe. The 5-million


    donation suddenly felt like her responsibility. No, she thought. I can¡¯t let his donation go to waste. She


    had found a private kindergarten about 20 minutes from her workce, and it had a yearly fee of one


    hundred thousand dors that she could still afford.


    Her attitude suddenly did a 180, and she shed a bright smile at him. ¡°I will take Jared to school in a


    while, then! Why don¡¯t you go back to thepany, President Presgrave? I will have to have a good


    conversation with the teacher after Jared has arrived at his new school!¡±


    Elliot had postponed a morning meeting just to send the young boy to school. He glumly replied, ¡°I will go


    with you.¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± she immediately refused. ¡°Go ahead and get busy with your work.¡±


    He was about to say something when he got off the elevator when his phone began to ring. After he


    reached for his phone and epted the call, he spoke into it. ¡°Hey¡­ Okay. I wille over.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then. You can send Jared to Eden Kindergarten. Everything has been arranged. He can attend


    sses straightaway.¡±


    Anastasia was overjoyed when she saw that there was finally business that Elliot couldn¡¯t step away


    from, and she gleefully bid him farewell. ¡°Okay. Thank you for being so kind. Goodbye.¡±


    After she and her son watched Elliot¡¯s car drive off, she took her son by his hand and said, ¡°Jared,


    Mommy will take you to your new school. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    She then drove her son to the school she chose. Although it wasn¡¯t top-notch, it was not bad at all. She


    approved of the security measures, too. ALso, the school seemed to be extra safe as it was situated


    beside a police station.


    She was lucky that there just so happened to be a spot for Jared because of a child who dropped out.


    Even though Jared was a transfer student who joined ss halfway, he was not afraid to be in the new


    environment at all. It was already eleven 11AM by the time she went through all the admission


    procedures. Anastasia watched as her son was brought into ss by a teacher, and she waved at him.


    ¡°Jared, Mommy will pick you up this afternoon.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The young boy waved goodbye happily before he went off to see his new ssmates. Without missing a


    beat, Anastasia went to visit the top private kindergarten in the city center.


    The teacher had been waiting for Jared toe to handle the admission, but it was Anastasia who


    ended up appearing. Anastasia assumed the position as Elliot¡¯s assistant to find her way to the


    principal¡¯s office, where she started discussing the donation. She wasn¡¯t ashamed at all to ask for a


    refund since Jared didn¡¯t end up studying here.


    The principal was not happy about it at first, but as Anastasia kept insisting on the refund, the principal


    could only give her his signature with a sour face. It was only after an hour when Anastasia had gotten


    the bank card for the 5-million-dor refund that she could finally leave feeling relieved.

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299


    Chapter 299 Miss Tillman, What Are You Doing?


    Anastasia had returned to Bourgeois after that.


    As she was having lunch with Felicia outside, thetter told her that Elliot hadn¡¯t been to Bourgeois ever


    since Anastasia had been on leave. She then teasingly added, ¡°It looks to me you are the only reason


    President Presgravees to thepany!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face immediately heated up. Felicia seemed to be someone who could see through


    everything. She also told Anastasia that a new designer hade over in the afternoon due to the


    expansion of the business. The person was a rather mysterious person whose gender Felicia didn¡¯t


    know, and seemed to have had an airborne arrival at thepany.


    ¡°For the designer to arrive in such a way, they definitely have some sort of rtionship with President


    Presgrave,¡± Felicia spected.


    Hearing that, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but think to herself, Could it be a rtive of the Presgrave family?


    At 2:30PM, Anastasia went and greeted Lily, the assistant working in the general office. She reminded


    Lily to inform her as soon as Elliot reached thepany.


    She was sorting out thetest emails she had received when thendline rang, and she swiftly reached


    out to pick it up. ¡°Hi,¡± she greeted briefly, in which Lily¡¯s voice came from the other end of the call.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, President Presgrave has arrived.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thank you.¡±


    After she hung up the call, she took out the bank card with 5 million dors from her bag. She couldn¡¯t


    wait to give it to Elliot so that she could feel more at ease.


    With the card in her hand, she walked in the direction of the elevator, where she then pressed the button


    to the eighth floor. She suddenly thought of what Felicia said about how Elliot had not been to Bourgeois


    this week. But he is here now, she mused. Could it be true that he is here because of me?


    She had never believed that she had the ability to make Elliot give up the luxurious and spacious office


    of Presgrave Group¡¯s headquarters, and transfer to a ce like Bourgeois.


    But it was for a fact that Elliot was here today.


    As she passed by Lily¡¯s office, she noticed that the assistant was not in her seat. She then walked


    directly to Elliot¡¯s office, and when she saw the door that was hidden from in sight, she was about to


    knock on it when she heard a coquettishughter from behind the door. ¡°I will definitely work hard and


    live up to your expectations, Elliot.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me,¡± Elliot said fondly in his deep voice. ¡°You can always ask for my help with


    work in the future.¡±


    ¡°Mhm! I know. I will try my best not to bother you. I am already very happy to be your subordinate.¡± The


    female voice was pleasant to listen to. For her to have such a sweet and melodious voice, she probably


    was a beauty as well.


    Is this the airborne designer that Felicia was talking about? She seems like she knows Elliot personally.


    Anastasia¡¯s hand froze mid-air as multiple thoughts began to swim through her mind.


    The woman suddenly sounded bashful as she spoke expectantly. ¡°Are you free tonight, Elliot? I want to


    treat you to a meal.¡±


    Anastasia had suspected that it might be one of the Presgraves¡¯ rtive¡¯s children, but when she heard


    her flirtatious tone, it was obvious that they were not rted by blood. The woman probably fancied the


    man, too.


    Elliot was a dreamboat, after all.


    He neither rejected nor agreed. ¡°Tonight? I will check if I have the time.¡±


    ¡°It is so amazing how you alone manage such a bigpany.¡± The woman¡¯s voice was full of admiration.


    Hearing that, Elliot let out a lowugh and replied, ¡°It can be tiring sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Which is why I want to buy you something good for dinner tonight and help you rx. Awwe on,


    just say yes!¡± The woman inside the office was half-seducing and half-pleading. Her soft voice seemed


    useful at making men listen to her.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, what are you doing?¡± Lily suddenly asked in an emotionless voice.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia waspletely surprised by Lily¡¯s sudden appearance. She didn¡¯t even notice that her upper


    body was already leaning over. In that instant, she lost her bnce, and she abruptly mmed open the


    office door in front of her as she stumbled into Elliot¡¯s office.


    She panickedly raised her head, only to see Elliot sitting at the desk, and there was a young woman in a


    suit leaning over on his desk. She had her chin plopped in her palms as she put on a cute and kittenish


    appearance.


    Not brave enough to look at the man¡¯s face, Anastasia bowed her head and stammered as she


    apologized. ¡°So¡ªsorry to bother you. I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt. Please, continue with what you were


    doing¡­¡±

 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300


    Chapter 300 The Most Beautiful Idiot in the World


    A look of displeasure shed across Aliona¡¯s face. Is she doing this on purpose? she fumed as she


    looked at Anastasia. She really knows how to pick the worst timing. Of all the time she could havee,


    she just had to choose to show up now.


    Elliot¡¯sflicted gaze fell on the woman who had just barged in, and he was instantly overjoyed. Was


    she eavesdropping from outside?


    After Anastasia had regained herposure, she began to exin in a serious manner. ¡°I apologize. I


    have just arrived. I wille backter if I have interrupted your conversation.¡±


    She was about to turn around and leave after saying that when a male voice called out from behind.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Elliot then turned to the woman at his table and said, ¡°Aliona, go and get familiarized


    with your office first.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s n to invite him to dinner immediately failed because of Anastasia¡¯s intervention. She pursed


    her lips and smiled as she replied, ¡°Got it, Elliot. I am off, then.¡±


    The two women looked at each other as Aliona walked past Anastasia. Despite feeling upset, Aliona


    managed to greet Anastasia politely. ¡°Hello,¡± she said.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Anastasia replied in an equally polite voice.


    As soon as the door behind her closed, she had no choice but to look up at the man sitting at the desk.


    However, when their eyes met, she lowered her head guiltily as she walked over to him. She then


    meekly put the bank card she had tightly held on to in front of him, ¡°I am returning this.¡±


    Eliot¡¯s gaze followed along, and when he saw the card, he slightly frowned as he asked, ¡°What is this?¡±


    She cleared her throat then. ¡°This is the 5-million donation I got back from Eden Kindergarten. Please


    take it!¡±


    Elliot¡¯s handsome face instantly fell.


    He couldn¡¯t believe that Anastasia would get a refund behind his back!


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Did you not send Jared to this school?¡± He stood up angrily, his big and tall frame towering over her.


    Startled, she took a guilty step back and quickly exined, ¡°I have my limitations. I can only give Jared


    the best education within my ability. I can¡¯t depend on your help.¡±


    He was so angry after hearing her words that his chest started to hurt. He reached out to fix the front of


    his top, and he let out a long breath. ¡°Where did you send him?¡±


    It somewhat seemed to her that he was the most agitated because her son could not receive the best


    education.


    She was still grateful for his concern over her son¡¯s well being, and so sheforted him. ¡°President


    Presgrave, I know that you like Jared, but you really don¡¯t have to worry. I sent him to another private


    school. It is also a pretty decent school. Please keep the card.¡±


    As she turned around to leave after saying her fill, she heard a cold huffing from behind. ¡°What did


    you hear just now?¡± Elliot questioned her.


    She stopped walking and shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear anything.¡±


    ¡°Her name is Aliona Dora. She is the daughter of my father¡¯s best friend. She will be your colleague from


    today onward,¡± he exined casually.


    Just as Anastasia had thought, she was the girl Felicia said was airborne here.


    Turning her head, she praised, ¡°Oh! Is that so? She is very beautiful!¡± She then looked at the man with


    thoughtful eyes.


    He noticed her odd gaze, and he let out a frown as he asked, ¡°What is it that you are trying to say?¡±


    ¡°Seems to me she likes you very much. She must have the intention to pursue you. You have to grab


    onto the opportunity, President Presgrave.¡± she jokingly replied.


    ¡°Be more confident. She is no prettier than you.¡± He rested both arms on the desk as he gazed at her


    with fiery eyes.


    She was stunned for a few seconds, and she started talking down about herself. ¡°How am I pretty? I am


    just normal. I can¡¯tpare to her.¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard the saying that love makes everything beautiful, and that beauty lies in the eyes of


    the beholder? Even if you were to turn into a idiot some day, you would still be the most beautiful idiot in


    the world to me,¡± he teasingly scolded her.


    Enraged, she rolled her eyes at him. How dare he call me a idiot! He is the idiot, not me!


    ¡°I will go pick up Jared with you in the evening. I would also like to take a look at his new school.¡± The


    man had finally epted her arrangement. It wasn¡¯t the first time she had rejected his help, anyway.


    Rejecting him was a trait that made Anastasia who she was. He was already used to it.


    Elliot couldn¡¯t help but find it strange how all the women who approached him, Aliona who he met today


    included, would do everything possible to get his attention. Anastasia somehow was the only exception.

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    Chapter 301


    However, this was the exception that Elliot couldn¡¯t have no matter how much he wanted her¡­


    After Anastasia came out of the office, she breathed a sigh of relief. She really didn¡¯t want to ept too


    much kindness from the man since she feared that she would not .. be able to repay him enough if she


    were to give herself up as coteral.


    In order not to get to that ce, she had to refuse wherever she could.


    As expected, the regr meeting held at 3:00PM that day was to introduce the airborne designer, Aliona


    Dora, to the rest of thepany. Despite Felicia making a formal introduction to the other workers, other


    than the male employees, the female ones were obviouslycking in enthusiasm as they weed her


    into the team. It was to be expected as beautiful women were naturally the enemies of other women.


    Furthermore, why would they be happy about having one morepetitor whose strength they didn¡¯t


    know?


    ¡°Hi, everyone! My name is Aliona Dora. I graduated from a design institute in Flor, and I specialize in


    jewelry design. I look forward to working together.¡± She herself did not expect the education she received


    from young would turn out to be one of her advantages in approaching Elliot.


    Alice was visibly more irritated now that there was another person who joined via personal connections


    when she wasn¡¯t even done dealing with Anastasia.


    Anastasia was also feeling the pressure. Bourgeois would soon be holding a grand jewelry show in the


    early spring of the new year and it was her chance to show her talents. She, too, wanted to have this


    opportunity to show what she was capable of.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talk about the jewelry show in early spring,¡± Felicia continued. ¡°Since we have be one


    of the brands under QR, the jewelry show will be set up in the country. We must not miss this opportunity


    to show what we have in store during the show. Thepany will also provide utmost support to our


    designers to participate in thepetition.¡±


    She then added calmly, ¡°This is a show worth millions of dors. It depends solely on your potential to


    win the race and be the one on top. I wish all of you the best of luck. The deadline will be at the end of


    this month.¡±


    After the meeting ended, Anastasia was in the middle of clearing the desk when Aliona came to greet her


    in a surprisingly friendly tone. ¡°Hello, Miss Tillman. We


    met earlier in President Presgrave¡¯s office.¡±


    ¡°It was my fault for interrupting.¡± Anastasia smiled lightly.


    Aliona pressed her lips together and replied with a smile as well, ¡°No worries. We were done talking by


    then.¡±


    Anastasia thought that she shouldn¡¯t be too cold to the daughter of Elliot¡¯s father¡¯s friend, so she politely


    said, ¡°Since we are colleagues now, I look forward to working together with you.¡±


    However, as soon as Anastasia left, Aliona¡¯s eyes immediately darkened. She only came to thepany


    with one purpose in mind: she was going to be Elliot¡¯s woman and marry him. She was fully


    prepared to sacrifice anything and everything else to achieve the purpose. She was even willing to


    sacrifice herself to Elliot, give birth to his child, and use the child to legally obtain the right to the


    inheritance.


    Riley had given her 2 years to get everything done. When the time came, Riley would get rid of Elliot and


    the entirety of the Presgrave Group would fall in the hands of Aliona and her child.


    Aliona was a child Riley had adopted from an orphanage. He had spent a lot of money to raise her. Not


    only did she learn all the advanced etiquette, she also


    graduated from a prestigious school and she was fluent in 4nguages. At the same time, in order to


    hide from the Presgrave Family¡¯s investigation, Riley had made her a member of the Dora Family, and


    had presented her as Lucas¡¯ illegitimate daughter to Elliot.


    Lucas was a close friend of Elliot¡¯s father and unfortunately had a weakness that Riley had gotten hold


    of. He was the puppet Riley was using through Aliona to take over Presgrave Group.


    Since she wanted to repay Riley for raising her, Aliona listened to his words as though they were


    absolute. Her mission in life was to help her adoptive father regain the Presgrave Group.


    And Anastasia was, undoubtedly, the biggest obstacle in herpletion of the task.


    She decided to first be good friends with Anastasia, and after she had gained her trust, AlionaContent bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    would find an opportunity to let her disappear from Elliot¡¯s side.


    Anastasia was sitting in the office since Felicia had asked her to solely focus on the uing jewelry


    show. Thepany was also putting great importance in the developing haute couture.


    Not long after that, Grace pushed the door open from outside and she came in with a cup of coffee in her


    hand. ¡°Here, Anastasia. This is for you,¡± she said to Anastasia.


    ¡¤ A frown began to appear on Anastasia¡¯s face as she looked at the coffee before she


    asked, ¡°Who is this from?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? Miss Dora has gotten all of us coffee. The coffee beans are freshly ground!¡±

 Chapter 302

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    Chapter 302


    Knowing that this was amon thing for the newbies to do to start off on the right foot with their


    colleagues, Anastasia gave a small ¡®oh¡¯ before she unhesitantly took the coffee and drank it.


    ¡°Anastasia, everyone is saying that Miss Dora is the president¡¯s rtive. What do you think?¡± Grace


    came to her to pick up more gossip.


    To her disappointment, Anastasia only shook her head with augh. ¡°I am not sure about that.¡±


    Grace could only absent-mindedly blink as she mumbled, ¡°You don¡¯t know as well, huh?¡±


    Anastasia was not a busybody who would spread this kind of gossip. She wouldn¡¯t say a word even if


    Aliona was the daughter of Elliot¡¯s father¡¯s close friend.


    ¡°Stop your tittle-tattle and get back to work!¡± she urged Grace.


    Anastasia¡¯s female instinct was telling her that Aliona hade to Bourgeois for Elliot. Ah, she thought.


    Elliot has another suitor again.


    The man had so many admirers that whoever ended up marrying him would definitely live a married life


    being constantly worried. Even if he had never approached women, there were a ton that would throw


    themselves at him.


    It was at this moment when thendline in front of her started to ring. She then reached out to pick it up.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°I might not be able to pick up Jared with you this evening. I will go with you tomorrow.¡± He sounded


    apologetic as he informed her that in his low voice.


    Anastasia immediately knew that Elliot had a prior date tonight and he wouldn¡¯t be able to spend time to


    apany her in picking her son up. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I understand that you are a busy man,


    President Presgrave. You don¡¯t have to worry about picking up Jared from now on,¡± she said politely.


    He teased her again in his maic voice. ¡°Are you angry?¡±


    I definitely am not angry, she thought as she responded, ¡°Why would I be? You think too much, President


    Presgrave.¡±


    WIN


    The man still added another exnation. ¡°I have a dinner that I can¡¯t say no to tonight.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin yourself to me.¡± As soon as she finished saying that, she hung up the phone


    and left the office feeling slightly irritated. She went to the pantry to get herself a ss of lemon water,


    but just as she was about to look for a ce to sit, she heard someone entering from the door.


    Aliona had a leery old bird of an employee who also happened to be single sticking close to her side.


    ¡°Miss Dora,¡± the man pestered. ¡°Are you free tonight? Let¡¯s have dinner together.¡±


    She only turned with a polite smile as she rejected him. ¡°My apologies as I have a date tonight.¡±


    When he heard that, the man tried to speak in a roundabout manner to fish out more information. ¡°Oh, so


    you have a boyfriend, Miss Dora.¡±


    Her sharp gaze fell on Anastasia at that moment and she only smiled without giving a definite answer. ¡°I


    am really sorry! I have dinner with someone really important to me.¡±


    Anastasia automatically knew that she was talking about Elliot when she said that it was an important


    person.


    The male colleague somewhat awkwardlyughed as he left and when he did, Aliona poured herself a


    cup of tea before she sat across Anastasia. ¡°Anastasia,¡± she called out abruptly, ¡°we have actually met


    before.¡±


    ¡°Oh? When was it?¡± Anastasia tried her best to recall but to no avail. It was impossible for her not to


    have any recollection at all if she had met such a beautiful woman before.


    Alionaughed gently. ¡°It was during Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s birthday banquet. I also know about how


    you fell into the pool. I was there at the time. You really had me worried when you fell in!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face turned pink when she heard that. Aliona had probably seen Elliot giving her CPR those


    few times if she was present at the banquet.


    ¡°I must have looked silly,¡± Anastasia calmly replied.


    ¡°Anastasia, your rtionship with President Presgrave must be quite good! I can see that he worries


    about you,¡± Aliona probed. Even though she knew the truth behind


    Anastasia and Elliot¡¯s rtionship, she tried her best to pretend like she didn¡¯t.


    When Aliona said that, Anastasia immediately denied. ¡°No, no. Our rtionship is strictly professional.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He is my boss and I am his subordinate. That is all.¡±


    She actually is denying having a personal rtionship with Elliot? Aliona¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Please


    take care of me since I am new here, Anastasia.¡±


    However, Anastasia unexpectedlyforted her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am sure President Presgrave will take


    very good care of you.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s thoughts immediately went haywire at that. Does she not feel the least bit jealous? Isn¡¯t she


    supposed to really like Elliot? Did Father¡¯s resources give us the wrong information?


    Instead of continuing beating around the bush, she spoke bluntly, ¡°Anastasia, do you like President


    Presgrave?¡±


    Pfft! Anastasia choked on her ss of lemon water. After letting out a small cough to clear her throat,


    she nonchntly exined, ¡°We are merely a boss and his subordinate. Please don¡¯t misunderstand if


    you were to hear any rumor about this, Miss Dora. President Presgrave and I are innocent. There is


    nothing between us.¡±

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    Chapter 303


    Aliona was slightly caught off guard when Anastasia had denied it without even needing to give it a


    second thought and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder, Could it be that she really does not like Elliot? Does


    this mean she won¡¯t get in my way?


    ¡°I am sorry that I was being presumptuous,¡± Aliona hurriedly apologized.


    ¡°It is fine.¡± Anastasia smiled with pursed lips as she picked up her teacup. ¡°I will be heading back to the


    office then.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s gaze seemed to darken as soon as Anastasia left the pantry. She wondered whether the reason


    Anastasia denied having a rtionship with Elliot was because she was being careful or if she really


    didn¡¯t like the man.


    Anyhow, no one could disrupt her n. She admitted that Anastasia was a gorgeous woman, but Aliona


    was confident that she would be able to win over Elliot.


    She was going to look her best during dinner tonight with Lucas and Elliot.


    Anastasia had just returned to the office when thendline began to ring again.


    Picking up the call, she spoke into the phone. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Come up for a bit,¡± Elliot¡¯s voice came through the other end of the call.


    ¡°It is almost time for me to get off from work.¡±


    ¡°It is about work.¡±


    And of course, Anastasia wouldn¡¯t possibly believe him, ¡°Let¡¯s talk tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman, can you please show your boss a little respect?¡± he grumpily huffed in reply.


    However, she really didn¡¯t want to see him, so she insisted, ¡°President Presgrave, just say what you want


    on the phone.¡±


    He stubbornly insisted, ¡°We will talk in my office.¡±


    Anastasia already had a feeling that he wasn¡¯t going to talk about work, so naturally, she wouldn¡¯t fall into


    his trap.


    ¡°Forget it then.¡± She hung up the call after throwing that out.


    The look on the big boss¡¯ face in the president¡¯s office immediately fell when the call was dropped. His


    tall and lean figure swiftly stood up before he started taking big strides out of the office.


    Anastasia was editing a few old drafts in her office when she clumsily dropped the documents in her


    hands. Then, she sucked a deep breath before she squatted down.


    At this moment, she heard the sound of someone opening the office door. Thinking that it was Grace,


    she spoke from under the table. ¡°Grace, help me to pick up these documents.¡±


    The person who had juste in didn¡¯t say anything in return and only reached down to help Anastasia


    with her request. It was only when Anastasia crawled out from under the desk that she had the surprise


    of her life.


    Instead of Grace, it was Elliot standing there with some documents in his hands. There was a sour


    expression on his face as he tossed the papers on her desk. ¡°Do you think this kind of sloppy work is


    eptable?¡±|


    Anastasia knew that she probably deserved the scolding because she hadn¡¯t been in her best condition


    during work today. Like a dead mouse that felt no cold, she fearlessly challenged him, ¡°Go ahead and cut


    my sry then!¡±


    ¡°You want a deduction on your meager sry? Do you n on feeding Jared air?¡± He let out an annoyed


    puff.


    Her eyebrows wiggled as she let out a brightugh. ¡°Then, maybe you should give me a raise!¡±


    ¡°You want a raise with the kind of attitude you are giving me?¡± Elliot was already being nice by not cutting


    her sry.


    Suddenly realizing that he hade all the way to her office, Anastasia looked at him solemnly and


    asked, ¡°Do you need me for something, President Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°Aliona¡¯s father has invited me for dinner. He seldom asks me out and he is my senior. I can¡¯t reject him,¡±


    he started exining without leaving out a single detail.


    Anastasia froze for a moment with the only moving thing being her blinking eyelids. She couldn¡¯t really


    process the words she was hearing. Is this what he meant when he said he has something important to


    talk to me about? Why does he need to report this kind of thing to me? It is not like I am his wife!


    ¡°No need for that. Please go ahead with your busy schedule, President Presgrave.¡± She was staring at


    him with serious eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go out of your way to worry about Jared and me in the future.¡±


    Elliot really didn¡¯t have to tell her. It was not like she would have minded, anyway.


    ¡°Umm¡­ You don¡¯t have to tell me things like who you are having a meal with¡­¡± She let out an awkward


    smile as she pressed her lips together into a tight line.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to misunderstand.¡± His dark gaze was locked onto hers.


    When Anastasia heard that, she smilingly replied, ¡°What is there for me to misunderstand? To be honest,


    President Presgrave, I think you and Miss Dora look like you would suit each other. You can definitely


    consider her if you are in a hurry to marry someone.¡±


    She continued to ramble on in a serious manner when he didn¡¯t answer her. ¡°Miss Dora is both beautiful


    and capable. She has a good background, and on top of that, she is your father¡¯s best friend¡¯s daughter!


    You would know her in and out. I honestly think that you can try dating her.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

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    Chapter 304


    Elliot¡¯s eyes gradually turned dark as he listened to Anastasia generously sending him off to another


    woman. With his arms crossed, he stared at her and asked, ¡°Come again?¡±


    She immediately lost her fighting spirit and began stammering, ¡°I am only doing this for your own good!


    You need a woman, and coincidentally, Miss Dora fancies you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I do need a woman,¡± he unhurriedly interrupted, ¡°but you are the only woman I want.¡± He then slowly


    approached her and eventually came to a stop in front of her. ¡°Hurry up and give yourself to me if you


    really care about me.¡±


    Anastasia unconsciously tensed up and she only let out an embarrassedugh as she told him, ¡°I hope


    you have a good time tonight.¡±


    However, he still looked rather unhappy.


    As Elliot turned around to leave, he casually threw these words out: ¡°I wille and look for youter¡±.


    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to-¡± She was just about to rebuke when he went out and had closed the door behind


    him.


    She went to sit down in her chair. She was already not in the mood to work in the first ce, but her


    head was not an absolute mess after her conversation with Elliot.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Right at this moment, her phone rang and she picked up the call after seeing that it was from Francis.


    ¡°Hello, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Do you have time tonight, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Is something the matter, Dad?¡±


    ¡°I want you to have dinner with Alex tonight. He has something to tell you about thepany. You can


    leave little Jared with me.¡±


    ¡°Dad, did something happen to thepany?¡± a worried Anastasia asked.


    ¡°Nothing is wrong. It is a date, then. Alex has booked a table at a restaurant. I will go to your ce and


    keep Jaredpany tonight.¡±


    Confused by the vague answer, she was about to say something again, but the call had


    already been hung up at the other end. She knew that her father had the intention to match her and Alex


    together. But isn¡¯t it more awkward the harder we try to force it? she thought with a sigh.


    Anastasia received another call from Francis around 6.00PM when he informed that he was waiting to


    pick Jared up at the end of a street. When she saw him, she stopped her car and brought her son to her


    father.


    Alex¡¯s car was parked nearby. After Anastasia had safely passed her son to his grandfather, Francis


    reassured her, ¡°Leave Jared to me. You young guns can go ahead!¡±


    ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t we go together?¡±


    ¡°I want to spend some alone time with Jared. You both can go now! Let Alex talk to you about the


    company while you two have your dinner.¡±


    Alex opened the door to the passenger seat and he invited her with a smile, ¡°Miss Tillman, please hop


    on!¡±


    Having no choice but to ept the arrangement, she said to Francis, ¡°Dad, you can just find a ce to


    have something to eat with Jared!¡±


    ¡°Okay, I got it.¡± The older man waved her off.


    She started feeling somewhat self-conscious as she and Alex sat in the quiet car parked at the end of


    the street.


    ¡°Mr. Hunter,¡± she started. ¡°Thank you for helping my father all this time¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I am grateful that President Tillman recognizes and acknowledges my ability. That is why he lets


    me handle thepany¡¯s businesses.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation and happiness. It


    seemed to be his and Anastasia¡¯s first time spending time alone together.


    He had booked a table at an extremely romantic restaurant. Anastasia ced a few orders and Alex


    added a few others on top of that afterward. He noted how wlessly beautiful she looked under the


    restaurant lights.


    She had a subtle kind of beauty that made herfortable to look at. His heart was pounding in his


    chest as he ate with her. He seemed to have fallen in love with her at first sight.


    The only problem that stopped Alex from confessing his feelings was the difference


    in their statuses. Still, he couldn¡¯t hide the fiery emotions in his gaze as he looked at Anastasia.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, President Tillman has informed me that he wants to pass thepany to you. You can


    ask me anything about thepany if you need help understanding. I will go into detail about it with


    you.¡±


    ¡°Dad is a healthy man. It still isn¡¯t time for me to take over thepany. We don¡¯t have to rush into this.¡±


    s, she still didn¡¯t have the confidence to handle her father¡¯spany.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, President Tillman hasn¡¯t been in his best condition ever since his hospitalization that time.


    I think he has hopes for you to start preparing to take over thepany.¡±


    Anastasia immediately became worried when she heard his words. ¡°Is that so? How has my father


    been?¡±


    ¡°The president has been to the hospital a few times these days. He has beenining about a


    difort in his chest that makes him feel stuffy. The doctor has also told him to take it easy, Miss


    Tillman,¡± Alex answered before he sighed. ¡°Your father really needs you.¡±

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    Chapter 305


    Anastasia started ming herself at that point. ¡°It is my fault for neglecting Dad¡¯s health. Mr. Hunter, you


    have to let me know firsthand if something were to happen to my father.¡±


    ¡°President Tillman didn¡¯t let me tell you because he didn¡¯t want you to worry.¡± Alex had a hopeful glint in


    his eyes. ¡°Miss Tillman, please be ready to take over thepany within these 2 years!¡±¡±


    She was immediately mmed with an overwhelming pressure after hearing his words. Taking over and


    managing her father¡¯spany was something way out of her ability.


    Alex¡¯s passionate gaze continued to stay on her. ¡°I will do my best to assist you, though.¡±


    Then, he proceeded to tell her about the agenda of some of thepany¡¯s events and she made sure to


    listen to his every word. There were a lot of things she didn¡¯tprehend, but he patiently exined


    through it all and she also tried to understand it all with an open mind.


    After the dinner, Alex walked beside her as they left the establishment. She was in a rush to return to her


    son and father. At this moment, her ringtone started going off. She could feel her heart skip a beat when


    she saw that it was a call from Elliot.


    ¡°Hello, President Presgrave. What is wrong?¡± she asked in a calm voice.


    He didn¡¯t answer her and instead threw her an abrupt question. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I am at-¡±


    ¡°Watch out, Anastasia.¡± Alex suddenly called out as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder to move


    her away from a swerving car.


    She turned to look at him with grateful eyes, but the voice from the phone soon rang out again. ¡°Who


    was the one talking next to you?¡±


    As she wanted to pay full attention to her surroundings as she was walking on the road, she quickly


    answered, ¡°I am hanging up, President Presgrave. I am going home now.¡±


    There was a hint of jealousy in Alex¡¯s eyes as he walked alongside Anastasia. In fact,


    he had intentionally made himself known to Elliot by speaking during the phone call. He wanted to


    sabotage the rtionship that Anastasia and Elliot had between them. Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    At the same time, there was a handsome man standing in the corridor outside the private dining room of


    a high-end restaurant. He wore a gloomy expression as he stared at his phone. She must be on a date


    with a man, he thought in disappointment


    Then, Elliot went back into the dining room and apologized to the father and daughter, ¡°Mr. Dora, Miss


    Dora, I am afraid I have to leave now to attend to an emergency. Let¡¯s have a meal together some other


    time.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, are you not going to stay any longer?¡± Lucas nced at him guiltily.


    ¡°No, Mr. Dora. We will talk next time.¡± After saying that, Elliot took the suit he had taken off, gave them a


    polite nod and eventually left.


    Aliona had a sexy silver evening gown on, but despite how beautiful and ssy she looked, she noticed


    that Elliot¡¯s gaze had only fallen on her a number of times throughout the dinner.


    She couldn¡¯t believe that this was all she received from him even with her level of charm.


    ¡°Could it be that he has seen through my cover?¡± She suddenly turned to look at Lucas. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me


    that you betrayed Riley, Mr. Dora?¡±


    A surprised Lucas quickly shook his head and sputtered, ¡°How would I dare to betray him when my son¡¯s


    life is in his hands?¡±


    Of course, she knew what it was about Lucas that Riley had a hold on. Lucas had a son who murdered


    someone abroad and the CCTV recording of the crime had somehow gotten into Riley¡¯s hands. There


    was no way Lucas would have the guts to betray Riley.


    Aliona then raised her ss, and with a smile, she said, ¡°I will be needing you to y matchmaker from


    now on, Mr. Dora.¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with me whether or not you manage to take down Elliot and Presgrave Group. I


    don¡¯t want to get involved in a fight with the Presgraves. I only want my son toe back to me safely.¡±


    The ss in Lucas¡¯ hand was shaking as he spoke. He was now treading a tightrope, and he was not the


    one determining if he would stay on or fall.


    He didn¡¯t wish for anything bad to happen to the Presgraves, but in the end, his son¡¯s life was what


    mattered most to him.


    She swiftly pressed a button on her phone, and she pressed it to her ear. ¡°Are you tailing him?¡±


    ¡°Miss Aliona, we are right behind.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but wonder what made Elliot suddenly decide to leave.


    Anastasia was sitting in Alex¡¯s car now as he drove her home. What she hadn¡¯t realized was that there


    was a car heading in the same direction as her.


    Elliot was in the backseat of his car as he loosened his necktie in an annoyed manner and barked at Rey


    driving the car, ¡°Go faster.¡¯


    Rey obediently floored the gas and he started to worry whether something had happened to Anastasia.


    He stopped the car at the end of the street at her residential area, but Elliot only continued to sit in the


    car with an unreadable expression on his face. He seemed to be waiting for something to happen.


    Alex¡¯s car finally arrived at the same ce after a few minutes. He even came out of the car to open the


    car door for Anastasia, who in turn, gave him a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Hunter.¡±

 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306


    Chapter 306


    ¡°Keep in touch, Miss Tillman. I will report to you about President Tillman¡¯s condition whenever I can.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Thank you, Mr. Hunter,¡± Anastasia said with a smile. ¡°I will have to trouble you with this.¡±


    Alex then locked his car and offered, ¡°Let me send you upstairs. I can also bring the president home from


    there as well.¡±


    She didn¡¯t have a reason to reject, so she and Alex started walking side by side to the entrance of the


    street. They looked good together as they walked the street illuminated by the streetlights.


    Anastasia had not realized from the start till the end that there was a pair of eyes watching them from a


    ck sedan parked aside and how it happened.


    Rey nced at Elliot through the rearview mirror and asked, ¡°Are you not getting out of the car, President


    Presgrave?¡± He didn¡¯t know what his employer was waiting for.


    Elliot squinted with eyes that seemed to be covered by ayer of ice. So, this is why she was sending me


    off to another woman so generously, he fumed. It turned out that she already had her eyes on another


    man and he was none other than the capable financial manager who worked for Francis.


    Francis had always been training Alex to be the one assisting Anastasia to inherit thepany. Apart


    from that, Francis had actually intended to have Alex marry into the Tillman Family


    So, has she epted her father¡¯s arrangement? She would rather throw me aside and get together with


    Alex?


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Elliot¡¯s thoughts were so tiring that he had to shut his eyes. It was the first time where he had felt this


    kind of mental exhaustion and instead of it being about work, his mental strain was caused by his


    inability to have the woman he loved. Am I still not


    doing enough? he sighed.


    By the time Alex and Anastasia went up, Francis was at home like they had expected him to be. He had


    a relieved look on his face when he saw the two of theming back from the date.


    I will have to create more chances to get them together. 1 year should be enough


    before they get married. I can finally retire by then.


    This was the first time Alex had visited Anastasia¡¯s abode. As he took in thefortable environment, he


    couldn¡¯t help but think how beautiful life would be if he were to marry her.


    ¡°Alright now, Alex. We should leave. Jared has to go to school tomorrow!¡± Francis didn¡¯t want to further


    disturb his daughter¡¯ rest.


    When she heard that, Anastasia quickly reminded Alex, ¡°Mr. Hunter, please drive Dad home safely. Don¡¯t


    speed through traffic.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Tillman. Please don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Francis suddenly joined the conversation. ¡°What is this ¡®Miss Tillman¡¯ nonsense? Don¡¯t be a stranger,


    Alex. Just call her Anastasia!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Alex smiled. ¡°I will start calling you Anastasia then.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing!¡± she replied in an easygoing manner.


    She could finally let out a relieved breath after Francis and Alex left her ce. Little Jared, who was


    behind her, had his cheeks puffed out as he grumbled, ¡°Mommy, why did Grandpa ask you to go on a


    date with Uncle Alex? Don¡¯t you want Mr. Presgrave anymore?¡±


    Anastasia stayed quiet for a while before exining to the child, ¡°It wasn¡¯t a date. We only went out to


    talk about Grandpa¡¯spany.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave will get angry if he knows! I am sure he doesn¡¯t like it when you eat with the other misters


    other than him.¡±


    She immediately put a finger on Jared¡¯s lips. ¡°Jared, you can¡¯t tell him, okay? Mr. Presgrave is a busy


    man. We shouldn¡¯t disturb him.¡±


    ¡°Then, does Mommy like Uncle Alex or Mr. Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°I only like you,¡± she answered in a singsong manner as she rubbed his fluffy head.


    Her doorbell made a sound right this moment. Thinking that her father had left something behind, she


    unhesitantly reached out to open the door.


    Unexpectedly, it was Elliot standing there with fury exuding out of him.


    Her eyes went round as she wondered why he hade.


    ¡°You. Why are you here?¡± Anastasia asked, in which he mockingly answered, ¡°Alex Hunter cane


    and I can¡¯t?¡±


    She was even more surprised as she wondered how he knew that Alex had dropped by. Did he bump


    into Dad and Alex when he came up?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you are here!¡± A soft voice called out in surprise. Jared had always weed Elliot¡¯s


    presence.


    His rage disappeared in that instant when he heard his name being called and with an equally gentle


    demeanor, he carried Jared in his arms and caressed the crown of the boy¡¯s head. ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    he asked.


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°How was your new school? We can change schools if you don¡¯t like it.¡±

 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307


    Chapter 307


    ¡°I really like it!¡± Jared answered.


    Why isn¡¯t he at home resting? Anastasia quietly asked herself after seeing that it was already 9:40PM. I


    wonder why he came here.


    Trying her best not to sound like she was chasing him off, she started, ¡°It iste, President Presgrave. I


    need to give Jared a shower and he has to go to school tomorrow. You should go home and rest.¡±


    She could tell that Elliot wasn¡¯t having the best of mood today, and she knew better than to get on his


    nerves at a time like this.


    ¡°Jared, go take your bath. I will y with you when you are done.¡± Then, he lowered the child back onto


    the floor and he went to take a seat on the couch.


    Anastasia had no choice but to leave Elliot alone as she brought Jared to the bathroom. After the boy


    was all clean, he ran to the sofa again to y with the Rubik¡¯s Cube with Elliot.


    Seeing that Elliot was keeping her son upied, she went on to do some house chores until 10:00PM,


    which was the time that Jared had to go to bed.


    ¡°Jared, it is bedtime,¡± she urged.


    ¡°But I still want to y.¡±


    ¡°I will keep youpany until you fall asleep.¡± Instead, it was Elliot who spoke up as he carried the boy


    wearing the cartoon-printed pyjamas into the bedroom.


    Anastasia was slightly stunned by his actions. Why is he sticking around and not going back to his own


    house?


    At the same time, the people sitting in a car outside the building were reporting Elliot¡¯s whereabouts to


    Aliona. She knew that it was Anastasia¡¯s residential area as soon as she heard the name of the street.


    Was she the reason Elliot left the dinner? Did she call him away on purpose? Why is she saying she


    doesn¡¯t like him on one hand and sabotaging my date on another?


    Aliona was currently sitting in her condominium, her gaze painfully cold as the questions filled her mind.


    Anastasia is suicidal, isn¡¯t she? Anyone who gets in the way


    of Father¡¯s ns shall die.


    It was 10:10PM when an exhausted Anastasia, who had done most of the chores, sat on the sofa with a


    ss of water in her hand.


    She couldn¡¯t help but open her son¡¯s door where she saw that Jared was already asleep under the dim


    light. Elliot made a soft hushing voice to tell her to keep her voice down before he slowly got up and


    walked out of the room.


    Anastasia stepped back to make way to him, and it was at this moment she received a text message on


    her phone. Startled, she took a look at it, only to see that it was a message from Alex. ¡®Anastasia, your


    dad is back home safely.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Hunter.¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t call me that. You can just call me Alex!


    Seeing the message, she politely replied to him with a short ¡®okay.


    She was extremely polite with Alex because she knew she would be relying on him a lot regarding


    matters of thepany takeover.


    Elliot suddenly snatched her phone out of her hand. Coincidentally, Alex sent another message over. As


    Elliot¡¯s icy gaze darted through the content of the new message, his expression immediately froze.


    ¡®Anastasia, I had a good time tonight. Thank you for giving me an amazing night.


    An amazing night? What did she do to make him feel so ¡°amazing¡±?


    Anastasia¡¯s eyebrows immediately furrowed and she hurriedly said, ¡°Give me my phone.¡±


    The man who had easily physically overpowered her narrowed his eyes at her and questioned, ¡°What


    were you doing with Alex?¡±


    ¡°We had dinner!¡± She was baffled after hearing his question. What else could they have possibly done


    together, if not having a meal together?


    As Elliot still did not trust her words, he asked, ¡°Only that?¡±


    The text message seemed to have an underlying meaning to it.


    ¡°Elliot, stop messing around, and give me back my phone.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want


    anyone to see her private messages.


    A message suddenly came again. ¡®Goodnight, Anastasia. Sweet dreams. I will see you next time.¡±


    He read the new message too and his thin lips curled up as he asked, ¡°How did you get so intimate in


    just one night?¡±


    ¡°Give me my phone.¡± Anastasia was serious now as she looked at him with unnerving eyes.


    ¡°If you want it,¡± Elliot raised the phone above his head and retorted, e and get it.¡±


    She knew better than to fall for a measly trick that men often used to fool women. ¡°Never mind, then.


    When are you nning to leave?¡±


    ¡°I am not leaving tonight. I am staying overnight here,¡± he haughtily dered with his arms crossed.


    Anastasia was finally exasperated after hearing his words and she spat, ¡°I don¡¯t have a bed for you.¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308


    Chapter 308


    *I am fine with sleeping on the floor or the couch.¡± Elliot insisted on staying no matter what since his


    mood today was terrible.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but re at him. ¡°Elliot Presgrave, there is a limit to being so shameless.¡±


    ¡°I will stop if you tell me what you and Alex did.¡± He threw his suspicion at her again.


    He guessed that they had kissed, and he imagined how happy all the men who had kissed her must


    have felt when they had a taste of her soft and sweet lips.


    Did she really kiss Alex? As though he had his belongings stolen from him, he started to feel miserable


    as he thought about it.


    She marched to the front door before she turned to him and insisted, ¡°Please go home!¡±


    The man started striding toward her and she was about to heave a relieved sigh as she saw him making


    his way outside when he suddenly reached out with his long arm to turn off the light switch on the wall.


    With a click, the brightly lit living room went dark in an instant.


    The sudden dimming of the room made it difficult for her eyes to adjust. She let out a small yelp, but the


    next second, she was being pushed against the wall before a domineering kiss was pressed against her


    lips.


    Everything had happened so fast that Anastasia could only suck a breath in just as the man took the


    chance to thrust his muscle into her hot cavern. Everything went out of control from that point on.


    It frustrated her that she always seemed to fall for the traps Elliot hadid out. There seemed to always


    be a miscalction on her part. She tried to pry him off her, but it was all futile when she was going


    against the man who was physically stronger than her.


    As if he had been starved of her sweetness for a few centuries, he kept nibbling and biting her, leaving


    herpletely defenseless against him.


    She started pleading in a weak voice, ¡°Elliot¡­ Let go of me¡­ Wait¡­¡±


    He held her forehead in ce and gasped in betweenbored breaths, ¡°I can¡¯t wait anymore. You are the


    one who is making me do this, Anastasia.¡± This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia¡¯s own breathing had fallen out of pace as well and she pushed him away from her in anger.


    ¡°You better stop,¡± she warned.


    ¡°Tell me something.¡± Elliot¡¯s aura made the air thick with pressure as he forced her to answer him. ¡°Has


    Alex ever kissed you?¡±


    ¡°Kiss, my foot! We only had dinner together¡± She was still simmering with anger.


    ¡°How will you exin his messages, though?¡± Elliot recited the texts he had memorized at a nce.


    ¡°What is this about a good time and you giving him an amazing night?¡±


    Speaking to the stubborn man might have caused a vein in her head to erupt then. ¡°We only ate food


    together.¡±


    ¡°So, you guys haven¡¯t kissed?¡± It suddenly felt a lot less suffocating for him then.


    Anastasia forcefully pushed him away. On top of the room being dimly lit, the pheromonesing off


    from him were making her head spin as she began to imagine things.


    ¡°Do you think I am as easy as you are?¡± She snappishly turned the lights back on.


    At that instant, all she saw was the blinding lights and his fervent, clear gaze on her. He looked like a


    beast that was ready to devour her.


    ¡°I am only easy toward you,¡± he said in a firm tone.


    She was feeling so warm that she started breaking out in sweat and she quickly shoved him another


    time. ¡°Quickly go home.¡± Not wanting to bother herself with him any longer, she left to get herself a ss


    of water.


    Elliot¡¯s voice suddenly rang out again. ¡°I know that your father is trying to make the math out of you two.


    If a son-inw is what your father wants, he should also


    consider me,¡±


    When Anastasia heard that, she whipped her head in his direction and asked in surprise, ¡°What did you


    say?¡±


    He looked her in the eyes and told her in all earnesty, ¡°I am willing to marry into the


    Tillman Family.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but do a doubletake on his handsome face when she heard his words. ¡°Did you hit


    your head on a door or something?¡±


    ¡°I am serious about it,¡± he answered with a frown.


    WM


    ¡°No, that won¡¯t do,¡± she immediately rejected. ¡°You are too noble and rich. My dad won¡¯t allow you to


    change yourst name. You better get that thought out of your head.¡±


    Anastasia felt somewhat heartbroken that a man like Elliot was suggesting something that didn¡¯t match


    his status.


    ¡°I have to be the one to marry into the Tillmans. No other man should stand a chance,¡± he dered and


    left no room for negotiation. He wanted her more than anything. All the other men can piss off, he


    thought.


    She had to swallow the lump in her throat as she looked at herself from head to toe. She really couldn¡¯t


    understand what it was about her that made the man speak such insane words. I didn¡¯t put a curse on


    him, did 1? I am sure I didn¡¯t cast a spell on him either! Why does he want me so badly?!

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309


    Chapter 309


    As she truly felt like she didn¡¯t deserve Elliot, Anastasia croaked, ¡°Elliot, you don¡¯t have to lower yourself


    like this. You deserve a better woman in your life. Take Miss Dora for example.¡±


    ¡°And let you and Alex be together? Do you think that I am not half as qualified as he is to be a member of


    the ¡®Tillmans?¡± he argued.


    He was really going to get angry if she kept pushing him to another woman.


    She was stiff with surprise when she heard the question. Since when did marrying into the woman¡¯s


    family be such a sought-after matter? she thought.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you head back first, Elliot? It iste and you have to go to work tomorrow!¡± Anastasia really


    didn¡¯t want to stay with him a second longer.


    When she noticed that he was not moving from his position, she could only approach Elliot and give him


    a push on his firm chest to start chasing him off. ¡°Shoo. Shoo.¡±


    He looked down at the soft hands on his chest and he pouted as he hummed. ¡°Don¡¯t even think of


    sending me away without giving me a good night kiss.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s blood seemed to rush to her head then and she kissed him on his cheek. ¡°Off you go!¡±


    ¡°Lips,¡± the man curtly demanded.


    In order to get Elliot to leave, she tiptoed and gently pecked him on his thin lips. ¡°Are we done?¡±


    With that, the man finally turned around and left through the door. It was like she had finally ended the


    war and breathed a sigh of relief as soon as she closed the door.


    She thought about it, and she didn¡¯t understand what gave him the right to threaten him like this.


    After Elliot returned to his car, he asked Rey with a depressed expression, ¡°Rey, have you ever


    sessfully pursued a woman? Care to share your experience with me?¡±


    The assistant only turned his head in shame and muttered, ¡°President Presgrave, I have never had a


    girlfriend.¡±


    Elliot halted for a few seconds after hearing his words and when he eventually spoke again, he asked,


    ¡°You probably are too busy from the work that I have given you. Do you want to take a vacation?¡± This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°There is no need for that, President Presgrave. I like doing my job.¡± Rey was used to this kind of work


    intensity. Ever since he became Elliot¡¯s executive assistant, he had enjoyed the sense of achievement


    from doing his work.


    Elliot eventually gave up on the conversation. As he looked at the neon lights outside the window, his


    mind was filled with Anastasia¡¯s stubborn face. It annoyed him how their rtionship had remained


    stagnant for a long time.


    ¡°President Presgrave, are you troubled by your rtionship with Miss Tillman? I have a suggestion.


    Maybe you can hear me out,¡± Rey suggested.


    ¡°Let me hear about it.¡± This was the exact problem that Elliot was worried about. Pursuing women was


    never something he was good at. In fact, he was never interested in women until he met Anastasia.


    ¡°President Presgrave, you have to also pay attention to your methods and strategies in pursuing women.


    For example, you have to take a step back in order to advance. You should give Miss Tillman some


    space in order for her to know what her heart wants.¡± Although Rey had no experience in love


    whatsoever, he still knew a way or two to a woman¡¯s heart.


    Now that he found Rey¡¯s words interesting, Elliot gave it some thought. He suddenly let out an evil smile


    as his mood improved since he knew exactly what to do now.


    Alex had just left Tillman Residence and had only been on the road for a while when his phone started to


    ring. The caller ID showed Naomi¡¯s name, of whom he had saved in his phone before.


    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Tillman.¡± He picked up the call without missing a beat.


    She went straight to the point as soon as he picked up. ¡°Alex! Can I trouble you with something? Erica is


    wasted in a bar. Please bring her back home for me.¡±


    ¡°What? Miss Erica is drunk in a bar? That is not safe for her!¡± Alex immediately became concerned about


    her.


    ¡°Exactly! I am so worried about her! Is it inconvenient for you to pick her up?¡±.


    ¡°No problem at all.¡± The man then asked, ¡°Which bar is she at?¡±


    ¡°I will send you the location. Her friend has just sent it to me.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Rest assured, I will bring Miss Erica home.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you!¡± Naomi then hung up the call.


    Alex received a text with the location of the bar after a while and he made haste to the establishment.


    Erica, who was sitting in her car outside the bar, was listening to her mother talk on the phone. She was


    extremely against her mother¡¯s ns for her. ¡°Mom, do I really have to seduce Alex? He isn¡¯t even on my


    level!¡±


    ¡°Erica, listen to me. You have to get Alex back from Anastasia. Or else, you and I won¡¯t even be a part of


    your father¡¯spany.¡±

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310


    Chapter 310


    ¡°Even if we get him on our side, what advantage can we have?¡± After all, Erica had not yet mastered the


    art of nning ahead at such a young age.


    ¡°Of course, having Alex in our hands is preferable to him assisting Anastasia. Since he¡¯sing over to


    look for you now, you should use this chance to pull him over. He will be our best chance to seize your


    father¡¯spany¡¯s shares.¡±


    Biting her lips, Erica reluctantly replied, ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll make do with it.¡±


    Half an hourter, after receiving Alex¡¯s call, she pretended to be drunk and walked out in a drunken


    stupor. When she arrived at the bar¡¯s entrance, she pretended to trip and immediately fell into Alex¡¯s


    embrace, her hands hugging him at the same time.


    ¡°Mr. Hunter, thank you for picking me up! I¡¯m feeling so dizzy!¡±


    ¡°Are you all right, Miss Erica?¡± he asked as he assisted her to her feet. Despite this, he absolutely had no


    other intentions on her.


    After all, Anastasia was the woman he liked as well as the one who would eventually take over Tillman


    Constructions.


    Erica sensed that he did not take any advantage of her in any way and she was dissatisfied. Am I not


    attractive enough?


    ¡°Can you send me to the nearest hotel, Mr. Hunter?¡±


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°Miss Erica, I¡¯ll send you home.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not going home. I¡¯ve already reserved a hotel room. Please send me there!¡± She decided to win


    him over tonight.


    With that, Alex was left with no choice but to send her to the nearest hotel. Right after they entered the


    room, she again took the initiative to hug him, iming to be


    dizzy.


    ¡°Miss Erica, please don¡¯t behave in such a way.¡± The ambitious Alex was clear as to what he wanted and


    hence, he would not lose control here.


    Furthermore, he already had Anastasia in his heart and Erica wasn¡¯t attractive to him at all.


    ¡°Why, Mr. Hunter? Am I not pretty to you? Dont you like me?¡± Erica said as her eyes squinted while her


    hands were around his waist. Her gaze was of a seductive one.


    ¡°I apologize, Miss Erica. I already have someone in my heart.¡± He pushed her away calmly, not wanting


    to offend her, but did not want to get too close to her either.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± she asked, pouting her red lips and staring at him through blurry eyes. At the same time,


    she tried to lean in closer.


    Alex answered right away, ¡°Your sister, Anastasia.¡±


    That immediately snapped Erica out of her drunken state. Her eyes filled with resentment as she


    snorted.


    With eyes filled with resentment, she snorted. ¡°You like her? In which way is she better than me?¡±


    Alex grabbed such an opportunity to free himself from Erica¡¯s grasp. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Have a good rest, Miss


    Erica.¡± Right after he finished his words, he opened the door and left.


    ¡°Mr. Hunter¡­¡± Erica panicked and yelled, but he ignored her and left without hesitation.


    Seeing that, she slumped onto the sofa in frustration. She had assumed that Alex would be easy to win


    over, but it turned out that he had already been captivated by Anastasia.


    Then, Erica called her mother and told her what had just happened. Of course, Naomi would not


    reprimand Erica for being useless and instead told her that Anastasia was far more cunning than them,


    and that Anastasia had already bought over everyone around Francis. Despite this, she refused to let


    Erica give up.


    If things really reached the point where Anastasia was going to take over thepany, Naomi would


    undoubtedly use her own means to seize it. She would not allow Anastasia or Anastasia¡¯s son to gain


    such an advantage.


    At night, while Jared was asleep, Anastasia sat in front of her desk in front of her bed and huddled under


    her coat to draw her design sketch. It was absolute silence outside the window with an immense sense


    of impending winter. On the other hand, in the silent cold night, her thoughts raced with all sorts of ideas


    and as a result, a drawing of scattered stars appeared on her sketch paper.


    The ne she had in mind, which she had now drawn on the sketch paper, was


    like the Milky Way as it was surrounded by shining stars that glistened in the dark sky. Thanks to her


    exceptional drawing skills, the design sketch was well proportioned. She had created an entire set of


    jewelry based on the concept of a starry night within a short span of time.


    She only returned to reality after she finished herst sketch and as she looked at it. she was overjoyed.


    Finally, the first sketch of her design for the uingpetition waspleted.


    Anastasia was so tired that she hit the sack right after finishing her sketch.


    The next morning.


    Just when she was about to leave for herpany after sending Jared, she received Francis¡¯ call.


    ¡°Hello, Dad.¡±


    ¡°Drop by mypany, Anastasia. There¡¯s an important meeting today thatI want you to join too.¡±


    ¡°What meeting is that?¡± she asked in surprise.

 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311


    Chapter 311


    ¡°It¡¯s the annual board meeting. It is of the utmost importance, so do take a day off and attend,¡± Francis


    said solemnly.


    Since she didn¡¯t have much nned for the day as well, Anastasia called Felicia to request a day off


    before driving over to Francis¡¯pany.


    At around 10:00AM, she entered the conference room that was located in hispany to join the rest of


    the attendees. Alex was seated next to her for the board meeting and although he was of a young age,


    all the directors were full of praise for him as he was indeed capable and had made significant


    contributions to thepany.


    He fought for a ce on the board with his capabilities, but his attention today was captured by


    Anastasia. She wore a white shirt with a ck skirt, which was both simple and elegant. With her long


    hair draped behind her, she looked stunning.


    Anastasia was merely ying the role of an audience at the meeting as she listened to her father¡¯s


    presentation of theirtest project. Elliot¡¯s name came to mind as she listened since this project was


    obtained with his assistance.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was with Rey in the office on the eighth floor of Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier. He dialed


    Anastasia¡¯s office number as soon as he sat down, but it went unanswered.


    What is she doing?


    Then, he took out his phone and dialed her number, which went unanswered as well. He was starting to


    be annoyed. This woman is not picking up my call now?


    ¡°Check to see whether Anastasia is in her office,¡± he instructed Rey while sitting in front of a stack of


    documents.


    Rey immediately went straight to the Department of Design and after enquiring Anastasia¡¯s assistant,


    Grace, he learned that Anastasia had taken a day off.


    He ryed this information to Elliot. With that, Elliot immediately gave Felicia a call to ask about this.


    ¡°Anastasia said she¡¯ll be going to her father¡¯spany,¡± she answered honestly. This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    WAN


    Hearing that, Elliot¡¯s face darkened because he remembered Alex, who was in


    Tillman Constructions too.


    Alex was both Francis¡¯ right hand and his most trusted subordinate. Francis had already begun training


    Alex to oversee allpany affairs for Alex to be Anastasia¡¯s assistant when she took thepany over


    in the future.


    In addition to that, Elliot had also discovered Alex¡¯s feelings toward Anastasia since the previous Tillman


    Constructions¡¯ annual event.


    Both Alex and Anastasia had previously gone on a dinner date and he even sent her loving messages as


    well, but she still happily went to see him.


    The more he thought about it, the more dissatisfied Elliot became. He was putting in all his efforts to


    court her, but she didn¡¯t reciprocate and even turned herself to another man!


    ¡°President Presgrave, are you going to Tillman Constructions to look for Miss Tillman?¡± Rey asked


    curiously.


    It was something Elliot would normally do, but he was hesitant to lower his ego today. A rtionship


    should be a two-way street; if he was the only one making an effort, nothing woulde of it.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to,¡± he replied with his face looking solemn.


    Meanwhile, at Tillman Constructions, Anastassa was having lunch with her father together with the other


    shareholders. Due to the meeting, her phone had been on silent mode earlier and it was only now that


    she was able to check it. A few missed calls appeared on her screen, and seeing that, she couldn¡¯t help


    but to be surprised.


    Elliot called? Why did he call?


    She considered returning his call, but after a brief hesitation, she decided not to because there appeared


    to be nothing urgent.


    After the meal, she wanted to return to work, but Francis insisted on taking her to the new project with


    him, so she had no choice but to oblige and apany him to the site. Alex was with her the entire day


    and he appeared to be more excited and happy than usual.


    M


    When they were at the site, her helmet didn¡¯t seem to be properly buckled, so he helped her with it. She


    shyly allowed him to do so since it was a windy day and the wind was constantly blowing through her


    hair. Her skin appeared fair and smooth in the bright sunlight and along with her red lips, they made Alex


    lose his heart to her.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Anastasia gratefully said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Alex¡¯s burning gaze was locked on her and he could not take his eyes off her any


    more for the rest of the day.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, was too preupied with helping her father to notice Alex¡¯s persistent


    gaze.

 Chapter 312

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    Chapter 312


    She was still with Francis at 4:00PM and couldn¡¯t make it back to herpany in time to take her car


    before picking up Jared. In light of this, he directed Alex to drive her to Jared¡¯s school and all of them


    could have dinner together tonight. As she was pressed for time and her car was still parked at her


    workce, she had no other option but to ept Alex¡¯s help.


    Meanwhile, in Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier, the man who had been sulking all day decided to head to


    Jared¡¯s school as well to see whether he would run into Anastasia by chance, and also to visit Jared¡¯s


    new school.


    As the atelier was nearer, they had arrived at the school ahead of time. Rey found a perfect parking spot


    and Elliot perused his work documents in the car while waiting for Anastasia toe to pick up Jared.


    At around 4.30PM, Rey was observing the crowd that arrived to pick up their children. Finally, he saw


    Anastasia with a man beside her.


    ¡°President Presgrave, Miss Tillman is here.¡± He alerted the man on the seat behind.


    Hearing that, Elliot dropped his document and looked out the window at the woman in the crowd, but the


    moment he saw her, he became furious. Why did she bring Alex along?


    At the school¡¯s entrance, the children ran around like little beasts who had just been let out of their


    cages. One small boy was running toward Anastasia and almost collided with her, but in her attempt to


    avoid him, she fell in the direction of Alex. He instinctively reached out with his hand and held her waist


    as she unceremoniously stepped on his leather shoes.


    She hurriedly raised her head and asked in concern with her hand on Alex¡¯s arm, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Did I hurt


    you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He shook his head with a smile.


    Yet, Anastasia felt apologetic. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry.¡± In fact, Alex enjoyed watching her concerned gaze.


    In the car, the man who initially wanted to step down from the car looked even angrier. The flirting duo


    had enraged him so much that looking at them hurt his eyes.


    Rey was thinking the same thing. Is Miss Tillman bent on enraging President Presgrave?


    ¡°Do you want to go down and look for Miss Tillman, President Presgrave?¡± he reminded Elliot.


    Elliot already had his stomach full of resentment and rage. The more he saw them, the more he felt that


    all his efforts toward Anastasia during this period of time went down the drain. She was getting along so


    well with Alex behind his back. Elliot had never seen her smiling so coquettishly at him before, like how


    she did to Alex.


    From his vantage point, he didn¡¯t notice Anastasia stepping on Alex¡¯s shoes; for him, they were flirting


    instead.


    After picking up Jared, Anastasia took the child¡¯s hand in hers and Alex was beside them. For afar, they


    looked just like a close-knit family.


    And such a scene pricked Elliot¡¯s heart and irritated his eyes.


    ¡°Miss Tillman is leaving, President Presgrave. Are you sure you do not want to go down?¡± Rey asked


    anxiously. As long as Elliot went down, there would be no ce for that man.


    Whether it was in terms of attractiveness, figure, or wealth, the man next to Anastasia waspletely


    iparable to Elliot.


    Elliot watched the three of them leave the school with cold eyes and clenched teeth. His fist, which was


    clenched tightly, never loosened for a second, as if he was about to fight someone the next second.


    Of course he considered getting out of the car and chasing Alex away, leaving him as the only guardian


    for Anastasia and Jared.


    His dignity, however, forbade him from doing so. Do I need topete with Alex? Is it necessary for me


    to stoop so low to fight with a man who is totally notparable to me?


    Since she did not value his feelings at all, it would be nothing more than a joke even if he managed to


    win her over.


    Am I not worthy of her love? Not worthy to be cherished by her? Or I have put in so much effort that she


    had taken me for granted?


    ¡°Drive home,¡± he ordered Rey.


    ¡°It¡¯s not toote, President Presgrave, to catch up with them.¡± From the rearview mirror Rey noticed


    Anastasia had just gotten into the car and was confident that he would be able to block her as soon as


    he stepped on the elerator.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313


    Chapter 313 ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Elliot¡¯s tone became solemn as it was clear that he took it to heart.


    With that, Rey had no choice but to follow his instructions and left using another exit.


    On the other hand, Alex brought Anastasia and Jared to meet Francis whereby the three of them had


    dinner near thepany. Then, she returned with Jared at around 8.30PM.


    After they arrived home, she was busy showering her son and checking his homework. Before she even


    realized it, it was already 9.30PM, whereupon she tucked her son to bed.


    It was only after Jared fell asleep that she went back to room and yawned all the way there. Just before


    she headed off to bed, she scrolled through her phone and recalled Elliot¡¯s missed call. Looking at the


    screen, she wondered whether she should ask Elliot why he had called her.


    However, it was already past 10.00PM. If she were to text him, she would be disturbing his rest.


    Well, let¡¯s see how things go tomorrow, she thought.


    It was a new day the next morning.


    Anastasia rushed to her workce after dropping Jared off at his school.


    She was already in her office at about 10.00AM and reading all of her unread emails when Grace


    suddenly entered without even knowing on the door.


    ¡°Anastasia!¡± Grace supported herself on the table with her hands, as if she had heard something


    shocking.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Anastasia asked as she blinked at Grace.


    ¡°Miss Dora, who is new here, received a bouquet of blue roses! Do you know who sent it to her?¡±


    ¡®Who?¡± Anastasia raised her teacup and asked, seemingly uninterested.


    To that, Grace responded with envy. ¡°I heard that it¡¯s from President Presgrave.¡±


    When Anastasia heard that, she almost choked on her tea. She quickly swallowed it and pretended to be


    calm. ¡°Well, President Presgrave is always on the lookout for neers!¡±


    Grace stared at her. ¡°Anastasia, aren¡¯t you jealous?¡±


    It was a question that Anastasia found amusing. ¡°Why should I be?¡±


    This answer of hers stunned Grace. Being someone unrted, she was slightly dissatisfied with the


    situation, so how could Anastasia not feel anything?


    Anastasia was aware of Aliona¡¯s identity. Since she is the daughter of Elliot¡¯ste father¡¯s close friend


    and her first day in thepany, it is perfectly normal for Elliot to send her flowers.


    With such a thought in her mind, Anastasia opened her unfinished sketch and wanted to devote her mind


    into it.


    However, looking at the sketch in front of her, she felt as if her mind was nk with no inspiration. She


    had no idea where to begin.


    As a result, she decided to put it aside for the time being. She didn¡¯t want to push herself when she didn¡¯t


    know where to begin. Following that, she went to the dessert bar to get some afters, knowing that the


    newly introduced dessert was very popr.


    Just as she sat down, she heard a voice mocking her from behind her. ¡°It appears that someone has


    fallen out of favor, huh.¡±


    It was Alice. She was holding her cup of coffee and staring at Anastasia with those eyes that bore no


    good intention.


    Anastasia did not want to entertain her and merely continued eating the cake.


    Such an action merely increased Alice¡¯s arrogance. ¡°Anastasia, I heard that President Presgrave has a


    new target now. Don¡¯t be too sad about it. Men are like that; they¡¯ll ditch the previous one once they find


    someone new.¡±


    And Anastasia remained ignoring her.


    Faced with Anastasia¡¯s attitude, Alice found no fun in it and left shortly after.


    In the afternoon, Anastasia went for lunch with Felicia at the western restaurant opposite their workce


    where both of them took the table by the window. Not long after they sat down, Felicia was shocked to


    see a couple walking into the restaurant.


    TI


    After that she immediately tried to divert Anastasia¡¯s attention. ¡°Look at that car outside, Anastasia. Do


    you think it¡¯s lovely?¡± |


    She looked toward the direction that Felicia was pointing at and replied, ¡°Kind of. I like the color, but it¡¯s


    beyond what I can afford.¡±


    However, at this moment, they heard a clear woman¡¯s voice. ¡°Director Evans and Anastasia, both of you


    are having lunch here too! What a coincidence!¡±


    It was Aliona.


    Anastasia turned her head in response and when she saw Elliot standing next to Aliona in the restaurant,


    her heart twitched for a moment. They are having lunch together?


    ¡°Enjoy your lunch. Ours is in the private room.¡± Aliona waved to both Felicia and Anastasia before


    intentionally turning around to knock into Elliot¡¯s embrace. ¡°Ahhh! My head!¡±


    ¡°Be careful.¡± Elliot advised in a deep, concerned voice as he added while extending his long arms toward


    her, ¡°Don¡¯t be so careless.¡±


    Then, both Elliot and Aliona made their way to the private room in front of Anastasia. With this, Anastasia


    suddenly realized the reason why Felicia had diverted her attention earlier. Was she worried that I¡¯d see


    both of them?Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

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    ¡°Anastasia, it¡¯s not a big deal. It¡¯s perfectly normal for a superior to have a meal with his subordinate.


    Who knows that they may even be rtives?¡± Felicia attempted to console her


    Anastasia smiled in response. Acting as if she wasn¡¯t affected, she answered, ¡°They are not rtives.


    Aliona¡¯s father was a close friend of Elliot¡¯s father.¡±


    That stumped Felicia had no idea what to say. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    While eating, Anastasia feigned that she was alright too. In fact, she believed she was genuinely


    unaffected and was not merely pretending. It¡¯s Elliot¡¯s choice to date anyone he wanted; it¡¯s none of my


    business.


    ¡°The uingpetition is quite pressing. Do you have any ideas?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve already sketched the first draft and will give it to you after some modifications.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. We¡¯ll try to get the product out before the jewelry show. I hope that you will be able to make


    a name for yourself through this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Anastasia felt the same way. She wished she could attain some achievement in this


    industry and carve a name for herself.


    Throughout the meal, she kept looking at the private room subconsciously and imagining things.


    Considering Elliot¡¯s flirting character and Aliona¡¯s beauty, of course he wouldy his hands on her.


    Perhaps he was nning how to take advantage of Aliona.


    As a designer, she had a surprisingly rich imagination and started picturing Elliot pressing Aliona against


    the wall, trying to kiss her. The image she pictured was extremely vivid


    ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± Anastasia had no appetite and had only a few bites of the food on the table.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go back now then! I¡¯m stuffed too.¡± Felicia wanted to bring her away from this restaurant.


    In the private room, Aliona was happily supporting her chin with her hand on the table in the private


    room. ¡°I¡¯m so happy.¡±


    ¡°I promised your father that I¡¯ll take good care of you in thepany.¡± This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you, Elliot. I¡¯ll rely on you in the future! Oh, were you the one who sent me the flowers this


    morning?¡±


    He responded with a nod. ¡°It was to wee you as a new employee in ourpany.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I love it!¡± Despite her broad smile, Aliona was disappointed in her heart. Doesn¡¯t he have


    another meaning for sending the flowers?


    With that, she intentionally asked, ¡°By the way, everyone in thepany is spreading rumors about us.


    Do you think I need to exin to them?¡±


    ¡°You should if it affects your work.¡± Elliot appeared to be deep in thought as he looked out the window.


    ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t affect me at all! I¡¯m not exining then.¡± She smiled, her lips pursed. Such a


    misunderstanding suited her perfectly, and she craved more of it!


    When Anastasia crossed the road after leaving the restaurant, her thoughts wandered and Felicia had to


    hold her across the pathway. Once she reached her office, she heaved a deep breath and sat on her


    seat. All she could think about was Elliot with nothing else about work on her mind. Why am I thinking


    about him?


    At this moment, Grace knocked on the door and entered. In hushed tones, she said, ¡°President


    Presgrave had lunch together with Aliona earlier, Anastasia. Everyone thinks they¡¯re dating. Are you all


    right?¡±


    Hearing that, Anastasia sneered in her heart. Well, he¡¯s making it so obvious to everyone! He sent her


    flowers and took her out for lunch, not fearing that the entirepany would know. Is he now publicly


    showing his interest in Aliona?


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me such matters anymore. I¡¯m not interested.¡± Anastasia raised her head and reminded


    Grace.


    To that, Grace puffed her cheeks and replied, ¡°Okay, noted.¡±


    Grace left after that. Anastasia then rubbed her brows, attempting to chase her messy thoughts away so


    that she could focus on her work.


    At about 3.00PM, Anastasia received Felicia¡¯s call. ¡°We¡¯ll have a meeting in five minutes.¡±


    On the other hand, Aliona was admiring the roses in her office, her chin resting on her hand. Though


    they were meant to wee her, she wondered if they meant something else-Elliot was interested in


    her.


    After all, he did not reject her invitation for lunch earlier. Perhaps I overestimated how important


    Anastasia is to him.


    Furthermore, she was extremely confident in herself. Thus, sooner orter, he would be hers.


    In the president¡¯s office.

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    Chapter 315


    Elliot was staring at theputer screen with his thoughts wandering around. He was recalling


    Anastasia¡¯s cheerful smile toward Alex the day before. With that, he did not intend to exin to her about


    his flower gift to Aliona this morning as well as his lunch with her.


    He simply did what Anastasia had done as she had made no mention of her meeting with Alex the day


    before.


    He needed to make her feel insecure at times.


    Their encounter in the restaurant today wasn¡¯t a coincidence either. He was the one who instructed Rey


    to find where she was. After knowing she was having lunch with Felicia at the restaurant across the road,


    Aliona happened to invite Elliot for lunch, hence he epted it and suggested the same restaurant.


    At this moment, his office phone rang, and he answered it. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hello, President Presgrave. The Department of Design is having a meeting. Do you want to join?¡±


    Felicia asked.


    ¡°Sure. I will attend,¡± he nonchntly replied. After he hung up the phone, his gaze twitched, as if he was


    thinking of something. He was really interested to know whether Anastasia would be jealous.


    At the Department of Design, Felicia immediately called Anastasia after finishing her conversation with


    Elliot.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a while, Felicia,¡± Anastasia¡¯s voice resonated from the other end of the call.


    ¡°Just to remind you, Anastasia, that President Presgrave will be attending the meeting as well.¡±


    Hearing that, her body stiffened. He is joining the meeting too? Is he doing so for Aliona and trying to


    mesmerize her in every possible way?


    Then, Anastasia took a deep breath and walked toward the conference room with her notebook in her


    hand.


    Aliona had already taken her seat in the conference room. She had everyone¡¯s attention since she


    entered the room because she now had a new identity: Elliot¡¯s new lover.


    When Anastasia stepped into the room, everyone¡¯s gaze was drawn to her-some were sympathetic,Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    some were mocking, and others were simply rejoicing in her misfortune. She, like Aliona, had taken on a


    new identity: she was the pitiful old


    me who had been abandoned by Elliot.


    Anastasia walked right to thest seat and sat down. Knowing that everyone was staring at her, she


    lowered her head and yed with her phone.


    Alice couldn¡¯t help but sneer. ¡°Why are you sitting at the back, Anastasia?¡±


    At this instant, the door was opened again and an imposing figure stepped in. It was Elliot making his


    entrance.


    He was dressed simply but elegantly in a white shirt and pants. Walking with his long legs, he exuded


    such amanding presence that the entire conference room fell silent.


    Then, he took a seat next to Aliona after surveying the room. The corners of her lips curved when she


    saw this.


    Anastasia was sitting behind and raised her head to take a nce before quickly retracting her gaze. All


    she saw was his attractive side face while he was telling Felicia, ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡±


    Felicia began the agenda for today¡¯s meeting after letting out a light cough. She began by reviewing the


    current month¡¯s market study report, then moved on to the popr elements in the mainstream market.


    Throughout her presentation, Elliot remained silent. His gaze scanned the room before settling on the


    woman seated in thest seat behind him. Her head was bowed, her eyes hidden behind her long


    lashes, as if he were looking at a painting. He couldn¡¯t see the expression on her face, though,


    Sensing his gaze, she pretended to be emotionless as she bit her pen lid without looking at him.


    As he felt her intention, his lips pursed as he seemed to sense her resentment. Great. This is what I


    wanted.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give Anastasia a big round of apuse. Her designed products are always the most popr.¡±


    Felicia began pping,


    Several pping sounds followed.


    ¡°I have a lot to learn from Anastasia,¡± Aliona said with a smile.


    She had to be friendly to Anastasia, or at least appeared to be so, because she needed to show Elliot


    her kind and generous side.


    Alice, on the other hand, was filled with jealousy. She had always been unwilling to ept that


    Anastasia¡¯s designs were way above hers.


    ¡°Do you have anything to add, President Presgrave?¡± Felicia smilingly asked Elliot.


    ¡°No. Let¡¯s end the meeting now. Aliona,e to my office.¡± He left right away after finishing his words.

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    Being called out by him publicly, Aliona pretended to be shy and nodded. She then replied with a sweet


    smile, ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re blessed, Miss Dora! President Presgrave treats you well¡± a female designer said to Aliona.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing between President Presgrave and me. Please don¡¯t misunderstand,¡± Aliona replied


    smilingly. Then, she walked away with her documents in her hand.


    At the same time, Anastasia was packing her belongings as well. For unknown reasons, she did not hold


    her notebook tightly and it fell onto the ground.


    ¡°Oh, it appears that someone was offended.¡± Alice took advantage of the situation to mock Anastasia


    To that, Anastasia ignored her and calmly picked her notebook up.


    However, Alice had no intention of letting Anastasia off the hook so easily. ¡°Isn¡¯t being abandoned a


    terrible feeling, Anastasia? Your reign has ended, and Aliona has taken your ce.¡±


    An emotionless Anastasia left the conference room in the midst of Alice¡¯s mockery, Offended? Me?


    Impossible!


    There was nothing between Elliot and her at all. They had only kissed a few times where she had been


    taken advantage of several times by him as well. Those weren¡¯t a big deal.


    The moment she returned to her office, she heaved a deep breath and intended to use the remaining


    working hours to revise her sketch. However, just when she was about to start working, an image of Elliot


    and Aliona shed through her mind.


    She imagined Aliona in Elliot¡¯s office with this man eagerly pressing Aliona down to the table.


    Go away! Anastasia patted her own head, wanting to chase these messy thoughts away. What has


    happened to me? I must have been with this man for too long that I started having these dirty thoughts.


    Her office phone rang at this instant and she answered it immediately, ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going over to your ce for dinner tonight. Prepare my portion as well.¡± Elliot¡¯s deep and


    mesmerizing voice resonated.


    She somehow seemed to pull her rage from the air and responded indifferently, ¡°Tonight I¡¯m not going to


    cook. President Presgrave, please eat your dinner outside with Aliona.¡±


    ¡°Why are you not cooking?¡± he asked curiously.


    ¡°No reason,¡± she answered again stoically.


    ¡°Fine. Drive carefully when you¡¯re picking Jared upter.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your concern,¡± Anastasia stubbornly responded, and she ended the conversation right


    away.


    In the president¡¯s office, the man who had just ended a call couldn¡¯t stop smiling because he knew that


    Anastasia was jealous.


    Well, she only had herself to me for getting so close with Alex. Since she had enraged Elliot, he had


    to return the favor as well.


    In the afternoon, Anastasia and Jared had returned home. She bought sausages on the way and


    decided to make them for dinner.


    ¡°Mom, is Mr. Presgraveingter? Should we buy more?¡± He immediately thought of Elliot when he


    saw the sausages.


    ¡°He¡¯s noting, and he won¡¯t being anymore in the future,¡± she replied while preparing the


    sausages.


    Jared¡¯s eyes immediately widened as he inquired, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­ he¡¯s busy.¡± She simply stuffed him with an excuse. She couldn¡¯t possibly tell her son that


    Elliot was busy dating, could she?


    S


    Although this was something that Jared should know sooner orter, Anastasia decided to keep it from


    him at the moment. She regretted allowing him to be so close with Elliot in the first ce, as he had


    grown attached to Elliot and even bore expectations for Elliot as well. She had no idea how to get her


    son out of this rtionship.


    After finishing the sausages, Jared knew that she was busy and he yed by himself.


    In the wee hours, when Jared was already asleep, Anastasia, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t sleepy at all.


    Some images kept on appearing in her mind including that of Elliot kissing her. All of these were like ants


    that persistently scratched at her heart.


    His breath, his domineering strength, his possessive gaze, his approaching lips¡­.


    Frustrated, she rolled on the bed again and had tried a variety ofying positions but still couldn¡¯t fall


    asleep.


    Each domineering kiss from Elliot became vivid in her mind, and the more she thought about them, the


    angrier she became. Who was he to kiss her so many times? Why didn¡¯t she refuse him?Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

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    Chapter 317


    Not to mention, all of these things were the ones that he would do to Aliona as well. Perhaps he had also


    brought her to the vi!


    Elliot derived no benefit from her whereas Aliona clearly admired and courted him. Would they both be


    emotionally and physically attracted to each other at first instance?


    Anastasia then closed her eyes, attempting to quiet her mind. Having such a vivid imagination was not a


    good thing since she already had all sorts of things that Elliot and Aliona would do in her mind.


    And in her mind, this man was like a wild wolf, never satisfied with what he wanted.


    She had no idea how long it had been before she finally fell asleep due to exhaustion. However, even in


    her dreams, she saw Elliot and Aliona behaving intimately at every possible location she could think of:


    the office, his vi, or in the hotel.


    However, she had no idea that her brows were furrowed throughout her dreams.


    Finally, the rm rang and she immediately opened her eyes. Her dreams remained vivid and thest


    thing she envisioned was receiving their wedding invitation.


    As she held her face, Anastasia was furious. Why did Elliot be a nightmare that she couldn¡¯t get rid


    of?


    After making herself a cup of coffee, she immediately sent Jared to school before rushing to her


    company.


    It was only a few minutes away from her prize of full attendance, but she was extremelyzy to even fight


    for it. In the end, she waste and lost the prize subsequently. Feeling hopeless, she entered her office


    while drinking her coffee.


    ¡°Miss Dora received flowers again! And it¡¯s a big bouquet this time!¡±


    ¡°It must be from President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Undoubtedly. Apart from him, who would be this generous?¡±


    The two assistants who were chatting clearly knew that Anastasia was nearby and they raised the


    volume of their voices. ¡°Miss Dora is so blissful now! Who knows that she might be our futuredy


    boss?¡±


    *Yes, she would definitely be.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s office did have a flower bouquet, but she was the only one who knew it wasn¡¯t from Elliot.


    Instead, it was from Riley. Everyone outside had assumed it was from Elliot and she didn¡¯t want to rify


    because rumors could sometimes be true when they spread widely enough.


    When Anastasia arrived at her office, she put down her bag and called Grace. ¡°Please make me a cup of


    coffee.¡±


    She then turned on herputer and was determined to finish her work. She couldn¡¯t let Elliot and


    Aliona¡¯s rtionship bother her any longer.


    At 10.00AM, her office phone rang. ¡°Hello, who¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Come to my office.¡± A mesmerizing deep voice sounded from the other end of the call. Who else could it


    be besides Elliot?


    Yet, Anastasia did not want to see him. ¡°We can talk over the phone, President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about work.¡± He hung up the call immediately.


    She stood up and left for his office while biting her lower lip, remembering that he was still her boss.


    Elliot was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the president¡¯s office. He was dressed in a


    charcoal ck suit with a ck shirt on the inside today. The well tailored suit highlighted his attractive


    waistline and broad shoulders, which made him appear fashionable.


    Seeing that, she had no choice but to admit that he was the most handsome man in a suit that she had


    ever seen.


    ¡°Why are you looking for me, President Presgrave?¡± she asked straightforwardly.


    Elliot¡¯s sharp eyes noticed that she appeared pale today and the dark circles beneath her eyes seemed


    to indicate that she had not slept well. Was it because of me? he wondered. At this moment, his heart


    ached for her.


    ¡°You did not submit any sketches this month. Why is that so? Are you not in the mood to work?¡± He did


    say he wanted to talk about work, though.


    Anastasia¡¯s face turned paler when she heard that and she exined, ¡°I took on a few


    higher-end projects. Hence, I didn¡¯t focus much on the regrs.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Just after he finished his words, someone knocked on the door. ¡°Come in,¡± he said, his voice


    deep.


    Felicia then pushed the door open and walked in. She was taken aback to see Anastasia in the office.


    ¡°Why are you noting in, Felicia?¡± he asked, squinting his eyes.


    She walked over and set down the jewelry box she was holding. ¡°President Presgrave, these are the


    matching bracelets you requested.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 318


    Elliot nodded. ¡°Just put it here.¡±


    Felicia looked worriedly at Anastasia, who was staring at the jewelry box on the table. Sneering in her


    heart, Anastasia assumed that this man was making a concerted effort to court Aliona. He even bought


    matching bracelets now!


    ¡°If nothing else, I¡¯m going back to work now,¡± she said indifferently. She didn¡¯t want to be here for another


    second.


    ¡°Take care, Anastasia. You don¡¯t look good.¡± Looking at her from behind, he was concerned.


    ¡°I¡¯m very good,¡± she replied without even turning her head, ¡°and I don¡¯t need your concern, President


    Presgrave.¡±


    He had invited her over solely to let her notice the matching bracelets¡ªa goal that was now


    aplished.


    Just as she reached the door, she came to a halt and turned to face the man sitting on the sofa. With a


    profound tone, she asked, ¡°I heard that you¡¯re dating Aliona, President Presgrave. Is that true?¡±


    Hearing it from himself was way better than relying on the rumors.


    ¡°Who said that? Is there such a thing?¡± With a slightly raised brow, Elliot gave an answer that was neither


    admitting or denying the rumors.


    That pricked Anastasia¡¯s heart. When she heard his evasive response, she turned around and walked


    away in determination.


    He clutched his fist tightly as he watched her walk away. She looks really haggard; are my actions going


    too far?


    She did not return to her office after leaving the president¡¯s office. Instead, she left the atelier and spent


    some time alone in the caf¨¦ next door because her thoughts were in a mess.


    Meanwhile, Alice entered Anastasia¡¯s room with a cup of coffee in hand; she was eager to see


    Anastasia¡¯s pitiful state after being dumped. She did not expect the room to be empty and had intended


    to leave. However, at that moment, she saw a few sketches on the table and an idea popped up in her


    mind. Then, she examined the


    sketches and they stunned her right on the spot.


    They were absolutely amazing. Based on the concept of the starry sky, the sketches were exquisite and


    finely drawn, as if they were natural creations.


    An immense sense of envy filled her heart. She quickly took her phone and photographed the sketches


    before hurriedly returning them to their origi?al location and leaving Anastasia¡¯s office.


    When Alice came out, no one was around and no one noticed her presence either. Feeling relieved, she


    went straight back to her office.


    As she sat on her seat and looked at the sketches, she had an evil intention in her heart. She assumed


    the sketches were what Anastasia was working on for the uing jewelry show. Things would be


    interesting if Anastasia was caught giarizing, Alice reasoned.


    She already had a n in mind. Using her phone, she contacted a designer from thepany¡¯s


    competitor who happened to be preparing for the same jewelry show as well. She wanted the designer to


    upload the sketches at first instance and save them as source files as she knew that for Anastasia, the


    sketches were only the first drafts. When the giarism issue came to light, the time the source file was


    uploaded to theputer would be the deciding factor.


    And the designer that Alice contacted did the same. After making a few minor modifications, she


    immediately sent it to the f?ctory to have the finished product made and disyed at the exhibition


    counter before Anastasia could do anything.


    In the meantime, at the Department of Design, Aliona¡¯s phone rang. She nced at the caller and


    walked out of her office before she switched her phone to silent mode. She didn¡¯t answer the phone until


    she was out of the atelier. ¡°Hello, Father. Sorry, it was inconvenient for me to pick up your call earlier.¡±


    ¡°Have you received the flowers that I¡¯ve sent?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but Father, don¡¯t do it again in case Elliot notices.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal; I merely wanted to express my concern. Aliona, is there any progress between Elliot


    and you?¡±


    She happily curved the corners of her mouth in response. ¡°Obviously. I believe he is now attracted to me.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    I¡¯ll be able to finish the mission in no time.¡±


    ¡°Did Anastasia hinder you?¡±


    A sense of arrogance shed through her eyes. ¡°Father, she can¡¯t hinder me at all. I overestimated her


    earlier.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, as long as she doesn¡¯t get in the way of our n,¡± Riley replied in his deep voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow the n and get what we want as soon as possible, Father, which is to sleep with Elliot, get


    pregnant with his child, and force him to marry me.¡± Aliona couldn¡¯t wait to prove her attractiveness and


    take the credit before Riley.

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    Riley was like a father to her in Aliona¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Good girl. I didn¡¯t take care of you in vain. Well, I will wait for your good news.¡± He was also in a good


    mood as he had confidence in his beautiful goddaughter.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Father. You don¡¯t have to be concerned about me,¡± Aliona replied confidently.


    In the office, Anastasia had decided to bury herself in work. However, she found herselfcking


    inspiration after just a few strokes on the paper.


    At that very moment, her cell phone rang. ¡°Hello?¡± she said as she picked up the phone.


    ¡°Anastasia, ourpany is holding a wee party tomorrow night. Are you avable?¡± Felicia asked


    over the phone.


    ¡°Is this Aliona¡¯s wee party?¡± Anastasia inquired while she scowled.


    ¡°Yes. President Presgrave has agreed to hold the party as well. I was thinking that you might have to


    look after Jared. So, if you don¡¯t have time-¡±


    For some reason, Felicia had hoped that Anastasia would refuse to attend the party.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    However, Anastasia wanted to see how Aliona and Elliot showed off their rtionship, so she briskly


    answered, ¡°I am free. I will join.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, it¡¯s just a bunch of people getting excited and talkative. You really don¡¯t have to join.¡± Felicia


    did not want Anastasia to get hurt since there would be a lot of interaction between Elliot and Aliona.


    Anastasia understood that Felicia was being thoughtful. But why should I avoid them? I am not afraid. I


    ain¡¯t afraid of anything.


    ¡°Felicia, I am avable. I will be there.¡± She didn¡¯t want to miss out on this wee party.


    After hanging up the phone, Anastasia checked the clock and realized that it was already 4.30PM-it was


    time to go and pick up her son. Before she left, she nced at thendline phone, as if she was


    anticipating something to happen, but she quickly shook it off and proceeded to leave.


    As soon as Anastasia picked Jared up, he was disappointed. ¡°Why is Mr. Presgrave noting with you,


    Mommy?¡± he asked.


    With his words, her heart became bitter. She didn¡¯t know how to tell Jared that his Mr. Presgrave would


    no longer being to pick him up.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave has been very busytely, so you may not see him for a while,¡± sheforted Jared as


    she turned to him and smiled. ¡°I came to pick you up on time today. Where do you want to go? I will


    apany you.¡±


    ¡°I want to go to the yground,¡± Jared replied.


    ¡°Okay. yground it is!¡± Anastasia said since she had decided to spend some quality time with Jared


    tonight.


    Anastasia finally came home with Jared, who was exhausted from ying, at around 9.00PM. The little


    boy took a bath and promptly fell asleep, after which it was time for Anastasia to return to work after


    putting her son to sleep.


    She sat in front of the window with a cup of tea in her hands. Her mind was usually clear at this time and


    inspiration came easily to her, but at this moment, her mind was upied by a strong and domineering


    figure.


    It was Elliot again.


    Anastasia was speechless. She stared at the sky and knocked her head frantically. ¡°Why do I keep


    thinking about him? Show some guts, Anastasia. This kind of man is not worth thinking about anymore,¡±


    she said to herself.


    She turned her head around and intended to rise to her feet, but her gaze was drawn to the wall beside


    the door. Last time, Elliot pressed her against the wall and forcefully kissed her. Then she turned to look


    at the bed where he had made a pass at her.


    ¡°Elliot, you b*stard. If I were to miss you again, I would be an idiot,¡± she cursed as she clenched her fists


    and gritted her teeth.


    Elliot was a scumbag and she did sympathize with Aliona because Aliona had no idea how shameless


    this man was.


    For Elliot, forcibly kissing someone was as casual as eating a piece of cake.


    Lying on the bed, Anastasia thought about Harriet¡¯s birthday banquet and the romance that Elliot gave to


    her in the bamboo forest at Harriet¡¯s ce. His kiss, his


    eyes, and his sweet words. Was it just an act on his part?


    He also said that in the eyes of a lover, even if she looked like a pig, she would be the most beautiful pig


    in his eyes. If Anastasia remembered it correctly, he had mentioned it just a few days ago!


    However, he had already fallen in love with someone else in the blink of an eye.


    Hmph, I should never believe what a man says.


    She even remembered that Elliot said he wanted to bribe her.


    And he also mentioned that he only wanted her.


    In the past, whenever Elliot sweet-talked her, she just took them as a passing wind, but at this moment,


    every word he had said was ringing in her ears.


    When he kissed her, Anastasia had thought that this man genuinely liked her, which was why he went to


    such lengths just to make a pass at her. Was all of these just an illusion? Perhaps I was overthinking


    things?

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    Anastasia could feel her heart clenching tighter and tighter in the darkness. Then. something warm


    swam in her eyes whereby tears were gushing forth uncontrobly in the next second.


    Before she could react, tears rolled down unexpectedly andnded on her knees. ¨C Staring at the


    watermark on her gray pajamas, she froze for a few seconds.


    Why? I never cared about him, but why am I crying for of this b*st*rd?


    However, when she realized that once the tears started, there was no stop to it. Her mind was


    overwhelmed with Elliot¡¯s words and his kisses; the moments when her heart throbbed and her face


    blushed because of him. Elliot, you b*stard. I have never seen anyone worse than you. You are the


    worse b*stard ever.


    Anastasia grabbed a tissue and wiped her tears harshly. She didn¡¯t want to even shed a tear for him, but


    her tears seemed to have a mind of their own.


    By the time she finally returned to her senses, the tissues were all gone. So, she bit her lips as she was


    slightly annoyed. Look at me now. I am behaving like a whinger! Who gave him the right to turn me into


    this different person?


    She cried nonstop that night until she eventually fell asleep at midnight.


    The following day was Saturday. After Anastasia finished making breakfast for her son, she contacted


    her father and asked Francis whether he would mind looking after Jared for the evening as she needed


    to attend a dinner party, to which he agreed without hesitation.


    While Anastasia was preparing breakfast, she decided to take Jared to the oceanariumter that day.


    She could forget about everything else whenever she was with her son.


    Meanwhile, Aliona was getting ready at her apartment. As tonight was thepany¡¯s weing party


    for her, she needed to look her best. Her custom-made evening gown had arrived in the morning and


    with its hint of sensuality, the silver-white evening gown was exquisite and charming.


    Tonight, she had another purpose other than looking beautiful. Such an asion was the ideal


    opportunity for her and Elliot to take their rtionship further. As a result, she intended to get drunkterThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    and let him take her home.


    When Aliona closed her eyes and thought of his stunning face, a tingling sensation


    spread across her body. Since childhood, she was strictly disciplined by her podfather thus she was still


    a virgin. Aliona felt blessed that her first time could be devoted to a man like Elliot.


    Even if thepany¡¯s scandals were fake, she would make it happen sooner orter.


    It was 4.00PM when Anastasia and Jared returned home from their trip to the oceanarium. Francis had


    already arrived and was waiting for Jared with toys, snacks and fruits.


    ¡°Grandpa!¡± As soon as Jared entered the door, he ran into Francis¡¯ arms and acted coquettishly.


    ¡°My little pumpkin,¡± Francis whispered as he hugged Jared. As if he was hugging the future¡¯s hope, the


    fondness that he had toward Jared flowed from Francis¡¯ eyes and heart.


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll leave Jared to you. I might be homete in the evening,¡± Anastasia said to her father.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I got this. I¡¯ll stay at home with Jared and we won¡¯t go anywhere.¡± Francis didn¡¯t want to go


    through the previous incident again as he had developed a trauma because of it.


    Not long after she returned to her room, Anastasia received a call from Felicia. The party was scheduled


    for 6.00PM and the venue was a posh downtown restaurant, which had been entirely reserved for


    Aliona¡¯s wee party.


    ¡°Anastasia, please dress beautifully,¡± Felicia reminded Anastasia before hanging up the phone as if


    Anastasia could save anything tonight by wearing something lovely.


    Nope. Even if I were to wear something nice, it¡¯s only for my own pleasure and has nothing to do with


    anyone else. What am I going to do with a stunning dress? To win over Elliot¡¯s heart?


    Sitting in front of the dressing table, Anastasia carefully examined her face. She was the pinnacle of


    female beauty at the age of twenty-four; her face was full of cogen and she had soft red lips with ink-


    ck silky hair. She was stunning even without makeup, except for her slightly swollen eyebags.


    After ten minutes of meticulously putting on the makeup, the young girl in the mirror had turned into an


    ethereal beauty from the perfect light blush, curly hair and rosy lips. In the end, Anastasia finished the


    look with a pair of earrings that perfectlyplimented her sweet oval face.

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    Anastasia opened her closet, and next to the neat suits was a row of dresses. She rarely wore dresses,


    but the handful that she had were definitely capable of stealing the show.


    In the end, she had chosen a tight, long-sleeved gray polka dot dress with a form fitting waistline and a


    nice ruffled hem that entuated her exquisite body figure.


    Since having her son, she had not been dressed like this for a long time as her daily outfit consisted


    mostly of T-shirts and jeans.


    At around 6.00PM, the entire staff from the Department of Design had arrived and all of them were well-


    dressed for the party. Thedies, in particr, were vying for the limelight to unt their beauty, and Alice


    was no exception. Although Aliona would be the center of attention at the party, they might also have a


    chance to be seen by Elliot.


    The daily office outfits were no longer their battlefield. On the contrary, tonight was the perfect time to


    present a different side of themselves.


    Aliona was the first to arrive and her appearance was particrly eye-catching. Those familiar with


    international fashion trends could recognize immediately that the sequined pearl dress she was wearing


    was the Chanel show¡¯stest fashion. Aside from that, people had also noticed the branded wristwatch


    and the ne she was wearing. It was without a doubt that Aliona was the star of the show.


    ¡°Aliona, your watch is stunning. It must be exorbitant.¡± Someone tried to tter Aliona.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Aliona replied with a gentle smile as she settled in her seat and the empty seat next to her


    must be reserved for Elliot.


    People who already knew the price, like Alice, wouldn¡¯t have to ask because this wristwatch was a


    limited edition, with only a few avable in the country.


    It was obvious that Aliona came from a wealthy family background, and her purpose to enter the


    company was not topete with her but to secure a rich husband like Elliot.


    ¡°What do you guys know? This is a limited edition and it is not avable for the general public,¡± Alice


    said, intending to earn a good impression in front of Aliona. Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Aliona said nothing but smiled as Alice¡¯s ttering had worked on her. Riley had raised her with


    extravagance , so all of the food that she ate and the clothes that she wore had to be the best.


    WWWW


    And to repay her godfather, she was to take down the Presgrave Group by marrying Elliot.


    At this moment, Anastasia had arrived at the entrance and people¡¯s attention was drawn to her. When


    she saw Felicia waving at her, she naturally walked toward Felicia and took a seat next to her.


    What a coincidence; Anastasia¡¯s seat was the exact opposite of Aliona¡¯s.


    ¡°Hi, Anastasia. You have finally arrived,¡± Aliona greeted politely.


    ¡°I¡¯mte. Sorry about that,¡± Anastasia apologized to everyone in the room. Under the lights, she lightly


    stroked her hair that was resting on her chest and that movement emanated an amorous atmosphere


    that stunned them for a moment.


    Even if Anastasia seemed pitiful after being abandoned by Elliot, there was no doubt that she could


    marry into the purple with her gorgeous face.


    Everyone had been used to the way she dressed in the workce, so they never expected her to be as


    charming as a dazzling diamond after she was dressed up.


    At that moment, Aliona¡¯s heart skipped a beat as Anastasia had given her a great sense of crisis tonight.


    The fact that Anastasia was here would most likely undermine Aliona¡¯s presence, which was detrimental


    to her n.


    ¡°Excuse me. I will be back in a moment,¡± Anastasia said to Felicia and walked toward the restroom.


    Seeing that, Aliona¡¯s expression changed. Then, she got up and headed toward the restroom as well.


    Anastasia was slightly startled when she saw Aliona¡¯s figure reflected in the mirror while washing her


    hands in the restroom.¡±


    Aliona raised her head and brushed her long hair with her fingers to reveal her slender wrist with the


    branded wristwatch. Then, her red lips parted as she said, ¡°Anastasia, out of goodwill, I think you will be


    better off leaving the party.¡±


    Right then, Anastasia¡¯s hand washing movement halted. She raised her head to nce at Aliona from


    the mirror and their eyes were locked on each other.


    In that instant, Anastasia could sense the animosity that wasing from Aliona.


    ¡°Miss Dora, what do you mean by that?¡± Anastasia asked as she squinted her eyes.


    Aliona crossed her arms and turned to face Anastasia. Her gaze looked intimidating. ¡°Don¡¯t you


    understand what I said? There will be a lot of affectionate interactions between me and President


    Presgrave tonight. I¡¯m afraid that you can¡¯t handle it,¡± she bragged.

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    In order to drive Anastasia away, Aliona did not mind revealing her dark side as she was threatened by


    Anastasia¡¯s beauty.


    Anastasia stopped for a split second before discovering that this seemingly sweet and harmless girl had


    a dark side. ¡°You two may go ahead and show off your affection. It won¡¯t affect me.¡±


    She elegantly caressed her long hair in the mirror and intended to leave.


    When Aliona realized that Anastasia refused to leave the party, she reached out with her hand and


    sped Anastasia¡¯s wrist. Aliona narrowed her eyes and warned, ¡°Anastasia Tillman. I hope that you can


    leave so you don¡¯t disturb me and Elliot.¡±


    That in itself was already a threat.


    Anastasia blinked her eyes a few times and abruptly broke free from Aliona¡¯s hands¡­ ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I


    won¡¯t disturb the two of you,¡± she stated.


    ¡°Elliot¡¯s eyes are only on me now. Why do you need to be here and make a fool of yourself? So many


    people are watching!¡± The mockery in Aliona¡¯s eyes intensified as she had always felt malice toward


    Anastasia and now, there was no need to hide them.


    The old saying is right. Never judge a book by its cover. I learned my lesson here. ¡°Miss Dora, are you


    lacking in self-confidence? Are you afraid that I¡¯ll steal Elliot¡¯s heart?¡± Anastasia smirked. She wanted


    Aliona to understand that she was not a pushover.


    ¡°Since you are so shameless and insist on staying at my wee party, I can only say that you have


    thick skin.¡± Aliona snickered, intending to provoke her.


    Anastasia waspletely speechless. Shameless? Thick skin? Me?


    ¡°The cost of this dinneres under the Department of Design¡¯s expenses, and as a member of the said


    department, I am entitled to enjoy this benefit,¡± Anastasia retorted as she arched her eyebrow. Then, she


    pushed the door open and left the restroom.


    After Anastasia left, Aliona bit her lips in annoyance as she had never thought that Anastasia was


    nobody¡¯s fool.


    After Anastasia returned to her seat, she pretended that nothing had happened.


    ¡°I just received a call from President Presgrave. He wants us to proceed with the dinner first,¡± Felicia


    whispered to Anastasia.


    Hearing that, Anastasia froze for a second. So, he is not going to show up?


    Soon after, Aliona had also returned to her seat. Her eyes were locked with Anastasia¡¯s and there


    seemed to be an invisible war going on in the atmosphere. Since Aliona had exposed her true self, there


    will be no need for fake politeness toward Anastasia.


    Is Elliot aware of Aliona¡¯s hidden side? Anastasia thought to herself. Anyway, it was not something she


    should be concerned about.


    It was up to him to decide what kind of woman he was going to marry.


    Right then, the food was served.


    ¡°Since President Presgrave has yet to arrive, I will wee Aliona on behalf of our Department of


    Design. Cheers to everyone,¡± Felicia stated as she stood up and held her cup.


    Anastasia followed Felicia¡¯s lead and held her cup while she nced at Aliona, who did not hide her


    gaze.


    The long table that held more than twenty people was full of dishes and desserts as everyone had


    started to eat.


    While everyone was eating, Aliona gave Anastasia a malice gaze and took out her phone to dial Elliot¡¯s


    number. When the other end answered, she asked in a deliberately affectionate tone, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you


    come yet, Elliot? We¡¯re all waiting for you!¡±


    Anastasia, who sat across from Aliona, could hear everything she said on the phone. After she heard the


    phone conversation, she couldn¡¯t help but reach for her wine ss and took two sips depressingly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink too much.¡± Felicia leaned over and reminded her in her ear.


    Only then did Anastasia realize she had almost finished the whole ss of wine. She looked at Felicia


    and gratefully nodded.


    Ten minutester, the waiter¡¯s greeting voice had drawn everyone¡¯s attention to the


    main entrance.


    Elliot waste, but no one said anything. Under the lights, they could see that he was dressed neatly in a


    ck shirt with suit pants and he walked elegantly toward their table.


    The lights had cast a dark shade on his body, which made him look colder and indifferent.


    ¡°Sorry for keeping everyone waiting,¡± Elliot apologized. Then, he gazed around and found the empty seat


    next to Aliona, so he walked to the seat directly.


    However, when he noticed Anastasia was sitting across the table, his deep eyes shed for a few


    seconds of consternation. She is surprisingly attractive and amorous tonight. Did she dress up specially?


    A faint smile flickered in Elliot¡¯s eyes as if he could see through her intention to dress up beautifully.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

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    Anastasia¡¯s long locks were swept to one side as she red into his ocean eyes. Her own eyes looked


    as though there were stars in them as they reflected the light on the room.


    She also looked like a red rose that had emerged from a bed of snow-despite how thorny she was, she


    was a beauty that no one could resist.


    Elliot¡¯s mood began to fluctuate violently because he could feel how strong her jealousy was.


    ¡°You arete, Elliot. Your punishment is to drink a ss.¡± Aliona immediately brought a ss of red wine


    in front of him, and she smiled sweetly as she propped her chin in her hands.


    ¡°That is right! President Presgrave, you have to show us!¡± Alice was also fanning the mes.


    Without saying a word, he picked up the wine ss and elegantly drank its content in one gulp. The light


    shone on the buttons of his French cuff shirt as the dark gemstones shed a deep blue color.


    In short, he was elegant, extravagant and fatally charming.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes were half-lidded as she gloomily brought her beer to her mouth. Everyone was


    watching the man across from her drinking as a punishment, but all she wanted to do was drink by


    herself.


    While remaining in the same pose as earlier, Aliona was looking at him with eyes full of admiration. Elliot,


    on the other hand, was enjoying the punishment in front of everyone.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    The entire scene was an eyesore for Anastasia.


    Is my ss extremely small? Why is the ss empty after just a few sips? she thought grumpily. She


    could only pour herself another ss before bringing it to her lips again. Without Felicia noticing, half of


    Anastasia¡¯s beer bottle had already been emptied.


    ¡°Elliot, have something to eat!¡± After Aliona finished speaking, she reached over to ce some food on


    his te.


    The man, however, only responded in a low voice, ¡°I will do it myself.¡±


    Aliona could feel her heart jolt upon hearing his cold words. She didn¡¯t dare act casually with him after


    that. As Elliot took his fork to eat, his gaze shifted to the woman across from him who was moodily


    downing one drink after another.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes were fixated on one spot, but her drinking never ceased o?ce.


    At that sight, Elliot furrowed his eyebrows when he saw it and he reminded her, ¡°Anastasia, don¡¯t drink


    too much.¡±


    She deliberately picked up the ss full of beer and raised it in his direction before she gulped it at one


    go again. After she drank it, she clicked her tongue and he could tell from her gaze that she didn¡¯t need


    him to worry about her.


    The man couldn¡¯t help feeling helpless and angry at her because it seemed like she was drinking herself


    silly.


    ¡°Aliona, you and President Presgrave must be having some sort of special rtionship!¡± Alice brought it


    up to Aliona to start the conversation.


    She knew that these were the kinds of topics Aliona liked talking about.


    Just as Alice had expected, Aliona elegantly put down her ss and she smilingly boasted, ¡°To tell you


    the truth, my dad and Elliot¡¯s father have been good friends for years. We are family friends.¡±


    Everyone was surprised when they heard her words. None of them had expected her toe from such


    an influential background.


    For her to be the daughter of Elliot¡¯s father¡¯s good friend meant that Elliot and Aliona were definitely from


    the same status!


    May, who was sitting aside, quietly let out a relieved breath and was d that she had not told Hayley


    about this. If not, May was sure that Aliona woulde for her if she were to offend Aliona in some way.


    May knew that Hayley was one of the many of Elliot¡¯s admirers, and that she had not secured the


    position as Mrs. Presgrave. Seems like Anastasia is out of luck as well even after everything that


    happened between her and the president, she thought.


    The joy in Aliona¡¯s eyes only went up a few notches when she turned to look at Anastasia


    Even though Anastasia didn¡¯t directly meet her gaze, she could feel how Aliona felt. now that Aliona had


    emerged as the winner.


    : ¡°Miss Dora, let me pour you a drink. You can ask me anything about work that you


    don¡¯t know from now on. I will make sure to help you if I can.¡± Alice took the chance to tter Aliona.


    Aliona had indeed fancied this colleague of hers, so she said her thanks.


    ¡°Miss Tillman,¡± Alice suddenly called out to make Anastasia¡¯s presence known. She wanted everyone to


    look at Anastasia who looked like an abandoned wife. ¡°What are you doing there drinking beer by


    yourself?¡±


    Anastasia suddenly shot up from the seat instead of answering Alice. ¡°I am going to the washroom.¡±


    ¡°I will go with you,¡± a worried Felicia offered after noticing that 2 beer bottles in front of her had already


    be empty.


    She was somewhat baffled by how she didn¡¯t realize it when Anastasia had drunk so much by herself.


    Anastasia took wobbly steps and pushed her way into a private room along the corridor. The private


    room was empty because the ce had been fully booked.


    Seeing how Anastasia weakly leaned against the door frame for support, Felicia quickly supported her


    and asked, ¡°Are you okay?!¡±

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    ¡°I am fine,¡± Anastasia answered with a nod of her head. All she wanted now was to have her own down


    time.


    Seeing her like this, Felicia couldn¡¯t help but feel bad for her. ¡°There is no need for you to do this to


    yourself.¡±


    ¡°I really am fine.¡± Anastasia forced herself to smile.


    Meanwhile, everyone else was eating at the table when Anastasia¡¯s phone on the table suddenly rang.


    Elliot took a nce and he stood up to reach for the device.


    There were 2 words on the screen-Mr. Hunter.


    Why is he calling Anastasia? As he was annoyed to see the name, he unhesitantly rejected the call.


    The sound of a message received soon came again. Back when Elliot had managed to unlock


    Anastasia¡¯s phone¡¯s facial recognition, he also took the opportunity to save his own face as a password


    to her phone. Now that he was able to unlock her phone, he was instantly greeted by a message with


    words filled with concern.


    ¡®Anastasia, I heard from your Dad that you have a dinner event. Did you drink alcohol? Do you want me


    toe pick you up?¡¯


    A hint of displeasure shed across the bottom of his eyes. Since when has she be so close to


    Alex?


    Another message then came again. ¡°Tell me your address. I will be your chauffeur!¡±


    Elliot¡¯s face was stiff as he stared at the screen of the phone and he eventually put the phone face-down


    on the table.


    Aliona, who was sitting beside him, noticed how the man¡¯s handsome face had turned cold in an instant.


    There was no way he would allow another man to take advantage of Anastasia after she had drank so


    much.


    Even if she needed someone to send her back, Elliot was the only one allowed to do so.


    ¡°What is wrong, Elliot?¡± Aliona asked as she pretended to care.


    Yet, he only replied casually, ¡°Nothing¡±.


    Felicia kept Anastasiapany in the quiet private room wh¨¨re Anastasia started to feel tipsy as the


    alcohol slowly took effect in her body.


    ¡°I feel so dizzy, Felicia.¡± She raised her blurry gaze and pleaded in barely coherent words, ¡°Can you take


    me home, please?¡±


    ¡°Sure! Let¡¯s go! I don¡¯t want to stay here any longer, anyway.¡±


    As Anastasia didn¡¯t feel like returning to the table after they exited the private room, Felicia had her wait


    by the exit while she went back to inform the rest of them. She also went to take Anastasia¡¯s bag.


    After Felicia went back to the table, she loudly announced, ¡°Anastasia is drunk. I will be sending her


    home. Enjoy the rest of your evening, everyone.¡± She then turned to Elliot. ¡°President Presgrave, we will


    be leaving now.¡±


    Instead of answering her, he looked to Anastasia¡¯s seat with squinted eyes, only to see that the beer


    bottles in front of her were all empty. Darn it, he quietly cursed. She drank 2 whole bottles without me


    realizing?


    She felt like she was on clouds as she stood by the elevator and it was difficult for her to even stand.


    Felicia had to hold Anastasia to make sure she didn¡¯t fall as they waited for the elevator to arrive.


    Back at the dining table, Elliot suddenly stood up by pushing his chair back. He was holding both his car


    keys and Anastasia¡¯s phone in his big palms as he announced, ¡°Enjoy the meal. I am leaving.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s eyes widened at his sudden action, and she tried to call out to him, ¡°Elli¡ª¡±


    He was already out of the restaurant and near the elevator then. Seeing the diminishing number on top


    of the elevator, he panicked as the expression overtook his stoicism and he rushed down the staircase


    beside the elevator.


    The atmosphere at the dining table immediately changed after that. Everyone was casting knowing


    nces at Aliona, whose face had visibly fallen.


    | They all knew who exactly Elliot had rushed for.


    Anastasia might be the final victor after all.


    Aliona was the only one who knew that he didn¡¯t have the slightest bit of interest in her despite the


    crazed rumors that had been going around these 2 days.


    She had been overly confident. However, she couldn¡¯t understand why Elliot hadn¡¯t done anything to


    control the rumors if he still cared about Anastasia. It was at that moment when a thought dawned on


    her. Is he not doing anything to get Anastasia jealous?


    Aliona¡¯s face instantly paled when she figured it out-she had been ying herself all along.


    Felicia was using all her might to carry the wasted Anastasia across the dimly lit car park. A man¡¯s deep


    voice soon rang out from behind. ¡°Please bring her to my car, Director Evans.¡±


    She turned her head to the sound of the voice and she saw Elliot walking toward them with his car key in


    his hand. He then unlocked the doors of his sedan before he opened the door to his car¡¯s backseat.


    Anastasia was drifting between dream and reality when a strong arm carried her into the wide backseat


    of his car.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

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    A concerned Felicia caringly reminded, ¡°President Presgrave, please take care of Miss Tillman.¡±


    ¡°Leave her to me,¡± Elliot replied in a low voice. Then, he opened the door to the driver¡¯s seat and got in.


    Felicia couldn¡¯t help but rejoice as she looked at him driving off with Anastasia in his car. She already


    knew that he was the reason why Anastasia drank to the point where she was drunk.


    A barely conscious Anastasia sat up in what she thought was Felicia¡¯s car. She held her forehead in her


    hand to suppress the excruciating headache as she said in the direction of the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Felicia, take


    me to any nearby hotel. I don¡¯t want to go home.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want her father and son to see her in such a terrible mood and if they did, she would be


    grateful to just not scare them with this side of her.


    A voice answered from the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°Is anyone taking care of your son?¡±


    ¡°My dad is home,¡± she obediently answered.


    Getting even dizzier as the car moved, she quickly slumped on the seat again.


    As Elliot waited for the traffic light to turn green, he grabbed her phone with his long fingers and sent


    Francis a message in her name that she would be spending the night with a friend.


    Francis¡¯ prompt reply that she didn¡¯t have to worry about her son came shortly after Elliot sent the


    message.


    Anastasia might not have been in her right mind, but she was still capable of thinking and emotions. She


    started to mumble in her drunken state toward the driver, ¡°Felicia, let me tell you a secret. Elliot is an


    *sshole! He is a bad, bad man¡­¡±


    Elliot froze for a second as he was shocked that she was scolding him behind his back, but he soon tilted


    his head toward her and asked, ¡°So, do you like him? Or do you hate him?¡±


    ¡°I hate him.¡± Her voice sounded like she was on the verge of tears.


    He was entertained by how drunk she behaved and he tried probing again, ¡°You are telling me that you


    hate him even though you are drunk because of him?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t drink because of him¡­ I would be an idiot for liking him¡­¡± she mumbled and grumbled in her


    drunken daze.


    Then, she sputtered again, ¡°I hate him¡­ He can like whoever the hell he wants to. It has nothing to do


    with me.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t seem to have any idea what she was saying and she definitely had no clue where she


    was. The car was only filled with sounds that sounded like ¡®b*stard¡¯, ¡®trash¡¯ and ¡®I don¡¯t ever want to see


    him¡¯ before there was silence.


    She seemed to have fallen asleep by then.


    Elliot was somewhat heartbroken. I must have really hurt her this time, he thought.


    As they came to another red light stop, he turned to look at the sprawled out figure in his backseat before


    he sighed. ¡°I am sorry. This is all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have punished you with something so stupid.¡±


    He drove them to a hotel owned by the Mansons, and as soon as he carried the drunk woman into the


    hotel lobby in his arms, the manager of the hotel immediately gave them ess to the presidential suite.


    Elliot gently ced Anastasia on the soft bed before he reached out to brush away a few strands of hair


    on her forehead. Then, he pressed a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Sleep well. I will exin everything when you


    wake up.¡±


    Right as he ced the covers on her, her ssy eyes shot open to look at him.


    She thought she was having a dream about Elliot again. Her head had been so upied with him these


    2 days that she thought what she was seeing was yet another dream she had been having.


    ¡°Go away¡­ Go away¡­ I don¡¯t want you in my dreams anymore.¡± After saying that, she reached out to


    p herself on her forehead a few times. It was as though she could make him disappear from her eyes


    by doing this.


    Elliot couldn¡¯t help but be startled when she suddenly started pping herself and he quickly pulled her


    into his chest to stop her iling hands.


    ¡°What are you hitting yourself for?¡± he asked.


    Her beauty was breath-taking as she was weak against his chest. With dishevelled ck locks, the


    corners of her eyes and the fair skin on her face had been tinted with a pinkish hue due to the alcohol.


    His mind was giving him ideas as his gaze followed along the tip of her nose to her red lips, and to her


    beautiful corbone.


    Tonight of all nights, however, was when he couldn¡¯ty his hands on her.


    The fiery-tempered woman would probably snap his neck first thing the next morning if he were to touch


    her without her permission again.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

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    Chapter 326


    Elliot lowered his torso until his face was less than 2 inches away from Anastasia before he said in a


    hushed voice, ¡°I was wrong, Anastasia. Can you please forgive me? I don¡¯t like Aliona. I like you.¡±


    ¡°You are lying.¡± she rebutted through clench teeth, her red eyes ring at him¡­.


    Then, he held her face between his palms. ¡°I am not lying.¡± His voice sounded extremely sincere.


    She slowly blinked at the man in breathing distance from her. Taking in the handsome features on his


    face, she couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge the reason why so many women fell for him. He had a face that


    no one could ever get tired of even after looking at it everyday.


    The charmed look in her eyes made Elliot¡¯s breath quicken as he looked at her. His gaze then fell to her


    slightly quivering pink and pouty lips. They looked like they were quietly inviting him to press his lips on


    hers.


    His self-control and reasoning that he had always been proud of disappeared in a puff of smoke. He


    didn¡¯t want to hold back any longer and he started listening to his heart as he slowly leaned in. The


    woman dazedly blinked at him before a sudden difort in her stomach pped her as she made a


    gagging noise.


    Just like that, Anastasia started to painfully hurl her dinner tonight onto his chest.


    His eyes went wide at that and he quickly gave her gentle pats on her back to help her throw up more


    comfortably.


    Elliot couldn¡¯t help but feel upset as he wondered if he was so visually unappetizing that she started


    puking after looking at him.


    Even then, the woman had no intention to stop. She lowered her head to vomit on her own chest before


    turning around to hurl on the bedside floor. She puked so much that there was bile after she had emptied


    her dinner. After she was done, she weaklyy on the bed with her pale face down before she passed


    out.


    Elliot took off his top and gave the front desk a call to inform them to give him another room.


    An attendant soon came to handle the procedure and when the other suite was ready for them to use,


    Elliot carried the now unconscious Anastasia to the new room.


    A few of the young attendants were blushing as they looked at him. They left the room after they had


    helped Elliot and Anastasia change rooms, and they couldn¡¯t help but silently exim about how


    handsome and sculpted he was. He looked like the protagonist who had stepped right out of a novel!


    Elliot cleaned up in the big bathroom of the presidential suite before he brought the woman on the sofa


    inside.


    Through her barely conscious mind, she was somewhat aware that she was soaking in warm water one


    second and in a soft bed the next. She was so deep in her sleep that she probably didn¡¯t remember


    covering Elliot with the contents of her stomach.


    Elliot sat on the sofa and stared at the sleeping woman with predatory eyes. Even though Anastasia was


    covered with a nket, she was still seductive to no end.


    Someone¡ªthat would be Aliona-was going to lose sleep tonight. Not only did she fail to seduce Elliot,


    she was stupid enough to reveal her hidden side to Anastasia. It was a miscalction on her part.


    In the middle of the night, Anastasia was so thirsty that she called out to no one and nothing in particr.


    ¡°Water¡­ I want water¡­¡±


    The man on the sofa opened his eyes instantly and he strutted over to the bed. After hearing what she


    wanted, he quickly brought a ss of warm water and fed it to her with her in his arms.


    Anastasia refused to open her eyes throughout the entire time. After drinking the water, she suddenly


    leaned into the warmth of his embrace as she wrapped her arms around his waist. She then buried her


    face into his chest as she drifted off to sleep.


    Seeing that, Elliot ced the ss down and caressed her long locks before he lowered his head to kiss


    her on the forehead. He was reluctant to let her go.


    She continued to sleep in his arms for the rest of the night until the first ray of sunlight came shining into


    the room.


    As Anastasia was disturbed by the brightness in her eyelids, she let out a frown before finally opening


    her eyes.


    The first thing she saw was a white bathrobe and she slowly looked up. She seemed to be hugging onto


    someone¡­


    She felt as if she had been electrified in that instant. She quickly pulled her hands away and eximed,


    ¡°Why are you here?!¡±


    Thousands of thoughts began flying through her head then. Didn¡¯t Ie to the hotel with Felicia? Why


    did I wake up with Elliot in my arms?


    ¡°Where is Felicia?¡± She lowered her gaze and saw that she had been changed out of her dress and into


    a bathrobe. She didn¡¯t feel like she had anything else other than the fluffy white piece of cloth. ¡°My-my


    clothes¡­ Who changed me out of my clothes?¡± she stammered.


    Since he had no other choice but to tell a white lie, Elliot answered, ¡°You threw upst night. You were


    changed out of your clothes by¡­ Director Evans.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

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    Elliot didn¡¯t know what to expect if he were to tell Anastasia that he was the one who changed her out of


    her dirty clothes.


    She immediately covered her arms over her chest and questioned him with suspicious eyes, ¡°Why are


    you in my room? Where is Felicia?¡±


    ¡°Director Evans went home to rest. I am in charge of taking care of you now,¡± he answered in a low


    voice.


    Her sharp gaze then darted to the bathrobe he had on before her heart seemed toe to a stop for a


    moment. ¡°You¡­¡± she stuttered. ¡°Why are you in a bathrobe?¡±


    Was Felicia even herest night? she panicked. Did Elliot put me in this bathrobe?


    He casually reminded her then. ¡°You threw up all over me.¡±


    When Anastasia heard that, her cheeks started heating up. She did vaguely remember puking, but she


    had no recollection of what or who she did it on.


    She had no choice but to believe Elliot for now.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    In a cold voice, she chided him as she turned to look the other way. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to take care of me.


    You can leave now!¡± |


    ¡°Before I go,¡± he calmly mentioned, ¡°I want to exin about the rumor regarding Aliona and me that has


    been going around these 2 days.¡± He didn¡¯t want the misunderstanding to continue being dragged on.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. There is no need for that.¡± Not wanting to spare him the time of her day for him to


    give his excuses, she flipped open the nket and got out of bed.


    Despite her rejection, Elliot continued to say, ¡°Would you believe me if I were to tell you that the rumors


    are fake?¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s grip on the front of her bathrobe tightened at that and she let out a smile. From him giving


    flowers with a pair of couple¡¯s bracelets to Aliona to him walking out of a restaurant with her, how could


    any of what she had seen with her own eyes be fake?


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of me the whole night, but I don¡¯t care who is involved in the rumors regarding


    you. I am going home now.¡± Anastasia started looking for her


    bag after she said her piece.


    However, the man couldn¡¯t possibly let her leave. Elliot stood up and grabbed her by her wrist, and the


    already lightheaded Anastasia swiftly fell into his arms.


    Her face was red with anger as she looked at the relentless man. ¡°You¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about going anywhere before you hear out,¡± hemandingly interrupted as his arms


    tightened around her.


    His domineering tone made her bite her teeth as she gritted, ¡°Do I have the choice to not listen?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Elliot locked his eyes on Anastasia before he asked without beating around the bush. ¡°Answer my


    question first, then. Why did you pick up Jared with Alex on Wednesday? Have I ever crossed your mind


    when you were spending time alone and flirting with him? You can¡¯t even be bothered with picking up my


    call when you are with him, huh?¡±


    Anatasia froze when she heard his words. She hadn¡¯t expected him to know that she had gone with Alex


    to take Jared from school.


    As for her not picking up his call, she had actually ced her phone on silent when he called. She didn¡¯t


    call him back after that because she didn¡¯t see the need to do so.


    Elliot continued before she could even muster a reply. ¡°That was why I purposely gave Aliona a bouquet


    the next day. I purposely didn¡¯t clear up the rumor. I intentionally went to the restaurant that you were at


    to let you see us. I purposely called you to my office to see my order on the pair of couple¡¯s bracelets.


    Everything I did was because I was jealous of you and Alex. I only wanted to punish you for making me


    angry, do you understand?¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t think of what to think after listening to him rambling on. He started the rumors just


    because of that one time Alex and I picked up Jared together, and didn¡¯t take his call afterward?


    Aftergging behind for a full minute, she was suddenly curious about the whereabouts of the other


    bracelet. ¡°Did you give out your couple¡¯s bracelet?¡± she asked.


    ti


    He grumpily flicked her on the forehead at that moment. ¡°It is in my drawer. Come and get it from my


    office tomorrow.¡±


    WWW


    ¡°You are giving it to me?¡± she asked, shocked. Isn¡¯t it supposed to be for Aliona?


    ¡°Who else other than you has the right to wear a couple¡¯s jewelry with me?¡± His dark eyes were looking


    down at her all in crankiness.


    She hadn¡¯t given him an answer yet when a smile suddenly appeared on Elliot¡¯s face. ¡°Why did you drink


    so muchst night?¡± he teased. ¡°Were you jealous?¡±


    ¡°W-Who said I was drinking because of you?! Can¡¯t I drink because I want to?¡± After having been found


    out, Anastasia meekly argued with him as she tried to struggle out of his hold.


    Even though she eventually broke free, she was back in his embrace a secondter.


    The man gently rubbed the back of her head as he let out a resigned sigh beside her ear. ¡°Alright, now.


    You don¡¯t have to be jealous, and I won¡¯t get mad from now on. Let¡¯s reconcile!¡±

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    Chapter 328


    Anastasia started to shove Elliot away out of guilt, which left Elliot with no choice but to release his grip


    on her.


    She immediately turned to hide from him. Only God knew about the thoughts that she had about Elliot


    and Aliona for the past 2 days and if Elliot was a mind reader, Anastasia would definitely die from


    embarrassment if he was a mind reader.


    She didn¡¯t even want to think about how she cried and wailed like an abandoned wife in the middle of the


    night because of him.


    Still, thinking that it was better for her to exin herself so that Elliot would not misunderstand the


    rtionship she had with Alex, Anastasia started, ¡°I didn¡¯t pick up your call because I put it on silent


    mode before my dad dragged me to the board meeting. Dad and I went to the construction site in the


    afternoon without our car. I¡¯ was almostte picking up Jared, and so I asked Mr. Hunter to send me


    over.¡±


    After hearing the rather normal exnation, Elliot let out a satisfied smile, and he haughtily snaked his


    arms around her waist from behind. Then, he started coaxing her in a voice that was thick from sleep. ¡°It


    was my fault. Can you please forgive me?¡±


    Since she did not want to get intimate with him so soon, she subconsciously tried to pry his hands away.


    However, not only did she not seed at moving him away, his hold on her had only tightened as he


    even rested his chin on her shoulder. ¡°Can I tell you a secret?¡± he asked suddenly.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyebrows were knitted together as she inquired, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The car that you entered was my car. The person who brought you to this hotel was me. And the person


    who changed you into a bathrobe was also me.¡±


    She could feel herst string of sanity snap after he said those words. She had already guessed that he


    was the culprit behind everything that had happened up until now.


    ¡°Let me go! What did you do to me?¡± The blood had rushed up to her cheeks and to the tip of her ears.


    She was nning to let him off the hook for making her angry, but he even went as far as to see her withThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    nothing on!


    Elliot chuckled upon seeing her reaction. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he reassured her. ¡°I am a man of integrity.¡±


    ¡°You are a prick!¡± Anastasia retorted.


    .


    Deciding not to piss her off any further, he sighed provocatively next to her ear. ¡°I better take a cold


    shower to calm a certain body part of mine down after you held me for the entire night.¡±


    She instantly understood his words, and she stayed frozen in the same spot.


    The man then walked toward the bathroom while she went to sit on the balcony sofa.


    Her mind was still a little fuzzy in addition to her headache, but at least she finally had an answer for


    something on her mind.


    The rumor about Elliot and Aliona that had been circting around was false, but it was true that


    Anastasia was losing her mind these 2 days. The tears she had shed for him were also true and her


    jealousy was so raw that there was no need to wonder whether it was real or not.


    What¡­ What is wrong with me? I think I have fallen for him. She then lifted her chin to look at the sky


    wordlessly. How can I have fallen for him?!


    Soon after, Rey brought a white dress that Anastasia eventually changed into before Elliot had him send


    her home.


    As she sat in the car Rey was driving, she was in the midst of daydreaming when she suddenly thought


    of something she wanted to ask him.


    ¡°Mr. Osborne, did you and Elliot go to my son¡¯s kindergarten Wednesday afternoon?¡±


    Rey had seen how she and his boss interacted earlier in the hotel room and he guessed that they had


    probably reconciled.


    He answered with a smile, ¡°Yes. President Presgrave was excited to fake a coincidental meeting with


    you, but you had already picked up Jared with another man in tow. The president was exasperated! I


    remember how dark his expression was when we went back.¡±


    Was he really that mad? Anastasia wondered.


    Since he thought that he needed to help Elliot say something, he continued, ¡°I believe that the president


    has already exined to you about the matter regarding him and Miss Dora. Please don¡¯t misunderstand


    him, Miss Tillman. President Presgrave was only venting his anger. He truly does care about you and


    has no other intention than to ensure that Miss Dora is well.¡±


    Anastasia was somewhat embarrassed to hear these wordsing from Rey.


    Rey left right after he dropped her back home. As her father had some business to attend to, she was


    the only one who kept Jaredpany and she did not even realize the silly grin that remained on her


    face.


    Jared suddenly noticed the smile and he curiously asked, ¡°Mommy, what are you smiling about?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± She quickly covered her face with her hand. ¡°Was I smiling?¡±


    ¡°You did!¡±


    ¡°It is probably because I am in a good mood.¡±


    ¡°Did something happen that made you happy?¡± the boy asked with a tilted head.


    She didn¡¯t have an answer to his question. All she could do was to rub him on his. head thereafter and


    say, ¡°I will tell you next time.¡±

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    Chapter 329


    However, this incident hadn¡¯t been all that bad. At least, she had clearly seen who the real Aliona was


    and would be aware to keep a distance from Aliona at work in the future.


    There was no need at all for someone with a background like Aliona to work at Bourgeois, which meant


    that she only came for one reason-Elliot!


    However, Anastasia understood why women would try their best to woo Elliot.


    Hayley had just stepped out of the car at the international airport when she took a deep breath before


    retrieving her phone to give him a call.


    It took 7 seconds before the seductive male voice came from the other end of the call. ¡°Hello, Hayley. Is


    anything wrong?¡±


    ¡°Elliot, I¡¯ll be going for a vacation abroad for about 3 months. I wanted to say goodbye.¡±


    ¡°Alright, go ahead! Be careful on your way there,¡± he reminded her.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She then mysteriously added, ¡°Elliot, you might see a different me by the time I return.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Alright. Stay safe out there.¡±


    A hint of disappointment shed across her face at that. Elliot had been putting on a ceremony with her


    as ofte where she couldn¡¯t feel anything other than him treating her like a normal friend from his words.


    ¡°Okay, I will! I will miss you,¡± Hayley added sweetly, but all he said in reply before hanging up was, ¡°Mm.


    Tam hanging up.¡±


    She was only more disappointed because of his curt reply, but her disappointment soon turned into


    determination when she thought about how much life she had ahead of her. For one, she still had plenty


    of chances to change her fate since she would be a brand new person by the time she returned to the


    country


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Miss Seymour!¡± There was a small group of 3 people by Hayley¡¯s side.


    She turned her head to look at them and asked, ¡°Did you bribe enough? I want the best surgeon.¡±


    ¡°We did,¡± a middle-aged man within the trio answered her. ¡°We have hired the best stic surgeon. Your


    satisfaction is guaranteed.¡±


    They did the best they could with the generous amount Hayley had paid them,


    ¡°Good.¡± She started walking into the airport before she saw a mirror beside her. She clenched her jaw


    when she turned to look at her ordinary face. She detested her face; to her, it was because of her


    lackluster features that she couldn¡¯t get Elliot to admire her. She was sure that she would be the one


    receiving Elliot¡¯s love if only she had Anastasia¡¯s facial features.


    In order to get the man to be hers, she wasn¡¯t scared of the dangers and side effects that mighte


    with the procedure. All she wanted was for Elliot to love her. It could be a shallow love thatsted only for


    a while, but she didn¡¯t mind it at all.


    Hayley¡¯s love for the man was too deep for her to back out now as it was the kind of love that made her


    lose sleep at night. Constantly disturbed by the image of Elliot and Anastasia in her head, she never had


    a good night¡¯s rest ever since she came back from the birthday banquet. The mere thought of them


    being loving to one another and how Anastasia managed to get all of his attention was enough to drive


    Hayley crazy with jealousy.


    She needed a different face in order to have Elliot.


    As to whose face she wanted to have, she wasn¡¯t interested in the faces of all the beautiful celebrities


    out there. She wanted to have the face Elliot loved-she wanted Anastasia¡¯s face.


    A pleased, yet somewhat menacing smile appeared on Hayley¡¯s face as she moved her gaze away from


    the mirror.


    On the other hand, Elliot was sitting on a sofa in his vi while his 4 bodyguards reported to him as they


    stood in front of him.


    ¡°President Presgrave, Riley Presgrave has been insistent on not leaving the country. We have given him


    a warning as you have instructed.¡±


    Hearing that, Elliot asked, ¡°Has he gotten in contact with anyely?¡±


    ¡°He has met up for meals with a few of his old friends. There is nothing beyond that.¡±


    ¡°Keep a close eye on him. I want to know every move he makes in the country.¡± Elliot¡¯s gaze sharpened


    dangerously as he gave his bodyguards the instruction,


    His parents¡¯ death had been a lesson. Riley was far more evil than Elliot could ever imagine. He was


    sure that Riley still held a grudge from the time when he was chased out of the country by Elliot¡¯s


    grandmother. There was a big possibility that Riley intended to cause harm to the Presgraves now that


    he was back.


    This was why Elliot couldn¡¯t beckadaisical with monitoring the man since he also had his ways to nt


    eyes on Riley, who had been abroad.


    When the weekend came, Anastasia spent a normal, but heartwarming day with her son. For someone


    who lived a normal life like her, getting to live everyday peacefully and happily was the ultimate joy of life.

 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330


    Chapter 330


    ¡°Mommy, when is Mr. Presgraveing over to eat with us? I miss him so much!¡± Jared was in bed


    refusing to sleep as he yearned to see Elliot again.


    Looking at his longing expression as she sat in front of his bed, Anastasia really didn¡¯t want to give the


    young boy any false hope, She was afraid that Elliot would leave them again someday.


    Even though his rumors with Aliona turned out to be false, Anastasia didn¡¯t have the confidence that it


    wouldn¡¯te true with the next woman he met.


    ¡°Jared, you can miss him, but would it be alright if you miss him in your mind?¡±


    The young boy didn¡¯t reply and instead stared at her with big, clear eyes. ¡°Mommy, do you miss him?¡± he


    asked in return.


    There was no way she could lie as she looked into her son¡¯s innocent eyes, so she nodded and


    confessed, ¡°Yup, I miss him too.¡±


    ¡°Can you court him then, Mommy? We can always be together with him if you manage to marry him!¡±


    The child encouraged her as he let out a series of sillyughter.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    My son is worried about this for me! she mused, her cheeks turning red. She then reached out to caress


    him on his head. ¡°Come on, leave the adult matters to the adults. You are too young to worry about this.


    Time to sleep!¡±


    Jared had no choice but to obediently close his eyes then. As she looked at her son¡¯s face, her heart


    started beating faster when she realized how much he looked like Elliot with each passing day. Just what


    is going on? she thought.


    Every line and shadow on his face looked like Elliot¡¯s, only mini-sized. It was as though Elliot and Jared


    were father and son.


    After she made sure that she had properly covered Jared with the nket, she went back to her room


    and spent the quiet night letting thoughts pass through her clear mind.


    She felt tingly and numb all over when she recalled how she had vomited all over herself and Elliot, and


    even let him wash her. How could I let an adult man bath me?


    Thinking of that, she felt so bashful her whole head seemed to have turned red.


    Monday came after a well spent weekend. She went and had a chat with Jared¡¯s teacher after she sent


    him to his ssroom. ording to the teacher, Jared was a polite and mature boy. Not only was he not


    afraid of being in a new environment, he had also shown high intelligence. All the other kids in his ss


    liked him.


    Anastasia felt relieved after hearing the teacher¡¯s words. She was happy that her son had a good


    personality that attracted people to him.


    After the visit to the kindergarten, she made her way to Bourgeois. The first ce she went to after


    entering the Department of Design was Felicia¡¯s office. Felicia had also just arrived moments ago and


    when she saw Anastasia walking in, she put down the cup of coffee in her hand to ask Anastasia with a


    smile, ¡°How was your Saturday night?¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face instantly felt hot at that. ¡°Don¡¯t even mention it, Felicia,¡± she whined.


    Felicia could tell that their rtionship was back on track when she saw how Anastasia was acting. and


    she couldn¡¯t help but feel happy for her friend. ¡°Truth be told, I always had a feeling that President


    Presgrave isn¡¯t someone who would so easily have a change of heart. You should have faith in him.¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t say anything in regards to that. It was only Elliot¡¯s punishment for her, after all. Even


    though it seemed like a terrible joke now that she looked back at it, it was for a fact that she had been


    through a miserable time because of the incident.


    She felt just like a mardy woman who had been cast aside.


    ¡°Felicia,¡± Anastasia sincerely called out to her. ¡°Thank you for taking care and protecting me all this time.¡±


    ¡°I like being friends with genuine people.¡± Felicia quietly threw her apliment.


    Hearing that, Anastasia smiled with her lips pressed together. ¡°Thank you. You can ask me if you ever


    need my help with anything. You don¡¯t have to hold back.¡±


    ¡°Sure! Just don¡¯t forget about me when you be Presgrave Group¡¯sdy boss,¡± Felicia jokingly said.


    The color quickly came back to dust Anastasia¡¯s cheeks again and she held her head andughed, ¡°Stop


    teasing me, Felicia. You can¡¯t joke about something like this.¡±


    Felicia only disregarded Anastasia¡¯s words and continued making fun of her. ¡°Why not? It might just


    happen one day. I have to build a good rtionship with you before that dayes.¡± She had a strong


    feeling that her words mighte true in the end.


    Felicia¡¯s assistant knocked on her door right this moment. The person was carrying a whole stack of files


    in her hands as she walked in. ¡°Felicia, all these will need your signature before 10:00AM.¡±


    Not wanting to disturb her any further, Anastasia automatically went and pushed the door open to return


    to her own office.


    As Grace poured her a cup of coffee, Anastasia clicked open the file that she used to save her drafts.


    The inspiration she had lost two days ago had seemingly returned to her in that instant.


    It made her heart cold. She was terrified of how it felt when she thought she had lost her inspiration. Her


    skills and creativity were her money maker!

 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331


    Chapter 381


    Anastasia arrived at a conclusion with that: Never get involved with a man without thinking it through. Or


    else, she would end up being the one suffering.


    A knock on her door came before she could even start with her work. Aliona, who was d in an all white


    suit then walked in as she enthusiastically said to Anastasia seated at the desk, ¡°Anastasia. I want to


    have a chat with you.¡±


    Knowing that this was a mere act Aliona was putting on, Anastasia crossed her arms as she stated with


    her eyebrow raised, ¡°There is nothing you and I have to talk about.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, I would like to apologize for saying the thing I did before. I am really sorry for hurting you by


    saying something so out of line. Can you please forgive me for my ignorance and impudence?¡± Aliona


    apologized to save her image. At the very least, she didn¡¯t want to be on bad terms with Anastasia


    It all only seemed like a bad joke to Anastasia She knew that there was no sincerity in Aliona¡¯s apology


    as the woman was merely apologizing because she was afraid that Anastasia would tell Elliot the truth.


    ¡°I ept your apology,¡± Anastasia said indifferently. ¡°You can leave my office now.¡±


    ¡°If you ept my apology, this also means that you won¡¯t tell Elliot what happened between us, right?¡±


    Aliona had her palms pressed against the surface of the desk, her gaze staring holes into Anastasia.¡±


    beg of you, please don¡¯t tell him about us.¡±


    This was Aliona¡¯s only reason for admitting defeat-she wanted to maintain that innocent mask of hers in


    front of Elliot.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Anastasia¡¯s raised eyebrow went slightly higher at that. ¡°So, you don¡¯t actually want my forgiveness? You


    are only scared that I will tell him the truth, huh?¡±


    ¡°I was only against you because I love Elliot too much! I am not usually someone like that,¡± Aliona tried


    her best to exin herself.


    However, Anastasia had no intention to ept her insincere apology. She answered, ¡°This is not a good


    reason for you to verbally attack me.¡±


    Aliona looked at her with sharp eyes when she heard that. ¡°Anastasia,¡± she coldly began. ¡°We don¡¯t have


    to turn into each other¡¯s enemies. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I am not afraid of you.¡± Anastasia red back at her with an equally unintimidated gaze.


    ¡°I heard that you are a single mother. It must be tough to bring a kid up by yourself.¡± Even though Aliona


    was smiling when she said that, the threat in her eyes was evident.


    Anastasia immediately felt her whole body freeze when she heard Aliona¡¯s words. She felt a strange


    difort at seeing the threatening smile on Aliona¡¯s face.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Anastasia questioned her coldly.


    ¡°It all depends on what you do! If you make things hard for me, I will have to make things hard for you


    too!¡± Aliona raised her own brow and nced at Anastasia with a pleased look. ¡°Anastasia, you better


    know what is best for you. Don¡¯t stand in my way.¡±


    Anastasia stood up from her seat and she gravely warned the woman in front of her. ¡°Tryying a finger


    on my son and see what happens.¡±


    Aliona was startled by the fight Anastasia was putting up and the proud expression on her face was


    instantly wiped off. She soon got close to Anastasia again. ¡®That is why it is better for us toe out of


    this unharmed, no?¡±


    After saying that, she turned around and opened the door to leave the office.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart was still thumping wildly as she looked at Aliona¡¯s retreating back. Jared had been her


    Achilles heel ever since he was born into this world, so she would always feel uneasy whenever


    someone were to get too close to her son.


    There was nothing Aliona wouldn¡¯t do to have Elliot.


    She was still worried by the time she returned to her own office. Her mission should have been carried


    out wlessly, and yet, she had to face off against Anastasia, who was also the biggest stumbling block


    in her path topleting her n.


    Elliot looked as though he could never fall for any woman other than Anastasia. Aliona held a grudge


    against Anastasia because of that and it made her angry that she couldn¡¯t win against Anastasia.


    It was around 11.00AM when Anastasia¡¯sndline began to ring, so she picked up the phone and swiftly


    said hello.


    ¡°Come to my office,¡± a man¡¯s voice informed her from the other side of the call.


    When she heard that, she immediately rejected him. ¡°I am busy with work.¡±


    ¡°Come and get your bracelet.¡± The man¡¯s low voice rang out again.


    Not wanting to make a trip to his office for a bracelet, she brushed him off. ¡°Give it to someone else. I


    don¡¯t want it.¡±


    Elliot started to threaten her. ¡°Anastasia, do you want me to give it to you in front of the whole office?¡±


    His words immediately gave Anastasia a headache and she asked in a baffled manner, ¡°Elliot, musti


    ept it just because you want to give me it?¡±


    ¡°I will give you 2 minutes. If you don¡¯te up by then, I will being down to you.¡± He then hung up


    after saying that.

 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332


    Chapter 332


    Anastasia took in a deep breath and she eventually still stood up from her chair.


    A man was fiddling with an exquisite woman¡¯s bracelet in the president¡¯s office. He had a bracelet thicker


    than the one he was ying around with on his wrist and itplemented the limited edition wristwatch


    he had on.


    As she pushed open the door toe in, a smile instantly appeared on the man¡¯s face. With his deep


    eyes locked on her, he elegantly stood up and made his way toward her.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ever listen to me?¡± Elliot asked grumpily as he looked at her being all upset. It was


    always after he threatened her that she would listen to him.


    Seeing the thin bracelet in his palm, she dered with no mercy. ¡°Bring it for a refund. I don¡¯t want to


    ept this present.¡±


    However, just as she finished saying that, the man had grabbed her by her wrist and was trying to put it


    on her despite her refusal. ¡°A refund? For what? I want to wear matching bracelets with you.¡±


    And just like that, Anastasia now had a bracelet on her wrist. Even though the design was simple, the


    gemstones on it probably weren¡¯t cheap.


    ¡°It looks quite lovely on you. You aren¡¯t allowed to remove it,¡± he demanded.


    She looked at the bracelet, her emotions a mess. She was troubled as to whether she should ept it or


    give it back


    Elliot suddenly started undoing the buttons of his top at this moment, making Anastasia look at him with


    her guard up. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked him thereafter.


    The man only continued to unbutton the first 3 buttons of his shirt, and the moment he did so, she


    noticed a familiar-looking ne hanging on his neck. She unknowingly gasped, ¡°How did you manage


    to get it done so soon?¡±


    It was the ne that she had designed for him before. She hadn¡¯t expected him to wear it so soon.


    ¡°It is a gift from you, after all. Of course I had to tell them to make it faster and I just received it earlier


    today. I am very satisfied with it as it suits me well.¡± Then, Elliot started to lovingly touch the ne. ¡°I


    will always think of you when I wear it.¡± This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After she heard those words, her cheeks suddenly felt warm. ¡°You bought it with your own money. What


    has it got to do with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course it has something to do with you. This ne contains your feelings for me. Don¡¯t nes


    signify lingering affection?¡± Elliot asked with a smile.


    The set of thick and thin bracelets resembled a male and female snake coiled around each other, which


    was what she had indeed thought of when she designed the ne. She didn¡¯t think he would see


    through her intention at a nce.


    Such a question had only caused Anastasia¡¯s face to burn even more as she asked, ¡°If this is the case,


    can I have mymission this month?¡±


    The man let out a vexed ¡®hmph¡¯ when he heard her words before he started toin, ¡°Why don¡¯t you


    just marry me since you are so concerned about money? You would immediately gain financial freedom.¡±


    ¡°I feel better when I spend the money that I earn myself. It is not something spending someone else¡¯s


    money can bepared to,¡± she challenged him with a raised eyebrow.


    Since he couldn¡¯te up with a better rebuttal, Elliot fell quiet for a moment before he abruptly


    extended an invitation to her. ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch together.¡±


    ¡°No can do,¡± she swiftly rejected him. ¡°I already have a lunch date.¡±


    Thinking that Anastasia¡¯s lunch date might be Alex, Elliot immediately demanded, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    She would do anything to not have a meal with him, so she smoothly answered, ¡°Felicia.¡±


    ¡°Cancel it. I already booked us a table,¡± he insisted as he wanted to bring her somewhere nice for lunch.


    She was immediately rendered speechless by the man who left her with no leeway.


    After that, Anastasia red at him and scolded, ¡°Can you not be so domineering, Elliot?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will be more gentle.¡± Then, a smiling Elliot added, ¡°Only if you stop rejecting me, though.¡±


    Anastasia fell silent for a while before she eventually replied, ¡°I will be epting the bracelet then, but


    out of courtesy, I will give you a present as well. I will buy you anything you want this afternoon.¡±


    This was the only solution she coulde up with. She couldn¡¯t possibly just take without giving


    something back.


    Hearing that she wanted to give him something in return, he grinned before he joyfully asked, ¡°Is that so?


    Can you give me everything I want?¡±


    ¡°As long as I can afford it,¡± she replied as she lightly chewed on her red lip.


    ¡°Alright. Select a few underpants for me from an underwear store!¡±


    A baffled Anastasia hurriedly rejected Elliot. ¡°But I don¡¯t know how to pick stuff like this.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by you don¡¯t know how to? Do you mean to say that you don¡¯t know my size?¡± He


    suddenly grabbed her hand and pressed it against his lower abdomen. ¡°Feel it with your own hands,


    then.¡±


    Anastasia took in a deep breath and she eventually still stood up from her chair.


    A man was fiddling with an exquisite woman¡¯s bracelet in the president¡¯s office. He had a bracelet thicker


    than the one he was ying around with on his wrist and itplemented the limited edition wristwatch


    he had on.


    As she pushed open the door toe in, a smile instantly appeared on the man¡¯s face. With his deep


    eyes locked on her, he elegantly stood up and made his way toward her.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ever listen to me?¡± Elliot asked grumpily as he looked at her being all upset. It was


    always after he threatened her that she would listen to him.


    Seeing the thin bracelet in his palm, she dered with no mercy. ¡°Bring it for a refund. I don¡¯t want to


    ept this present.¡±


    However, just as she finished saying that, the man had grabbed her by her wrist and was trying to put it


    on her despite her refusal. ¡°A refund? For what? I want to wear matching bracelets with you.¡±


    And just like that, Anastasia now had a bracelet on her wrist. Even though the design was simple, the


    gemstones on it probably weren¡¯t cheap.


    ¡°It looks quite lovely on you. You aren¡¯t allowed to remove it,¡± he demanded.


    She looked at the bracelet, her emotions a mess. She was troubled as to whether she should ept it or


    give it back


    Elliot suddenly started undoing the buttons of his top at this moment, making Anastasia look at him with


    her guard up. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked him thereafter.


    The man only continued to unbutton the first 3 buttons of his shirt, and the moment he did so, she


    noticed a familiar-looking ne hanging on his neck. She unknowingly gasped, ¡°How did you manage


    to get it done so soon?¡±


    It was the ne that she had designed for him before. She hadn¡¯t expected him to wear it so soon.


    ¡°It is a gift from you, after all. Of course I had to tell them to make it faster and I just received it earlier


    today. I am very satisfied with it as it suits me well.¡± Then, Elliot started to lovingly touch the ne. ¡°I


    will always think of you when I wear it.¡±


    After she heard those words, her cheeks suddenly felt warm. ¡°You bought it with your own money. What


    has it got to do with me?¡±


    ¡°Of course it has something to do with you. This ne contains your feelings for me. Don¡¯t nes


    signify lingering affection?¡± Elliot asked with a smile.


    The set of thick and thin bracelets resembled a male and female snake coiled around each other, which


    was what she had indeed thought of when she designed the ne. She didn¡¯t think he would see


    through her intention at a nce.


    Such a question had only caused Anastasia¡¯s face to burn even more as she asked, ¡°If this is the case,


    can I have mymission this month?¡±


    The man let out a vexed ¡®hmph¡¯ when he heard her words before he started toin, ¡°Why don¡¯t you


    just marry me since you are so concerned about money? You would immediately gain financial freedom.¡±


    ¡°I feel better when I spend the money that I earn myself. It is not something spending someone else¡¯s


    money can bepared to,¡± she challenged him with a raised eyebrow.


    Since he couldn¡¯te up with a better rebuttal, Elliot fell quiet for a moment before he abruptly


    extended an invitation to her. ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch together.¡±


    ¡°No can do,¡± she swiftly rejected him. ¡°I already have a lunch date.¡±


    Thinking that Anastasia¡¯s lunch date might be Alex, Elliot immediately demanded, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    She would do anything to not have a meal with him, so she smoothly answered, ¡°Felicia.¡±


    ¡°Cancel it. I already booked us a table,¡± he insisted as he wanted to bring her somewhere nice for lunch.


    She was immediately rendered speechless by the man who left her with no leeway.


    After that, Anastasia red at him and scolded, ¡°Can you not be so domineering, Elliot?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will be more gentle.¡± Then, a smiling Elliot added, ¡°Only if you stop rejecting me, though.¡±


    Anastasia fell silent for a while before she eventually replied, ¡°I will be epting the bracelet then, but


    out of courtesy, I will give you a present as well. I will buy you anything you want this afternoon.¡±


    This was the only solution she coulde up with. She couldn¡¯t possibly just take without giving


    something back.


    Hearing that she wanted to give him something in return, he grinned before he joyfully asked, ¡°Is that so?


    Can you give me everything I want?¡±


    ¡°As long as I can afford it,¡± she replied as she lightly chewed on her red lip.


    ¡°Alright. Select a few underpants for me from an underwear store!¡±


    A baffled Anastasia hurriedly rejected Elliot. ¡°But I don¡¯t know how to pick stuff like this.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by you don¡¯t know how to? Do you mean to say that you don¡¯t know my size?¡± He


    suddenly grabbed her hand and pressed it against his lower abdomen. ¡°Feel it with your own hands,


    then.¡±

 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333


    Chapter 333


    As though she had been scalded by boiling water, Anastasia immediately retracted her hand and hissed,


    ¡°Elliot! Stop messing around!¡±


    ¡°Okay, then! I am fine with a leather belt as well. I want one that fits.¡± Elliot decided to stop teasing her.


    ¡°That is fine. I will give you a leather belt,¡± she agreed quickly. It was as if she wanted to get away from


    him as soon as she could.


    After she returned to her office, she was called by a nearby Felicia. ¡°Anastasia, can youe here for a


    second?¡±


    Then, Anastasia followed her to a quiet corner in the pantry.


    ¡°Anastasia, have you heard news about ourpany¡¯s relocation?¡± Felicia suddenly asked.


    As she was surprised by Felicia¡¯s words, Anastasia asked in return, ¡°Relocation? Where to?¡±


    ¡°I heard that they have vacated 2 floors in Presgrave Corporation for us to use as our new office space.¡±


    She added with a smile, ¡°We are moving to Presgrave Corporation.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but feel surprised about it. Why didn¡¯t Elliot tell me? she thought. Why


    are we moving to hispany out of nowhere?


    ¡°Regardless, this is a good thing. Our new office will definitely be bigger than now. I am sure we will have


    more benefits working there too.¡±


    Anastasia nkly blinked after hearing Felicia¡¯s words. She wanted to find a time to ask Elliot if the


    rumor about the relocation was true.


    Right at this moment, Felicia¡¯s observant eyesnded on the new bracelet on her friend¡¯s wrist and she


    laughed out loud. ¡°A present from President Presgrave?¡± she asked.


    The question left Anastasia¡¯s cheeks burning. ¡°Felicia, did you choose this?¡±


    ¡°Sure did! He gave me a rather abrupt call one day, and I had to rush off to a jewelry store to pick out a


    pair. I finally chose two matching ones that came to 2,000,000 and thought it was for Aliona!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s breath hitched. 2,000,000? That is super expensive! Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    A smiling Felicia then continued, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be for you. I would have chosen something more


    expensive if I had known.¡±


    Anastasia started to turn red from embarrassment under Felicia¡¯s scrutinizing eyes. She felt as though all


    her thoughts and emotions were being read like she was an open book.


    Felicia lightly patted her on the shoulder a few times. ¡°You have to be braver if you like President


    Presgrave. Don¡¯t let anyone slip in when they find the opportunity to. The president always has some


    rather ambitious women revolving around him.¡±


    ¡°1-¡± Anastasia stammered.


    ¡°Admitting that you like someone isn¡¯t something for you to feel ashamed of. Anastasia, I know that you


    feel pressured about bringing a child into a new marriage, but President Presgrave is worth betting your


    heart on,¡± Felicia advised genuinely.


    Indeed, Anastasia agreed that Elliot was someone whom she could fall in love with. However, she had


    an emotional hurdle that she couldn¡¯t easily ovee. That night from 5 years ago had left a deep scar


    within her. On top of that, knowing that Hayley and Elliot had shared a past made it so much


    harder for her to open her heart to him.


    Anastasia¡¯s phone started going off at 11:00AM sharp. As soon as she saw that it was Elliot calling, she


    picked up the call and greeted, ¡°Hello!¡±


    ¡°Underground car park. I will see you in five.¡± In his low, clear voice, he added, ¡°And you can¡¯t say no.¡±


    Since Elliot insisted on buying her a meal, she had no choice but to ept it.


    By the time Anastasia arrived at the car park at the appointed time, Elliot was already in his car. She then


    opened the door to the passenger¡¯s seat, but didn¡¯t notice how two ck SUVs, one at the front and


    another behind, had started moving to keep them safe as soon as he drove out of the car park.


    They soon arrived at a high-end restaurant.


    After they ordered their meal, she blurted out a question that she really wanted to ask him. ¡°I heard that


    thepany is relocating. Is it true?¡±


    ¡°Mhm. It is.¡± He briefly nodded in reply.


    She picked up her tea cup and asked with a smile, ¡°Why are we moving? The Bourgeois building may be


    a little short, but everything else has been perfect,¡±


    ¡°Did you know that I go to and fro from Bourgeois and Presgrave Corporation everyday just to see you?¡±


    Elliot rested his hands in front of his cor with his fingers intertwined as his elbows rested on the table.


    His deep gaze was extremely enchanting. ¡°It has been tiring, yes, but I loved every moment of it.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s breath seemed to stop for a second there. Does he reallye to Bourgeois everyday just


    to see me?


    ¡°But I have realized recently that the security measures in Bourgeois are quite poor. It doesnt help me


    with my work, and this is why I decided to relocate thepany. By moving, we can finally work in the


    same building. We can also see each other every day, get to and from work together, have coffee


    together¡­ It will be easier for us to do anything we want to.¡±

 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334


    Chapter 334


    Elliot said that the main reason for relocating the atelier was to make it easier for him to see her.


    Anastasia¡¯s face reddened under his gaze. To distract herself, she tapped her finger on the teacup that


    she was holding. ¡°What¡¯s so special about seeing me?¡± she asked.


    Why does Elliot want to see me for no reason?


    ¡°Apart from work, you are the most important thing to me every day since I have met you,¡± Elliot


    responded as he nced into her eyes. Although he was not good at loving someone, the way he


    communicated his love was direct and didn¡¯t beat around the bush.


    But his love was too overwhelming, which caused her a lot of pressure and trouble.


    ¡°I¡¯m not worth it.¡± Anastasia stroked her long hair as she said. Under the afternoon sunlight, her heated


    cheeks exuded a charming aura and was seemingly attractive.


    He supported his forehead with his palm and admired her as if he were admiring a masterpiece-every


    scowl and smile of hers, every microexpression of hers, he was taking into his eyes and remembering in


    his heart.


    How could such a woman exist in this world and make me madly fall in love? In the face of loving her, my


    pride and dignity have be insignificant.


    Now that she was under his gaze, Anastasia was a little flustered and covered her face in


    embarrassment before she begged, ¡°Please don¡¯t look at me like this. I can¡¯t take it.¡±


    Elliot burst outughing as he teased, ¡°You can¡¯t take it? What if I spend the rest of my life staring at


    you?¡±


    ¡°Who would want to be stared at by you for the rest of their life?¡± Anastasia retorted, but her eyes were


    filled with shyness.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to look at you, then who do you want to be stared at?¡± he jealously asked and


    added, ¡°By Alex Hunter?¡±


    Anastasia had no idea where this man¡¯s jealousy came from. She had nothing to do with Alex, so how


    could Elliot feel jealous all the time?


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to do with Mr. Hunter. We¡¯re just friends,¡± she exined inexplicably.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. In short, I don¡¯t want you to get too close to him,¡± Elliotmanded as he squinted his


    upturned eyes.


    Only men understood the mentality of their peers. Even if Anastasia hadn¡¯t noticed ittely, he could see


    through Alex¡¯s dirty thoughts about her at a nce.


    Anastasia blinked her eyes a few times after she heard him. She could only say that this man was too


    domineering.


    When the food arrived, Elliot had been passionately serving the food to her to make up for what angered


    her for the past two days. It was also because she had appeared to have lost some weight.


    If another man served her food, she would definitely reject it. Why didn¡¯t I feel that way when Elliot


    served me the food? she wondered.


    After Anastasia returned to the office, she went to the bathroom and overheard the staff discussing the


    company¡¯s relocation while she was sitting inside the toilet cubicle.


    *Oh my goodness! Great, we can now go to work in the Presgrave Corporation where all the high-paid


    financial tycoons are! That is where the elite gathers,¡± said one of the staff.


    Right then, Elliot¡¯s words appeared in her mind. ¡°I made this decision just to see you conveniently.¡±


    If this was any other woman who learned that Elliot went to such lengths to see her, I guess she would


    be madly in love with him.


    Meanwhile, in Hond, Hayley was sitting in a high-end hospital¡¯s office with a trantor standing beside


    her.


    In front of Hayley were the sessful cases of stic surgery in the hospital as well as the stic


    surgical projects that they were best at. The doctor in charge asked her to pick one that she desired.


    Hayley nced at these beautiful faces and all of them looked like masterpieces created by God.


    However, she shook her head and took a photo from her bag, which she handed to the doctor. ¡°I want


    this face,¡± she dered.


    The doctor reached out and took the photo. The woman in the photo had perfect bones and she was aThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    natural beauty. Her face was indeed more perfect than any cosmetic product.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t need to be identical; even a fifty percent match will do, but I would like to have her eyes,¡±


    Hayley demanded.


    The trantor on the side promptly tranted her words. The doctor examined the woman¡¯s face before


    he turned to Hayley and paused for a while before he continued, ¡°The operation is quite risky. We need


    to work on several aspects of your face. Are you sure you want to do it?¡±

 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335


    Chapter 335


    ¡°I will do it. No matter how much it will cost.¡± Hayley¡¯s eyes shed with determination. For the sake of


    beauty; for Elliot; and for the status of Mrs. Presgrave. I would do everything!


    Looking at her determination, the doctor nodded and agreed.


    Meanwhile, back in the country, Aliona found an excuse to knock on Elliot¡¯s office door. She nned on


    inviting him to dinner tonight since the scandal between them had unfortunately been proven to be


    inurate. Everyone could tell that Elliot only cared about Anastasia at the wee party.


    Therefore, early in the morning, the staff from the Department of Design had spread the news around the


    company. As a result, everyone stopped discussing the scandals.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Elliot¡¯s voice sounded from the office.


    Aliona pushed open the door and walked over with a bright smile. ¡°Are you busy, Elliot?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± he asked as he closed theptop.


    ¡°Are you free to have dinner together tonight? I want to ask you something.¡± She came up with a reason


    ¡°I am not avable for dinner. If you have any questions, please ask them now.¡± He declined her request


    politely.


    ¡°Do you have anything important to do tonight, Elliot?¡± Aliona looked a little aggrieved.


    Of course Elliot had important things to do tonight. He¡¯d gone a few days without seeing Jared, so he


    would apany Anastasiater today to pick Jared up from school and have dinner at Anastasia¡¯s


    house.


    ¡°Yes. I have some important things to do.¡± Elliot nodded.


    Aliona could tell that it must have been rted to Anastasia. After all, no one could influence Anastasia¡¯s


    weight in Elliot¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s alright.¡± Aliona was deliberately acting depressed and trying to attract his attention.


    ¡°If it¡¯s about work, you can ask Director Evans. She will take care of you,¡± Elliotforted her and


    nced at his watch. ¡°Aliona, you may leave now,¡± he added. This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Now, it is time to pick up Jared.


    Aliona had no choice but to leave the office and she couldn¡¯t react even though she was annoyed, When


    she returned to the office, she noticed Anastasia was carrying her bag and leaving work. Seeing that,


    Aliona felt a stabbing pain in her heart. Are they going to leave together?


    When Anastasia arrived at her car, Elliot was already there. His tall figure was leaning against her small


    car and he looked even more charming than the male model.


    ¡°W-What are you doing standing next to my car?¡± she asked with a faint smile.


    ¡°I aming with you to pick Jared up,¡± he replied as he arched his eyebrows.


    ¡°No, thanks. I can do this by myself.¡± Anastasia instinctively didn¡¯t want to trouble him.


    ¡°Jared must have missed me. I have toe along.¡± After saying that, he held her wrist and walked


    toward his car.


    ¡°Hey, hey! I am driving, Elliot,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°Your car is not safe enough. Take mine.¡± After Elliot settled her in the passenger seat, he quickly got into


    the car.


    Anastasia ended up picking up her son with him just like that.


    She enjoyed the scenery along the drive. As she bent her head and nced at her bracelet, she quickly


    peeked at Elliot¡¯s one. The matching bracelets of theirs looked so intimate that it made her heart race.


    Aside from that, the way Elliot held the driving wheel with one hand was such eye candy that caused her


    heart to race even harder. She had been thinking too much in the past few days; that was why she


    couldn¡¯t look at his face as naturally as she used to.


    When they arrived at Jared¡¯s kindergarten, Elliot dragged Anatasia to the director¡¯s office before she


    could go to Jared¡¯s ssroom. It turned out that he wanted to apply to be in the facial recognition record


    and collect the entry card.


    While the young female teacher operated the facial recognition system, she couldn¡¯t help but peek at


    Elliot¡¯s stunning face in the camera several times. Oh my, Jared¡¯s father is so good-looking!


    Throughout the process, Anastasia could only watch how Elliot socialized with the teacher. Before she


    could even speak, he had already imed himself to be Jared¡¯s father and she couldn¡¯t refute him in


    front of the teacher either.


    In fact, Anastasia had previously asked by the teacher about Jared¡¯s father¡¯s employment. At that time,


    she had lied that he was abroad. Now, Elliot¡¯s appearance had sessfully covered up for her lie.

 Chapter 336

    Chapter 336


    Chapter 336


    Elliot came out of the office with the corners of his lips curled up. ¡°If you¡¯re not free in the future, I can


    pick Jared up,¡± he offered.


    He is right, Anastasia thought. It was always a good idea to have a person as a backup in case of an


    emergency. ¡°If that¡¯s not too much trouble for you,¡± she responded.


    ¡°Whatever things that you think might trouble me are nothing to me,¡± he rified.


    Before they could even arrive at Jared¡¯s ssroom, they found him sitting on the bench next to the


    ssroom.


    Jared spotted her with his sharp eyes and eximed, ¡°Mommy!¡±


    Anastasia immediately stood still, waiting for her son toe and hugged her. However, when Jared ran


    over with an overjoyed expression, she didn¡¯t know it was because he saw Elliot with her.


    As Anastasia squatted down and anticipated for Jared to leap into her arms, he suddenly went past her


    and ran toward someone behind her. At that moment, she felt disheartened. When she turned around,


    she noticed Elliot tightly hugging Jared, who chirped happily, ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you finally came to pick me


    up!¡±


    Since she felt a little jealous, Anastasia turned her head just to meet Elliot¡¯s upturned eyes and his


    expression was like the cat that earned the cream. At first, she was stunned for a second, but she


    couldn¡¯t help bursting out inughter thereafter. When did he win over Jared¡¯s heart to such a degree?


    she wondered.


    As soon as Jared got in the car, he began bombarding Elliot with questions.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, were you busy?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, why haven¡¯t youe to pick me up? I thought you had forgotten


    me!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, are youing to my house for dinner tonight?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, why don¡¯t you go to my house for dinner tonight?¡±


    ¡°I miss you so much, and so does Mommy!¡± Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    An embarrassed Anastasia wanted to cover Jared¡¯s tiny mouth so that he would stop


    his nonsense.


    So when Elliot¡¯s gaze was reflected from the rear-view mirror, she merely nced at him and diverted


    her gaze nervously after that.


    He naturally went to her house for dinner in the evening, as if their rtionship was back to normal after


    the past few days.


    After dinner, Jared couldn¡¯t wait to go downstairs and y. While Anastasia cleaned up the table and


    washed the dishes, Elliot took Jared downstairs to the park for a walk. They felt like a family of three;


    reassuring and warm.


    It was after 8.30PM that Anastasia finished cleaning the dishes. Feeling slightly tired, she sat on the


    couch and switched on the news. The door swung open at 9.00AM and Jared¡¯sughter could be heard


    from the entrance.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, can you teach me that next time? I want to be the same as you,¡± Jared asked as his


    voice was full of admiration.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll teach you when you¡¯re older,¡± Elliot answered him in a low-pitched voice.


    Although it was early winter, Jared¡¯s face was flushed as he was perspiring. As soon as he entered the


    door, Anastasia said, ¡°Go and get your pajamas, Jared. I will bathe you soon.¡±


    After Jared heard her, he obediently headed to his room to get the pajamas. Then, she poured a ss of


    water for Elliot as he must have been tired looking after Jared. ¡°Here. Drink some water,¡± she said.


    Elliot didn¡¯t take the water. Instead, hisrge palms gently wrapped around Anastasia¡¯s waist and he


    leaned toward her abruptly. As she held the water in both hands, her beautiful eyes widened. She could


    feel the atmosphere was getting sensual, and whenbined with Elliot¡¯s attractive hormonal smell, it


    was deadly alluring


    ¡°You are being nice to me.¡± He seemed moved.


    Anastasia thrust her hand out and passed the water to him as she exined, ¡°Jared is too active, so you


    must be tired.¡±


    Elliot took the water, raised his head and gulped down the ss of water. His sexy Adam¡¯s apple moved


    up and down as he swallowed. It looked so manly and wild that she dared not look at him.


    ¡°I will bathe Jared first. Get some rest before you leave,¡± she said politely as she couldn¡¯t rush him to


    head home immediately.


    When Jared entered the bathroom, he suddenly said, ¡°I can bathe myself, Mommy. You can leave me


    here. Mr. Presgrave said that boys should learn to bathe on their .


    own.¡±


    Silence greeted the air.


    Though it was unexpected from Jared, Anastasia was very pleased that her son desired independence.


    She then showed him how to turn on the water and adjust the water temperature. As Jared was


    intelligent, he quickly picked them up.


    After that, Anastasia pushed open the door and came out of the bathroom. Elliot was casually sitting on


    the couch, and hiszy look was still charming. He was fiddling with the TV remote control to search for


    news that grabbed his attention.

 Chapter 337

    Chapter 337


    Chapter 337 A Bouquet of Roses


    ¡°Jared said he wants to bathe by himself,¡± Anastasia said to Elliot. Then, she asked, ¡°Do you want some


    fruit?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Please,¡± he answered curtly.


    Luckily, she had just bought some fresh cherries. Although they were expensive, she still bought them


    because she loved cherries.


    After she washed a teful of cherries, she ced them in front of Elliot. Since she had nothing else to


    do, she sat beside him and took a cherry to eat. Just as her red lips were about to bite the cherry, he


    turned sideways and held the back of her head with one hand before his lips domineeringly approached


    her to snatch the cherry from her mouth!


    He snatched it. With. His. Tongue.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t react; her mind went nk for a moment and her cheeks were heated. When she


    came back to her senses, he was gracefully chewing the cherry that should have been in her mouth.


    ¡°You¡ª¡± She was so angry that she started tough. This man was so repulsive and he had been ying


    these ambiguous games with her since she had known him.


    ¡°It¡¯s sweet. Just like you.¡± At this point, Elliot still had the heart to praise her.


    To prevent the same thing from happening again, she moved to the side bit by bit and finally sat on the


    chaise lounge one meter away from him.


    Now, Elliot had to reach for the cherries himself.


    When Jared came out of the shower, Anastasia draped a thick coat on him to keep him warm.


    Meanwhile, Elliot nced at the time and rose to his feet. ¡°I should go,¡± he stated.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, see you tomorrow.¡± Jared waved at him.


    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± Elliot said. Before stepping out of the door, he added, ¡°Rest early.¡±


    That night, Anastasia was still unable to sleep and remained awake until early morning. In the darkness,


    she gazed at the luster reflected by the diamonds on her bracelet that resembled a bright star in the


    gloomy night, shining on her heart and bringing her warmth.


    Although it waste when she finally fell asleep, she slept peacefully and at ease.


    It was freezing cold outside when Anastasia and Jared were out of the apartment early the next morning,


    making it feel that winter had already arrived. When they were halfway to the kindergarten, it even


    started to rain. On a busy morning, the whole city seemed crowded.


    After dropping her son at the kindergarten, she rushed to the atelier.


    When Anastasia arrived, everyone in thepany was discussing in excitement the one big thing¡ªthe


    relocation of the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier, which meant that the atelier had merged with Presgrave


    Corporation and they were going to work at the headquarters. All of them were pumped as if working in a


    ce that was full of opportunities and elites would change their lives.


    However, what they didn¡¯t realize was that the atelier¡¯s fate had changed because of Anastasia.


    If Elliot had not purchased the atelier to be closer to Anastasia, it would have remained a ssic


    domestic brand whereas its marketing approach had now grown to twice its original size and gained


    momentum to be stronger and more international at the same time.


    In fact, whenever any industry under the Presgrave Corporation was in Elliot¡¯s hand, there were only


    sesses and no failures.


    As for the relocation, the credit belonged to Anastasia since this decision was only made to allow Elliot to


    see her every day.


    Anastasia was also looking forward to the move because she had calcted that the distance between


    Presgrave Corporation and her son¡¯s kindergarten would be reduced by five kilometers.


    At 10.00AM, Anastasia was in the office making the final changes to her work for the jewelry show since


    The Starry Night diamond manuscripts had satisfied her the most.


    A knock came on the door as she was staring intently at the manuscripts. Just as she raised her head, a


    man pushed the door open and entered without her permission.


    It was Elliot walking in with a bouquet of bright red roses in his hands.


    ¡°You¡ª¡± Anastasia swiftly stood up in astonishment and looked at him with a bashful look.


    He held the flower in front of her and handed it affectionately. ¡°This is for you,¡± he said.


    She looked behind him and noticed a few nosy coworkers were outside her door, tilting their heads to


    peer in. Such an action had made her perplexed as she inquired, ¡°Why did you send me flowers?¡±


    His thin lips curved up as he smiled from his ck eyes. ¡°What else? I am pursuing you.¡±


    Anastasia took the roses with an amused smile. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said gratefully.


    ¡°You can give it away or keep it for yourself. I don¡¯t mind it either way.¡± Elliot beamed at her.


    She nced at the roses and asked curiously, ¡°Did you choose this yourself?¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338


    Chapter 338 An Unexpected Call


    Elliot nodded and replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then, I won¡¯t give it away.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want to waste his effort in choosing these roses for her. The


    last time she gave it away, he blew his top.


    He pursed his lips after he heard her as happiness shed across his eyes. Does this mean that


    Anastasia has finally started to ept my love?


    At that moment, Anastasia noticed there were more nosy coworkers gathering outside her door, which


    was when it dawned on her that Elliot had just strutted through the entire design department with the


    roses before entering her office. Great. There is no way out of this scandal now.


    ¡°Next time, let the flower shop¡¯s worker deliver it. You don¡¯t have to send it yourself,¡± she reminded him


    with a grin.


    He squinted his upturned eyes and assured, ¡°In the future, any flowers for you will be chosen and


    delivered by myself.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t know how to respond to Elliot¡¯s voice. At that very moment, herndline rang. She


    picked up the receiver and answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, it¡¯s meeting time.¡± Felicia¡¯s voice sounded from the other side.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be right away.¡± After she hung up the phone, she ced the flower on the table and said to


    him, ¡°I need to attend a meeting.¡±


    Then, he gave her a cheeky smile and said, ¡°We¡¯re going together.¡±


    As soon as Elliot pushed open the office door, the onlookers immediately dispersed but he was not


    bothered with them. He gazed at Anastasia and instructed, ¡°You should proceed to the conference room


    first.¡±


    When Anastasia stepped out of her office after Elliot left, a female assistant approached her and asked,


    ¡°Anastasia, why did President Presgrave send you flowers?¡±


    ¡°What else? It is because President Presgrave is pursuing Anastasia!¡± someone answered in the


    background.


    ¡°Guys, let us just focus on work,¡± Anastasia insisted with a polite smile as she headed toward the


    conference room.£¿¡±


    However, when she was passing a corner, she suddenly bumped into someone. Her shoulder was hurt


    by the force and the other person was pushed against the wall. When she raised her head, Aliona


    squinted at her and her eyes were filled with malice. ¡°Don¡¯t you even look while you¡¯re walking?¡± she


    chided.


    In that instant, Anastasia deduced that Elliot¡¯s flower show had agitated her.


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± she faintly apologized to Aliona.


    However, her smile seemed to add fuel to the fire as Aliona turned around and walked away, looking


    even more aggravated.


    In the conference room, Felicia instructed Anastasia to take her previous seat and the empty seat next to


    Anastasia was reserved for Elliot.


    At this moment, Aliona had just entered the conference room and as she walked to her seat, a female


    designer tried to intentionally me the fire. ¡°Anastasia, President Presgrave personally bought you such


    a big bouquet of roses. You are so lucky!¡± she stated purposefully.


    Another designer concurred, ¡°Of course. Anastasia is President Presgrave¡¯s true love!¡±


    Anastasia was not happy to hear that as she lifted her head and nced at the two female designers,


    warning them silently with her gaze. Immediately, the two designers stopped making waves and


    exchanged a timid smile.


    ¡°I have received your design manuscripts. From now on, we will spare no effort in preparing the jewelry


    show.¡±


    Finally, the meeting had started.


    ¡°What should we do if giarism happens, Felicia?¡± Alice asked suddenly.


    Felicia¡¯s expression became serious. ¡°Let me reiterate. In our industry, giarism is a serious matter.


    When giarism urs, it first damages the individual¡¯s reputation, and more importantly, it brings


    dishonor to thepany. Furthermore, it results in significant losses for thepany, hence our


    company strictly prohibits giarism.¡±


    Alice curved her lips with a satisfied look after hearing Felicia¡¯s statement. ¡°I agree. If such behavior is


    found, this person must leave the atelier,¡± she concurred.


    After speaking, Alice nced at Anastasia wittingly with a smug expression.


    At this moment, the conference room¡¯s door was pushed open. Elliot entered and sat beside Anastasia.


    At first, Anastasia was calm with Elliot¡¯s appearance, but she noticed that both of their arms were on the


    table and their couple bracelets were on disy.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She blushed and quickly hid her arm under the table , but fortunately no one had noticed this.


    When Felicia was talking about the current prospects of the international market, Anastasia¡¯s cell phone


    rang suddenly. She nced at the phone and noticed it was an unknown number. She bent down to hide


    her head under the table to answer in a low tone, ¡°Who is this?¡±

 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339


    Chapter 339


    ¡°Hello, is this Jared¡¯s mother? Your son has been injured in a fight at school. Can youe over now?¡±


    An anxious female voice sounded at the other end.


    Anastasia sprang up in terror. ¡°What? My son is injured?¡± she asked in a panicky tone.


    At this moment, Elliot¡¯s chair scraped the floor as he also rose to his feet. His gorgeous face was visibly


    tense as he stared at Anastasia anxiously, who was still on the phone.


    In the next second, he grabbed her wrist and stormed out of the conference room while she was still


    listening to the teacher on the phone.


    For a few seconds, the conference room fell silent as everyone was taken aback by the scene.


    It is Anastasia¡¯s son that is injured. Why would President Presgrave get so anxious as if he were the


    child¡¯s father?


    Could it be that the father of Anastasia¡¯s son is President Presgrave?


    At that moment, Aliona¡¯s expression turned upset as if someone had pped her on her face.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia seemed to deliberately and repeatedly disy Elliot¡¯s love for her in front of Aliona to the point


    where he was even concerned about Anastasia¡¯s son.


    ¡°Cough. Let¡¯s continue with the meeting.¡± Felicia made an awkward cough before she reminded the


    crowd.


    As she sat in the car, Anastasia was nervous and worried. The teacher didn¡¯t clearly exin the situation


    on the phone. She only mentioned that another child was also injured as a result of a fight besides her


    son.


    She ced her hand on the forehead and sighed. How could my son possibly fight?


    On the driver¡¯s seat was Elliot driving with a menacing expression. He stepped on the elerator hard


    and dashed across the street.


    Anastasia¡¯s thoughts were focused on her son, so she didn¡¯t think the speed was deathly fast, but she


    was appreciative of what Elliot was doing for her as she could feel his concern for her son.


    At this moment, her cell phone rang. She took the phone out and noticed it was an unknown number, but


    she picked it up hastily. ¡°Hello?¡± she answered.


    ¡°You are Jared¡¯s mother, aren¡¯t you? Is this how you educate your child? Your son has harmed my son!


    Just you wait to be prosecuted and I will make sure that your son is forced out of school.¡± A sharp and


    arrogant female voice sounded from the phone.


    Anastasia scowled. Obviously, the woman was the mother of another injured child.


    ¡°Hi there. I¡¯m still on the way, but I will inquire about the incident once I have arrived,¡± Anastasia replied


    politely.


    ¡°Hmph! What do you need to know? Just quicklye over to apologize and process the withdrawal


    application for your son!¡± After saying that, the woman hung up the phone.


    Anastasia¡¯s worries intensified. Did my son throw the first punch?


    Elliot had also heard the arrogant female voice through the phone, so he turned his head andforted


    her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Jared will not be kicked out of school.¡± Not while I am here.


    ¡°I want to understand the situation before we jump to a conclusion. I believe that Jared will not take the


    initiative to hit people,¡± she said with a sigh.


    He parked his car at the kindergarten¡¯s main gate when they arrived. At once, she dashed out of the car


    and strode toward the school while she was closely followed by him.


    As they walked into the kindergarten, a teacher led her to the school¡¯s assistant room, where the


    principal was gently coaxing a woman. It seemed that the shrill female voice belonged to the woman who


    was fashionably dressed and wearing an excessive amount of jewels.


    At first nce, they could tell that she was from a background that held a high status and power in


    society.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Anastasia noticed her son was being punished by sitting on the chair when she recognized a


    familiar voice.


    Immediately, she dashed over to Jared and hugged him firmly. ¡°Jared, look at me. Where are you hurt?¡±


    she promptly asked.


    Jared pointed to his forehead where there was a noticeable bruise.


    A concerned Elliot squatted down and looked at Jared before asking calmly, ¡°Who caused this bruise,


    Jared?¡±


    Jared pointed at a chubby child standing next to the teacher. ¡°It was him who whacked me,¡± he


    responded.


    ¡°Who threw the first punch, Jared?¡± Anastasia asked.


    ¡°He was the one who first bullied Tracey, and he beat me when I tried to protect her. I only shoved him


    after he made the first move,¡± he exined as his eyes shed with indignation.


    She realized that his son was fighting righteously, but while she stroked Jared¡¯s head and tried tofort


    him, a shrill female voice sounded behind them.

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340


    Chapter 340


    ¡°You¡¯re this kid¡¯s mother, aren¡¯t you? Get over here and settle this problem; sign the withdrawal


    application.¡± The woman raised her voice as she approached Anastasia aggressively, without givina her


    a chance to refute.


    ¡°Why should my son withdraw from school? It¡¯s your son who bullied others!¡± Anastasia stood up and


    retorted coldly


    The mother had learned about Anastasia¡¯s background from the teacher before Anastasia¡¯s arrival. As


    Anastasia had no political background and no social standing, the mother looked down on her as she


    was only an office worker.


    ¡°What? How dare you talk to me like that! I can get your son out of the way right now, believe it or not,¡±


    said the mother with a smug face. ¡°Your son is nosy and he injured my son. You can only leave once you


    havepensated us,¡± shemanded.


    ¡°I trust Jared, he will not hit others for no reason.¡± After saying that, Anastasia walked straight to Principal


    Miller. ¡°I want to find out the whole truth, Principal Miller. I believe the school is under surveince and I


    would like to see the CCTV footage of the incident.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re already dealing with this, Miss Tillman. Please be patient. When there is a result, I will notify you.


    Please send Jared home first.¡± The headmistress who was in her early fortiesforted Anastasia as it


    was evident that she was unwilling to aggravate the situation.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    The mother sneered behind Anastasia after she heard the principal. ¡°Did you hear that? Go back and


    wait for the result. At the same time, the medical bills will also be sent to you,¡± she scoffed.


    ¡°You must expel Jared from school, Mom. I hate him and I don¡¯t want to see him anymore.¡± The young


    boy who bullied Jared crossed his arms and exuded arrogance. It wasn¡¯t a surprise that his character


    was as haughty as the mother¡¯s.


    Jared, who was standing beside Elliot, immediately had a darkened expression and raised his chin to


    refute, ¡°I hate you too, and I don¡¯t want to see you either.¡±


    The chubby boy grimaced at Jared and growled, ¡°Just wait! My dad will definitely make you a dropout.¡±


    Seeing that, Anastasia blinked her eyes as she was lost for words. At this moment, a low-pitched male


    voice sounded beside Jared. ¡°You will not be expelled from school, Jared. Not while I am here.¡±


    Subsequently, Jared felt a sudden boost of confidence from Elliot¡¯s supportive statements. With that, he


    red at the chubby kid and dered, ¡°I won¡¯t be expelled from school.¡±


    At that moment, Anastasia nced righteously at the principal and she reiterated, ¡°Principal Miller, have


    the right to know what happened. Even if Jared is expelled, I deserve an exnation and to be treated


    fairly. If my son hits his ssmate first, I will apologize and proceed with thepensation. If it were the


    other way around, I would expect the same in return.¡± Clearly, she was not stepping away.


    At this point, the principal frowned with a strange expression. ¡°Can we talk privately, Miss Tillman?¡±


    Principal Miller asked.


    After the woman saw the principal¡¯s reaction, she arched her eyebrow with a smug face and provoked,


    ¡°So what if my son hit yours? Your son will still be expelled.¡±


    Anastasia red at her before walking toward Principal Tillman for the private conversation.


    Principal Miller raised her head to look at Anastasia and she said solemnly, ¡°Miss Tillman, please ept


    my apologies on behalf of the school regarding this incident. You may not know, but thisdy¡¯s husband


    is one of the shareholders of ourpany. It will be unwise to go against them. Here is the deal. I¡¯ll give


    you a full refund for the school fee. Simply apologize to her and transfer your child to a


    different school.¡±


    Anastasia knew in her heart that this woman must have the means to support her haughty attitude, but


    she didn¡¯t expect her husband to be a shareholder in the school.


    When Principal Miller noticed Anastasia remained silent, she continued, ¡°It¡¯s not the first time something


    like this has happened. Last time, the previous parent submitted the withdrawal application and left. Even


    if Jared stays here, I¡¯m afraid they won¡¯t let him go. I am doing this for Jared¡¯s sake.¡±


    Right then, a chubby man rushed through the door and eximed, ¡°Where¡¯s my son?¡±


    ¡°Honey, over here!¡± As soon as the woman noticed her husband had arrived, her smug grin became


    even more apparent. With her husband¡¯s presence, the principal won¡¯t dare to go against them.


    In the meantime, Principal Miller was still waiting for Anastasia¡¯s response as she doesn¡¯t want to<pplicate the matters any further.


    When Anastasia looked at the family, the woman smirked back at her with a contemptuous look. ¡°Can


    our school set some threshold in the future, Principal Miller? Don¡¯t just let anyone¡¯s child in; or else these


    inferior people will impede my child¡¯s development,¡± said the woman to the principal.

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341


    Chapter 341


    The child angrilyined to his father about Jared¡¯s evil deeds. ¡°Dad, it is that b*stard who hit me. It


    hurts! Help me deal with him,¡±


    When the father heard that the boy who hurt his son was nearby, he stared at the direction that his son


    was pointing. However, before he could even look at Jared, the man was stunned by thenky adult


    standing next to Jared.


    The man was someone who mingled in the business circle of Averna. He remembered every face of the


    big shots in Averna like how he memorized Bible verses. The reason why he had reached this far in his


    career was that he perfectly avoided every single person whom he couldn¡¯t afford to offend.


    However, the father was confused at the moment. Who would have thought that one would meet Elliot


    Presgrave-the current president of Dominion Corporation in his son¡¯s school?


    Elliot¡¯s nces were as sharp as knives. The cold air lingered around him as his kingly presence was


    about to burst, which frightened the child¡¯s father to the point where the man almost soiled his pants.


    The man ttered when he reached out to shake hands with Elliot, ¡°P-President Presgrave, it¡¯s you! It¡¯s a


    pleasure to meet you.¡±


    However, Elliot¡¯s expression darkened and the father immediately withdrew his hand in embarrassment.


    ¡°Darling, his son bullied your son! What are you doing?!¡± the woman growled.


    However, she did not expect her husband to turn around and shout angrily, ¡°Shut up! You must apologize


    to them now. How could President Presgrave¡¯s son be a bully?¡±


    ¡°Darling¡­¡± She trembled with fright as if her husband would eat her. But our son got bullied!


    ¡°Bring the child here and let him apologize to them. I¡¯ll p you if you dare to question me!¡± the plump


    man yelled without giving any respect to his wife.


    Seeing that, Elliot sneered. Like a king looking down on the world, he managed to make another man


    kneel under his presence without saying a word.


    When Principal Miller and Anastasia both turned their heads, the principal was stunned by how the


    situation had unfolded. On the other hand, Anastasia was aware that her son was able to gain respect


    because of Elliot¡¯s identity.


    In terms of wealth, Elliot undoubtedly won against the father and stood at the pinnacle when it came to


    social status.


    After a while, Principal Miller finally looked at Anastasia and asked, ¡°Miss Tillman, who exactly is your


    husband?¡±


    ¡°Not now, Principal Miller. We will talk about thister. Let¡¯s discuss who¡¯s in the wrong first,¡± Anastasia


    answered before she walked toward Elliot.


    After being yelled at by her husband, the woman lost her arrogance as she immediately walked to his


    side with her head hung low.


    He was about to kneel and beg Elliot. ¡°President Presgrave, I¡¯m so sorry. My child didn¡¯t know any better


    and hit your son. Please forgive him. Tell us about your request; we will do anything for you to forgive


    us!¡±


    The man saw a bleak future from Elliot¡¯s eyes because he could never stay in Averna anymore if he


    messed up here. Moreover, it took only a word from Elliot for the man to lose his footing in the


    business world forever.


    On the other hand, Jared blinked and looked at the handsome person beside him. Wow, he¡¯s so cool!


    ¡°Dad, but the b*stard-¡± The plump child was still trying to make his dad avenge him, but the father


    punched him instead.


    Then, the child cried in pain, ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°Who are you calling a b*stard? He is the Young Master Tillman of the Presgraves, you little mutt! If you


    dare to say that again, I¡¯ll p you!¡±


    The woman immediately embraced her son and red at her husband angrily. ¡°Why are you hitting our


    son?¡±


    Looking at the ridiculous family, Anastasia calmly spoke, ¡°You know who the real bully is. We will now


    discuss thepensation.¡±


    The confidence in the womanpletely disappeared as she murmured, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°An apology andpensation for my son¡¯s medical expenses.¡± Anastasia did not try to take advantage


    of the situation since she just needed justice to be served.


    ¡°I want that boy to disappear, though!¡± Jared suddenly shouted. ¡°He has been bullying my friends and


    me.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    Elliot narrowed his eyes and sald coldly to the man who bowed at him, ¡°Did you hear that? Get your child


    out of here.¡±


    ¡°Understood. I will withdraw my son from school immediately.¡± The man hurriedly bowed and added.


    ¡°President Presgrave, Mrs. Presgrave, and Young Master. I¡¯m so sorry. Please forgive my son¡¯s bad


    behavior. I promise he will never appear in school again.¡±


    ¡°Darling, you are a shareholder; what are you afraid of -¡± The woman on the side immediately reminded


    him of his status. She was highly embarrassed because she was arrogant toward Anastasia earlier and


    had lost all the respect now.


    ¡°Shut up! You don¡¯t have any right to speak now,¡± the man scolded her. ¡°Didn¡¯t you also offend President


    Presgrave and the others? Come over and apologize now.¡±


    The woman immediately looked at Anastasia with reluctance.


    At the same time, Anastasia stared at the woman. Thinking of what the woman had said to her,


    Anastasia raised her eyebrow and said coldly, ¡°Do it quick. My patience is limited.¡±


    Now that she was being pressured by her husband, the woman immediately came over and bowed to


    Anastasia and apologized, saying, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry that I was being presumptuous earlier. Please forgive my


    ignorance and stupidity.¡±


    They were a family of bullies, so it served them right to meet the Elliot Presgrave.


    ¡°I¡¯m extremely sorry, President Presgrave. Please be a bigger person and forgive us!¡± After saying that,


    he quickly pulled his wife and son away and shouted, ¡°Get out of here!¡±


    Principal Miller still hadn¡¯te back to her senses after the family left. However, after scanning the tall


    man beside Anastasia, she finally understood everything.


    Although Principal Miller didn¡¯t know the man¡¯s identity and background, she was sure that he was an


    extraordinary man based on his king-like demeanor.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Miss Tillman and Mr. Presgrave. It was our mishandling that hurt your child,¡± she


    apologized.


    Elliot looked at Anastasia. ¡°Would you like to transfer Jared to another school? How about Eden that I


    rmended earlier?¡±


    ¡°Forget about it. Jared has finally gotten used to this school, and I don¡¯t want to ruin his experience.¡±


    Anastasia gratefully looked at Elliot as they were protected from unfair treatment due to him being


    present.


    The principal thought that she finally knew the truth about the nk column for Jared¡¯s father in the form.


    When Anastasia took her child back to the ssroom, several children immediately surrounded him and


    showed their concerns. She was touched that her son was heroic and that he showed courageous traits.


    ¡°Mommy, you can go back now. I can take care of myself.¡± The little child waved his hand and happily


    returned to his own world.


    After that, Anastasia and Elliot returned to the car, where she looked at him with gratitude. ¡°Thank you so


    much for standing up for Jared and me.¡±


    If Elliot was not present, Anastasia would have been bullied by that mean woman without even having


    the chance to retort.


    He protected her rights and gave her son solid and powerful support.


    Elliot suddenly leaned over toward her and held her hands. ¡°I wish to protect you and Jared forever.¡±


    His words tugged on her heartstring. For once, she didn¡¯t know how to answer him. If he really meant it,


    then I should marry him.


    ¡°Alright, since we have some time left, buy me a present.¡± Elliot let go of her hands and drove away.


    Anastasia almost forgot that she needed to return him a present. She nodded and replied, ¡°Okay, you


    can choose a present for yourself. I¡¯ll pay the bill.¡±


    ¡°You choose for me.¡± He wanted her to pick for him.


    ¡°Alright.¡± She didn¡¯t want to argue much as he could still give her his input on the gift.


    They arrived at arge shopping mall which housed world-ss fashionable and high-end luxury brands.


    Although it was a luxurious mall, Anastasia had decided to spend on a belt for Elliot in this mall. The


    present must be worthy of the man¡¯s identity after all.


    The people who shopped here were rich housewives,dies, and celebrities. So, it wasmon to


    encounter celebrities there.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343


    Chapter 343 Impulsive Shopper


    Anastasia walked into a shop selling menswear brands and asked the sales assistant to lead her to the


    belt section, which the assistant enthusiastically did. When the assistant saw the man behind Anastasia,


    she recognized him as a man with great sess and wealth.


    When Anastasia carefully chose a belt, she saw a belt with a navy blue buckle and thought that it suited


    Elliot. She took the belt and showed it to him. ¡°How about this one? Do you like it?¡±


    Elliot nced at it, then nodded. ¡°I like the color.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll get you this one.¡± She decided on the present, and she nced at the price tag. It cost at least


    10,000, but she could still handle the expenses.


    After paying for the present, Anastasia saw that it was still early. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to thepany.¡±


    ¡°Now, it is time for me to get you a present.¡± He suddenly pulled Anastasia¡¯s wrist and took her to the


    women¡¯s clothing store.


    She was dumbfounded andughed. ¡°Elliot, I don¡¯t want it.¡±


    However, Elliot didn¡¯t care about her protest. As soon as he entered the store, he immediately started to


    choose. Anastasia watched him scan through the clothes on the hanger. Not long after, he picked three


    sets of clothes.


    It consisted of workwear, casual coats, and skirts. It was the world¡¯s top brand, so the quality and the


    style were high end.


    She wanted to leave, but she knew that Elliot would pay for all of them if she let him be. When she


    thought about that, she felt sorry for his wallet. So, Anastasia stayed to persuade him, ¡°President


    Presgrave. President Pregrave, it¡¯s enough. You don¡¯t have to choose anymore.¡±


    The sales assistant behind Elliot was already holding a pile of clothes in her arms. However, he was still


    going to pick more. Seeing this, Anastasia could only go in front of him and spread her arms to stop him.


    ¡°President Presgrave, it¡¯s really enough!¡±


    ¡°The bill.¡± Elliot turned around to the sales assistant.


    She hurriedly called herpanions and quickly scanned the price tag while enthusiastically describing


    the clothes. Looking at the number of clothes, Anastasia felt dizzy. In a short time, Elliot had picked three


    sets of workwear, four coats, and three skirts. Of course, all of them were in her size, S size.


    ¡°Sir, you have spent a total of 567,000. What is your preferred payment method?¡± The sales assistant


    couldn¡¯t stop smiling.


    ¡°What?¡± Did I hear it wrong? More than five hundred thousand? These clothes cost five hundred


    thousand!


    In response, Elliot pulled out a ck card and handed it over. ¡°Card.¡±


    The sales assistant excitedly took the ck card with unlimited credit and waved it over the machine.


    After a ding, the payment was sessful.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t even stop her from doing that. In the end, Elliot bought her a bunch of clothes. Money


    made the world go round.


    After the sales assistant packed the clothes, she handed seven bags of clothes to Anastasia. ¡°Miss, this


    is your clothes. Thank you for your patronage. Pleasee again soon.¡±


    A giant palm reached out for the bags, and another arm wrapped over Anastasia¡¯s waist. Then, Elliot


    said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    When Anastasia came out of the shop, Elliot pointed at a caf¨¦. ¡°Let¡¯s have a cuppa.¡± After that, he pulled


    her in that direction.


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t waste money for me, I¡¯m happy to oblige,¡± Anastasiained bitterly.


    She was afraid of his generosity.


    Elliot led Anastasia to a darker corner of the shop. This caf¨¦yout was unique, which significantly


    ensured the customer¡¯s privacy to ensure that they had a pleasant experience and not being disturbed


    by others.


    Just as he was bringing her in, a man near the railing had a sparkle in his eyes. He was ying with his


    camera with a zoom lens. As a professional paparazzo, he had received a tip that a celebrity would try


    on an evening dress today. However, the celebrity never arrived.


    Instead, the paparazzo saw a more extraordinary man. An extremely elusive man.


    The president of the Presgrave Group is holding a young, bright, and beautiful woman in his hand. There


    is no doubt that this scandal will have moremercial value than that celebrity!


    The man immediately followed them while hiding his presence. His camouge ability and candid


    photography skills were first-rate as a professional paparazzo. He first strolled around the caf¨¦. After


    ensuring where Elliot and Anastasia¡¯s seat was, he selected a hiding ce. Then, he zoomed in with his


    long-focus lens camera for a candid shot.

 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344


    Chapter 344 Wait For You Forever


    A few moments after reaching the coffee shop, Anastasia and Elliot were done with their order. She was


    exhausted today because of her son¡¯s affairs, so she rubbed her temple to rx.


    At the same time, Elliot suddenly got up from his seat to sit beside Anastasia and wrapped his arm


    around her. ¡°Are you tired?¡± Her heart throbbed. ording to her past experience, if he sat near her, he


    was definitely up to no good.


    ¡°I¡¯ll massage you.¡± After Elliot said that, he stretched out his hand and squeezed her shoulders.


    Anastasia immediately felt ticklish, so she blushed and pushed him away. ¡°No, thanks!¡±


    The soft, warm light shone on her face as shebed her hair and revealed her snow-white neck and


    earlobes. They looked as if they would emit a pleasant scent. Seeing this, Elliot was flustered and tried to


    look away.


    Anastasia turned around and red at him with a whimper. ¡°Get back to your own seat.¡±


    Elliot was getting restless in this private space suitable for a rendezvous as some ideas were brewing in


    his mind.


    When Anastasia was about to push him away, she was caught off guard by a strong arm wrapping


    around her shoulders. Then, her upper body was approached by a warm and broad chest.


    Dang it, he¡¯s acting like a pervert again.


    Anastasia struggled to break free from his clutches, but she could only hear his hoarse voice. ¡°Let me


    hug you.¡±


    As if Elliot could feel that she was secretly enjoying it, he didn¡¯t stop hugging her. She knew how


    shameless he could get. Unless she got furious, he would never let her go until he was satisfied.


    He was so close that she felt his warm breath against her neck, and she couldn¡¯t help but shrink away.


    After all, Anastasia had never cuddled with a man in a caf¨¦ before, and she was tense the whole time.


    The only thing she was not worried about was that they both were single and wouldn¡¯t be used of


    cheating on their partner.


    The coffee had already been served, so no waiter would disturb them.


    It took a few minutes for Anastasia to get rxed. There was no doubt that it wasfortable for her to


    lean against Elliot¡¯s chest.


    At this moment, Elliot¡¯s kissnded on the back of her neck. That spot was fragile and sensitive.


    Anastasia immediately felt a jolt of electricity running through her body, resulting in her feeling numb.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mess around,¡± she warned softly.


    Elliot had his eyes on her. He seemed to be enjoying this in an exciting ce. Maybe this was a man¡¯s


    natural instinct to seek stimtion! Heughed in a deep voice. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? We are interacting like a


    normal couple.¡±


    Hearing this, Anastasia couldn¡¯t helpughing. ¡°Since when have I been dating you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right! When are you going to date me?¡± Elliot stared at her with a burning passion.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Not now. Next time!¡± she replied, avoiding his gaze.


    ¡°When is next time?¡± he asked patiently.


    Anastasia was getting amused and couldn¡¯t stopughing. She deliberately said, ¡°Not in five years.


    Maybe you should find another partner.¡±


    ¡°Forget about five years. I am willing to wait for all my life,¡± he answered, to deny her.


    Anastasiaughed again. How can this prim and proper man be such a brat to me?


    ¡°Won¡¯t you regret waiting for me forever?¡± she asked seriously.


    In response, Elliot locked his sight on her without hesitation. He was serious and persistent. ¡°No regrets.¡±


    On the other hand, Anastasia couldn¡¯t stand his fiery gaze and shyly turned her face away. ¡°You will


    definitely regret it.¡±


    ¡°Then, you can test it. You can use your whole life to test the truth; how about it?¡± As he spoke, his gaze


    shot at her like an abyss.


    Immediately, she lowered her head, as she couldn¡¯t muster the courage to look at him.


    He had a presence that made no one dare to question him. Every word he said was as powerful as an


    oath.


    Anastasia raised her head again. She was stubborn, trying to find out his uncertainty under his


    handsome face and uncover hisck of resolve for love.

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345


    Chapter 345 Lovebirds


    However, Elliot¡¯s expressions were impermeable and wless. Soon, Anastasia¡¯s shyness overcame her


    stubbornness, and she couldn¡¯t muster the strength to look at him anymore. Anastasia found that she


    was hopeless against his flirtations. She had always lost against his teasing. After all, Elliot was the best


    at conquering one¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡± Anastasia whispered.


    Don¡¯t spend your whole life waiting for me. I can¡¯t bear to see you waste your time on me. I¡¯m not worth


    your determination.


    ¡°Do you feel bad for me?¡± Elliot heard her inner voice before his thin lips curled up as his chin rested on


    her shoulder. The woman in his arms didn¡¯t struggle anymore as she became obedient like a tamed cat.


    ¡°Can I kiss you?¡± he asked suddenly with politeness.


    Anastasia was startled and looked up at him under the light. His face was low, and his lips were too close


    that he could kiss her if he moved down just another inch.


    His gaze was like a spell that could deceive any living being. After looking into his eyes, she nodded as if


    she was being controlled by a hex.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± he whispered as his lips naturally pressed on Anastasia¡¯s lips.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Her breath hitched. Although she was kissing him, she still kept her sanity around. If someone passed


    by, she would immediately push him away.


    However, Elliot managed to stir her mind into disarray and broke herst shred of sanity. His presence


    was dominating and lingering, so much so that it was impossible for Anastasia not to fall for him.


    The kiss made Anastasia taste the feeling of being in love. Her shyness made her eyes red like her


    blushing cheeks.


    Elliot stroked her long hair and kissed her on the forehead. He was pleased that she gradually epted


    his feelings, which filled him with hope and expectations.


    However, they didn¡¯t know that a camera in a hidden corner captured their kissing scene. They continued


    flirting in the corner of the caf¨¦, just like an average couple.


    After lunch, the two returned to thepany. Sitting in the office, Anastasia kept thinking about the


    moment when they spent time together. This was what lovebirds would do, throwing their works away


    and kept daydreaming.


    Jeez! What a dangerous man.


    Love was like nicotine. One would get addicted after first contact, and it would be hard to quit. At this


    moment, her cell phone rang. She picked up and looked at the screen, after which she couldn¡¯t help but


    purse her lips and smile. It was Nigel, a man she had not been in contact with for a long time.


    Oh, it¡¯s Nigel. I wonder what¡¯s up.


    ¡°Hey, Nigel.¡±


    ¡°Long time no see! I miss you and Jared. Want to have dinner together?¡± he immediately invited her to a


    meal.


    ¡°What have you been up to?¡±


    ¡°My dad sent me to study abroad for a month. I was so busy! I just got off the ne this morning.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should rest.¡±


    ¡°Not now. So, it¡¯s a deal! I¡¯ll treat you to dinner tonight.¡± Nigel ended the call.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but smile at the thought of dinner; however, her smile froze when the sudden


    thought of Elliot crossed her mind.


    Oh no, will he misunderstand? Wait a minute. Why do I care about him so much? No, I should tell him.


    Or else he¡¯ll get jealous.


    After a train of thought, she picked up the phone and dialed his number.


    ¡°Hello.¡± His voice was cold, which was his usual tone to others.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Anastasia said.


    He immediately said with a deep voice, ¡°Miss me?¡±


    ¡°No. Nigel invited Jared and me to dinner tonight. I have to inform you about this to prevent you from


    inviting yourself to my house for dinner tonight.¡±


    ¡°This little mutt didn¡¯t invite me!¡± Elliot couldn¡¯t help butin. ¡°I¡¯ll find him.¡± After that, he hung up the


    call.


    Anastasia felt amused at his antics. After a while, her phone rang again, and she picked it up. ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°We can have dinner together tonight.¡± His mood was getting better after he was told that he could join


    them.


    ¡°Jeez, what are you doing? Nigel kindly invited us to dinner, but you are mad at him instead.¡±

 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346


    Chapter 346 Can¡¯t Wait for the Invitation


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± Elliot¡¯s tone was filled with jealousy.


    ¡°Jeez, knock it off.¡± Anastasiaughed.


    The man on the other end of the line immediately answered, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stop.¡± His voice sounded like a


    tamed beast with a hoarse voice.


    Those words turned into a feather and tickled her heart, and she quickly hung up the call after giving a


    simple response.


    I can never win against Elliot¡¯s teasing.


    After a while, Felicia came over to Anastasia and asked about her son¡¯s situation. She didn¡¯t hide the


    truth from her superior and told her that Elliot had settled the incident.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Aliona couldn¡¯t concentrate on her work in the office, for her mind was filled with her desire to


    get closer to Elliot. Even so, she understood that Elliot was not an easy man. Aside from Anastasia, he


    would never give another woman a chance to get near him.


    Landing herself a man was an easy job for Aliona, but even Riley couldn¡¯t figure out Elliot¡¯s


    temperament. Thus, Aliona wasn¡¯t sure how she should seduce Elliot.


    Right now, her biggest enemy was Anastasia. Aliona had acted too confidently in front of Riley before


    this, so she was reluctant to report her progress to him. Naturally, this made her anxious too.


    At the same time, Alice had just received a call, and a smug smile appeared on her face. Her colleague


    had ced Anastasia¡¯s manuscript on the counter, thus making it thepany¡¯s prized collection. Now,


    Alice simply needed to wait for the show where Anastasia would embarrass herself.


    She wanted to thoroughly destroy Anastasia¡¯s reputation in the design industry, and she was willing to


    wait patiently for that very moment.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Hayley was lying on an operating table somewhere in Hond. Her fists were clenched, and


    her heart was full of fear. After all, she was betting her life and face on her future.


    The only thing that gave her the courage to risk it all was the possibility of being the Young Mistress of


    the Presgrave Family. After the surgery, she could seduce Elliot with a face simr to Anastasia¡¯s and


    win his heart. In fact, she was certain that she would seed.


    When the anesthetic needle punctured her body, the pain she felt was unbearable. However, she gritted


    her teeth and imagined Elliot¡¯s face to endure the pain. This was the only way for her to bear the agony.


    The words of the trantor resounded in Hayley¡¯s mind. The surgeon warned her that this operation


    would be dangerous as he had to perform surgery on many parts of her face, and he wanted her to think


    about the possible consequences. Despite the risks, Hayley epted the surgery without hesitation.


    Her own face caused her too much suffering because of Anastasia. After this surgery, her inferiority


    complex and pain would disappear.


    Therefore, she was desperate to change her face.


    During the surgery, it seemed like she could hear the sound of her cheekbones being removed with a


    saw on her face, and the sound made her tremble in horror. She closed her eyes, ming Anastasia for


    forcing her into the mess she was in right now.


    This is all Anastasia¡¯s fault. I hate her.


    ¡­


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    At 4.00PM, Anastasia held a bouquet of roses while leaving thepany. Elliot was waiting for her in the


    car park to fetch her son from school together.


    At the same time, Aliona was also leaving thepany. As soon as she left, she saw Anastasia holding


    the bouquet. She immediately clenched her teeth, but Anastasia said nothing and walked past her


    gracefully when she saw the woman.


    Meanwhile, Elliot smiled in the driver¡¯s seat when he saw Anastasia walking over with the bouquet in her


    hands. Finally! She¡¯s starting to ept my feelings.


    With that, they picked Jared up and met Nigel for dinner.


    ¡­


    At the restaurant, Nigel teased the boy happily. After hearing that Jared was involved in a fight in school


    today, he immediately said, ¡°When I have the time, I¡¯ll teach you boxing. That way, you have nothing to


    be afraid of when you get into a fight next time!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Jared nodded happily.


    Nigel looked at Elliot and Anastasia, who were both sitting opposite him. At that moment, he realized that


    they were made for each other.


    ¡°Elliot, Anastasia, I can¡¯t wait for your wedding invitation any longer!¡± urged Nigel.


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia choked on the soup she was having.


    Elliot immediately patted her back and found her reaction amusing.

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347


    Chapter 347 Creating an Opportunity


    ¡°Mommy, are you and Uncle Elliot getting married?¡± Jared immediately asked in surprise.


    Anastasia hurriedly exined, ¡°Uncle Nigel is joking, so don¡¯t take it seriously.¡±


    Upon hearing those words, Nigel couldn¡¯t help but raise his eyebrows and look at Elliot. It seemed like he


    was asking, Dude, why haven¡¯t you seeded yet?


    When Elliot met Nigel¡¯s eyes, he returned with a helpless look. After all, it wasn¡¯t as if Nigel didn¡¯t know


    that going after Anastasia would be a tough challenge.


    The four of them had a good dinner. While they were still seated at the dining table, Nigel said he had left


    the gift he bought at home, so he coaxed Jared into staying at his house for the night. Jared agreed to it


    immediately after hearing Nigel¡¯s words, and Anastasia couldn¡¯t do anything to stop him.


    ¡°Jared, if you don¡¯t behave, I¡¯m going to be angry!¡± Anastasia knew very well that Nigel wanted to create


    an opportunity for her and Elliot!


    However, she didn¡¯t need it at all!


    ¡°Leave Jared to me, and I will send him to school tomorrow. You don¡¯t have to worry since I¡¯m the most


    reliable person you can think of,¡± said Nigel as he took Jared by the hand and ran to his car as quick as a


    sh.


    ¡°Nigel¡­ Jared,e back!¡± Anastasia shouted as she chased after them, but Jared giggled and ran


    toward Nigel¡¯s car. Not long after that, she watched as the man¡¯s car pulled away and left.


    At that point, Anastasia didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. For one, she felt at ease with Nigel taking


    care of Jared because she often entrusted her son with his care whenever she went abroad. However,


    without her son by her side, what would that be like with her and Elliot?


    Upon realizing the situation, Elliot appreciated Nigel¡¯s gesture of creating an opportunity for him while


    having his back.


    ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s get in the car.¡± Elliot took Anastasia by the hand and strolled toward his car, wasting no


    time at all.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was extremely speechless. The intimacy level she had with him had already


    exceeded the limit for that day, and she had no intention of carrying on.


    Once they got into the car, Elliot turned to ask her, ¡°How about a drive?¡±


    ¡°Just send me home! I still have work to do.¡± Anastasia made an excuse so she could leave him. She


    was not afraid of him, but she was worried that she wouldn¡¯t be able to control her feelings.


    ¡°Which do you think is more important? Work, oring with me for a drive?¡±


    ¡°Work, of course,¡± replied Anastasia. Work brought her ie and gave her a sense of security, while


    this man constantly put her in danger.


    ¡°Even if you perform badly the entire year, I can still give you an excellent employee award. How about a


    generous bonus at the end of the year?¡± He smirked. As her boss, it was his right to be so unruly and


    presumptuous.


    At the moment, Anastasia couldn¡¯t do anything about him. ¡°Alright then! We¡¯ll go for a drive!¡±


    Upon hearing her answer, Elliot started his car and drove off along the city¡¯s coastline. It felt rxing as


    they cruised on the highway. Anastasia hadn¡¯t been able to enjoy the night scenery like this in a long


    time. Her mood was lifted, and she felt at peace.


    The bright moon shone over the sea, which was spectacr and magnificent. From a distance, it looked


    like a watercolor painting.


    Suddenly, Elliot drove his car down a small road. When Anastasia saw that, she couldn¡¯t help but turn to


    look at him and ask, ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°Just wait here for a moment.¡± Elliot nced at her and got out of the car.


    Then, she watched as he walked toward a tall bush of reeds, and her face blushed immediately.


    Elliot returned shortly after. Even though this man had just taken a leak, he still looked elegant and well-


    dressed, and he even emitted the aura of a slick-haired douche.


    Elliot stood beside the passenger side¡¯s window, leaned down, and asked her, ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Anastasia replied embarrassedly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep a lookout for you as well,¡± he said with a smile.


    Anastasia was red in the face. However, what was even more embarrassing was that she had drunk


    several cups of tea at the restaurant, and more than half an hour had passed; when he asked that


    question, she realized that she had the urge to go as well. It was awkward.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a hotel or something along the way?¡± Anastasia looked up at him.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°As far as I know, there aren¡¯t any within the next half an hour.¡±


    ¡°What? Where are we?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on the highway to Belros. We¡¯re going to stay there for the night.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Anastasia was dumbfounded. Why is he taking me to another city without even telling


    me about it? Damn it.

 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348


    Chapter 348 Spending the Night


    Anastasia opened the car door and whispered warningly, ¡°No peeking.¡±


    Upon hearing her words, Elliot nodded obediently and said, ¡°I am a gentleman.¡±


    With that, she walked further into the bushes of reeds. It was probably one of the most unforgettable and


    embarrassing events in her life.


    Why? Why does this have to happen when I¡¯m with Elliot? Gosh! This is nuts!


    When Anastasia came back, her face was still flustered. However, after thinking about it, she epted


    the fact that she couldn¡¯t help it if nature called, so there was no need to be ashamed of such a thing! In


    fact, it was better than holding it in and hurting her own body!


    After they were both done, Elliot went back on the road again. They drove for two more hours under the


    starry sky until they finally arrived at the underground parking lot of a five-star hotel owned by the


    Mansons in the neighboring city.


    Ever since she gave birth to Jared, Anastasia had never done anything so crazy and bold. It was already


    11.00PM, but she was feeling great.


    In that unfamiliar ce, it seemed that she could just let go of her problems and be free. She didn¡¯t have


    to restrain herself; even the air that she breathed in smelled like the sweet scent of freedom.


    Elliot wrapped his big palm over her hand naturally, and she didn¡¯t break free. Then, he led her into the


    hotel lobby while holding her hand.


    ¡°I want a suite.¡± That was Anastasia¡¯s final stand for that night. After all, she refused to share a bed with


    him.


    Elliot went for a presidential suite on the top floor. It was a luxurious penthouse suite on the 88th floor


    with a breathtaking sea view, making it seem as though they were above the clouds.


    As soon as Anastasia entered the room, she was captivated by the scenery at the floor-to-ceiling


    window, and she couldn¡¯t stop herself from going closer to take a look. After a while, Elliot came from


    behind, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder naturally. ¡°Do you like


    it?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered truthfully.


    ¡°As long as it¡¯s what you desire. Even if you want to have coffee in a foreign country tomorrow, I can take


    you there immediately,¡± he said with a low chuckle.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a bit. No woman in her right mind would dislike Elliot after everything he had


    done for her!


    ¡°Thank you for everything you have done for me.¡± She was genuinely grateful, and her heart


    unknowingly grew closer to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re worth every effort.¡± With that, Elliot lightly kissed her hair and turned her around.


    Anastasia¡¯s breathing grew faster. Yet, when he nted his kiss on her, she epted it with her eyes


    closed.


    That night, Elliot didn¡¯t cross the line. They rested separately, but Anastasia was so excited that she


    couldn¡¯t fall asleep until 3.00AM.


    In the wee hours of the morning, she felt someone sneaking into her bed. She could probably guess who


    it was, but she was too sleepy to open her eyes and chase him away. Furthermore, his body temperature


    helped warm her slightly cold body in the morning. Since she felt extremelyfortable, she continued


    sleeping as she rested her head on a muscr arm. Then, she vaguely felt a kiss on her forehead.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Elliot¡¯s lips curled into a smile when he looked at the woman who was still sleeping soundly. It seemed


    like she hadn¡¯t slept wellst night too.


    Was that his fault? After all, he had been thinking about her for the whole night.


    For now, Elliot had to make up for sleep. He held her close to him, but he found it more difficult to fall


    asleep. The woman in his arms was soft and fragrant like a delicious breakfast on a Sunday morning,


    making him want to take a big bite out of her.


    Nheless, Elliot brushed the thought off with a sigh, and he could only force himself to sleep while


    hugging her.


    Unbeknownst to them, explosive headlines appeared on the inte and in the morning newspapers.


    The overarching theme for all the headlines read, ¡®Mysterious Identity of Presgrave Group¡¯s President¡¯s


    Girlfriend Exposed.¡¯


    Following that, various captions full of gimmicks and eye-catching phrases like ¡®Mysterious Young Master


    of the Presgrave Family Is Dating an Unknown Woman; Both Can¡¯t Help but Share Passionate Kisses at


    the Coffee Shop¡¯ blew up on the inte


    ¡®Rumored Girlfriend of the President of Presgrave Group Has Been Exposed; Her Identity Is Unknown,


    but She Is Stunningly Beautiful.¡¯


    ¡®Super-Rich President Took His Girlfriend for a Shopping Spree; Flirted in a Coffee Shop Afterward.¡¯


    ¡®Shocking! This Woman Is the True Winner in Life!¡¯


    This was followed by a few close-ups of Anastasia¡¯s face with Elliot brushing his lips against her neck in


    an intimate way.


    Meanwhile, the two stars of the scandal were still enjoying their morning sleep in the hotel, unaware of


    the storm brewing outside.


    Anastasia finally woke up around 10.00AM. She stretchedzily and turned around, only to meet Elliot


    nose-to-nose. All of a sudden, the air around them turned steamy as their breaths intertwined.

 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349


    Chapter 349 The Scandal


    Since she had known in her sleep earlier that morning that he had sneaked onto her bed, she wasn¡¯t


    really surprised.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The winter sun shone in from the window, and it cast a warm and gentle feeling into the room. She


    began to pull herself away lightly. Meanwhile, Elliot¡¯s even breathing indicated that he was still in a deep


    sleep.


    It was rare to have such an opportunity for her to just stare at him and appreciate his looks. Hence, she


    immediately grasped at the chance and took in the sight of his eyes and brows closely with her bright


    eyes.


    It was needless to say how handsome he was! All she could think of was how every edge and angle of


    his facial features ticked all the boxes of her ideal aesthetic points. Elliot¡¯s looks were wless, and it was


    the definition of a perfect face.


    His face looked like it was delicately carved by a pair of skillful hands. Those thick and long eyshes


    gracefully grazed over his lower eyelids, and there was a pure child-like charm to his looks. However,


    Anastasia knew that once those eyes were opened, they would re with a burning force, like an


    emperor.


    Therefore, she still preferred him while he was asleep; he looked just like a big child without all the


    aggression.


    Little by little, her gaze drifted down. It swept across Elliot¡¯s refined jawline, down to his sexy Adam¡¯s


    apple, and onto the honey-toned skin near his chest. She even caught a glimpse of his hunky chest


    muscles. After noticing that, she hurriedly withdrew her gaze.


    She knew that she had to stop staring. Otherwise, it would seem like she wasmitting a crime.


    But there was no doubt that this man, even in his sleep, had a noble aura to him, which made people not


    dare to approach him but would rather admire him from afar.


    Following that, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but pull herself out of his arms and slip out of bed as gently as


    possible. When she looked at the time, she was dismayed to have found out that it was already half-past


    ten.


    There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to be able to make it to work. I¡¯m still in Belros right now!


    She wondered if she should inform Felicia. It didn¡¯t mean that she could skip work as she liked just


    because she was with Elliot, after all!


    No matter what, she would still have to respect her boss! Upon making her decision, Anastasia picked up


    her phone and walked out of the master bedroom to the balcony in the living room. When she nced at


    her phone, she was shocked. Why are there eight missed calls? Did something happen to Jared? She


    quickly unlocked her phone and realized that two missed calls belonged to Felicia, three belonged to


    Grace, two more belonged to her father, and one was from an unknown number.


    What happened? Anastasia¡¯s phone had never been so busy in the morning. She hadn¡¯t picked up the


    calls because she muted her phonest night to get more sleep in the morning.


    She hadn¡¯t expected to receive so many missed calls after having muted her phone for the first time in


    forever.


    When Anastasia scanned through the list, she saw Grace¡¯s name on top, so she went on and gave her a


    call first.


    ¡°Hey, Anastasia! You¡¯re finally answering your phone.¡±


    Anastasia listened to Grace¡¯s voice. Instead of sounding anxious, it sounded rather excited instead.


    Does she have exciting news that she can¡¯t wait to share with me?


    ¡°I saw the missed calls, Grace. What happened?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯m just happy for you! I didn¡¯t expect your rtionship with President Presgrave to be real.¡±


    Upon hearing her words, Anastasia became dumbfounded. She grinned sheepishly and said, ¡°What are


    you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin it anymore, Anastasia. We all saw you and Mr. Presgrave kissing in the coffee


    shop!¡±


    Anastasia was mindblown, and she nked out for a few seconds before asking stupidly, ¡°What cafe?


    What was it that you saw?¡±


    Her heart was filled with shame and guilt. Could it be that Grace identally saw me kissing Elliot in the


    cafest night?


    ¡°What? Anastasia, are you still unaware of the news surrounding you and President Presgrave all over


    the inte?! The whole world knows that you guys are dating! The paparazzi took pictures of you and


    President Presgave kissing in the cafe yesterday, and they¡¯ve exposed your rtionship!¡±


    When those words struck her, Anastasia was so shocked that she couldn¡¯t even hold her phone properly,


    and her mind went nk. What? The paparazzi took pictures of usst night?


    ¡°I just woke up. Let me take a look first.¡± As soon as she finished speaking, she hung up on Grace and


    quickly went online. At once, a headline that read, ¡®Shocking! The Mysterious Girlfriend of Presgrave


    Group¡¯s President, Exposed¡¯ popped up, and it was currently trending.


    As soon as she saw that, she immediately clicked on the link with trembling hands. Her face blushed


    shamefully, and her temperature rose. At the same time, her heart was pounding, and she was lost for


    words as she covered her mouth in shock.

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350


    Chapter 350 Admitting to the Rtionship


    Those were the pictures of her making out with Elliot. There were three or four pictures of them kissing,


    as well as another two pictures of Anastasia giggling while he kissed her neck. They looked so much like


    a couple as she leaned into his embrace the entire time. On top of that, they looked like lovers who were


    madly in love with each other.


    Ahhh!


    Anastasia almost broke down. How could such pictures of her and Elliot leak out?!


    Upon remembering the missed calls from Felicia and her dad, she blushed in embarrassment. It would


    be easy to exin to Felicia, but she wasn¡¯t sure how she should exin it to her dad.


    Goodness! She was so embarrassed that she wanted to curl up and die on the spot.


    She wouldn¡¯t be able to deny their rtionship this time round, for even the heavens wouldn¡¯t believe her


    denial.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia then took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. Since it had already happened, she had


    no choice but to ept the fact.


    Just then, her phone rang again. Upon seeing that it was from her dad, she almost had a heart attack.


    What is dad going to ask me? Yikes! She took a deep breath and answered the call, ¡°Hi, Dad.¡±


    On the other side of the phone, Francis smiled and asked, ¡°Anastasia, why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier that


    both of you are already together? Seeing the news of you and Elliot almost gave me a heart attack.¡±


    ¡°Dad, are you feeling alright?¡± Anastasia quicklyforted him.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but are you and Elliot really in a rtionship?¡± Francis blurted out.


    As she thought about the pictures spreading online, she¡¯d be messing with her father if she didn¡¯t admit


    their rtionship.


    ¡°Yes, we are seeing each other,¡± Anastasia admitted shyly. She never expected that this would be her


    first time admitting her rtionship to her father.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, I¡¯m really happy for you. You have a good eye for men¡ªafter all, you chose someone as


    outstanding as Elliot. Jared will also have someone to lean on.¡± Francis still felt like he was dreaming. He


    didn¡¯t expect his daughter, who was also a single mother, would be lucky enough to be with an


    outstanding man like Elliot. It was the Tillman Family¡¯s triumph!


    ¡°Alright, get along well with each other, and I wish the best for both of you. I¡¯ll hang up now.¡± Francis


    hung up the phone after finishing his sentence.


    As Anastasia heaved a sigh of relief, a man¡¯s voice could be heard from behind. ¡°You admitted to our


    rtionship?¡±


    A startled Anastasia quickly turned to look behind, only to see Elliot in a bathrobe with his chest showing


    and his arms crossed as he leaned against the door frame behind him. A trace of bliss could be seen in


    his deep, alluring eyes.


    When she saw him, Anastasia immediately walked up to him and asked, ¡°Can you please deal with it?¡±


    She passed him her mobile phone.


    Startled by this, he took the phone from her and read through the gossip column. Immediately after, he


    laughed andmented, ¡°These pictures were well taken.¡±


    ¡°How can you stillugh at a time like this? Everyone on the inte knows about us right now.¡±


    Anastasia thought that she was the only one worried about disclosing their rtionship, and she wasn¡¯t


    entirely wrong.


    Elliot had been looking for opportunities to make their rtionship public, and someone had actually


    done it on his behalf this time.


    Although the paparazzi intended to make money from releasing the news, he¡¯d definitely make arger


    fortune than he originally expected this time round.


    As he looked at the anxious Anastasia, Elliot pulled her into his arms. ¡°Isn¡¯t this good? Now, everyone


    knows that you are my girlfriend,¡± he uttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not.¡± She pushed him away. How could he be so happy about this?


    As he locked his gaze on her, he replied confidently, ¡°You will eventually be.¡±


    Anastasia was expecting him to do something to save their reputation, but it seemed like he had no


    ns of doing so. Anastasia stood on the balcony with her hand on her chin while deep in thought,


    feeling somber.


    Upon seeing that, Elliot walked over andforted her sincerely, ¡°If you can¡¯t ept the news, I can just


    get rid of it for you.¡±


    However, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but think that getting rid of it now would be useless since the news had


    been released for hours. Most people would have already known about them.

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351


    Chapter 351 The Things He Lost


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Elliot would have to pay a huge sum of money if Anastasia insisted on covering up the story, and she


    simply didn¡¯t think it was necessary to go to such lengths.


    As such, she took it in stride and said, ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll just let it be.¡± She was only thankful that the


    paparazzi had taken a nice shot of her, and she would be lying if she said she wasn¡¯t impressed with


    their skills.


    ¡°You¡¯re really going to let this go?¡± Elliot murmured as his arms snaked around her waist from behind. A


    delighted smile curled on his lips as he went on to ask, ¡°Does this mean you¡¯ve officially acknowledged


    our rtionship?¡±


    Anastasia blushed in embarrassment. If she were to deny their rtionship now, the public was probably


    going to call her a subus who toyed with men¡¯s feelings. With her back to him, she muttered softly,


    ¡°Fine, I guess we can try dating for a while and see where it¡¯ll lead us.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you down,¡± he promised in a maic voice as he bent down slightly to kiss the top of her


    head. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to satisfy you in every imaginable way.¡±


    She was at a loss for words when she heard this. I think it¡¯s a little early for the kind of satisfaction you¡¯re


    talking about, Elliot, she wanted to say. She didn¡¯t think she would be ready to take things to the next


    level so soon.


    Suddenly, she found herself thinking about Hayley and wondered whether the girl would go ballistic with


    rage after seeing the news.


    However, Anastasia couldn¡¯t care less about how Hayley might feel, much like how Hayley had not cared


    about whether she lived or died all those years ago.


    ¡°Have you been in contact with Hayley recently?¡± Anastasia asked, looking up at Elliot curiously.


    He answered gravely, ¡°Thest time we spoke, she told me that she was going abroad on holiday for


    three months, but we didn¡¯t speak after that. From now on, my assistant will be the one dealing with her


    instead and I won¡¯t see her anymore.¡±


    Anastasia could feel that he was getting ufortable talking about Hayley, so she nodded and let the


    matter drop. ¡°Let¡¯s go for breakfast before we head back,¡± she suggested brightly.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied happily and held her in his arms for a while, and it wasn¡¯t until she felt the dangerous


    tension that was growing between them that she shoved him aside abashedly.


    After breakfast, they wereing out of the basement parking lot when a cold breeze suddenly picked


    up. Anastasia shivered, but the next second, she was pulled into Elliot¡¯s warm embrace. He carefully


    bundled her up in his suit jacket and led her to the car.


    Even though they were a mere dozen or so steps away from the vehicle, she still found his gesture


    heartwarming. As it turned out, a man who was truly in love with a woman would pay attention to all the


    little details, and she could definitely feel how much he loved her and wanted to take care of her.


    It was hard to tell just how much of the poption had their hearts broken by the news of Anastasia and


    Elliot¡¯s rtionship.


    Over in the Tillman Constructions¡¯ finance department, Alex heard the news after his subordinates burst


    into an uproar over it. When he fished out his phone and searched for the news, he was immediately


    greeted by the picture of Anastasia and Elliot locked in a passionate kiss at the cafe, and he felt his heart


    twist with bitter jealousy.


    His chest tightened at the sight of the woman he loved wrapped in another man¡¯s arms. He knew that he


    no longer stood a chance with Anastasia, and now, all the feelings he had for her died, bing a


    secret she would never know.


    However, his feelings for her weren¡¯t the only things that were extinguished right then. The ambition that


    had driven him all this while was gone too. He wanted to use Anastasia as his stepping stone to take


    over Tillman Constructions, but it seemed impossible right now.


    That said, it didn¡¯t mean he was willing to ept fate¡¯s arrangements. All the hard work he had done for


    Francis in thest few years was in vain, and the shortcut he could have taken to achieve further


    sess was cut off.


    No, this isn¡¯t how it¡¯s supposed to be, he thought grimly. He couldn¡¯t just let his dreams go down the drain


    without putting up a fight. He had not toiled in Tillman Constructions all these years just so he could give


    up now, not when he deserved more than what he was getting now.


    As frustration and agony seized him, he clutched his head and felt a fiery rage course through him. With


    a violent swipe of his arm, he knocked the piles of documents off his desk and onto the floor.


    No one knew how much he had lost. He was losing out on an entire future that he had nned for


    himself. The fact that he couldn¡¯t be together with Anastasia did not torture him as much as losing the


    chance to own Tillman Constructions.


    Yet, a man like Elliot who was far above him had gotten everything he ever wanted. He couldn¡¯t even


    begin topete with Elliot, much less be considered on par with him.


    Just as Alex thought he mightbust with rage, an irritating silhouette drifted into his peripheral vision.


    It was Erica, Francis¡¯ other daughter. She wasn¡¯t as beautiful as Anastasia, and she was spoiled beyond


    reason. However, she had the same birthright to thepany as Anastasia did, which meant she had an


    equal chance of seeding Tillman Constructions.

 Chapter 352

    Chapter 352


    Chapter 352 I Can Make Her Disappear


    A malicious and devious look shed in Alex¡¯s eyes at the thought of this. That¡¯s right, I still have a


    chance of owning Tillman Constructions, and that chance lies in Erica! He recalled how Erica had tried to


    get close to him thest time; he was clever in his own right, and he figured that Naomi had pinned her


    interests in thepany on him. Is that why she got her daughter to seduce me?


    In that case, he decided that there was no harm in coborating with Naomi, seeing as they both had


    interests in Tillman Constructions that they could not afford to part with.


    He nced at the picture once more, and when he saw how happily in love Anastasia looked while she


    was kissing Elliot, he felt as if someone had stabbed his heart with a dagger. He wanted to hold


    Anastasia in his arms as well and im her as his own, even if it was only for a fleeting night.


    If he had the chance to fulfill his desires like that, he would be sure to seize it.


    At that moment, his mind was filled with all the lewd things he wanted to do to Anastasia. She was the


    woman of his dreams, and she was the only one he ever wanted.


    Meanwhile, over at Bourgeois, jealousy, and resentment lingered in the air in the office following the


    news of Anastasia and Elliot¡¯s rtionship. Needless to say, a lot of hearts were broken that day.


    Aliona, in particr, did not show up for work, and Alice spent the better part of the morning taking her


    anger out on her assistants and employees. She was furious. She had plotted to her wits¡¯ end to have


    Anastasia kicked out of Bourgeois, but as things were, it wouldn¡¯t make a difference whether she left or


    not, for she would eventually marry the president of thepany. In fact, she would be marrying the


    president of the business empire that was Presgrave Corporation.


    Anastasia¡¯s status had elevated beyond anything Alice could ever hope to achieve in this lifetime. While


    she had been toiling away to get promoted in Bourgeois, Anastasia had already taken one huge step


    forward by seducing and snagging Elliot, thus emerging the victor in this ongoing rivalry.


    While this was happening, Aliona was huddled up in her apartment. She had been shell-shocked ever


    since she read the news this morning, and she had a feeling that Anastasia had seduced Elliot on


    purpose at the cafe so that she could set this whole love affair in motion, thereby gaining publicity.


    To some extent, Aliona believed this was Anastasia¡¯s way of telling others of her capabilities. She¡¯s trying


    to rile me up, she concluded with gritted teeth. The task that Riley had entrusted her with was now


    rendered hopeless.


    However, she couldn¡¯t give up so easily. Her entire life revolved around her ns of marrying Elliot so


    that she could take over Presgrave Corporation and present it to her father. This was the best, if not the


    only way she could ever repay all that Riley had done for her. If she couldn¡¯t manage this, then she


    would have failed him as a daughter.


    She was pulled out of her thoughts by the sound of her phone ringing. She nced at the caller ID


    before she picked up the call and greeted in a defeated voice, ¡°Father.¡±


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I just saw the news about Elliot and Anastasia. Who would¡¯ve thought that they would go public with


    their rtionship?¡± Riley scoffed icily on the other line as a snide edge crept into his tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not aplishing the task you entrusted me with, Father. My ipetence has let you


    down, and I have been a waste of your time and energy,¡± Aliona said, wrapping an arm around herself as


    if she would fall apart if she didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Aliona, don¡¯t say that. We still have a long journey ahead of us, so pull yourself together! Who¡¯s to say


    that Anastasia would live long enough to walk down the aisle and marry Elliot, right?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Aliona brightened up instantly as she asked, ¡°Father, what are your ns?¡±


    ¡°If she¡¯s going to be just as much of a nuisance as herte mother, I¡¯ll just have to dispose of her the


    same way. I can make her disappear.¡±


    ¡°You n on eradicating her, Father?¡± Aliona was excited. With Riley getting involved in this, she might


    still stand a chance to aplish the task. More importantly, she was excited that she could get close to


    Elliot. She secretly found him maic and electrifying; she lusted over him and wanted him for herself.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Riley affirmed. Then, he added encouragingly, ¡°I¡¯m nning something right now, and I¡¯ll


    let you know when the timees. However, you must pull yourself together and don¡¯t ever falter, got it?


    You still have to take down Elliot.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Father. Once you get rid of Anastasia, I¡¯ll be able to take down Elliot for sure,¡± Aliona said with


    renewed confidence.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I want to hear. Now, just wait for my word!¡±


    As soon as Riley hung up the call, Aliona¡¯s eyes lit up with an almost maniacal gleam. Anastasia was


    basically announcing her death wish the moment she went public with Elliot, and Riley would never let


    her live long enough to see her wedding day.


    Presently, a hysterical fury descended upon Erica early that morning at Tillman Residence. She never


    expected that she would wake up and scroll through her phone in bed to find pictures of Anastasia and


    Elliot kissing spread all over the inte.

 Chapter 353

    Chapter 353


    Chapter 353 What Adults Do


    Erica ran down the stairs in the clothes she had slept in and told her mother about the news. Naomi was


    stunned as well, but her astonishment was quickly reced by worry as she muttered, ¡°Anastasia has


    her way with men. Who would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d have some tricks up her sleeves? I can¡¯t believe she


    managed to bag Elliot in such a short time.


    ¡°Mom, now that she has Elliot on her side, will we still be able to get our hands on Dad¡¯spany? You


    know how greedy she is, and with a bigshot like Elliot backing her up, she would be trampling all over us


    if she were to take Dad¡¯spany as well!¡± Erica pointed out belligerently.


    Naomi snorted. ¡°Anastasia has always hated me, and now, she finally has all her cards lined up. It¡¯s only


    a matter of time before she shows her hand and gets revenge on us. We can¡¯t afford to sit here and wait


    for our deaths.¡±


    ¡°I totally agree, Mom. We can¡¯t just let her take everything away from us. We have to think of a way.¡±


    ¡°Erica, Alex is our safest bet right now if we want to take thepany for ourselves. This is your chance.


    I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t turn you down if you were to ask him to join us for dinner tonight,¡± Naomi suggested.


    The time for her to strike was now, and Alex was going to be one of her most vital pawns in this game of


    chess.


    Erica, on the other hand, was angry and upset that she was saddled with her father¡¯s subordinates while


    Anastasia got to date a fine specimen like Elliot. She didn¡¯t think this was fair, but she had no choice


    other than to go through with Naomi¡¯s ns.


    At that moment, she remembered Hayley and wondered if she had heard the news. She¡¯s been getting


    mooching off the Presgrave Family all this while, and she really likes Elliot too. I bet she¡¯s furious right


    now!


    Erica had no idea that Hayley had gone abroad to undergo stic surgery. This was a secret that Hayley


    intended to be tight-lipped about, and she couldn¡¯t afford to let anyone know what she was doing.


    When Erica returned to her room after her conversation with Naomi, she dialed Hayley¡¯s number,


    growing exasperated when she saw that the line couldn¡¯t get through.


    Meanwhile, Hayley was recuperating from the major procedure that she had just undergone in Hond.


    The anesthetics had yet to wear off, and she was still asleep at the moment. She had no idea of the


    crushing news that would greet her when she woke upter.


    She had done plenty of changes and tweakings to her features that put her through unbearable pain, but


    the man she was so hopelessly in love with had announced his rtionship with a woman who was her


    arch-nemesis.


    Over at Bourgeois, Elliot¡¯s car pulled into the basement parking lot, and Anastasia opened the door to


    get down from the vehicle the moment it rolled to a stop. However, she had only just stepped out when


    the man next to her pointed out sourly, ¡°I¡¯m good enough to be in paparazzi shots with you, but not


    enough to show up at work alongside you, eh?¡±


    Anastasia stopped in her tracks, and sudden realization dawned upon her as she said, ¡°Sorry, I forgot


    about that.¡±


    Elliot sighed, for he wasn¡¯t sure what to do with her. He couldn¡¯t believe that someone who took her work


    and life so seriously would treat their rtionship with considerablexity.


    He marched up to her and grabbed her hand. Then, he led her to the elevator without another word.


    For some reason, she felt like her heart was suspended on a tightrope, ready to take the plunge and fall


    freely into her stomach at any given moment. She had yet to get used to such public disys of affection


    with this man.


    Sure enough, the moment she arrived at the department of design, the employees lingering outside the


    elevator lobby instantly caught sight of her and Elliot holding hands. She flushed and turned to him. ¡°I¡¯ll


    be going to my office,¡± she said quietly.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    With that, she turned to walk into the office under the envious gazes of her co-workers.


    ¡°Hey, Anastasia.¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Anastasia!¡±


    ¡°You look so pretty today, Anastasia!¡±


    ¡°I love your purse, Anastasia.¡±


    The way to her desk was paved with endlesspliments as the girls in the office greeted her with


    unprecedented enthusiasm, but she regarded them with the same smile that she would any other day.


    She never cared about how others looked at her, and she still maintained her indifference even though


    they were throwingpliments in her direction to get in her good books.


    Not long after, Felicia turned up at her office and braced her arms against the desk as she eyed


    Anastasia¡¯s outfit meaningfully. ¡°Oh, someone didn¡¯t change out of their clothes! I¡¯m guessing you had a


    pretty good night.¡±


    Anastasia blushed as she pleaded, ¡°Please don¡¯t make fun of me, Felicia.¡±


    Knowing how shy Anastasia was when it came to the subject of men, Felicia stopped teasing her. ¡°Okay.


    I¡¯ll stop, but I will still congratte you for bagging President Presgrave! Also, those pictures are more


    than enough to make a woman jealous!¡±


    Anastasia was amused and embarrassed at the same time. The pictures were going to be the bane of


    her existence for a while.


    Upon noticing the flustered look on the younger woman¡¯s face, Felicia pointed outfortingly, ¡°We¡¯re all


    adults here, and whatever you did in those pictures ispletely normal. There are plenty of young


    couples in the park who go twice as hot and heavy as the both of you, and the only difference is that you


    were caught by the paparazzi. I don¡¯t know any young couples out there who haven¡¯t done all this lovey-


    dovey stuff.¡±

 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354


    Chapter 354 Make a Habit Out of Kissing You


    Anastasia was practically dying of embarrassment as she buried her face in her hands, but now that


    everything was out in the open, she had no choice other than to ede to reality.


    Just then, her phone rang. She picked it up and nced at the caller ID, wincing when she saw Nigel¡¯s


    name. She was far too flustered to put his call through.


    ¡°Answer it,¡± Felicia encouraged before walking away to give her some privacy.


    Anastasia took a deep breath and picked up the call. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°My fair Lady Tillman, so you have indeed left me for my cousin!¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Please stop teasing me about this,¡± she begged exasperatedly.


    Nigel chuckled. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that my walking iceberg of a cousin could be so passionate when


    he¡¯s with you?¡±


    ¡°Nigel,¡± she warned.


    ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll stop. I only called to congratte both of you, and I¡¯m really happy for you guys as well. I


    wouldn¡¯t have allowed any man other than Elliot to be with you,¡± he pointed out yfully.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said. This was quickly followed by a panicked, ¡°Hey, you didn¡¯t show Jared the pictures,


    did you?¡±


    ¡°The pictures are a little PG-13, so of course I didn¡¯t show them to him,¡± he replied matter-of-factly.


    Anastasia¡¯s face grew hot. ¡°You can¡¯t ever let him see those pictures!¡±


    ¡°I know, and I won¡¯t. He told me he wants to stay over at my ce, so I¡¯ll pick him up this afternoon and


    bring him home. That way, you and Elliot can get some much-deserved quality time.¡±


    She felt bad for saddling Nigel with babysitting duty and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to impose on you, Nigel.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not imposing at all. You know how much I adore the little guy; he brightens up my day like no one


    else!¡± Nigel was already treating Jared like his own nephew.


    ¡°Okay, then. Thanks for offering, Nigel,¡± Anastasia said. She felt like she was asking too much of him, but


    nothing else mattered as much as Jared¡¯s happiness.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. Just go and capture my cousin¡¯s heart before some other damseles


    and snags him! He¡¯s a popr catch, you know,¡± Nigel said jokingly and hung up the phone.


    Presently, Anastasia propped her chin up with one hand. She couldn¡¯t focus on work, so she held her


    phone and scrolled through the pictures before blushing. She knew that these were candid shots, but


    she still couldn¡¯t believe that Elliot looked good from every angle, and she was flustered to see how her


    face lit up while they were kissing. I look like I¡¯m enjoying his kiss a little too much, she thought.


    She scrolled down to thements section where theizens had erupted into a frenzy. Without a


    doubt, she had be the object of everyone¡¯s envy as heartbroken women announced that they


    wanted to die after seeing the news. Some even went so far as to call Elliot their husband, though that


    was moreical than anything else. I didn¡¯t know he had tens of thousands of admirers, Anastasia


    mused.


    Augh escaped her at the thought of that. Life would be meaningless if she couldn¡¯t appreciate the


    humor of this situation.


    When noon rolled around, Elliot called her and suggested that they go out for lunch. She did not turn him


    down, and the both of them headed over to the restaurant next to Presgrave Corporation.


    After lunch, Elliot offered to give her a tour of Presgrave Corporation and his office. Given that she wasn¡¯t


    in the mood for work, she decidedly went along with him.


    She found herself standing in thepany building, which was andmark in the central business hub of


    Averna. It was also known as the building of all buildings in the area.


    This was the first time Anastasia had dropped by Elliot¡¯s office in Presgrave Corporation. As expected, it


    boasted a stunning view of the skyline and masculine decorations. It gave the illusion that it was built


    above the clouds when it really was just the pinnacle of a skyscraper. She had a feeling that it would still


    be bright and sunny here even if there was a storm brewing over the city.


    ¡°Do you like the view?¡± Elliot murmured as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.


    She nodded and said gently, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You can drop by anytime to have coffee and take in the scenery,¡± he offered in a husky voice.


    She sensed something dry and cool press against the back of her ear. He had kissed her there, and she


    quickly shrunk away from him as she grumbled, ¡°Do you make a habit out of kissing people at the most


    random of times?¡±


    He straightened up and eyed her solemnly as he corrected, ¡°No, I only make a habit out of kissing you,


    randomly or not.¡±


    This made her heart flutter, but at that moment, she heard his phone ring and prompted, ¡°Go and answer


    the call.¡±


    He returned to the desk and picked up his phone. ¡°It¡¯s my grandmother. She probably saw the pictures,¡±


    she said.


    Anastasia gasped and quickly put her finger to her lips as though to shush him. In low, hushed tones,


    she urged, ¡°Don¡¯t tell her I¡¯m here.¡±


    Elliot raised a brow in amusement, and at the sight of the anxious look on her face, he answered the call


    and put it on speaker. ¡°Hey, Grandma.¡±


    ¡°Elliot!¡± Harriet sounded ted on the other line as her bright voice filled the spacious office. ¡°Is it true?


    I¡¯m not dreaming, am I? Are you and Anastasia officially dating now?¡±

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355


    Chapter 355 The News That Came Too Late


    ¡°Of course you aren¡¯t dreaming, Grandma. Anastasia and I are officially dating,¡± Elliot replied with a


    smile, though his gaze lingered on the flustered woman whose face was buried in her hands as she


    stood to the side.


    Anastasia immediately and desperately signaled for him to look her way. She even mimed to tell him to


    keep her presence here a secret from the olddy.


    One could practically hear Harriet buzzing with excitement on the other line as she quipped, ¡°Alright,


    then. I¡¯ll be waiting for you to marry her and make her my granddaughter-inw!¡±


    ¡°Okay, Grandma. I¡¯ll talk to her about this,¡± Elliot promised.


    ¡°Also, bring her and her child back home in the next few days. They shall be my honored guests.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make the arrangements,¡± he said patiently and indulgently.


    ¡°My dream has finallye true. Oh, and don¡¯t let the press snap pictures like those ever again. I don¡¯t


    want Anastasia¡¯s reputation to be tarnished.¡± Harriet was already going into protective grandmother-in-


    law mode.


    Anastasia was moved to hear this. Elliot, on the other hand, said decisively, ¡°I¡¯ll have those pictures on


    the inte taken care of immediately.¡±


    He ended the call with Harriet and turned to appraise Anastasia with interest. ¡°Hear that? Grandma


    wants us to get married as soon as possible.¡±


    She felt her heart somersault. We¡¯re moving a little too fast, aren¡¯t we? We only just went public with our


    rtionship yesterday, and now we¡¯re talking about throwing a wedding?


    Meanwhile, over in Hond, Hayley finally woke up after the surgery. She felt like her bones had been


    detached and put together again, and she was in so much pain that she couldn¡¯t help trembling. This


    was her first procedure, and she had already arranged for subsequent surgeries that included liposuction


    and breast augmentation.


    Presently, there was only one person in her mind who became her driving force to go through such


    torturous ordeals, and that was Elliot.


    She grew excited just from thinking about how she would ¡®identally¡¯ walk by him and amaze him with


    her stunning appearance. She could already imagine the way he would look at her with the same


    devotion and love as he did with Anastasia, and the thought of that alone was enough to satisfy her. She


    was sure that when the time came, he would be entranced by her beauty.


    Now that she had regained consciousness, Hayley was transferred to the normal ward; she would


    remain there for the rest of her recuperation period while being tended to by a professional caretaker.


    The female manager who had rmended her to the facility, in particr, was attentive to her every


    need.


    While Hayley¡¯s looks were average at best, she was generous with her money, and the manager knew


    that those who had gotten stic surgery would return for future procedures as well, even if sporadically.


    At some point, Hayley would be one of her long-term clients as well.


    Right now, Hayley¡¯s face was entirely wrapped in bandages, revealing only a pair of bloodshot eyes. The


    sutures on her eyelids had yet to be taken off, and the parts of her face which were still visible were so


    bruised up that she looked borderline horrific. She took one nce at herself in the mirror and grew so


    despondent that she didn¡¯t want to take another look.


    She couldn¡¯t wait for the swelling to go down and for her new face to be revealed. She turned to her


    assistant and said, ¡°Give me my phone.¡±


    The assistant did so immediately, and Hayley wasted no time in connecting to the WiFi here. As soon as


    she did, her phone chimed incessantly as new texts came pouring in. She saw that most of these texts


    were from Erica, and she clicked on the first one at the very top.


    ¡®Hayley, where are you? Did you turn your phone off or something? Have you seen the news of Elliot¡¯s


    newfound love life?¡¯


    Her mind imploded when she read this. What love life?


    She quickly backed out of the text message and clicked into her browser, promptly searching Elliot¡¯s


    name. At once, she was greeted by countless articles written about him, but what caught her eye right off


    the bat was the title that read, ¡®Elliot Presgrave Pictured Kissing Girlfriend in Cafe¡¯.


    Hayley¡¯s chest rose and fell rapidly as she clicked into the article to see who Elliot¡¯s supposed ¡®girlfriend¡¯


    was. That was when she saw the picture, and though only half the girl¡¯s face was captured by the


    camera, Hayley could still tell from the delicate side profile that the girl was none other than Anastasia.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    A piercing shriek escaped Hayley as she threw her phone aside in a fit of rage, and she put her hands


    over her face. Having gone through such painful stic surgery, she was supposed to rest, and stress


    did not do any good for her at all. However, she was belligerent after reading the news, and she felt as if


    she mightbust.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, is everything okay?¡±


    ¡°My face hurts,¡± Hayley groaned, though her heart was the one filled with searing pain. She never


    expected Anastasia to be so shameless as to be pictured being all loved-up in Elliot¡¯s arms.


    Hayley could barely breathe through the pain that came from the incisions and wounds on her face. She


    needed to calm down, but the image of Elliot and Anastasia kissing seemed burned into the back of her


    mind.


    The fiery painsted for a while, and even the doctor dropped by to check on her. She was told to keep


    calm and maintain a straight face most of the time if she wanted to keep her sutures and wounds from


    tearing, which would lead to scarring and disfigurement.


    Devastated, Hayleyy in bed and felt resentment wash over her. She had gotten work done on her


    entire face, only to have some other woman swoop in and act all lovey-dovey with Elliot. Worst of all, that


    woman was her arch-nemesis, the one person she hated the most.

 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356


    Chapter 356 You Made the First Move


    For the sake of her face, which had just gone through a major procedure, Hayley had no choice but to


    keep her rage and anguish in check. It was as if a thousand needles were piercing her heart right now as


    she clutched tightly onto the sheets under her, and she had to swallow to keep herself from shouting out


    in maniacal fury.


    Meanwhile, in Averna, Anastasia was having dinner with Elliot at avish French restaurant, the


    ambiance of which only entuated the man¡¯s suave demeanor and romantic nature.


    When it came time for her to go home after dinner, Elliot drove her back to the neighborhood entrance


    and parked the car. She grabbed her purse, but just as she opened the door to step down from the car,


    she heard a low and somewhat disgruntled man¡¯s voice asking, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me to stay for a


    cup of tea?¡±


    Anastasia said firmly, ¡°No, it¡¯s gettingte. Maybe next time.¡±


    ¡°The weather¡¯s so cold tonight, though. How about we have a sleepover? You have a bed, and I¡¯ll warm


    it up for you,¡± he offered proudly.


    She held onto the door as she sputtered and doubled over withughter.


    Elliot did not wait for her to speak before he got out of the car, and without her registering what he was


    doing, he walked over to her, grabbed her hand, and led her toward her apartment.


    ¡°H-Hey, Elliot! No, don¡¯t do this,¡± Anastasia cried frantically.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    However, he had already guided her through the neighborhood entrance. Panic filled her as they drew


    near to the apartment building. Jared wasn¡¯t home tonight, which meant there was no buffer between her


    and Elliot; she was at a loss as to how she should act around him.


    More importantly, she wasn¡¯t a little girl anymore, but she was still terrified of what would happen now


    that they were two grown-ups left to their own devices. She had only just agreed to be his girlfriend, but it


    looked like he already had ns to make himself at home in her apartment.


    ¡°Open the door,¡± Elliot prompted now, his gaze darkening as he stared at her meaningfully.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just go home?¡±Anastasia looked up at him pleadingly. ¡°It¡¯s really, reallyte.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only 8.30PM, which I think is considerably early.¡±


    ¡°I have work tomorrow, though,¡± she countered insistently as her mind scrambled for more excuses.


    ¡°Not if I say you don¡¯t,¡± he pointed out with a roguish smile. He was the president, after all, and he


    thought granting his employees days off fell well within his purview.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s reallyte.¡± She bit down hard on her lower lip. If one didn¡¯t know better, one would think the


    man was a restless beast that had been caged for far too long, and he would devour her the moment she


    opened the door.


    Amusement shed in his eyes as he asked, ¡°Are you that afraid of me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am,¡± she admitted. ¡°Can you please leave now?¡±


    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t make a move on you if you let me in¡ªunless, of course, you make the first move,¡± he


    said solemnly.


    With unwavering confidence, she argued, ¡°I¡¯d never make the first move.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay for just a cup of tea,¡± Elliot needled in his signature husky tone, sounding like he was cajoling


    her. ¡°Please let me go in and stay for a while.¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t bring herself to say no to him, not when he was looking at her with puppy eyes even


    though he was known to be dangerous and domineering. She softened and took her keys out from her


    purse, opening the door as she warned him onest time, ¡°No funny business. Otherwise, I¡¯ll kick you


    out.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he promised with good cheer.


    Having opened the front door, Anastasia turned on the lights, which cast a warm glow over the living


    room. She set her purse down and changed into slippers before taking out a men¡¯s pair from the cab


    for Elliot as she said, ¡°Put these on.¡±


    ¡°How considerate of you,¡± he observed with a coy smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s supposed to be for my dad,¡± she said, not wanting him to get too pleased with himself.


    ¡°Say whatever you want,¡± he replied a little glumly.


    He sat down on the couch while she picked up around the house for a bit. Then, she went into the


    kitchen and brought him a ss of water. ¡°Here, finish the water and skedaddle home.¡±


    Elliot looked at the water, and suddenly, there was a dark gleam in his eyes as he called out, ¡°Hey, could


    youe over here and see if I¡¯ve got something in my eye?¡±


    Anastasia was standing on the other side of the coffee table and drinking from her own ss when she


    heard this. She walked over to him worriedly. ¡°Let me take a look.¡±


    However, she had only just drawn near to him when triumph glimmered in his half-lidded eyes. The next


    second, he put out his foot and tripped her, making her lose bnce. She gasped in shock as she


    toppled forward into his embrace.


    She felt a strong arm snake around her waist in one swift movement, and when she tried to prop herself


    up, she found that she was pinned firmly against him.


    ¡°You¡ª¡± She looked up at him in bewilderment, and when she saw the devilish smirk ying on his lips,


    she knew she had been tricked.


    Nevermore did she feel like a damsel in distress who had just been cornered by a handsome and


    roguish knight. Before she could protest, he chuckled and murmured huskily, ¡°You¡¯ve made the first


    move, so don¡¯t mind me ying along.¡± The next second, the room spun as he flipped her over.


    Just like that, Anastasia was trapped between Elliot and the couch with her face mere inches away from


    his, and she was acutely aware of how their bodies were closely pressed together.

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357


    Chapter 357 Deep-Seated Trauma


    Anastasia wanted to cry out in exasperation, for she should have known better than to trust this man.


    ¡°Elliot, I swear, if you think you can¡ª¡±


    However, before she could say the words ¡®get away with it¡¯, Elliot inched forward and kissed her.


    He intended to get away with this, and it looked like he was seeding. After all, he couldn¡¯t help himself


    when it came to Anastasia; it was as if she was his fatal attraction, her presence probing and enticing


    him like a siren¡¯s call.


    Anastasia struggled against him for a few seconds, but it was all for show since she knew there was no


    escaping the man on top of her. In the end, she sumbed to his kisses, the hunger in her awakening


    with the way he nibbled and tugged on her lips.


    However, there was a voice in the back of her head, albeit a muffled one, that nagged at her and made


    her keep her guard up. She wasn¡¯t so much worried about someone walking in on them as she was


    about losing herself to Elliot and his deadly charisma.


    She still wasn¡¯t ready to bring their intimacy to the next level, and while the kiss was sweet and lingering,


    she couldn¡¯t help sensing the danger in it as well. The air that crackled around them as their tension built


    reminded her of a brewing storm, and any time now, a hurricane would hit them and wreak havoc.


    However, with the direction this very intimate kiss was taking, she wasn¡¯t sure how she could keep the


    floodgates closed any longer, not when the water was already bursting toe through.


    Everything about Elliot¡ªhis breath, his warmth, and his testosterone-driven urgency¡ªwas shrouding her


    like a veil. The voice of reason in her mind was being constantly drowned out by her own desire, and for


    a moment, it was like reality had melted away into the background.


    She was on the verge of surrendering to nature and primal instincts at this point.


    Just then, Elliot whispered huskily, ¡°I want you, Anastasia¡­¡±


    This sent an electric current through her veins, and she shuddered as she willed herself to push him


    away. ¡°Elliot, no¡­¡±


    The next second, however, he picked her up from the couch without warning and carried her over to the


    master bedroom.


    She was so stunned that her mind drew a nk. The dimness of the bedroom became something like a


    dark space for Elliot to act on his heightened senses. He wanted nothing more than toy her down and


    please her in ways she could never imagine.


    Anastasia¡¯s thoughts were hazy, and her insides were coiled up with mixed feelings she couldn¡¯t quite


    decipher. When she tried to push Elliot away, he sped her wrists and pinned her hands above her


    head, which prompted indescribable fear to course through her all of a sudden.


    ¡°No¡­ Don¡¯t touch me¡­ Go away!¡±


    Panic seized her. It was as if her mind did not perceive the man kissing her to be Elliot, but that sc*mbag


    from five years ago. His strong arms, his towering build, and his domineering, unforgiving air struck a


    heavy resemnce to the gigolo from Abyss Club.


    ¡°Anastasia, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Upon sensing that something was off with her, Elliot stopped and reached out


    to hold her.


    Unexpectedly, she struggled violently to get away from him as she cried, ¡°Go away! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    It was like he had be the source of her fear. Bewildered, he quickly got off the bed, strode over to


    the door, and turned on the lights in the room.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    When he saw the girl curled into a ball on the bed with her eyes tightly closed while her body trembled


    with insurmountable fear and hurt, he felt his heart drop to his stomach. He hated himself for having


    pushed her too far.


    He suddenly remembered the horrific ordeal she had been through. Whatever they had been doing just


    now¡ªor rather, whatever he had been doing to her¡ªhad clearly brought her deep-seated trauma to the


    surface.


    ¡°Anastasia, it¡¯s me,¡± Elliot murmured as he perched on the edge of the bed, keeping a safe distance as


    he reached out to stroke her hair gently. It made it seem like he was coaxing a wounded animal.


    It was only then that she opened her misty eyes, and she suddenly became aware of how she had


    overreacted. She flipped onto her side, looking flustered as she mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for scaring you.¡±


    There was no hiding the guilt in his voice as he said, ¡°No, I should be the one to say sorry.¡±


    She sat up slowly and buried her face in her hands. ¡°I¡­ I think you should go home.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t possibly leave her alone in this state. He implored softly, ¡°Let me stay here and take care of


    you for the night. I promise that¡¯s all I¡¯ll do.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to take care of me,¡± she muttered weakly as she shook her head, though her face was


    devoid of color.


    At the sight of how frightened she looked, he was seized with the urge to find out who was the b*stard


    that dared hurt her five years ago. If he managed to track him down, he would make him pay in blood.


    ¡°Can you tell me more about what happened that night?¡± Elliot asked. He wanted to help her get through


    this, and he didn¡¯t want her to have to shoulder this alone while suppressing the trauma and letting it


    fester in her.


    Anastasia gazed up at the man in front of the bed. The trauma and the bad memories had hollowed her


    out, and she felt like a shell of herself. When he let go of her, she nudged him like a scared kitten


    seekingfort.


    Elliot refrained from holding her too tightly, and he kept his movements slow as he leaned forward to kiss


    her on the top of her head. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    She closed her eyes tiredly. At the end of the day, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to word out the horrific things


    she had been through.


    Finally, she released his arm, and her gaze was calm once more as she said, ¡°You can go home now. I¡¯ll


    be fine on my own.¡±

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358


    Chapter 358 Fear of Intimacy


    ¡°Do you think I could leave you alone like this?¡± Elliot held onto Anastasia firmly, refusing to let her go.


    The steel edge to her demeanor had returned, and when she spoke, it was in clear, unwavering tones.


    ¡°I¡¯ve survived for five years; I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll be fine on my own for a night.¡±


    Elliot pursed his lips and asked tentatively, ¡°Is Jared really the child of that hooligan?¡±


    Anastasia hated confronting the truth of Jared¡¯s birth every time it came up, but reality was cruel, and


    there was nothing she could do to deny Jared¡¯s father¡¯s identity. ¡°Yes,¡± she finally bit out through gritted


    teeth.


    Elliot¡¯s chest tightened. He understood that this was a painful topic for her, so he let it drop.


    In the end, he got up and left after she insisted that he did. When the door closed behind him, an icy


    gleam shed in his eyes as he vowed to uncover the wretched man¡¯s identity even if Anastasia refused


    to speak of him. He needed to know what kind of a monster could bear to hurt her so badly.


    Presently, Elliot waited at the door, but when he realized that Anastasia was not going to open it and


    invite him back into the house, he left.


    The only way he could achieve a breakthrough in this case was to find out which clubhouse the incident


    had taken ce in. Just because Anastasia was set on remaining tight-lipped about it, he was sure that


    others might have some idea as to what had happened on the night she was assaulted.


    As he sat in the backseat of the car, he began to consider his options. Hayley knew about the details of


    that night, but he didn¡¯t want to ask her about it. He sifted through the names in his mind, trying to pick


    the person most likely to give him some useful insight on the matter.


    He settled on one person atst, and that was Erica, Anastasia¡¯s half-sister. Given how she had brought


    up Jared¡¯s birth thest time she threw a tantrum, there was a high chance that she knew about the


    incident. He was confident that she could provide him with some leads on this.


    As he leaned into his seat, Elliot pulled out his phone and gave Rey a call. ¡°I need you to arrange a


    meeting for me with someone.¡±


    ¡°Who would that be, President Presgrave?¡± Rey asked courteously.


    ¡°Erica.¡±


    In the silence of the bedroom, Anastasia was holding a ss of water as she sat on the lounge listlessly.


    She felt guilty for having imagined Elliot as the man who had assaulted her five years ago while they


    were intimate. In truth, she was stunned as well that the trauma she thought she had buried deep inside


    her heart could be so easily brought to the surface with a single touch, triggering her fear of intimacy.


    She suddenly felt that this was unfair to Elliot. If they really did work out as a couple and got married, she


    couldn¡¯t possibly reject him for the rest of their lives and chain him to involuntary celibacy.


    The next morning, Erica was still tucked under the covers when she suddenly received a phone call that


    made her bolt upright in bed. ¡°What? Does young Master Elliot want to see me at noon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, President Presgrave has something he needs your help with. Would you be free to meet with him?¡±


    Erica was so stunned that she couldn¡¯t string words together, and she stammered, ¡°O-Of course. I¡¯d be


    free to meet with him.¡±


    ¡°In that case, will 11.30AM today do for you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. I¡¯ll be there,¡± she replied as she nodded vehemently.


    When the call ended and she received the address for the restaurant where the meeting would be, she


    was so ted she could pass out. Never in her wildest dreams did she think Elliot would invite her for


    lunch.


    ¡°My goodness, what should I wear?¡± She leaped down from the bed and threw open her closet doors,


    rummaging through her clothes with fervor. She had but one goal in her mind, which was to seduce Elliot


    and make him her man.


    She didn¡¯t care that he was Anastasia¡¯s supposed boyfriend, nor was she bothered by his history with


    Hayley. She was still dead set on bagging him because he was worth it.


    She didn¡¯t tell Naomi about the meeting. After picking out a figure-hugging dress, she put on a zer


    over it, thinking that if Anastasia could win Elliot over while dressed in pantsuits, surely that meant he


    had a thing for professional career women.


    Then, she sat down in front of the vanity and began to apply her make-up delicately, not allowing even


    the slightest w. She was determined to show her best self to Elliot.


    Meanwhile, all the departments in Bourgeois were getting ready to move into their newpany


    building. Since the offices in Presgrave Corporation were fully furnished with the mostvish of


    decorations, the only thing that the departments had to do was to pack up their files and equipment for


    the big move.


    Anastasia was nestled in the quiet of her office when Aliona suddenly walked through the door.


    ¡°Is there something you need, Miss Dora?¡± Anastasia asked curtly.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Your efficiency in snagging President Presgrave is indeedmendable, Miss Tillman,¡± Aliona drawled


    sarcastically.


    ¡°I will only entertain conversations about work, Miss Dora,¡± Anastasia pointed out coolly. ¡°Thepany is


    no ce for us to talk about her personal affairs.¡±

 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359


    Chapter 359 Tell Me What You Know


    ¡°I just want to let you know that I will never give up on my feelings for Elliot,¡± Aliona said. She was here


    for no other reason than to try and get on Anastasia¡¯s nerves after her own bitter resentment


    overwhelmed her. ¡°For the rest of your life, you¡¯ll have me aspetition,¡± she added confidently. ¡°I¡¯m


    sure it¡¯ll only be a matter of time before President Presgrave notices me and falls for me.¡±


    Anastasia, however, was neither impressed nor intimidated. ¡°Your non-achievements do not interest me,


    so take your gloating elsewhere,¡± she pointed out sarcastically.


    Contempt shed in Aliona¡¯s eyes as she snorted and said haughtily, ¡°We¡¯ll see who the real winner will


    be!¡± Now that Father¡¯s already plotting her demise, Elliot will be mine sooner orter once we get rid of


    her!


    Anastasia, on the other hand, was admittedly affected by what Aliona said even though thetter had


    already left. It seemed as if Elliot constantly had a barrage of women who would not hesitate to seize


    even the slightest of chances to get close to him.


    When noon rolled around, Anastasia made up her mind to invite Elliot out for a meal as an apology for


    what happenedst night. If it hadn¡¯t been for her overreaction, things might not have ended on such a


    tense note, and the night would have been perfectly wrapped up.


    She picked up the phone on her desk and dialed Elliot¡¯s extension. When he did not pick up, the call was


    automatically transferred to his assistant¡¯s line.


    ¡°Hello, this is the president¡¯s office,¡± the assistant greeted courteously.


    ¡°Hi, Lily. Is President Presgrave in at the moment?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Miss Tillman! It seems President Presgrave has already left for a lunch appointment.¡±


    ¡°I see. Alright, thanks.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia hung up and sighed in frustration. Then, she asked Felicia to join her for lunch instead.


    Meanwhile, Erica was on cloud nine as she made her way over to the restaurant. She checked herself in


    the mirror constantly just to make sure that she looked as wless as she did when she left the house. In


    fact, the tiniest smudge of her make-up would set her off at this point.


    She had to present her wless side to Elliot today. She reckoned that something about her must have


    caught his eye, which exined why he would ask her out for lunch out of the blue. The thought of this


    gave her a rush. If things went well, she might even surpass Hayley and Anastasia to be Elliot¡¯s


    new object of affection.


    In every woman, there was buried confidence that would not dim under any circumstance.


    Presently, Rey was waiting outside the restaurant for Erica, and when he registered her arrival, he led


    her up the stairs to the main dining atrium.


    She was brought to a private dining room in which Elliot was already seated and waiting for her. Erica


    swallowed and felt her palms grow sweaty. At the same time, she nervously flipped her hair over her


    shoulder as she appraised the man shyly. After taking her seat, she asked, ¡°Young Master Elliot, may I


    know why you¡¯ve asked to see me today?¡±


    Rey left to give them some privacy, and as soon as the door fell shut, Elliot slid a bank card across the


    table and said to her, ¡°Miss Erica, there¡¯s a million in this card. All you need to do is answer my


    questions, and the money¡¯s yours.¡±


    Erica was stunned as she gaped at the card in front of her. A million was a tempting offer, and she


    blinked to snap out of her reverie. ¡°What do you want to know, Young Master Elliot?¡±


    ¡°You have to promise to answer all my questions honestly,¡± he said as he eyed her somberly.


    Disappointment surged through her at that moment. Have I read too much into the lunch invitation? Did


    he not ask me to join him for a meal because he likes me? However, when she nced at the bank card,


    the thought of having a million in her pocketforted her. After all, it was enough tost her for a while.


    She nodded and said, ¡°Fire away, Young Master Elliot.¡±


    He gazed at her darkly and asked, ¡°First question¡ªdo you know the name of the man who assaulted


    Anastasia five years ago?¡±


    Erica¡¯s heart leaped to her throat. As it turned out, Elliot was only here because he wanted to know about


    Anastasia¡¯s past. In a snide tone, she countered, ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask my sister? I¡¯m sure she knows


    more than anyone else the details of that particr night.¡±


    ¡°If you have no ns of giving me the answers I want, then I won¡¯t waste your time anymore,¡± Elliot said,


    not wanting to stay here and listen to someone speak ill of Anastasia.


    He reached out to take back the card, but that was when Erica panicked and cried out, ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll


    tell you. I¡¯ll tell you whatever you want to know, Young Master Elliot.¡±


    He paused and took his hand off the card. Money was the key to getting someone as greedy as Erica to


    open up. ¡°I want you to tell me everything you know about what happened that night,¡± he ordered. He


    knew that she would not give up on the bank card.


    While Erica knew that the incident at Abyss Club had been nned and set up by Hayley, it didn¡¯t


    change the fact that she was an aplice. There was no way that she could deny her involvement in


    the whole thing, so after a moment of thought, she said, ¡°On the night of the incident, Hayley and I were


    hanging out at the club, but that was when one of our male co-workers decided to make a move on her.


    She called my sister out of panic to have her pick us up, but we waited for long enough to think she


    wasn¡¯ting at all. Just as we were leaving, however, Anastasia suddenly ran out of the club with her


    clothes disheveled, and that was how we found out she had been assaulted.¡±

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360


    Chapter 360 Interrogation


    Elliot¡¯s fists clenched where they rested atop his knees as he pressed, ¡°What did that b*stard look like?


    Do you know what he did for a living?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Last I heard, he was a male escort. Besides, you know how clubs can get rowdy and


    chaotic, so it¡¯s not as if I would have paid attention to anyone¡¯s background,¡± Erica said, but the way she


    blinked her eyes told Elliot that she was lying.


    Seeing that she was being untruthful, he went on to demand, ¡°Tell me the time and ce of the incident.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really remember the time, but I know it took ce at Abyss Club.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Elliot¡¯s heart dropped to his stomach. Abyss Club? That was where Hayley and I¡­ He


    snapped out of his thoughts and urged, ¡°You¡¯re sure it was Abyss Club?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± she replied firmly. ¡°As for what happened that night, I don¡¯t quite remember.¡± She wasn¡¯t lying


    this time.


    He went on to probe for more information, asking, ¡°Do you recall what seasonal clothes you were


    wearing? You would remember that.¡±


    Erica thought hard and said, ¡°I believe we were wearing our summer wardrobe. Do you have any more


    questions, President Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call the police and file aint on Anastasia¡¯s behalf after she was assaulted that


    night? You¡¯re supposedly her family, aren¡¯t you?¡± He sounded like he was using her.


    She quirked her lips and muttered, ¡°It wasn¡¯t as if we were the ones who caused something like that to


    happen to her. Besides, she happened to run into us when she left the club, and she wasted no time in


    pinning the me on us even though we were innocent!¡±


    Her narrative aligned with Hayley¡¯s. They would never confess to having admitted to Anastasia, upon her


    confrontation with them five years ago, that they had been the ones to set her up.


    Elliot, on the other hand, had a grim look on his face. Erica had given him a new lead that he had never


    come across before, which was Abyss Club. This was the same club where he and Hayley had had their


    encounter five years ago as well. He wondered if this was all a coincidence, and if that were the case, he


    wanted to know the timeline.


    ¡°Are those all the questions you have for me, Young Master Elliot?¡± Erica asked, pulling him out of his


    thoughts.


    ¡°Are you sure you know nothing about the male escort from that night five years ago?¡±


    ¡°I swear I haven¡¯t the slightest clue about him,¡± she insisted. ¡°Also, I¡¯m willing to bet that my sister walked


    into the wrong room and got herself screwed over by him. Apparently, he was a maniac who nearly


    tortured my sister to death.¡± She was deliberately saying this. Much like Hayley, she wanted to carve a


    vile impression of Anastasia into Elliot¡¯s mind.


    Anger rose in Elliot when he heard this. If he found out who that sc*mbag was, he would be sure to wipe


    him off the face of the earth. ¡°That¡¯s enough from you,¡± he bit out through gritted teeth. He didn¡¯t want to


    sit here a moment longer and hear Erica¡¯s scathing remarks about Anastasia. ¡°You may leave now.¡±


    Erica took the bank card, but her gaze flickered wistfully over the elegant man sitting across from her as


    she said shamelessly, ¡°Young Master Elliot, I just want you to know that I like you a lot, and I would do


    anything you ask me to if that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    At that moment, he looked up at her with his razor-sharp gaze that threatened to slice through her. She


    was so intimidated by this that she flushed and quickly borated, ¡°What I meant was that you could ask


    me any other question you might have, President Presgrave. I¡¯d be more than happy to help.¡±


    With that, she turned to leave the room like how one might flee from danger. Holy crap! If looks could kill,


    I would¡¯ve been dead a hundred times over, she thought as a chill ran down her spine. More importantly,


    she had seen how lowly she looked in Elliot¡¯s clear, obsidian eyes. He was high and mighty like he was


    born to be on a pedestal, and what she had told him just now basically rendered her worthless.


    After Erica left, Elliot summoned Rey into the room and said, ¡°Retrieve all the security footage from five


    years ago at Abyss Club.¡±


    He was determined to find out who that sc*mbag was, and when he did, he would make him pay without


    ever letting Anastasia find out about it.


    Over at Bourgeois, Aliona got a call from Riley, who said on the other line, ¡°I¡¯m going to need you to lure


    Anastasia out. My men are ready to execute the n.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s eyes shed with anticipation as a sudden bright idea came into her head. Nodding, she replied,


    ¡°I know what to do.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She hung up the phone, rose from her seat, and headed into Felicia¡¯s office. ¡°Director Evans, I¡¯m


    supposed to meet a client, but I¡¯m afraid I have too much work to do at the moment. Could you get


    Anastasia to take the order instead?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s probably busy. Why don¡¯t you look for somebody else?¡± Felicia suggested.


    ¡°There¡¯s a higher chance of us bagging the deal if she were to take up the job, though. My client is a


    youngdy from a really affluent family, and she only came to Bourgeois because she heard so many


    things about Anastasia.¡±


    Felicia pondered on this for a beat or two. She then answered, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Anastasia and see what she


    says.¡±

 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361


    Chapter 361


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell her that I was the one who rmended her, though. Anastasia and I haven¡¯t exactly been on


    amicable termstely,¡± Aliona said to fortify her cover.


    ¡°Very well. I¡¯m going to need the client¡¯s name and the address where you¡¯re scheduled to meet ¡°her.¡±


    Aliona immediately called Riley for the address. When Felicia had the name and address in hand. she


    called the given contact number for confirmation.


    The person who answered the call was a girl who made it clear that she wanted a highly personal


    arrangement wherein the designer would meet her somece outside thepany building. The


    various kinds of businesses avable on the market were locked in gruelingpetition at the moment,


    and with the client¡¯s budget being five million, Felicia did not want to let this deal fall through.


    As such, she hurried over to Anastasia¡¯s office and found the girl daydreaming after losing her drive to


    work. Having heard about the client and the budget she was given, Anastasia agreed and stood up


    behind her desk. She then announced, ¡°I¡¯ll be going, then.¡±


    She figured she could use some fresh air and a change of environment.


    Felicia nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve already made arrangements with the girl regarding the time and location. Why don¡¯t


    you bring Grace with you? Also, be safe on the road!¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Anastasia replied. She had always been the most enthusiastic when it came to her work.


    r


    Once Anastasia left the office, Aliona turned back to Felicia¡¯s office and asked if Anastasia had already


    gone out.


    Upon hearing that Anastasia was about to drive out of the parking lot, Aliona quickly and happily gave


    Riley a call. Meanwhile, Anastasia was unaware of the danger thaty waiting for her. Aliona was sure


    that she could get rid of the infuriating girl by the end of the day, thereby making room for herself to slide


    into Elliot¡¯s life tofort him while he grieved Anastasia¡¯s untimely death, winning him over with her


    kindness.


    While this was happening, Anastasia and Grace headed out of thepany building. During the drive,


    Anastasia called up the supposed client and confirmed that they were meeting up at a cafe to puruse the


    details of the order.


    Along the way, she and Grace kept up a humorous repartee to pass time, and indeed, it wasn¡¯t long


    before the navigation satellite told them that they were drawing close to the cafe. Anastasia parked her


    car in the area next to the cafe.


    There was only one lot avable, and Anastasia had to back into it. As she did so, she did not notice the


    men in the ck vans on either side of her car.


    This was all a ploy by Riley; he had arranged for his men to fill up most of the parking lots, leaving only


    this particr space.


    Anastasia and Grace had only just grabbed their purses and went out of the car when the doors to


    the backseat of the van opened up. Without warning, the girls were each dragged into the ck van


    closest to them. The men who did this moved so quickly that they did not spare either girl the chance to


    cry for help.


    Soon, the kidnappers pulled out of the parking lot with one van leading the other. Two burly men held


    Anastasia down in the backseat while they hastily worked to bind her wrists and ankle Following that,


    they stuffed a rag into her mouth to keep her from struggling or protesting in an way she could think of.


    Fear and shock lit up in her eyes. She was supposed to be meeting a client, and she couldn¡¯t understand


    how she had been ambushed on purpose, thereafter kidnapping her. What about Grace? What will


    happen to her? At the same time, she thought about her son. If something happens to me, who¡¯s going


    to take care of Jared?


    This made her struggle violently, but at that moment, the man next to her took out a syringe and injected


    something into her arm. The effects of the drug kicked in and washed over her almost immediately,


    rendering her weak. Eventually, she felt her conscious mind slipping into the darkness.


    When the two vans had driven away, a ck SUV tailed after them, and inside were Elliot¡¯s bodyguards.


    They had been following one of Riley¡¯s subordinates, and never did they think they woulde across a


    kidnapping incident. More to the point, the dashcam in the car had managed to capture a full view of the


    kidnappers and their victims. Right now, the bodyguard in the passenger seat was reviewing the footage.


    He paused as he zoomed in on the woman¡¯s face.


    ¡°It¡¯s Miss Tillman!¡± he eximed.


    ¡°Quick, get President Presgrave on the line.¡±


    Elliot had only just returned to Presgrave Corporation when his phone suddenly rang. He nced at the


    caller ID and answered the call before greeting perfunctorily, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, we were following Riley¡¯s subordinates and ran into them kidnapping Miss


    Tillman and her assistant.¡±


    Having just stepped through the doorway of his office, Elliot¡¯s gut twisted when he heard this. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yes. We are sure that the kidnappers have taken Miss Tillman and her assistant. We are now following


    one of the two vans.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Keep a close eye on the cars, and if she¡¯s in even the slightest bit of danger, then you must


    do what you can to save her,¡± Elliot ordered as his gaze grew frighteningly calm, though he might go


    berserk with worry at any given moment.


    Why did Riley kidnap Anastasia? Is it because she¡¯s the woman I¡¯m in love with?


    He didn¡¯t have time to dwell on whatever twisted reasoning Riley might have behind such an operation.


    Without another word, he rallied Rey and eight of his bodyguards before they hurriedly followed the


    direction in which the kidnappers were moving.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362


    Chapter 362


    While they were on their way, Elliot and his men would continuously tune into the information and


    directions given by the bodyguards who were tracking Anastasia and her kidnappers. Right now. all Elliot


    could do was pray for her safe return. The thought of what those kidnappers might do to her while she


    lay helpless in the car brought an ominous gleam to his eyes, and he wanted ¡®nothing more than to catch


    up to that van and kill those kidnappers with his bare hands.


    Even though they were elerating at full speed, he still felt like they were going too slow forfort. If


    Riley so much as touched a single hair on Anastasia¡¯s head, he vowed that he would st them all to


    kingdome.


    Presently, Anastasia was slowlying to her senses as shey on the ground in an abandoned house


    somewhere. A sack had been pulled over her head, and she could see nothing but darkness, though she


    did pick up the sounds of footsteps and people talking around her.


    She struggled to break free of her restraints as she let out muffled cries. ¡°Mmph!¡±


    ¡°Stop struggling. Miss Tillman. There¡¯s no way you¡¯re getting out of here alive,¡± said a weathered male


    voice.


    For some reason, she found the voice extremely familiar, but she couldn¡¯t match a face to it.


    ¡°You¡¯re just like your mother, scrambling to die by my hands,¡± drawled a cold voice close to her ear.


    Upon hearing this, Anastasia froze. My mother? Why did this man bring up my mother all of a sudden?


    Who is he? Judging by his words, he could very well have been my mother¡¯s killer all those years ago.


    Who is he? Who the hell is he?


    These thoughts mored in her headspace, but just as panic and adrenaline filled her, the man . spoke


    up once more. ¡°Would you like to know more about your mother before you die, Miss


    Tillman? She could have actually escaped death all those years ago.¡± There was mock sympathy in his


    tone as he added, ¡°Do you know who really killed your mother?¡±


    Anastasia was still trembling with fear, but when she heard this, her fear was intermingled with curiosity.


    She was desperate, she realized, to learn the truth of her mother¡¯s death.


    ¡°The actual person who killed your mother is none other than Old Madam Presgrave!¡± the man said


    insidiously, his voice loud and clear.


    Although she had a sack over her head, she still struggled and moved around after hearing this,


    indicating that she refused to believe him.


    ¡°Skeptical, are we? Hah! Well, let me tell you exactly what she did when she found out that her precious


    grandson had been kidnapped!¡± The man borated icily and acerbically, ¡°Old Madam Presgrave


    personally called up the mayor and told him that if he did not save her grandson and left him for dead,


    she would cripple the entire stock market. Given Presgrave Corporations power, she could have easily


    crippled the entire nation¡¯s economy if she wanted to. Hence, she threatened the mayor and demanded


    that he bring her grandson back alive. As expected, the mayor took her threats seriously and quickly


    called the police headquarters.


    Not daring to dawdle on this, the station dispatched all their avable uniformed officers and ordered


    them to bring Elliot back alive no matter what. Your mother happened to be one of those unfortunate


    souls who were sent out on the rescue mission. As far as Old Madam Presgrave was concerned, her


    grandson¡¯s life was the only one that mattered, and she couldn¡¯t care less about what happened to your


    mother.¡±


    Shock rippled through Anastasia as she listened to the story. She could understand Harriet¡¯s fear of


    losing her grandson, but she didn¡¯t think that the olddy had so forcefully threatened the mayor.


    ¡°As such, your mother got a call from the top brass and went on duty. She could have been spared, but


    she dashed out to shield the little boy and took the stabbing in his ce. She was determined to protect


    him even though she had taken thirteen stabs to the back and practically bled to death. She sacrificed


    herself for the little young master, all because of one phone call from the olddy.¡±


    Anastasia felt like her heart might burst from the grief and pain. Hot tears welled up in her eyes and


    spilled over. Is that truly the reason why Mom died while on duty all those years ago?


    ¡°Can you imagine how much pain and reluctance your mother must have been in during her time of


    death? She was going to leave behind an adorable daughter who was barely even two years of age! I


    even heard her whisper, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Anya¡­¡± while her life seeped out of her!¡±


    Anastasia shook her head furiously, not wanting to hear any more of this as torrential anguish seized her.


    ¡°Yet, here you are now, in love with the boy who had been the reason for your mother¡¯s death all those


    years ago. Do you think your mother is going to rest in peace in the great beyond?¡±


    The man was crouching right in front of her and rubbing a liberal amount of salt in her wounds. The fear


    in Anastasia was now gone, and it was reced by a surge of strong hatred. She knew that the man was


    her mother¡¯s killer.


    Just then, he let out a bark of ominousughter, and it was such a familiar sound that her mind felt as if it


    had imploded with the recollection. The man was none other than Elliot¡¯s uncle, Riley. It had to be him.


    He was the one who killed my mother all those years ago! The sudden realization filled her with anger as


    she struggled violently. Although she knew she couldn¡¯t do anything, her instincts were urging her to


    unleash vengeance on this man.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 363

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    Chapter 363


    ¡°I heard that the Presgraves have been trying to repay your mother¡¯s noble sacrifice all these years. I¡¯m


    sure Old Madam Presgrave sorely regrets threatening the mayor back then; if she hadn¡¯t done that, your


    mother would have been spared. The young master¡¯s life is worth more than gold, but that doesn¡¯t mean


    your mother deserved to have hers taken away. Sadly, this world will never be fair; the rich simply buy


    their way out of death, andmon folk like your mother would simply have to surrender to fate.¡±


    Anastasia wanted to make Riley shut up and get him to stop talking about all these. She didn¡¯t want to


    hear about them at all.


    However, Riley was a twisted man who thought his gloriously wicked deeds demanded an audience, and


    Anastasia made for an excellent listener. More to the point, the sadistic side of him would never allow


    him to let slip the chance to torture someone. The sight of Anastasia¡¯s obvious anguish and difort


    filled him with satisfaction that he thought he had long forgotten.


    ¡°If I were your mother, I would hate that I¡¯d given birth to an ingrate and a traitorous daughter like you.


    You could have had any man you wished, but you chose to love Young Master Elliot, who lived only


    because your mother died so gruesomely!¡±


    Stop it! Shut up! Anastasia wanted to scream at him. She knew what Riley was trying to do; he wanted


    her to hate the Presgraves.


    ¡°Boss, we¡¯re running out of time. Let¡¯s send her on her merry way,¡± one of Riley¡¯s subordinates piped up


    from somewhere.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Tillman, but I suppose you share your mother¡¯s ill fortune and will have to die by my


    hands. Don¡¯t worry, though. You¡¯ll be reunited with her soon!¡± Riley chuckled.


    Fear and rage coursed through Anastasia like a potent cocktail as she realized that he was nning to


    kill her, though she didn¡¯t know why. What good will my death do for him? Is this his way of getting back


    at the Presgraves and challenging them? Or does this have something to do with my rtionship with


    Elliot? Does he want to take my life so that he can break Elliot¡¯s heart and destroy him emotionally?


    While this was happening, half a dozen vehicles manned by bodyguards were speeding over to the


    location, driving through the muddy and mountainous terrain as they appeared like ghouls.


    Riley¡¯s henchman who was stationed outside the abandoned house as a lookout couldn¡¯t respond in


    time, and he quickly cried out, ¡°Boss!¡± However, when the leading car drove forward and made to knock


    him down, he quickly dodged and leaped into the drain that ran along the side of the house. In the next


    second, a loud bang filled the air as the car rammed into the front door of the house, causing the entire


    wall to cave and topple down.


    The man in the driver¡¯s seat was immediately greeted by a scene that made his blood boil.


    Anastasia was curled up on the ground with a sack pulled over her head and her wrists bound.


    At the sight of the car and the fallen wall, Riley jumped in shock. He knew that Elliot had sent people to


    keep tabs on him, but he didn¡¯t think they would arrive so soon. With lightning speed, he grabbed hold of


    Anastasia and hauled her up from the ground, pressing a de to her neck as


    he sneered. ¡°My darling nephew, have youe for a visit?¡± he said.


    ¡°Let her go.¡± Elliot thundered with the rage of a hellish creature, his gaze obsidian and mutinous.


    ¡°Tsk, tsk. Do you truly love the girl so much? You¡¯ve gone soft, Elliot. I didn¡¯t think the Presgraves were


    capable of producing a romantic like you. There goes our family honor,¡± Riley mocked. insouciantly.


    Without warning, he ran the de along the baster skin of Anastasia¡¯s neck, drawing a thin line of


    blood.


    ¡°Let her go, Riley!¡± Elliot yelled, his voice quivering with rage and panic.


    Riley found that this situation was turning out very much in his favor. He scoffed and said, ¡°I¡¯ll let her go,


    but on the condition that you immediately transfer fifty percent of the shares in Presgrave Corporation to


    me. Otherwise, if I¡¯m going down, then I¡¯m taking her with me.¡±


    Just then, he pulled the sack off Anastasia¡¯s head to reveal her pale and anguished expression.


    There was a rag stuffed in her mouth to muffle her cries, but her eyes glistened with tears as she stared


    at the man in front of her¡ªthe man who would do anything to save her.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll give you whatever you want, but let her go first,¡± Elliot announced firmly with a nod of his head.


    ¡°Have a copy of the agreement sent to me, and I want it to be legally enforceable,¡± Riley demanded,


    seizing this chance to take the portion of thepany that was rightfully his.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was not afraid of death, even now. She hated her mother¡¯s killer with a passion,


    and she wanted him to pay for Amelia¡¯s death in blood. Not only that, she didn¡¯t want Elliot to give up half


    the ownership of Presgrave Corporation to this devil just to save her.


    As such, she stared at him unrelentingly and shook her head ever so slightly, indicating for him to refuse


    the bargain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let her go only after I¡¯ve seen the agreement,¡± replied Riley. With his henchmen surrounding him and


    Anastasia, there was no way for any of the bodyguards to advance to save the hostage. Worse still was


    that Riley had a de pressed against Anastasia¡¯s neck, and any movement on her part could mean her


    certain death by his hand.

 Chapter 364

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    Chapter 364


    ¡°Do it, Rey!¡± ordered Elliot.


    ¡°President Presgrave¡­¡± Rey couldn¡¯t help but mutter. Fifty percent of Presgrave Corporation¡¯s shares


    were an enormous amount of assets, after all.


    After transferring that exact amount, he was certain how much trouble his president would be in.


    Suddenly, Elliot turned around with red eyes while enunciating, ¡°I told you to do it!¡±


    Rey could tell from his gaze that fifty percent of Presgrave Corporation¡¯s shares was nothingpared


    to Anastasia¡¯s life.


    Since he had to obey Elliot¡¯s orders, Rey quickly returned to the car, grabbed theptop, and started


    running the procedures.


    When Anatasia looked at Elliot, she saw the nervousness and worry in his eyes. He didn¡¯t even care


    about handing over half of Presgrave Corporation¡¯s shares to the person he resented most.


    Riley had caused his parents¡¯ death, but in order to save her, he willingly agreed to Riley¡¯s unreasonable


    request.


    As she shut her eyes, Anastasia recalled a self-defense move that she had learned before. Though she


    hadn¡¯t practiced them before, she thought it was worth a try.


    After all, she couldn¡¯t let Elliot transfer the shares just like that!


    Meanwhile, Riley took a nce at the woman he was threatening, and he took in her pale face as she


    shut her eyes. He let down his guard when he saw how weak and feeble she was.


    Then, he shifted his gaze to Rey¡¯sptop. Riley wanted to see the legal document of the transfer of


    shares immediately since he never expected Anastasia to be worth that much.


    In fact, he had underestimated the weight of Anastasia in Elliot¡¯s heart.


    At this moment, Rey tapped the keyboard and raised his head, announcing, ¡°It¡¯s done.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Riley got excited. Meanwhile, Anastasia took a deep breath and clutched Riley¡¯s hand


    harshly before hitting his arm with her elbow the moment she sensed the knife on her neck loosening up.


    Once the knife was shoved about thirty degrees away from her neck, she quickly twisted her head and


    ducked to escape from his hold. However, the moment she ducked, she felt a sharp cut in her ear.


    She didn¡¯t know when Elliot had noticed her struggling, but the man felt his heart stop for a few seconds


    when he saw what she had just done. At lightning speed, he stretched out his arm and engulfed her in


    his chest.


    At the same time, he growled in a low voice, ¡°Are you insane?!¡±


    Due to the pain, Anastasia held her ear with her hand. She was lucky that her ear had only suffered a


    light cut, and it wasn¡¯t too serious.


    All of a sudden, the people around them seemed to move at the same time. Elliot¡¯s bodyguards and


    Riley¡¯s subordinates broke into a chaotic fight.


    ¡°Give me the shares! Give me the contract!¡± Like a madman, Riley rushed toward Rey. All he cared


    about was the transfer of shares contract, and he intended to snatch Rey¡¯sptop.


    Much to his dismay, Rey was a good fighter. He kicked Riley away and clutched theptop with both


    arms. Upon seeing that, Riley screamed like a lunatic, ¡°Give me theptop! G-Give it to me!


    Meanwhile, Elliot let his bodyguards handle the fight as he brought Anastasia out of the scene. He


    grabbed a first aid kit from the car and used the medical gauze to stop her ear from bleeding.


    At the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but utter while trembling, ¡°You are not allowed to do that ever again¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a warning; it was an order.


    He nearly suffered from a heart attack when he saw what happened earlier.


    However, Anastasia seemed to look fragile yet strong as she sat in the backseat of the car.


    She looked physically weak, but her gaze and her mentality showed that she was determined and


    strong.


    Anastasia was afraid too, but at that time, a sudden thought entered her mind. She wasn¡¯t going to owe


    him anything anymore.


    If she let him transfer fifty percent of Presgrave Corporation¡¯s shares, she would never be able to repay


    such a huge debt in this life.


    ¡°Your uncle is the one who kidnapped you, and my mother was also killed in his hands, so you cannot let


    him escape.¡± Anastasia looked at Elliot and grabbed his arms. Tears were rolling in her eyes as sheProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    begged, ¡°Send him to the police station and make him pay for what he has done.¡±


    In fact, Elliot had a hunch that it was Riley who kidnapped him back then, but since he was young at that


    time, he couldn¡¯t find the real culprit even after years of investigation.


    ¡°Alright, I will send him to the police and reopen the case regarding your mother¡¯s death.¡± Elliot nodded.


    He thought that she would be scared and cry in his arms after he helped her bandage her injured ear.

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    Chapter 365


    Contrary to Elliot¡¯s expectations, even though Anastasia looked pale, she only held on to his arm for


    support. At that moment, Elliot desperately wanted to hold her in his embrace.


    However, she retreated instinctively, so he retracted his arm mid-air.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you home first and let my men handle the rest here,¡± said Elliot in a deep voice.


    ¡°Let Rey send me home! You should stay back and catch Riley instead.¡± After saying that, she closed the


    door. Through the car window, she seemed cold and distant.


    When he saw that, Elliot could feel his heart throb in pain. Why did he feel like she was miles away from


    him though they hadn¡¯t seen each other for merely a day?


    What did Riley tell her?


    After that, Elliot instructed Rey to send Anastasia back home while he stayed back to settle everything


    here.


    Never did Riley expect a simple kidnap case to cause him so much trouble. All of his subordinates had


    copsed, and he was being pressed to the ground like a losing warrior surrendering in front of his


    nephew.


    Elliot resembled a young king on the throne, looking down at the man below him in contempt.


    ¡°Let go of me, Elliot! I¡¯m your uncle! I¡¯m your senior!¡± Riley huffed, intending to use his rtionship with


    Elliot to escape.


    ¡°What did you tell Anastasia? Are you the culprit who killed her mother and kidnapped me back then?¡±


    shouted Elliot.


    In response, Riley snickered while saying, ¡°Find the evidence and sue me if you¡¯re capable of it! I won¡¯t


    admit a thing.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s eyes darkened at that. ¡°In that case, be prepared to rot in prison!¡±


    From the looks of it, Riley could be sentenced to a few years of jail for the kidnapping of Anastasia.


    However, Riley did not panic as he was being detained in the car. Even if he went to prison, he¡­ didn¡¯t


    have to be scared since he had one more trump card.


    His goddaughter, Aliona, would certainly give birth to her son. Sooner orter, the entire Presgrave


    Group would fall under his hands.


    While they were on the road, Anastasia tried to call Grace. Fortunately, thetter picked up the phone


    and told Anastasia that she was found thrown into a ditch by the roadside and was sent to the hospital


    for treatment. Thankfully, she was awake now.


    ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re alright, Anastasia.¡± Grace was so shocked that she nearly cried. She had also


    called the police.


    Anastasia was grateful for what she had done and told her that she would talk to her in detail once she


    got back.


    While sitting in the backseat, Anastasia¡¯s mind was filled with Riley¡¯s words. She felt conflicted. Was she


    going to me the Presgrave Family for her mother¡¯s death back then?


    Back then, Old Madam Presgrave had called the mayor and pressured the police. Because of th the


    police ordered her mother to save a life at the scene. Was her mother forced to save Elliot, did she do it


    willingly?


    No matter what, her mother sacrificed her life in exchange for an opportunity for Elliot to live


    However, as her daughter, Anastasia developed feelings for him, and that made her even more


    distressed


    Once Rey dropped her off at her house, he reminded, ¡°Have a good rest, Miss Tillman.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Rey.¡± After thanking him, Anastasia entered the house and shut the door.


    Rey didn¡¯t leave after that, for he had to protect Anastasia until Elliot came over.


    At the police station, Riley was arrested for kidnapping, whereas Elliot¡¯s bodyguard handed ove all video


    evidence so that he couldn¡¯t escape the punishment.


    At the same time, Elliot also applied for a re-investigation of his kidnapping case back then with Riley as


    the primary suspect. He also called for another investigation into Amelia¡¯s case, the policewoman who


    had died in the same year. Thankfully, the police attached great importance this matter.


    Aftering out of the police station, Elliot rushed to Anastasia¡¯s housing area immediately. He called


    Nigel, told him what happened today, and ordered him to protect Jared well.


    On the other end of the line, Nigel was taken aback by the information. With that, he hurriedly sent


    someone to the kindergarten to pick Jared up. He was going to let Jared stay by his side so that he could


    take care of him for the next few days,


    As she sat on the sofa, Anastasia could feel that the fear of being kidnapped had dissipated, but she felt


    complicated emotions. She stood in Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s shoes; if her only grandson had been


    kidnapped back then, she would also be willing to do anything to save him no matter how crazy it was.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 366

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    Chapter 366


    Therefore, even if Old Madam Presgrave had threatened to crash the stock market in order to save her


    grandson, it waspletely understandable.


    Due to such immense pressure, the police force could only do their best to save the young Elli¨®t After all,


    it was their responsibility to do so.


    If it weren¡¯t for the continuous pressure from their superiors, would Anastasia¡¯s mother still be alive?


    Would Anastasia be able to spend her childhood with a mother without having to lose someone she


    loved dearly?


    It had been a long time since Anastasia missed her mother so much, and her mother had been an


    imaginary figure as far as she could remember. She didn¡¯t even have a single memory of her mother, for


    she had only been one year and eight months old back then,


    Back then, Anastasia wasn¡¯t aware of anything yet. There were only photos of her mother looking at hert


    rly, and that triggered Anastasia¡¯s emotions as tears started rolling down her face. She felt heartbroken.


    She didn¡¯t resent anyone, but she didn¡¯t want to see anyone from the Presgrave Family either, including


    Elliot.


    She thought the only thing she could do was to cut her ties with the Presgrave Family and never involve


    herself in their affairs anymore. Only then could she return justice to her mother.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, and she could guess who it was.


    However, she didn¡¯t want to get up, let alone open the door.


    ¡°Anastasia¡­ It¡¯s me. Can you open the door?¡± It was Elliot¡¯s voice.


    The knocks on the door stopped for a while, but they quickly resumed. It seemed that Elliot was


    determined to see her, or else he wouldn¡¯t leave.


    After wiping off her tears andposing herself, Anastasia washed up and walked toward the door.


    Her gaze wasn¡¯t fixed on Elliot, who was standing outside. Instead, she uttered indifferently, ¡°You should


    go. I don¡¯t want to see you.¡±


    Hearing that, Elliot was flustered. He didn¡¯t know what Riley had told her, but it was definitely something


    that hurt her deeply.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to see me?¡± Elliot inquired hoarsely.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes instantly turned red as she looked up at him, saying, ¡°I just don¡¯t want to see you. Don¡¯t


    come and find me, and don¡¯t try to contact us again. You and your family better stay away from mine.¡±


    Anastasia¡­¡± Just as Elliot wanted to say something, what came in response was a shut door.


    As he stood outside, Elliot was perplexed. Anastasia¡¯s words were like needles piercing his heart,


    making him struggle to breathe. He could sense the hint of resentment in her eyes. What on earth had


    Riley told her? Why did he make her hate the Presgrave Family? In reality, that wasn¡¯t the case.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t hate the Presgrave Family; she just couldn¡¯t ept what the Presgraves did back then


    to save Elliot.


    If the Presgraves hadn¡¯t done that, would her mother still be alive today?


    While closing her eyes, Anastasia realized that Elliot would have been dead at the age of six if her


    mother were still alive today.


    As that thought came into mind, she felt a pain in her chest that suffocated her.


    Anastasia


    greedy, for she wanted Elliot and her mother to both be alive.


    In a while, she was going to bring her son home, draw lines with the Presgrave Family, and live a happy


    life with her son without the involvement of the Presgraves.


    Nigel could hear the determination in her voice through the phone, so he sent Jared back to her house


    before dinnertime.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Jared hopped down from the car and ran toward Anastasia.


    V


    She carried her son and turned to Nigel, who was getting off tht var just then. She said, ¡°Thank you for


    taking care of Jared.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my responsibility. Are you alright?¡± Nigel inquired with concern. Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Why is your eat hurt, Mommy?¡± Jared¡¯s sharp eyes immediately noticed the injury on her ear and cried


    out loud.


    ¡°I just got a minor scratch. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Anastasia reassured her son with a smile.


    However, Nigel knew what she had been through. His gaze wasced with concern as he looked at her.


    ¡°No matter what, Elliot and I will do our best to help you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. You should go now!¡± After saying that, Anastasia held her son¡¯s hand and went home.


    On the way back to their house, they saw two people who looked rather familiar. ¡°Mommy, aren¡¯t they Mr.


    Presgrave¡¯s bodyguards?¡±


    In response, Anastasia denied while saying, ¡°No. They aren¡¯t.¡±


    Though Elliot had already left. his two subordinates were guarding downstairs while Anastasia brought


    Jared back home.


    She wanted to apply for an extended holiday and not return to the office for the time being.


    If they did not approve her request, she would simply resign.

 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367


    Chapter 367


    The next morning, Anastasia applied for time off for her son and called Felicia. When Felicia heard that


    she was going to take three months off, she was shocked.


    ¡°Did you tell President Presgrave about this?¡± Deep down, Felicia felt that it wasn¡¯t in her power to


    approve Anastasia¡¯s leave.


    ¡°You can discuss it with him, but if he doesn¡¯t agree, I will resign from the job.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll ask him,¡± answered Felicia.


    Ten minutester, Felicia returned the call. ¡°President Presgrave has approved your request and will offer


    you three months of paid leave, but I¡¯m going to miss you so much.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Anastasia thought she would miss Felicia a lot too.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep in ti!¡±


    ¡°Sure. Thanks for taking care of me all this while, Felicia,¡± said Anastasia thankfully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I¡¯m aware that the reason President Presgrave acquired QR Group isn¡¯t that he sees the


    growth potential in us; he only did it because of you. Without you, Bourgeois wouldn¡¯t have been so


    lucky.¡± Felicia had seen through everything.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart twitched at that, so she asked Felicia, ¡°Do you know who negotiated with the client I


    went to visit yesterday?¡±


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    It was because her kidnapper seemed to expect her to be there, and it felt like she had stepped into a


    trap.


    Felicia didn¡¯t know about the kidnapping incident, so she didn¡¯t think much about it as she answered,


    ¡°Aliona was the one who negotiated with the client. She was supposed to go and meet them, but the


    client specified that they wanted to see you, so I sent you there instead.¡±


    Aliona?


    Is she anyhow rted to the kidnapping case? Anastasia furrowed her brows and fell into deep thought.


    She couldn¡¯t figure out if Aliona was rted to Riley or the client, but why was the client assigned to


    Aliona first and passed on to her eventually?


    ¡°Thanks, Felicia. Let¡¯s meet again soon.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Felicia replied with a smile.


    After hanging up the phone, Anastasia nced at the time. It was time to prepare lunch for her son.


    However, there was nothing in the fridge, so she turned to Jared. ¡°Jared,e grocery shopping with


    me.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Jared eximed in excitement.


    With that, Anastasia grabbed a parka and put it on him. The weather outside was already at 50 degrees


    Fahrenheit, so she had to make sure that he wouldn¡¯t catch a cold.


    After going downstairs, Anastasia noticed that the bodyguards from yesterday were still standing in the


    same spot. When she left, they followed her.


    Anastasia allowed them to follow her as she and Jared entered a supermarket to get some groceries.


    While Anastasia was picking some vegetables, she heard her son¡¯s excited voice. ¡°Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    As soon as she raised her head, she saw Elliot in a ck trench coat walking toward her among the


    crowd. His tall and straight figure moved in an imposing manner. He crouched down and picked Jared up


    as the little boy rushed toward him.


    Instant made


    Anastasia¡¯s mind turned chaotic. She had thought it through for the past two days and


    er mind to stop seeing him.


    At this moment, however, he messed up all her ns.


    ¡°Mommy, you should buy extra ingredients! Mr. Presgrave will being over for lunch!¡± eximed


    Jared.


    Anastasia felt as if there was something stuck in her throat, but she quickly retorted, ¡°He¡¯s busy. He can¡¯t


    come over for lunch.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, are you really noting over for lunch?¡± Jared asked Elliot.


    Elliot looked at Anastasia, who was picking the vegetables, and asked tentatively, ¡°Are you going to cook


    for me too?¡±


    ¡°Nope!¡± Anastasia uttered without raising her head. She was holding two bags of vegetables as if<pparing them both, but in reality, she couldn¡¯t even focus.


    Her attention wasn¡¯t on the vegetables at all,


    However, her indifferent reply hit Elliot the hard way. With a sullen face, he turned to Jared and said,


    ¡°Your mom is right. I¡¯m busy, so I can¡¯te over to have lunch with you.¡±


    ¡°I really want you toe, though!¡± Jared pouted.


    ¡°I really want toe too!¡± Elliot offered a helpless chuckle.


    Sadly, someone didn¡¯t want him there.


    At that moment, Anastasia¡¯s eyes turned red, so she shifted to another area to pick other ingredients. At


    the same time, she looked far away, intending to stop her tears from flowing:


    Elliot had sharp senses and realized that Anastasia was crying, so he quickly uttered behind her back,


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring Jared home.¡±


    Anastasia didn¡¯t respond. When she turned around, she saw his tall figure carrying her son out of the


    supermarket.

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368


    Chapter 368


    Anastasia took a long time topose her feelings. She ended up buying a lot of groceries so that she


    could stay home with her son for a few days without having to leave the house.


    As she carried a huge bag of groceries out the door, one of the bodyguards came up to her and inquired


    politely, ¡°Miss Tillman, do you need help with that?¡±


    ¡°No, thanks.¡± Anastasia offered a grateful smile. She didn¡¯t have to treat them indifferently, after all.


    After struggling to carry her groceries to the lobby of the housing block, she called Elliot and asked him


    to bring Jared home.


    ¡°Hello?¡± When the call connected, she could hear his deep and raspy voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m beside the lift. Bring Jared over!¡± said Anastasia.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± There was a hint of a plea in his voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± replied Anastasia as she rejected him.


    ¡°No matter what my uncle said to you, one thing that will never change is my love for you. You¡¯re


    important to me, Anastasia.¡± Elliot¡¯s voice was hoarse,


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, now give me back my son,¡± Anastasia ordered bef


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    hanging up the phone.


    If she were to continue the conversation, the decision she had made with much difficulty might copse.


    There was no longer any possibility between them.


    At least, they would never be together in this lifetime.


    Soon, Elliot held Jared¡¯s hand as they made a turn at the small avenue surrounded by trees. The two


    looked identical as if they were father and son.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, can¡¯t you leave after having a meal with us?¡± Jared whined.


    He sounded as if he had asked this question many times before.


    Elliot raised his head and looked at Anastasia pleadingly; it was as if he was silently asking if he could


    come over to her house to have lunch.


    Anastasia looked at her son subconsciously to avoid his gaze. Her tone sounded a little harsh as she


    uttered, ¡°Jared, don¡¯t be rude. Mr. Presgrave is a busy man, so let¡¯s not disturb him.¡±


    Just as Elliot wanted to open his mouth, Anastasia¡¯s re left him stunned ¨Cit was a cold and warning


    gaze.


    Since he was left with no choice, Elliot heaved a sigh and crouched down to fix Jared¡¯s cor while


    coaxing him tenderly, ¡°Your mommy¡¯s right. I¡¯m too busy right now, so I can¡¯te over for


    lunch. Let¡¯s do it next time!¡±


    ¡°When will that be?¡± Jared quickly asked.


    ¡°When I¡¯m not busy.¡±


    ¡°When will you not be busy?¡± Jared¡¯s childish voice felt like a bullet hitting his chest.


    ¡°I¡­¡± When Elliot looked up tentatively at Anastasia, she wore an expressionless face, so he could .. only


    turn to Jared and say, ¡°I might be busy for a long time.¡±


    ¡°Alright. It¡¯s time to go home! Mr. Presgrave has to leave.¡± While holding her son¡¯s hand, Anastasia


    struggled with the heavy grocery bag.


    Just then, an arm stretched out to take her grocery bag. ¡°I¡¯ll carry it up for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Anastasia insisted stubbornly.


    Elliot, on the other hand, was adamant about helping her carry it up. ¡°I¡¯m not that busy until I don¡¯t have ti


    to take you upstairs,¡± he muttered bitterly, not caring if she was willing to let him


    help.


    This time, Anastasia couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with him since she knew that she wouldn¡¯t win. She


    felt as if something was stuck in her throat, making it difficult for her to talk.


    In the elevator, Anastasia had her head hung low. Thankfully, it took a few seconds to reach her floor.


    After opening the door to her house, she uttered to Jared, ¡°Go inside.¡±


    Since he was unwilling to give up, Jared asked one more time, ¡°Mommy, can¡¯t we let Mr. Presgrave


    come in for a while?¡±


    Hearing that, Anastasia scolded strictly, ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, Jared. Mr. Presgrave is busy. Why¡¯ can¡¯t


    you listen to me?¡±


    Jared sensed that his mother was upset and reluctantly entered the house. Just as Anastasia was about


    to enter the house after taking back the grocery bag, Elliot turned to Jared and informed him, ¡°Jared, I


    need to talk to your mom for a second.¡±


    With that, he shut the door. All of a sudden, his stance changed.


    His gaze was burning as he looked at Anastasia.


    ¡°Why are you treating me so coldly?¡± Elliot questioned in a raspy voice. He found it unfair to be ignored.


    They had announced their rtionship to the public as a happy couple just two days ago, but now, he felt


    like she had dumped him and brutally pushed him away.

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369


    Chapter 369


    Throughout his entire life, Elliot had never been treated this way.


    A surge ofplicated feelings crept up Anastasia¡¯s heart as she suddenly dered, ¡°Let¡¯s not meet


    again, Elliot. Let¡¯s forget everything that happened before! From now on, we will be strangers.¡±


    The word ¡®strangers¡¯ hit him right in the heart.


    ¡°Why should we be strangers? I want to marry you and make you my wife. I¡¯ll give you and Jared a


    complete family,¡± Elliot retorted through gritted teeth. His words were unquestionable.


    ¡°Do you want to know what Riley told me? I¡¯ll tell you now. In order to save you back then, your


    grandmother called to threaten the mayor, saying that if they didn¡¯t save her grandson, she would cause


    a nationwide stock market crash and create a financial disaster,¡± exined Anastasia, her eyes turning


    red at the same time.


    She bit her lips and continued, ¡°That was why the mayor requested the police force to save you no


    matter what, even if that meant taking the life of his officers. Just like that, I lost my mother.¡±


    Tears ro. down her cheeks as she spoke. However, she didn¡¯t wipe them off and red at Elliot in


    resentment instead. ¡°My mother wouldn¡¯t have died if she did not go there to save you back then.


    Because of you, I lost her.¡±


    As he watched her cry, Elliot felt like there was a fire burning in his heart. It was also his first time hearing


    that his grandmother had threatened the mayor to do such a thing.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    In order to save him, his grandmother had made such a harsh decision. That exined why his


    grandmother was so determined to make Anastasia her daughter-inw, for she must have lived in


    regret for her whole life.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Watching her tears flow, Elliot could only feel sorry for her. He had no right to say anything


    else, even though he desperately wanted to wrap her in his arms and wipe away her tears.


    However, he had lost the right to do so.


    After taking a deep breath, Anastasia looked up. Her tears had stopped, and her voice sounded calm


    now. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you or your family ever again. Let¡¯s not contact each other anymore.¡±


    All of a sudden, an unbridgeable gully formed between them. No amount of money or feelings could fill it


    up. Perhaps, it would never be able to disappear in this lifetime.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to apologize to you and your family on behalf of mine.¡± Elliot looked at her, his eyes full of hurt.


    As she turned away, Anastasia wiped away her tears and retorted, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just go!¡±


    As if trying to test the waters, Elliot uttered, ¡°If you hate to see me, I promise to never appear in front of


    your eyes again.¡±


    Anastasia epted his test and gave him a firm reply, saying, ¡°You¡¯d better keep your promise


    Her words hit him like a bullet once again.


    ¡°Take care, Anastasia.¡± The look in Elliot¡¯s eyes currently resembled a severely injured animal that was


    suffering


    Just like that, Elliot left as she wished.


    However, Anastasia felt like she had suddenly lost all of her strength. Crouching on the ground, she let


    her tears fall on the ground silently. Her heart was aching so bad that she couldn¡¯t breathe.


    After staying outside for a while, she entered the house. She quickly pretended to be in a good mood


    when she saw her son sitting quietly in front of the TV.


    ¡°Jared, shall I mak


    ied chicken wings for you today?¡±


    ¡°Okay! Has Mr. Presgrave left?¡±


    ¡°Yup. He¡¯s left.¡± After saying that, Anastasia entered the kitchen and started cooking. While chopping the


    ingredients, she identally cut her finger since her mind was distracted.


    Fortunately, she was quick to realize this and only caused a scratch. Shaking her head, she freshened


    herself up so that she could take care of Jared.


    The next morning, Anastasia received a call from her dad saying that he would being over to see


    Jared and have dinner with them.


    When Francis arrived, he brought a lot of toys for Jared. After all, he adored his grandson very much.


    As he sat on the sofa, Francis smiled in contentment. ¡°Jared is finally going to have aplete family.¡±


    Anastasia, who was wiping the table, suddenly halted her actions. After she raised her head, she turned


    to Francis and said, ¡°Dad, I broke up with Elliot.¡±


    ¡°What? Why did you break up with him?¡± Francis couldn¡¯t help feeling shocked.


    ¡°We¡¯re not meant for each other, and I¡¯m not good enough for him.¡± Anastasia made up a random


    excuse.


    Unconvinced, Francis questioned, ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re not good enough for him? Does he look


    down on you because you have a child?¡±

 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370


    Chapter 370


    Anastasia quickly exined, ¡°No, Dad. It has nothing to do with him. He adores Jared, but I don¡¯t like him


    anymore.¡±


    Somehow, she felt bad for Elliot when her father scolded him.


    Francis was once again surprised. ¡°Why do you not like him anymore?¡±


    As she raised her head to look at her father, she wondered how her father felt about losing his wife and


    being forced to live on with his only daughter.


    ¡°Dad, have you ever hated the Presgraves?¡±


    After pondering for a few seconds, he responded, ¡°What¡¯s the use of hating them? Your mother was


    responsible for saving them back then, after all.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it would¡¯ve been possible for Mom to live if she hadn¡¯t been so devoted to her job?¡±


    Anastasia inquired as she sat beside Francis.


    ¡°Why do you ask? Did you break up with Young Master Elliot because you can¡¯t ept the fact that your


    her sacrificed to save him?¡± Francis was now looking at her with a heartbroken expression.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Anastasia nodded.


    ¡°However, I know your mother. If a child was going to be killed in front of her, she would¡¯ve definitely


    gone out of her way to save him.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that she rescued him under pressure? He was the only heir of the Presgrave Family, after


    all.¡± Anastasia looked at her father, knowing that he must not have been aware that Old Madam


    Presgrave had threatened the mayor.


    ¡°The situation was very chaotic and critical at that time. The kidnapper grabbed Young Master Elliot by


    the neck and was about to cut his head off. Who would have the heart to see such a tragedy happen?


    Your mother was the closest to him, so she knocked the killer down with all her might before pulling


    Young Master Elliot into her arms. The kidnapper then stabbed her like a madman. Later on, the others


    rescued Young Master Elliot while the kidnapper was shot dead on the spot. Sadly, your mother passed


    away.¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Anastasia closed her eyes and imagined the scene before her. She began to cry because she was so


    heartbroken.


    ¡°Alright. If you can¡¯t ept it, let¡¯s cut ties with the Presgraves. As long as it doesn¡¯t make you sad,¡±


    Francisforted her. He could understand her feelings.


    After dinner, Francis offered, ¡°Why don¡¯t you work at mypany? I should teach you how to manage


    thepany now.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you want to hand thepany to me, Dad?¡± Anastasia looked at him. After all, he had


    another daughter as well.


    ¡°I can only count on you. Do you think I can put my hopes on Erica?¡± Francis sighed. ¡°She has been


    spoiled and pampered since young, so she only knows how to spend moneyvishly. At least there is


    some hope if I pass thepany to you. I just hope you don¡¯t treat your sister badly in the future.¡±


    All of a sudden, Anastasia felt burdened. She nodded and answered, ¡°Okay. After I send Jared to school


    tomorrow, I¡¯lle by the office.¡±


    She added, ¡°I also have one more thing to tell you; I¡¯ve found the main culprit behind Mom¡¯s death


    already. He¡¯s Riley Presgrave, Elliot¡¯s uncle.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°He was the main culprit behind Elliot¡¯s kidnapping case, and Elliot will re-investigate his charges. If they


    require your cooperation in the future, please cooperate with them so that we can arrest this murderer


    and bring Mom justice as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I will give my full cooperation if needed.¡± Of course, Francis wouldn¡¯t let the murderer go.


    After sending father off, Anastasia¡¯s phone rang. When she nced at the name on the screen, she


    quivered shantly.


    It was Elliot.


    After taking a deep breath, Anastasia picked up the phone. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°The police will summon you tomorrow to make a statement. Does ).


    I have a ce to go?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sending him to school,¡± Anastasia replied.


    ¡°Okay, do you need me to apany you tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Anastasia refused and hung up.


    After sending her son to school early the next morning, Anastasia rushed to the police station with Grace


    to make a statement.


    They exined the whole process of the kidnapping incident. Anastasia¡¯s subsequent experiences were


    also recorded, but she did not mention what Riley had told her.


    When they came out of the police station, they bumped into Elliot.


    Anastasia was aware of when he had arrived, as well as why he was waiting there.


    ¡°Hello, President Presgrave,¡± Grace greeted in surprise.


    ¡°You should head back to thepany first, Grace!¡± Anastasia said to Grace.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be taking my leave, then.¡± Grace didn¡¯t want to interrupt the little couple.

 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371


    Chapter 371


    As soon as Grace left, Anastasia looked at Elliot as the man stood in front of her. Even though she tried


    hard to control her expression, she couldn¡¯t contain the bitterness that spread in her heart.


    Suddenly, Elliot let out a cough, which caused Rey to remind him, ¡°President Presgrave, you forgot to


    take your medicine this morning.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s gaze immediately locked on Elliot. For some reason, after two days of not seeing him, she


    felt that he had lost weight and his face had paled. Did he catch a cold?


    He shook his head. When he looked at her, she quickly turned away, not wanting him to think that she


    was worried.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to make a statement too,¡± uttered Elliot in a low voice.


    ¡°Okay. Go ahead!¡± After saying that, Anastasia turned around and wanted to leave.


    Rey quickly took the opportunity to offer, ¡°Miss Tillman, let me send you off.¡±


    As she walked toward her car, he followed suit and said, ¡°Please be gentle with President Presgrave s


    sick.¡±


    ¡°Anyone can fall sick. Isn¡¯t that normal?¡± Anastasia turned to him.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No, President Presgrave is suffering from a severe cold and a heart problem this time. Ever since he


    returned from saving you that day, he hasn¡¯t slept for two days. He started coughingst night and he


    doesn¡¯t look well either. After a check-up, they discovered a problem with his cardiac regtion,¡±


    exined Rey.


    ,


    As she tightened her grip on the door handle, she uttered, ¡°Tell him to take his medication on time!¡±


    ¡°Sure. Drive safely, Miss Tillman.¡± Rey had mentioned everything that he had to say,


    Once Anastasia left the police station, she drove to her father¡¯spany. Throughout the drive, all she


    could think of was Elliot¡¯s pale face. He¡¯s an adult! How can he forget to take his medication? Even my


    son can remember such an easy task.


    When Anastasia arrived at Tillman Constructions, she entered her father¡¯s office. There were a few key


    personnel in a meeting with him as he instructed her to take a seat and sit in for the meeting.


    She tried her best to understand their conversation. However, she wasn¡¯t familiar with the construction


    industry at all, so she had a hard timeprehending the minutes of their meeting.


    At lunchtime, Alex came. The moment he saw Anastasia, he couldn¡¯t help but feel butterflies in his


    stomach like he usually did.


    Knowing that Anastasia and Elliot would never end up together, Francis eagerly attempted to matchmake


    Alex with his daughter again.


    Alex was a sensitive person, so he was ecstatic when he heard from Francis that he had a chance to


    woo her again!


    Though he didn¡¯t know why Anastasia had broken up with Elliot, it was still an ending that he anticipated!


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯ll let Alex apany you in the afternoon while I meet some friends,¡± said Francis to


    Anastasia


    She nodded in response. After experiencing the event that followed after picking up her sonst time,


    Alex intentionally brought her for a tour of one of the departments. As expected, when Anastasia realized


    it was time to pick her son up from school, they didn¡¯t have time to finish the tour.


    ¡°I should leave to pick Jared up now. Can you send me to his school, Alex?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± eximed Alex.


    Then, he drove her to pick her son up where he silently observed her on the way there. He noticed how


    she looked gloomy throughout the car ride. It was obvious that she was having a rough time er


    rtionship.


    When they arrived at the school, Anastasia rushed out of the car to meet Jared and left her phone in the


    car.


    Two minutes after she left, her phone rang. Alex grabbed her phone and saw Elliot¡¯s name on the


    screen. He picked it up intentionally and said, ¡°Hello, President


    P rave? I¡¯m sorry to inform you that Anastasia¡¯s phone isn¡¯t with her.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Elliot¡¯s voice sounded chilly.


    ¡°I¡¯m Alex Hunter. We¡¯ve met before, President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Where is she?¡± an unhappy Elliot questioned.


    ¡°She¡¯s gone to pick Jared up, and I¡¯m waiting for her at the school gates. Is there something you want to


    tell her? I¡¯ll pass on the message for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±After saying that, Elliot hung up the call.


    Hearing that, Alex smirked. His purpose was to create a false impression that he was close with


    Anastasia so that Elliot would be jealous and disappointed in her,


    Little did he know that this phone call was more than just a disappointment to Elliot.


    Elliot, who was sitting in Rey¡¯s car, suddenly felt suffocated and started coughing violently. Seeing that,


    Rey quickly parked his car by the roadside and opened the backseat door while asking, ¡°President


    Presgrave, are you alright?¡±

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372


    Chapter 372


    Elliot grabbed his cor, closed his eyes, and gasped, ¡°It hurts!¡±


    ¡°Should I take you to the hospital?¡± Rey was so anxious upon seeing Elliot. It was his first time seeing


    Elliot so weak, after all.


    ¡°Send me to Anastasia¡¯s house.¡± Doctors and their prescriptions couldn¡¯t cure Elliot. In fact, Anastasia


    was the only one who could heal him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold on anymore. You should go to the hospital this time,¡± Rey urged anxiously.


    ¡°I am well aware of my own body.¡± Elliot shut his eyes and ordered, ¡°Send me there.¡±


    Is Alex nning to have a meal or visit Anastasia¡¯s house by sending her and Jared back home? Or is


    he trying to take the opportunity to take advantage of Anastasia?


    He was a man, so he knew what other men thought. Moreover, he had been someone like that in the


    past


    Therefore, he had to drive Alex away, even if that meant being despised and resented by Anastasia.


    Since he was unable to persuade him, Rey could only start the car and silently hope that Anastasia


    wouldn¡¯t do something to provoke Elliot anymore.


    After Anastasia entered the car with Jared, Alex asked, ¡°Miss Tillman, should I send you home or pick up


    your car at the office?¡±


    ¡°Just send us home!¡± Since the next day was a weekend, Anastasia figured that she didn¡¯t need the car,


    and she didn¡¯t want to go back and forth with Jared.


    Hearing that, Alex was delighted. He quickly thought about excuses to be invited into her house.


    ¡°By the way, you left your phone in the car just now. President Presgrave gave you a call.¡± Alex


    pretended to be reminded of the call.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Anastasia inquired with a frown.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything in detail. Perhaps it was me who answered the call, so he didn¡¯t sound happy. He


    just hung up the call,¡± Alex deliberately described Elliot as a cold person.


    Anastasia knew Elliot well, and it did seem like something he would do. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    When they arrived at Anastasia¡¯s housing area, Alex suddenly asked urgently, ¡°Miss Tillman, may I use


    your washroom? It¡¯s a little urgent.¡±


    Of course, Anastasia felt bad to reject him, so she nodded. ¡°Sure. Come on, then!¡±


    ¡°Jared, is your bag heavy? Should I help you carry it?¡± Alex quickly tried to befriend Jared, wanting to win


    him over.


    In response, Jared shook his little head and answered, ¡°Nope. I can carry it myself¡±


    Though Jared was young, he could tell that Alex was trying to win over his mom¡¯s heart. It wasn¡¯t that he


    disliked Alex, but there was only one person who was qualified to be his future dad, and that person was


    Elliot.


    ¡°You¡¯re a good boy, Jared,¡± praised Alex.


    Just then, Anastasia halted in her steps. When she and Alex entered the premises, they saw two figures


    sitting on the bench-Elliot and Rey.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave!¡± Jared immediately struggled to get out of Anastasia¡¯s grip as he ran toward Elliot.


    At the same time, Alex¡¯s expression turned rigid. He didn¡¯t expect to see Elliot here.


    ¡°Jared, I can¡¯t carry you right now because I¡¯m sick,¡± said Elliot.


    ¡°Are you sick?


    Iyou take your medicine?¡± Jared asked with concern.


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯ve taken them.¡±


    Rey, who was standing beside Elliot, leaned down and asked Jared, ¡°Shall I bring you to the yground,


    Jared? Let¡¯s give your mom and Mr. Presgrave some time to talk.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Jared wondered, Since Mr. Presgrave is here, Mr. Hunter will probably leave!


    ¡°Okay, sure!¡± Jared nodded. He wanted to create opportunities for his mom and Mr. Presgrave.


    Seeing that Rey had brought her son away, Anastasia turned to Alex. ¡°Mr. Hunter, let¡¯s go to my ce!¡±


    Elliot instantly furrowed his sharp brows upon hearing that. It turned out that this woman was! bringing


    another man home!


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Miss Tillman.¡± Alex suddenly became a coward as he didn¡¯t want to offend Elliot.


    Anastasia knew that he had an urgent dder. Moreover, he was just intimidated by Elliot, so she


    grabbed his hand and pulled him along while reassuring him, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be scared toe over


    to my ce.¡±


    Alex¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but there was no doubt that Anastasia¡¯s action had made his heart flutier. He


    nodded and apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡±

 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373


    Chapter 373


    Instantly. Elliot pulled a long face as jealousy took over him. Was Anastasia ying a game of push and


    pull with Alex right now?


    ¡°Stop right there, Anastasia.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s voice, which wasced with anger, sounded behind Anastasia.


    When she turned around, Elliot had an awful look on his face. ¡°May I help you, President Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Hunter, I need to have a private talk with her. Can you leave us alone?¡± Elliot didn¡¯t even bother


    looking at Alex. He merely stared at Anastasia, but underneath every word contained a warning.


    Seeing that, Alex quickly smiled and replied, ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll take my leave, then.¡±


    After saying that, he furrowed his brows intentionally to show that he was holding his dder.


    asia saw him suffering, she insisted, ¡°Don¡¯t bother with him, Mr. Hunter. Come on!¡±


    Just like that, Alex followed Anastasia to her house.


    When Elliot¡¯s attempt to stop them was ignored, he could only stand by and watch as his beloved woman


    brought another man into her house.


    A sudden wave of emotions pierced his heart like sharp needle


    He couldn¡¯t stop his violent coughing, and due to the pain in his chest, his straight figure was now bent.


    After walking several feet away, Anastasia could vaguely hear someone coughing behind her, so she


    turned to check.


    All she saw was Elliot crouching on the ground.


    The next moment, she was already rushing to him.


    ¡°Elliot! Elliot! What¡¯s wrong?¡± Anastasia bent over to support his arm. ¡°Where does it hurt?¡±


    The heart-wrenching pain in Elliot¡¯s chest was relieved a little by her presence. When he raised his head,


    she could see that his face had turned pale, and his eyes had lost focus. He even lost his usual wise and


    sharp appearance. Elliot seemed so weak that he was about to copse at any time.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you leave me alone here? Why did youe back?¡± Elliot grunted coldly as he pushed her aside


    and got up from the floor.


    It pained Anastasia¡¯s heart to watch him suffer. Subconsciously, she tried to support him and suggested,


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask Rey to send you to the hospital.¡±


    With that said, she fished out her phone.


    Elliot turned his head away like a sulky child. ¡°I¡¯m not going to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Stop making a fuss. Even if you want to be dead, don¡¯t do it in front of me.¡± While fishing out her phone,


    Anastasia made a merciless remark.


    Her words instantly caused Elliot to gasp for air. ¡°Are you trying to piss me off alive?¡±


    Anastasia quickly shut her mouth. Just then, Alex arrived at the scene. ¡°Are you alright, President


    Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± Elliot¡¯s cold gaze swept across him.


    This time, Anastasia was a little upset with his attitude. Why was he being so rude to someone who was


    just concerned about him?


    ¡°Sorry, Mr. Hunter. If you turn left from here, there¡¯s a mart.¡± Anastasia could only apologize to Alex since


    she couldn¡¯t leave a sick man behind.


    ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll see you on Monday.¡± Alex smiled before turning to leave.


    Once he left, Anastasia tried to call Rey again, but Elliot snatched her phone away. ¡°I said I don¡¯t need to


    go to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°In that cas, here do you want to go?¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t know what to do about him anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just take a rest at your house.¡± After saying that, Elliot grabbed her phone and headed toward the


    elevator.


    When Anastasia returned to her senses, she realized that she was once again entangled with him


    though she didn¡¯t want to see him anymore.


    In the elevator, Anastasia stared at Elliot. It was obvious that Elliot was thinner now, and hisplexion


    was a little pale. Under his sunken eyes were patches of dark circles, and even his stubble could be


    seen; it was as if he hadn¡¯t been taking care of his imagetely.


    After opening the door, she went to pour a ss of water for him.


    Elliot sat on the sofa in a bad mood. Whenever he thought about Anastasia wanting to bring Alex into her


    house, he couldn¡¯t help but feel his chest tighten.


    ¡°Why did Alex say he¡¯ll see you on Monday? Are you guys dating?¡± Elliot held the ss in his hand and


    questioned.


    After sparing him a nce, Anastasia replied, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to work at my father¡¯spany.¡±


    Hearing that, Elliot choked on his water and started coughing violently. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Anastasia asked


    in a hurry.


    ¡°Are you going to work in your father¡¯spany, or do you just want to see Alex every day! When the


    question came out of his mouth, Elliot looked exactly like a jealous boyfriend.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374


    Chapter 374


    Anastasia frowned. ¡°Of course. I see and talk to Mr. Hunter every day at work, so what¡¯s the issue?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that this man has ulterior motives toward you?¡± Elliot was so angered that he clenched


    his fists tightly.


    ¡°Elliot, just mind your own business. Moreover, don¡¯t you also have ulterior motives toward me?¡±


    Anastasia thought this man was meddling too much, and it was no wonder that he got so furious.


    Elliot fell silent.


    ¡°You¡¯re allowed to pursue me, but when other men try to court me, they¡¯re automatically criminals?¡±


    Anastasia reproached again. She had never seen a man so selfish as him.


    ¡°I¡¯m pursuing you so that I can give you and Jared a home. Other men just want your money and body. I


    don¡¯t believe that Alex doesn¡¯t intend on taking over your dad¡¯spany.¡± Elliot was straightforward.


    Now, it was Anastasia¡¯s turn to be silent. Even if Alex had such thoughts, her father needed him right


    now. Also, this had always been a matter of exchanging benefits, so this was no way to measure Alex¡¯s


    character!


    ¡°Well, just take care of your health!¡± Anastasia said. Then, she sat on another couch and stared at him.


    ¡°Leave after you¡¯ve finished your water.¡±


    Seeing that she was chasing him out, Elliot frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll be having dinner at your ce tonight.¡±


    was


    WI


    ¡°You can¡¯t. We don¡¯t owe each other anything, and we shall not / her each other,¡± Anastasia declined.


    ¡°In that case, you should¡¯ve just left me downstairs to die just now. Why would you care about me?¡± Elliot


    asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yeah, I won¡¯t care about you next time.¡± Anastasia wasn¡¯t the least bit kind.


    ¡°Anastasia, would you be d to hear about my passing if I die one day?¡± Elliot suddenly stared at her


    with a serious look as he spoke dejectedly.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart shuddered, for this man sounded like he was cursing himself.


    In a panic, Anastasia blurted out, ¡°Don¡¯t say such nonsense, Elliot. How would I be happy if you died?


    My mom sacrificed her life to save you, so you should treasure your own life more.¡±


    Even though her words weren¡¯t entirely sincere, Elliot could still feel her concern.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try my best to live as long as I can,¡± Elliot replied in all seriousness.


    Anastasia grabbed her phone and looked at the time. It was almost 6.30PM, but this man was still


    hanging around


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, and I should start preparing dinner for Jared now. You can leave with Rey.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving,¡± Elliot insisted.


    ¡°You can starve, then. I¡¯m not making meals for you,¡± Anastasia threatened.


    ¡°Sure, no problem. I¡¯ll just stay here.¡± Elliot narrowed his eyes.


    Anastasia got up and made her way to the kitchen. When she prepared the ingredients, she


    compromised in the end and included his portion as well.


    As For Rey, he definitely wouldn¡¯t stay behind for dinner.


    Soon, Rey brought the little guy home. When the child saw Elliot at home, he was overjoyed.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, are you having dinner at my home?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Awesome!¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, I¡¯ll get the medicine for you. Remember to take your pillster.¡± With that, Rey


    opened ¡® ¨C door and left.


    After Rey delivered the medicine, he walked over to the kitchen on purpose and said to Anastasia, ¡°Miss


    Tillman, please make sure President Presgrave takes his medicine!¡±


    Anastasia turned around, stunned, but Rey had already left.


    OU


    man need her supervision


    Anastasia peered through the ss at the man on the couch. Did just to take medicine?


    Meanwhile, the man on the couch stared at the figure bustling about in the kitchen. He was the least bit


    worried about not getting dinner tonight.


    After all, he knew that she wasn¡¯t so heartless.


    In the kitchen, Anastasia sighed in exasperation. She knew that she didn¡¯t want to see him again, but


    why couldn¡¯t she steel herself enough to chase him away every time he appeared?


    After dinner was ready and the dishes were spread on the table, Anastasia looked toward the man on


    the couch. ¡°Should you take your medicine before or after meals?¡±


    ¡°After,¡± the man replied.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you have to take your medicine on time so that you can recover quickly,¡± Jared said in


    concern.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Elliot smiled as he spoke.


    At the table, Jared put some food on Elliot¡¯s te like a good child. Elliot gazed gently at the kid as if


    Jared were his own son.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375


    Chapter 375


    Anastasia looked up and caught his gaze before lowering her head in panic. The nicer he was to her


    son, the more powerless she was to reject him.


    After dinner, Anastasia poured out a ss of water for him and took the opportunity to thank . Elliot.


    ¡°Thank you for hiring thewyer.¡±


    Her kidnapping case this time had involved the help of hiswyer.


    ¡°The police are gathering evidence; as soon as they can be convicted, I won¡¯t go easy on them.¡± There


    was a cold gleam in Elliot¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°If you want to investigate your kidnapping case years ago, and if you need my dad¡¯s help, you can just


    call him to ask. He¡¯ll cooperate.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Elliot nodded.


    ¡°Here, take your medicine!¡± Anastasia urged.


    Elliot opened t¡¯ stic bag. There were a few bottles inside, and when he counted the pills, he had to


    take arou. Jeight of them in one go.


    Anastasia was stunned. Why did he have so many pills to take?


    ¡°Is this prescription from a reputable doctor?¡± Anastasia frowned as she asked, worried that he had gone


    to the wrong doctor.


    Elliot felt warmth in his heart, for her momentary concern did not escape his notice. He shook the pills


    onto his palm and swallowed them in one go.


    Time ticked by, and after Anastasia bathed her son, she emerged to see the man already asleep on the


    couch.


    He sat on the extended side of the couch, his head on the back of the couch as he closed his eyes and


    slept soundly.


    ¡°Shh, please keep quiet, Mommy. Don¡¯t disturb Mr. Presgrave in his sleep.¡± The little guy immediately put


    a finger to his lips as he spoke.


    Anastasia thought that it was quitete already, and he simply had to be woken up so that Rey could


    take him hometer.


    ¡°You can go back to your room and sleep first,¡± Anastasia whispered.


    The little guy went to bed as he was told. Then, Anastasia walked up to Elliot. The man was in a deep


    sleep, for he would usually sense if she went near him. Now, he slept as if he had lost all consciousness.


    Could it be that his medicine was putting him to sleep?


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but make a call to Rey.


    ¡°Mr. Osborne, President Presgrave has fallen asleep in my house. Pleasee and fetch him!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Miss Tillman; I have some matters to attend to, so I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°In that case, do you have his bodyguards¡¯ contact numbers? Can you get them to pick him up?¡±


    ¡°Miss Tillman, since it¡¯s a rare asion for President Presgrave to fall asleep so soundly, why don¡¯t you


    let him rest at your ce for the night?¡±


    Anastasia was speechless.


    ¡°For the past two days, President Presgrave has been having problems with his sleep, and it has been


    affecting his recovery too. Sorry to trouble you.¡±


    Remembering that Elliot didn¡¯t seem too high in spirits, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but soften. ¡°Alright!¡±


    She would have to share the room with her son tonight.


    After endin e call with Rey, Anastasia looked at the man sleeping on the couch. She thought that he


    should move to the bedroom since it was quite chilly outside, and his cold would definitely get worse.


    ¡°Elliot, go sleep in the room!¡± Anastasia walked over and patted his shoulder gently.


    However, Elliot didn¡¯t seem to hear her. Anastasia stared at his hand me face and resorted to harsher


    means instead. Thus, she patted his face. ¡°Elliot, go sleep on y bed.¡±


    The face-patting was very effective. Elliot lifted his thick eyshes and looked at her with bleary eyes. ¡°I


    can stay for the night?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s quitete already, and Mr. Osborne doesn¡¯t have time to fetch you,¡± Anastasia said in


    exasperation.


    A grinning look shed across Elliot¡¯s eyes. As expected of his trusty assistant, Rey knew him best.


    While Elliot sat on the bed, Anastasia brought half a bucket of water to him so that he could soak his feetProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    in warm water for a bit. If he didn¡¯t soak his feet in this weather, it would be too cold for him to bear.


    Elliot cooperated and took a warm foot bath. Then, he put his head on her pillow as hey on her soft


    bed. Every breath he took was filled with a fragrance unique to her. Then, he went back into a deep


    slumber.


    After helping Elliot settle in, Anastasia took a bath and slept next to her son. The little guy¡¯s rosy cheeks


    squished against her chest, and she couldn¡¯t help but lower her head and nt kisses on his head.


    Anastasia was exhausted as well, and she soon fell asleep.


    Meanwhile, Hayley had just survived a near-death experience in Hond. All her surgeries were


    completed, and the doctor said they were a huge sess.


    Hayley could hardly wait to return home. She had essentially switched out her entire head; her slightly


    squarish face was now oval, and she had also undergone epicanthosty so that her double eyelids


    looked just like Anastasia¡¯s.

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    Chapter 376


    As Hayleyy on the bed, her mind was being tortured with every passing second. She imagined how


    Anastasia was probably inseparable from Elliot right now, and perhaps by the time she rushed back, an


    engagement would already be in the talks.


    Hayley counted down the days as she suffered terribly.


    Back at home, there had been multiple ownership changes at Abyss Club, and tonight, Rey asked for a


    meeting with its current owner. When the owner heard that he would be paid two million in exchange for


    the CCTV recordings from five years ago, he was stunned. ¡°The recordings from five years back have


    disappeared a long time ago, though.¡±


    ¡°Why is that so?¡± Rey asked.


    ¡°Just a few months ago, there was a fire at my storehouse, and suddenly all the data stored in the server


    room were burned to ashes,¡± said the owner. He was also perplexed as he continued, ¡°It seemed like


    some sort of circuit problem.¡±


    ¡°Have you reported it to the police?¡±


    ¡°The firemen did ne over to put out the fire. I didn¡¯t lose much except for those data, so if you¡¯re looking


    for recordings from five years ago, they¡¯re definitely gone.¡±


    Suspicion shed across the depths of Rey¡¯s eyes. There were too many coincidences; why was the


    server room the only ce to catch fire?


    itely knew nothing


    It hadn¡¯t been too long since this new owner took over the ce, so he about the incidents that


    happened five years ago.


    Then, Rey found the manager and gave her a hundred thousand, asking her to make a list of all, the


    veteran employees who had worked at the club for more than five years.


    The manager soon found more than ten people who matched the requirements, but she had only worked


    here for three years, so when Rey asked her about the server room, the manager immediately said, ¡°We


    rarely go there, and the security team is in charge of guarding it.¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    The manager circled a few names. ¡°These are the security guards who have worked here the longest. All


    of them have been working here for more than five years.¡±


    Rey also got a list of the employees who quit after the fire. The manager saw that he was handsome and


    generous with money, so she gave him all the information he needed.


    In the end, Rey locked onto a target-it was a security guard who had quit after the fire.


    He quit only three days after the fire happened, so Rey suspected that someone had bribed him to set


    the ce on fire before he quit his job. Hence, Rey believed that he¡¯d be able to get some information


    from the guard.


    This involved Anastasia¡¯s incident from five years ago. Rey was the only person Elliot sent to investigate


    this in secret, and even his bodyguards were kept out of this investigation.


    W


    )


    Back at the Tillman Residence, Erica was so excited that she couldn¡¯t sleep since she had been


    spending money for the past two days. In fact, she had nearly used up all of the one million Elliot had


    given her.


    She never thought that the information on Anastasia would be so valuable and that she could get a


    million just by saying a few sentences about that woman.


    However, she had no idea how important those few sentences were to Elliot.


    Erica¡¯s thoughts went to one important task; she had to hold a discussion with Hayley so that they would


    tell the same story! If Elliot interrogated Hayley about it someday, and Hayley¡¯s version of the story was


    different from hers, Elliot would find out that she lied.


    Erica feared the consequences, so she hastily picked up her phone. Disregarding the fact that it was


    already way past midnight, she sent Hayley a message that read, ¡®Hayley, are you there?¡¯


    ¡®Yes, I am!¡¯ Unexpectedly, Hayley¡¯s reply came quickly.


    ¡®Let¡¯s video call.


    ¡®I can¡¯t do that at the moment, so let¡¯s just have a voice call. Hayley declined the invitation.


    After the call went through, Erica blurted out the news about Elliot asking her for information. However,


    she decided to keep the one million a secret.


    ¡°What? You told him it was at the Abyss Club?¡± Hayley was obviously furious on the other end of the line.


    ¡°He wanted me to tell the truth, so what else could I do? I can¡¯t offend him, you know!¡± Erica said


    helplessly.


    ¡°If he finds out that we¡¯re behind all this, we¡¯ll be done for. If he knows that we plotted against Anastasia


    together, do you think he¡¯ll let us off the hook?¡± Hayley shouted in anger.


    ¡°Even if he doesn¡¯t investigate the matter, Anastasia might tell him that we were the ones who did it!¡±


    Erica said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that Anastasia has a son with that host. If news of this gets out, it would put her son at a


    disadvantage, so she would never tell Elliot the truth. Why else do you think we managed to stay safe


    until today?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Erica was instantly ted. ¡°This means that Anastasia will keep this a secret forever,


    then! We¡¯ll be alright!¡±


    ¡°Elliot went to you for information exactly because Anastasia refused to say anything about it. Now that


    you¡¯ve mentioned the Abyss Club, he will definitely start investigating that ce. Erica, can you not


    cause so much trouble for both of us?¡± Hayley said angrily.

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    Chapter 377


    ¡°Fine! I won¡¯t say anything in the future. Also, Hayley, where have you been these days?¡±


    ¡°Something came up, so I went overseas for a vacation. Anyway, if Elliot asks you anything next time,


    don¡¯t tell him more than is necessary. Also, try your best to pull him away from Anastasia. If not, when


    Anastasia bes Mrs. Presgrave, we¡¯ll both be in trouble.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying! Now, Anastasia is flirting with Elliot every day, seducing him with every tactic she knows. I¡¯m


    helpless here, so pleasee back soon, Hayley! We can fight against her together.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll only be returning after three months. Just try to hold her off, and if Elliot visits you again, don¡¯t be an


    idiot and start talking about that night. You mustn¡¯t say a word,¡± Hayley warned.


    Erica was beginning to fear the consequences. She hastily said, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t say a word next time.¡±


    After ending the call with Erica, Hayleyy on the bed with a gleeful look in the depths of her swollen


    eyes. Fortunately, she was able to predict Elliot¡¯s next move, and she had already bribed someone at the


    Abyss Club to burn down the server room inside the storehouse.


    No matter how powerful Elliot may be, he couldn¡¯t possibly recover lost data. After all, those were the


    only data that remained.


    Moreover, five years was a long time. No one could possibly remember what happened five years ago.


    However, Hayley was still on edge. The security guard I bribed should¡¯ve resigned by now!


    Meanwhile, Rey left the club and immediately went to a certain security guard¡¯s home. The


    rundown house looked especially dim under the streetlight.


    Rey wanted to figure out if the security guard truly lived here, so he decided to keep watch outside until


    the next morning.


    Usually, people of his age would go out in the morning to get groceries and breakfast.


    Rey was about to nap for a bit when a scooter suddenly passed by him. The scooter pulled up in front of


    him, and when Rey opened his eyes, he saw a familiar face. It was the security guard he was looking for,


    Scott Parker.


    It was currently 2.00AM, and Scott had obviously drunk some alcohol, for his footsteps were unstable. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Preliminary investigations told Rey that there were no CCTVs in this area. He immediately opened the


    car door and walked out, calling to the man, ¡°Hey, Scott Parker.¡±


    ¡°W-Who are you?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Bob from the Abyss Club! Thepany has sent out some gifts, soe and get yours. It¡¯s in my


    car.¡±


    c.


    Scott was a greedy man, so when he heard there were gifts to be distributed, he immediately went over


    to the car. What gifts will I be getting?


    Rey instantly pushed Scott into the car. Then, he grabbed a long, sharp tool before holding it against the


    latter¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Why did you burn the server room at Abyss Club, Scott? Who ordered you to do that?¡±


    Scott was a little drunk, so he thought that the sharp object against his waist was a knife. He immediately


    froze in terror. ¡°Who are you?!¡±


    ¡°Answer the question. Did you burn the server room on purpose?¡±


    Scott felt the knife being pressed closer to his waist, so he told the truth right away. ¡°Please span me! I


    didn¡¯t do it because I wanted to. Someone gave me 100,000 to burn it!¡±


    Rey didn¡¯t expect to get an answer from him so quickly. He asked again, ¡°Who bribed you?¡±


    ¡°A woman. She was wearing a mask and sunsses when she talked to me. I only know she¡¯s a woman,


    and quite a young one at that. I¡¯ve used up all the money, so I can¡¯t give you anything even if you take


    me to the police station.¡± Scott thought that Rey had been sent by the Abyss Cl to ask forpensation.


    of the car. I¡¯m not here to give


    Rey suddenly let go of him, opened the door, and said, ¡°Get o you trouble.¡±


    With that, he took out a wad of cash from his car. ¡°Tell me, how did that woman find you?¡±


    Seeing that there was money he could get, Scott reached out to take it, but Rey waved the mone out of


    the way. ¡°Answer my question before you take the money.¡±


    ¡°I first received a call from a woman. She asked me where the CCTV recordings from the club were


    stored, so I told her that we stored the data in the server room. She then asked me if I was willing to do


    something, and she would pay me 100,000 for it.¡±


    Scott continued a little guiltily, ¡°Since I needed money, I agreed to it. After everything was done the


    woman came to me with the cash. She also took my phone and deleted her number from it.


    Rey frowned. Did the woman burn the server room because it had something to do with Anastasia¡¯s


    assault incident from five years ago? Or was it someone else who hadmitted a crime and wanted to


    erase the evidence?

 Chapter 378

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    Chapter 378


    Further interrogations with Scott yielded nothing more. Rey gave him 200, for he didn¡¯t deserve more


    than this.


    Early the next day, Anastasia was still dazed with sleep when she heard her son talking to the . man.


    She immediately threw the nket off of her and walked out to the hall. Elliot was fiddling with a Rubik¡¯s


    cube together with Jared on the couch.


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave has bought breakfast. Go and grab a bite!¡± The little guy said to her.


    Anastasia noticed the breakfast on the table. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wash up before eating.¡±


    Elliot had to leave after breakfast since he had something to do, and Rey arrived to pick him up. As they


    stood at the door, Elliot said in a low voice, ¡°Call me if anything happens.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Osborne, take good care of him, and don¡¯t send him to my house for no reason again.¡± Anastasia


    ignored Elliot as she spoke to Rey.


    The man was speechless.


    Can¡¯t she be a little bit more considerate of my feelings?


    ¡°Miss Tillman, after spending the night at your ce, President Presgrave seems to be in higher spirits


    now.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, just don¡¯t bother me anymore.¡± With that, Anastasia closr ¡®the door while she avoided looking at


    the man.


    Elliot and Rey went back to the car before thetter proceeded to report onst night¡¯s investigation.


    After hearing this, Elliot frowned. ¡°Why is it so coincidental?¡±


    ¡°My thoughts exactly. Is the fire at the server room rted to Miss Tillman¡¯s incident from five years


    ago?¡±


    ¡°Do you have any other ways?¡±


    ¡°I have an idea. The woman deleted records of the call on Scott¡¯s phone, but the telmunications


    company might have records on their end. I¡¯ll keep talking to Scott, and I¡¯ll continue investigations after


    finding out the woman¡¯s number.¡± Rey nodded.


    Elliot approved of the idea. ¡°Take me back to the Presgrave Residence.¡± ||


    It was time he met his grandmother and asked her about the incident. If his grandmother had really


    threatened the mayor to save him, then the debt that the Presgraves owed the Tillmans couldn¡¯t be


    compensated in terms of money or rtionships.


    At the Presgrave Residence, Harriet wore a dark red coat as she sat on an antique chair. The shrewd


    and wise look in her eyes was the same as it had been many years ago.


    Elliot told Harriet about the incident where Riley had kidnapped Anastasia, and Harriet responded in


    stunned shock and anger. ¡°How dare he do something like that?!¡±


    ¡°Grandma, he¡¯s the one behind my kidnapping all those years ago.¡± Elliot was very sure that it was him.


    ¡°I suspected him as well, but I couldn¡¯t find any evidence. The two criminals were killed right on the spot.¡±


    Harriet said in hatred. ¡°Chasing him out of the family was too light a punishment.¡±


    ¡°Grandma, there¡¯s something else. I apologize for being rude, but I want to ask you something. Back


    when I was kidnapped, did you personally phone the mayor?¡±


    Harriet was stunned. ¡°How do you know that?¡±


    ¡°Did you threaten the mayor by saying that you¡¯d cause a storm in the stock market if I wasn¡¯t saved?¡±


    Elliot tried to sound as controlled and gentle as he could, not daring to let the slightest bit of suspicion


    show in his voice.


    Everything Harriet did to save him was done out of love and protection, after all.


    Harriet looked at him sharply. ¡°Elliot, are you trying to say something? Tell me, what exactly happened?¡±


    Elliot intended to hide Anastasia¡¯s involvement. ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m just curious.¡±


    ¡°I did phone the mayor at that time, and I was really scared to lose you.¡±


    ¡°Did you threaten him?¡±


    ¡°How could that be considered a threat? I just hoped that he would call the police and do everything in


    his power to save you. However, the stock market that year was unstable, and the stock market was


    crashing. The mayor hoped that I would retrieve my other funds to save the country¡¯s stock market, but


    since you were kidnapped, I couldn¡¯t be worried about stocks. The mayor promised me that he would


    save you, and he wanted me to use Presgrave Group¡¯s power to save the stock market as well. It wasProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    indeed a year of disaster!¡±


    Elliot was stunned. It turned out that Harriet didn¡¯t threaten the mayor herself, Instead, the mayor had


    promised Harriet to do everything in his power to save Elliot so that the stock market could be saved.


    Riley was indeed a cunning and vicious man, for he twisted the truth in front of Anastasia.


    He led Anastasia to think that Harriet had caused the stock market crash, forcing the mayor to send


    orders to the police to save Elliot.

 Chapter 379

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    Chapter 379


    ¡°Grandma I won¡¯t forgive Riley so easily. I¡¯ll make him pay a steep price for what he¡¯s done.¡± Elliot


    clenched his fists. After all, he was also the murderer who killed Anastasia¡¯s mother


    ¡°Elliot, your parents died because of him too. Don¡¯t hold back and be sure to make him pav!¡±. There was


    an apparent hatred in Harriet¡¯s eyes. She also hated her husband for fathering this illegitimate son, who


    almost drove the descendants of the Presgraves to ruin.


    Elliot stood on the balcony on the third floor of the Presgrave Residence. He had more or less pieced


    together the incident that happened so long ago. Still, it didn¡¯t change anything.


    Anastasia¡¯s mother had died because of him, and this was the unchangeable truth.


    He picked up his phone and got close to dialing Anastasia¡¯s number a few times. In the end, he finally


    took a deep breath and dialed it firmly.


    If there was anything in his life he would risk everything to fight for, it was this woman.


    It didn¡¯t matter if she hated him, for he would still love her no matter what.


    After lunch, Anastasia spent time with her son. Her son was in her arms as they watched cartoons on the


    couch. Just then, her phone rang.


    She lifted the phone to look at the screen, realizing it was a call from Elliot. As such, she went to her


    room to answer the call.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Her voice was calm and nonchnt.


    ¡°Anastasia, I¡¯ve asked my grandma about it. Riley wasn¡¯t telling the truth. My grandma did call the mayor,


    but she never threatened him with the stock market crash. The stock market was already , crashing by


    then, and the mayor needed my grandma to save the stock market. Coincidentally, I was kidnapped on


    the very same day. My grandma was very anxious at the time and couldn¡¯t focus on saving the stock


    market, so the mayor promised her that he would rescue me¡­ Still, I know saying all this won¡¯t change


    anything.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s voice was especially dim with guilt and remorse.


    ¡°Alright, I believe you, and I believe your grandma didn¡¯t do it,¡± Anastasia said. ¡°However, I don¡¯t want to


    get involved with the Presgraves from now on. Just leave me alone.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to see me to that extent?¡± The man sounded a little pitiful.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°What if I want to see you?¡±


    ¡°You can just bear with it or forget about me,¡± Anastasia said rather cruelly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t bear with it, nor can I forget about you.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, don¡¯t do this to me. Why can¡¯t you see things from my perspective and be more


    considerate of me? If you truly love me, then you should respect my decision.¡±


    ¡°Do you not want to see me for now, or forever?¡± Elliot couldn¡¯t help but probe further.


    The question seemed to have struck a chord deep within Anastasia¡¯s soul.


    ¡°There is no future between us, and I will forget about you.¡± With that, Anastasia hung up.


    She didn¡¯t know when her tears began pooling in her eyes.


    As he stood on the balcony at the Presgrave Residence, Elliot¡¯s heart was a mess.


    His emotions were heavy like never before. If he failed while doing business, he would still have another


    chance to try again. He had the confidence to seed in most things, but convincing Anastasia to stay


    was more difficult than any problem he had faced before.


    Nheless, hoew that he was willing to wait, even if he had to spend his whole life waiting.


    He would spend his entire life repaying everything he owed her in his own way.


    The weekend flew by, and Anastasia was called to the police station on Monday to make a statement.


    After that, she arrived at her father¡¯spany at around 10.00AM.


    As soon as she arrived at the office, she saw a face she didn¡¯t want to see-Erica¡¯s.


    Erica crossed her arms and looked at Anastasia gleefully. ¡°Dad mentioned that you¡¯re working at his


    company now. Sorry, I¡¯m working here as well.¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s stopping you.¡± Anastasia just hoped that Erica wouldn¡¯t cause trouble for their father.


    ¡°I see that I¡¯m not wee here! In that case, I¡¯lle here as often as I can. From now on, I will own


    the same things you own. I won¡¯t allow Dad to be biased anymore.¡± Erica snorted as she spoke.


    Francis was away at the time, and he still hadn¡¯t returned. Just then, Alex opened the door and walked in


    to see both women in the office. He was stunned for a moment. Not daring to offend either side, he


    greeted, ¡°Miss Anastasia, Miss Erica.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by greeting me only after her? Am I inferior in your eyes?¡± Erica instantly flew into a


    rage.


    in truth, Alex was extremely disgusted by Erica. To him, she was no more than garbage.

 Chapter 380

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    Chapter 380


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. Since you¡¯re both Mr. Tillman¡¯s daughters, that naturally puts the two of you


    on an equal footing,¡± Alex immediately exined himself.


    ¡°Where is my father, Mr. Hunter?¡±


    ¡°He is currently meeting up with a client.¡±


    ¡°Keep me in the loop about everything regarding thepany, Mr. Hunter. I wish to be involved in my


    father¡¯s business,¡± Erica ordered the man.


    Although he was disgusted by thedy deep down, Alex forced himself to react with a smile and nodded.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯d like to get going.¡± Anastasia refused to stay there any longer with Erica.


    ¡°Anastasia, I have orders from Mr. Tillman to show you around thepany.¡± Alex wasn¡¯t about to let


    Anastasia walk away like that.


    ¡°I¡¯ming along too,¡± Erica desperately said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Anastasia nodded and left with Alex just as Erica grabbed her purse and caught up to them.


    However, by the time she headed downstairs, she saw Alex¡¯s car setting off without waiting for her, which


    irritated her so much that she stomped on the ground Patedly in exasperation.


    ¡°You son of a b*tch, Alex! How dare you ignore my presence?! I¡¯ll make sure you pay for that!¡±


    In fact, Alex had intentionally left Erica behind in an attempt to gain Anastasia¡¯s favor, but it was only


    after they hit the road that he noticed thedy¡¯s preupied look as she set her eyes outside the


    window. ¡°Is there something that¡¯s bothering you, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Anastasia shook her head just when raindrops started to fall from the cloudy sky. As


    the rain became heavier and heavier, Alex suggested that they should stop by a nearby caf¨¦ until the


    rain cleared up before they continued their journey.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Anastasia agreed, refusing to put both their lives at risk due to the rainy weather. Alex then drove


    to a caf¨¦, whereupon both of them quickly entered the ce and took shelter.


    Soon, lightning struck the sky outside the window as the deafening thunder roared across the city.


    Meanwhile, Elliot paused when he was about to sign his documents in his office at Presgrave Group. At


    that moment, Anastasia¡¯s fearful look when she heard the thunder sprang to his mind; this prompted him


    to reach for his phone to send a text message. ¡®Where are you?¡¯ However, when he didn¡¯t get a reply


    after ten minutes, he began to lose his patience and asked hi whether thedy had forgotten about him.


    Therefore, he decided to directly call her.


    On the other hand, Anastasia set her eyes on her phone¡¯s screen, frowning while she wondered why the


    man wouldn¡¯t stop bothering her.


    Nheless, Alex noticed the caller ID that appeared on the phone¡¯s screen and was Elliot.


    For a sessful and powerful man like Elliot, I¡¯d say he¡¯s humbled himself just to win Anastasia¡¯s heart,


    but with his status, he could easily steal anydy¡¯s heart. I doubt even those rich men¡¯s daughters


    wouldn¡¯t be out of his league either.


    At that moment, Anastasia heard another notification alert from her phone once again just as she


    subconsciously took a glimpse at the iing message. ¡®I¡¯m going to your ce now.¡¯ She then


    squinted, asking herself why the man would visit her during heavy rain.


    ¡®I¡¯m away from home now, so don¡¯t bother looking for me.¡¯ Anastasia finally responded to his text.


    ¡®Where are you? I¡¯lle over and keep youpany. Elliot asked for her whereabouts.


    ¡®There¡¯s no need for that. I have someone here with me. Anastasia replied to his message provocatively.


    ¡®Who?


    ¡®Mr. Hunter and I are having a tea break now. Anastasia responded.


    Are you guys dating?¡¯ Elliot asked.


    ¡®You can say so. Anastasia refused to exin any further. However, her phone rang shortly before she


    realized it was a call this time. Upon taking a deep breath, she answered it and questioned the man.


    ¡°Can you please leave me alone?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to meet you at your father¡¯spany now,¡± the man said.


    ¡°Now? It¡¯s pouring like crazy now, so why are you going to do that?¡± Anastasia was surprised to hear the


    man.


    ¡°See you there.¡± Elliot hung up the call without saying a single word more. Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Deep down, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but think that Elliot must be out of his mind. After all, no one would


    want to get wet due to the heavy rain, but the man insisted on meeting her at Francis¡¯pany.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back, Mr. Hunter. The rain is too heavy today, so I think we should probably visit our subsidiary


    company another day,¡± said Anastasia as she raised her head to look at Alex.


    ¡°What? Are we going back to the office now?¡± Alex was stunned.


    ¡°Yes, we are.¡± Anastasia finished her sentence and proceeded to foot the bill before Alex could stop her


    from doing so.

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381


    Chapter 381


    As suchAl uld only return to the office with Anastasia as he wondered why thedy wouldn¡¯t want to


    conue miting until the rain stopped at the caf¨¦. At the same time, Anastasia set her leves on the rain


    outside the window, knowing that the road ahead of them was barely visible no matter how fast the


    windscreen wipers were working. Therefore, she believed it would take Elliot about half an hour before


    he arrived at her father¡¯spany. At the thought of she sent him a text message and told him to be


    careful. ¡°Keep a cool head, Elliot. It¡¯s pouring v¨ªly now, and it¡¯s too dangerous to drive.¡¯


    However, Anastasia¡¯s message was met with silence as the man didn¡¯t respond. Therefore, she couldn¡¯t


    help but feel concerned about his safety while reprimanding him deep down for making her worried.


    You¡¯re sick, Elliot, so why won¡¯t you stay put and rest instead?


    A few momentster, both of them arrived at Tillman Construction, whereupon Anastasia told Alex to


    return to the office and waited in the lobby. In the meantime, Alex could guess who she was waiting for


    as he wondered whether Elliot was reallying to meet her despite the heavy


    rain. After all, he would gloat over Elliot¡¯s misery if something ever happened to him on the way.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia looked outside the window anxiously as she didn¡¯t see any car in sight.


    Nevertheless, she saw a ck sedaning her way in the rain fifteen minutester. As the view slowly


    became clearer, Anastasia was able to identify Elliot¡¯s Rolls-Royce Phantom and heaved a sigh of relief


    until she realized there was a truck parked in the lobby not long after it was unloaded. Because of that,


    Elliot couldn¡¯t drive into the building and had no way of entering the lobby without getting wet.


    Therefore, Anastasia anxiously looked around for the driver to get him to move the truck away, only to


    see the headlights of the man¡¯s car going out in the rain. Then, Elliot ran toward the building without even


    taking an umbre with him, putting Anastasia on edge as she desperately scurried through the door and


    was greeted by the man¡¯s drenched appearance. At the same time, Elliot was happy to see her as she


    had been anxiously waiting for him despite his messy look.


    ¡°Why did youe here? Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s pouring outside?¡± Anastasia lectured the man.


    However, Elliot reacted with a smile, looking at her with a tender expression on his face as water trickledProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    down his hair. ¡°Even if it puts my life at risk, I¡¯ll do anything just to see you.¡±


    Anastasia then took some tissue paper from her purse and wiped the man¡¯s wet hair, as well as the


    water droplets on his shoulder. Suddenly, she felt the man¡¯s arm wrapped around her waist shortly before


    she found herself in his tight embrace.


    You¡­¡± Anastasia angrily looked up at Elliot.


    ¡°After all the mean things you said to me, you still can¡¯t deny that you care about me.¡± Elliot fixed his


    eyes on her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± She looked away guiltily.


    ¡°You do.¡± He nted a kiss on thedy¡¯s forehead, not caring if there were people around them¡­,


    On the other hand, Alex was watching behind a pir with his eyes fixed on the man and the woman


    during their lovey-dovey interaction in the lobby, clenching his fists without any idea that he was also


    being watched by someone from behind him.


    It turned out that Erica had identally run into Alex and caught his jealous look when he was peeking


    at Elliot and Anastasia. Thus, she quickly approached Alex and seized his arm, stunning him as she


    dragged him to the stairs just next to them.


    , Upon closing the door behind her, Erica chuckled cially and said, ¡°You seem jealous, Mr.


    Hunter, but do you think my sister would even bother to look at someone like you? She is a snob who


    only has eyes for a rich and handsome man like Elliot.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, Miss Erica? I don¡¯t quite follow.¡± Alex refused to admit his feelings.


    However, Erica had witnessed his earlier reaction. She replied, ¡°You saw just how sweet my older sister


    and Elliot were back there, didn¡¯t you? However, you and I both know that you can never take Anastasia


    away from Elliot.¡±


    Hearing thedy¡¯s words, Alex was jealous yet helpless. After all, he had no choice but to admit


    Anastasia¡¯s feelings for Elliot, judging from the sympathy she was showing him for meeting her in the rain


    despite refusing to pick up his call in the caf¨¦ earlier.


    What else can I call that if not love?


    Erica suddenly approached the man closer, seizing his arm while giving him a coy look. ¡°Anastasia and I


    are both sisters from the Tillmans, so why don¡¯t you consider dating me, Mr. Hunter? After all, I think I


    can be a good girlfriend just as much as my sister could be.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep this civil, Miss Erica.¡± Alex shivered in that instant


    Nevertheless, Erica didn¡¯t take her hand off Alex. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck in a


    seductive manner while resting her face on his shoulder. ¡°My sister may not know how to appreciate you,


    Mr. Hunter, but I¡¯m not like her. To me, you¡¯re simply the kind of man I admire and look up to.¡±

 Chapter 382

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    Chapter 382


    Alex kept his eyes fixed upon Erica, seemingly thinking abou nat to do with his next move. After all, he


    knew as well that he didn¡¯t stand a chance to get closer to Anastasia at all with Elliot by her side, but now


    that Erica was approaching him, he began to see it as an opportunity. ¡°Miss Erica, I¡¯m just an ordinary


    man without anything worth admiring, so I w¨°nder what makes you like me so much.¡± Alex let out a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m not like my sister who only wants to marry a rich man. I, on the other hand, prefer to trust my own


    feelings when choosing my Mr. Right.¡± Erica then looked at Alex seductively. ¡°Mr. Hunter, you¡¯re exactly


    the type that I like.¡±


    Upon hearing thedy¡¯s words, Alex felt as if there was an electric shock that ran through his body.


    Although Erica was not considered a beauty like her sister was, Alex, whose nature as a man got the


    better of his rational mind, could not resist her advances.


    In the meantime, Anastasia, who was still in the lobby, pushed Elliot aside after wiping the water off him


    and said, ¡°Leave once the rain lets up.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡± Elliot nodded obediently.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go to my lounge! It¡¯s cold out here.¡± Anastasia took the man with her upstairs.


    As soon as both of them arrived at a warmer ce, Elliot took off his coat and revealed the dark shirt that


    entuated his muscr physique beneath it. However, Anastasia looked away like she was trying to


    resist something. In fact, she was trying to resist the man¡¯s charming and masculine aura deep down so


    that she wouldn¡¯t fall further for him.


    At that moment, Alex knocked on the door and entered the ce despite knowing Elliot was around; he


    was going to deliberately ruin his private moment with Anastasia. After all, Erica was just a substitute to


    him since Anastasia was still the woman he loved. Nheless, Alex¡¯s presence, had put a frown on


    Elliot¡¯s face as thetter immediately wrapped his arm around Anastasia while she made him some tea.


    Before Anastasia could even finish making him tea, she lost her bnce and sat on the man¡¯sp with


    the tea bag still in her hand. Just as she was about to lecture him, she noticed the coldness that filled his


    eyes before she quickly understood that it was Alex¡¯s presence that put him on edge.


    Okay, I guess that¡¯s the nature of men. They can¡¯t tolerate anyone else who sets foot on their turf, which


    is why this guy is trying to assert his dominance.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Mr. Presgrave.¡± Alex timidly greeted Elliot.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and keep Anastasiapany. You may attend to your work now, Mr. Hunter,¡± Elliot coldly


    said to Alex.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Alex smiled, his face darkening the moment he turned around. It seems that Elliot really doesn¡¯t


    give a damn about my presence.


    Soon, Anastasia rose from her seat and reminded the man to behave. ¡°Keep your mischiet in check


    while you¡¯re here. I wouldn¡¯t want to be caught in a lovey-dovey situation with you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? Are you worried that Mr. Hunter is going to get jealous?¡± Elliot grunted in an


    annoyed manner.


    ¡°Alex is just an employee in my father¡¯spany. That makes us nothing more than colleagues.¡±


    Anastasia exined herself.


    While Elliot believed in thedy, his pride and jealousy wouldn¡¯t allow him to stand by and watch any


    man get close to Anastasia. Soon, he faked a cough and looked at the woman, trying to feel her concern


    just as thedy turned around and met his eyes.


    ¡ª¨C


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I took my medication today.¡± Elliot assured Anastasia that he only had a cold, which


    persisted because of insufficient rest.


    Soon, Anastasia poured him a ss of hot tea and said, ¡°You¡¯re your grandma¡¯s only heir, so you should


    take good care of yourself, not to mention the fact that she is already in her twilight years.¡± Meanwhile,


    Elliot didn¡¯t feel happy when he saw her cial look even though she still cared about his family.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t me my grandma, Anastasia. I¡¯m the one to me instead.¡± Elliot tried to shoulder all the


    responsibility.


    Am I supposed to me a six-year-old kid for that incident back then? Nah! As a mother with a son,


    Anastasia could empathize with Elliot¡¯s younger self and rte to the fear that was tormenting him.


    ¡°Can you still remember what happened back then?¡± Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Elliot shook his head. ¡°Actually, my grandma sought help from many psychiatrists and hypnotists for me


    at that time.¡± He closed his eyes as soon as he finished his sentence, seemingly trying to find the


    memory that was lost in his mind.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened slightly before she seized the man¡¯s arm. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If I could remember something, maybe I¡¯ll know what happened back then.¡± Elliot looked up


    apologetically.

 Chapter 383

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    Chapter 383


    Soon. Anastasia recalled her father¡¯s words, remembering her mother had been urged to save an


    innocent life due to the urgent situation. After all, she knew her mother wouldn¡¯t have stood by and


    watched while a six-year-old kid was about to get killed. Convinced that everyone had an instinct of


    protecting the weak, she believed her mother was motivated by the same reason . ¡°before she risked


    herself to save an innocent life.


    ¡°I don¡¯t me you and your grandma.¡± Nheless, Anastasia couldn¡¯t convince herself to let go of the


    past as Riley¡¯s words made her realize she could never fall in love with Elliot. After all, she couldn¡¯t get


    over the fact that he had indirectly caused her mother¡¯s death, which held her back from falling in love


    with him because she thought it would be unfair to herte mother if she did that. ¡°We could be friends,¡±


    Anastasia said.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was annoyed by Anastasia¡¯s reply, finding it ironic to hear because he was just trying to


    comfort her a few moments ago.


    Friends? No way! I¡¯ll never ept our rtionship as friends!


    ¡°Well, I suppose friends can be Elliot emphasized his point.


    and marry each otherter on. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    Anastasia looked away and replied, ¡°No. We¡¯ll either be friends or strangers.¡±


    Despite her cold reply, Elliot was able to empathize with Anastasia, knowing that Riley had said many


    unpleasant things to her that made her reject him. ¡°Alright, I respect your wish. We¡¯ll be friends then.¡±


    Elliot took a step back, but not before he demonstrated his authority over her by giving her an order.


    ¡°However, if you¡¯re ever going to marry someone, it¡¯s going to be me and only me!¡±


    Anastasia was rendered speechless by the man¡¯s words, thinking his domineering and possessive ,


    character hadn¡¯t changed one bit.


    ¡°The same goes for me. I¡¯ll marry no one else but you,¡± Elliot soon added.


    Anastasia¡¯s face blushed as her embarrassment overwhelmed her even though she didn¡¯t meet Elliot¡¯s


    eyes. ¡°My decision to get married is none of your concern. The same goes for yours,¡± Anastasia


    answered.


    Elliot smiled and said, ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll just stay single for each other for the rest of our lives!¡±


    Fine, he wins. While Anastasia helplessly patted her forehead, Francis entered the building from the rain.


    When he heard Elliot was in the lounge, he quickly came over to greet him. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be here,


    Mr. Presgrave. Please make yourself at home.¡± Francis approached Elliot to shake his hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Tillman,¡± Elliot politely replied.


    ¡°Anastasia, please receive our guest, Mr. Presgrave.¡± Francis turned his attention to his daughter. Deep


    down, he sincerely hoped that her daughter would end up being together with Elliot upon leveraging the


    situation as a businessman. After all, Tillman Constructions would be backed by Elliot¡¯s powerful


    influence if they got together. Besides that, he believed his grandchildren and


    daughter would be loved and treated well by the people of the Presgrave Family, considering their guilt


    for his wife.


    ¡°Sure. Father. Please leave me to it,¡± Anastasia answered. Just when Elliot was wondering how


    Anastasia would receive him after Francis left, he saw thedy looking at the rain that was letting up


    outside the window before she shifted her gaze to him. ¡°Alright, the rain has let up. It¡¯s time. for you to


    go.¡±


    Wait, what? Is this how she is going to receive her guest? By showing me the door? Elliot was¡­


    rendered speechless. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving yet. I¡¯m going to have lunch with you and apany you to pick


    up Jared. Then, I¡¯m going to have my dinner at your ceter at night.¡± In fact, Elliot had figured out his


    n for the day. His phone rang just then, whereupon he picked it up and said, ¡°I¡¯m not going back to the


    office today. Please cancel all my meetings.¡± Before Rey could remind Elliot about his work, thetter


    ended th 11.


    At the same time, Anastasia looked at the man with a stunned expression while wondering what he was


    up to. What¡¯s this guy thinking? He still has a ton of things to handle back in his office! ¡°I don¡¯t need you


    to keep mepany here, Elliot. Go ahead and attend to your business!¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want Elliot to


    waste his time apanying her, only to work overtime at night.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m willing to waste my time keeping youpany.¡± Elliot raised his eyebrows slightly, telling


    thedy with the tenacious look on his face that he wasn¡¯t about to give up. In the face of his


    stubbornness, Anastasia felt helpless without knowing what else she could do about it.


    ¡°Bourgeois is shifting to a new location, but we¡¯ll be keeping your office space nheless. You¡¯re


    wee to work with us anytime.¡± Elliot offered Anastasia to return to Bourgeois so that no other man


    would get close to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to stay in my father¡¯spany to learn about business management for the time being.¡±


    Anastasia revealed her ns to remain in Francis¡¯pany.


    ¡°Alright, I respect your decision,¡± Elliot said in a chivalrous manner.


    ¡°By the way, who is Aliona? The client that I was supposed to meet belonged to her, but I was kidnapped


    after that.¡± Anastasia mentioned Aliona to Elliot. Although she didn¡¯t me her, she was still mad about


    what had happened earlier.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 384

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    Chapter 384


    Elliot was stunned. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have dealt with your own client by yourself?¡±


    ¡°Nope! I was told by Felicia that the client was initially Aliona¡¯s to deal with when I confronted and asked


    her about that earlier, but since my design caught the client¡¯s eye, I was asked to take over the


    negotiation. Shortly after that, I was kidnapped by Riley¡¯s henchmen at the rendezvous, which was a


    caf¨¦ where I was supposed to meet the client.¡± Anastasia¡¯s eyes were filled with puzzlement. ¡°How did


    they know I was going to show up at that caf¨¦ and park in that specific


    spot?¡±


    Elliot frowned and replied, ¡°Aliona is the illegitimate daughter of myte father¡¯s good friend, Lucas Dora,


    He raised her abroad. While Lucas is a respected senior to me, I heard from my grandma that they were


    close to each other in their youth.¡±


    ¡°She is Lucas¡¯ illegitimate daughter?¡± Anastasia knitted her eyebrows, although she had no contempt for


    Aliona.


    ¡°Lucas told me to take good care of Aliona, but I promise I¡¯m going to investigate the matter with your


    client.¡± Elliot didn¡¯t want to take any chances and put Anastasia in danger.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Anastasia nodded, feeling hungry just as she looked at the clock and realized it was lunchtime.


    ¡°There is a restaurant nearby. We can have lunch together, but you need to go back and do your work


    when we¡¯re done, okay?¡± Anastasia asked as if she couldn¡¯t wait for him to be gone.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    In the face of thedy¡¯s reluctant look, Elliot smiled bitterly and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave when we¡¯re done


    with our lunch.¡±


    As the two of them left, Alex was watching them through the window in the office on the third floor. As he


    stared at Elliot¡¯s car while the man drove away, Alex clenched his fists because Anastasia no longer


    seemed to be the same person he had always known.


    I guess Erica¡¯s right; Anastasia only has eyes for rich men. It¡¯s no wonder she¡¯ ¡®sn¡¯t even bother looking


    at me.


    Upon arrival at the restaurant, Anastasia made several detailed remarks when cing orders for Elliot¡¯s


    meal, which indirectly revealed her subconscious concern for the man. At the same time, Elliot seemed


    especially happy with Anastasia¡¯s reaction, his eyes filled with tenderness and love.


    As soon as the waiter left the lounge, Anastasia turned her attention to the man and happened to meet


    his gaze, noticing his smiling face that was looking at her. In that instant, Anastasia paused in a trance


    for a few seconds just as she felt like she had been enchanted by his charming and magical eyes.


    ¡°Stop looking at me like that.¡± Anastasia blocked her face,


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t I look at my future wife?¡± Elliot chuckled.


    ¡°You need to put a stop to your sweet-talking. I don¡¯t like to hear any of that.¡± Anastasia appeared


    annoyed, but despite her feelings, there was nothing she could do to stop the man¡¯s sweet talk.


    Ta like to take Tared to a ce that¡¯s fun this weekend. Would you mind lending me your son for a day?¡±


    Elliot asked.


    ¡°Where are you taking him?¡± Anastasia understood Elliot was inviting her as well, for she knew the man


    was counting on her son to make her go along.


    ¡°There is a club with several new children¡¯s programs, and I heard from a friend that they are worth a try.


    I¡¯d like to take Jared there to let him experience some fun.¡±


    Anastasia hesitated shortly before she eventually agreed, thinking that it was time for her son to do


    something outside after staying home for so long. ¡°Alright, go ahead then. Take Jared with you.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to spend my holiday stayir trap.


    t home.¡± Anastasia was aware not to fall for the man¡¯s


    Nheless, Elliot wasn¡¯t desperate to win her heart over at all, but he knew that gaining her son¡¯s favor


    would help him achieve his goal even faster. ¡°Have you realized that Jared and I look alike? We seem


    like a father and son, don¡¯t we?¡± Elliot intentionally asked.


    As much as Anastasia was unwilling to admit it, she couldn¡¯t deny the fact that her son liked Elliot very


    much. ¡°Well, that¡¯s because people who are handsome look alike,¡± Anastasia replied,plimenting her


    son and Elliot at the same time.


    As expected, Elliot smiled brightly upon hearing thedy¡¯s words. They left after finishing lunch,


    whereupon Elliot took her back to Tillman Constructions. Before she got out of the car, he reminded her


    to keep her distance from Alex. ¡°Stay away from Alex.¡±


    However, Anastasia only looked askance at Elliot in an annoyed marner, feeling helpless with his


    possessiveness and jealousy.


    Does he think that every other man goes around charmingdies like him? I only want to take over my


    father¡¯spany as soon as possible so that he can retire and enjoy the rest of his life.


    ¡°Drive safely,¡± Anastasia said, reminding Elliot to be careful on the road before she opened the door and


    stepped out of the car.


    In the meantime, Elliot knew Anastasia still had him in her heart even though she didn¡¯t reply to hisst


    remark.

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385


    Chapter 385


    It seemed that he should really keep his jealousy in line and give her some space and freedom.


    After Elliot left, Anastasia returned to Francis¡¯ office to find Erica tugging their father¡¯s sleeve. buttering


    up to him.


    ¡°Dad, I swear I can do what Anastasia can. Please let me work here!¡±


    ¡°No. Cut it out and go home now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so biased, Dad. Hmph! You don¡¯t love me at all. All you care about is Anastasia,¡± Erica whined as


    she turned around in anger, only to find Anastasia approaching. At that, intense resentment shed


    across her eyes.


    Meanwhile, Francis coaxed Erica when he saw Anastasia. ¡°Okay, okay, we¡¯ll talk about this some other


    time.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, has Young Master Presgrave left? A few clients will being in the afternoon. You should


    get to know them.¡±


    Anger shed across Erica¡¯s eyes upon hearing her father¡¯s words. Sure enough, Dad sees Anastasia


    as his only sessor!


    ¡°Dad, introduce them to me too.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Alex to show you around first.¡± Galled, Francis tried to send his younger daughter


    away.


    To be honest, why would Erica want anything to do with thepany? She had long wanted to leave, for


    she had zero interest in things that challenged her brain.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll go and look for Mr. Hunter!¡± Erica now put her focus on seducing Alex.


    As soon as Erica left, Francis turned to Anastasia. ¡°Have you made up with Young Master Presgrave?¡±


    Anastasia blushed right at that. She swore nothing could escape her father¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Actually, we can¡¯t me the Presgraves for this. What your mother did was out of instinct, and it has


    nothing to do with anyone. If she¡¯s watching, she¡¯d want you to be with Young Master Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Why is that so?¡± Anastasia looked over to her father, confused. Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s because the Presgraves¡¯ debt to your mother will have Young Master Presgrave treating you and


    Jared well for your whole lives. At the very least, he won¡¯t let you down or have an issue with Jared.¡±


    Thanks to her father¡¯s words, the sadness and hesitation within Anastasia had alleviated. Riley had


    merely said those words to separate Elliot and her.


    In that case, why should she trust a murderer?! The one who deserved to rot in hell was him!


    ¡°I get it, Dad.¡± Anastasia nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Just then, Francis¡¯ phone rang. He picked up the call and said, ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll be there in


    five.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia,e and have lunch with me.¡±


    With that, Anastasia follow her father to meet some of his important clients while Erica hung out in Alex¡¯s


    office, having no intention of leaving.


    ¡°Mr. Hunter, can you teach me ounting?¡±


    ¡°Erica, you can¡¯t touch these papers.¡± The way Alex addressed her had changed.


    Erica put the papers down right at that and sat down next to him, resting her hand naturally on his leg.


    ¡°Are you avable tonight, Mr. Hunter? Why don¡¯t we have dinner together?¡±


    ¡°Watch what you¡¯re doing. We¡¯re at the office.¡± Despite saying so, Alex didn¡¯t move his leg away.


    Erica had been missing thefort of a mantely, and she was beginning to find Alex pleasing to the


    eye. ¡°Does it scare you to live alone, Mr. Hunter? Would you like me to keep youpany?¡±


    At that, she whispered into his ear, ¡°We can do anything you like!¡±


    Alex¡¯s body stiffened upon hearing that, and he looked over at Erica. Though she wasn¡¯t as beautiful as


    Anastasia, she wasn¡¯t unattractive either. Naturally, how could he resist the temptation when she was


    offering herself on a silver tter? He was no gentleman anyway.


    Anastasia was like a flower on the edge of a cliff, difficult to pick. Plus, now that Elliot was by her side, it


    was even more impossible for him to get close to her anymore. Hence, he decided to settle for second


    best.


    Marrying Erica was also an effective way to obtain Tillman Constructions¡¯ equity, after all!


    ¡°Erica, do you really like me?¡± Alex looked at Erica with a zing gaze as he held her hands.


    Erica went soft in an instant and fell into his arms. ¡°Of course! You¡¯re so capable. Plus, my dad thinks


    highly of you, and even my mom likes you too!¡±

 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386


    Chapter 386 I Won¡¯t Sell You Out


    As shrewd as Alex was, he naturally knew what Naomi saw in him. From now on, he¡¯d work with this


    mother and daughter duo to secure Tillman Constructions for themselves.


    After Elliot returned, he immediately had Feliciae to his office. He wanted her to dig into Aliona¡¯s


    client and why did the kidnapping happen at the caf¨¦¡¯s parking lot.


    Naturally, Felicia didn¡¯t dare be dismissive of it. She promptly asked Aliona for her client¡¯s profile, which


    Aliona passed to her.


    ¡°Aliona, how did you meet this client?¡±


    At that, Aliona acted all docile. ¡°She came to me first. We met at a banquet.¡±


    ¡°Are you familiar with her?¡±


    ¡°No. Is everything alright, Felicia?¡± Aliona feigned concern.


    ¡°Yeah. You can go back to your work.¡± Felicia thought she shouldn¡¯t let on more. It seemed that she¡¯d


    have to visit that client herself.


    After returning to her office, Aliona couldn¡¯t help heaving a sigh of relief. In actuality, she had been having


    a tough timetely, for the failed kidnapping caused her godfather to be detained. Riley¡¯s subordinates


    even delivered a message to her, saying that she¡¯d have to continue the rest of the path on her own.


    She loathed Anastasia. She had believed winning Elliot¡¯s heart was a piece of cake when she was living


    abroad, but ever since Anastasia entered the picture, all Elliot cared about was that woman.


    Meanwhile, Felicia met up with the client that afternoon. Since Aliona had talked to the client and


    colluded the story before the meeting, Felicia couldn¡¯t find anything.


    With that, she reported it to Elliot and sent him the client¡¯s profile while she was at it.


    Elliot fixed his gaze at the profile as he thought about Anastasia¡¯s kidnapping. Surely something had


    gone wrong somewhere, especially when his bodyguards noted the kidnappers had been stationed in


    the parking lot twenty minutes prior.


    Elliot then ordered Rey, ¡°Dig into this client.¡± She was in her early fifties. Judging by the woman¡¯s age,


    she was likely Riley¡¯s acquaintance, and Riley must¡¯ve had her lure Anastasia to that caf¨¦ where his men


    had been waiting.


    The whole thing made sense when he put it that way.


    On the other hand, Aliona asked for leave in the afternoon to meet up with Lucas.


    Aliona was allposed upon seeing Lucas at the caf¨¦. ¡°Lucas, my godfather¡¯s been taken into custody


    now. From now on, you have to aid me in the rest of my n.¡±


    ¡°Hand me my son¡¯s footage, or I won¡¯t help you.¡± Lucas rebelled.


    ¡°Are you forgetting your position? Your son and his footage are in our hands. Now that my godfather has


    handed all the power to me, I can do things however I please.¡± Maliceced Aliona¡¯s eyes as she held


    the cup in her hands.


    Lucas felt livid as he clenched his fists, but he was like a heaving old dragon being grabbed by the


    throat, unable to resist.


    ¡°What exactly do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°Find me a chance to get close to Elliot so that I can get pregnant and birth his child,¡± Aliona announced


    shamelessly.


    At that, Lucas couldn¡¯t help dissuading her, ¡°Now that your godfather¡¯s been taken into custody, why


    don¡¯t you take over his business? We can make a good deal, and you don¡¯t have to worry about anything


    for the rest of your life.¡±


    ¡°Just how much would you be able to give me? From what I know, your son has used up almost all of


    your wealth. Can you give me five billion? If not, there¡¯s nothing we can talk about.¡± What Aliona was


    asking for was daylight robbery. What was more, she was nning a way out. Once she gave the


    Presgraves an heir, she¡¯d have more than a mere five billion!


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy to get close to Elliot.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I need you to give me the chance.¡± Aliona bore into him. ¡°Think about your family and your


    son¡¯s future!¡±


    s, Lucas knew he could only give in. ¡°Alright! I¡¯ve been organizing a charity eventtely, and I¡¯ll invite


    him then. Meanwhile, you should find an opportunity to get close to him.¡±


    ¡°Good! I¡¯m sure you know what to do if Elliot asks about me!¡±


    ¡°Rx! I won¡¯t sell you out when my son is in your hands.¡± Lucas closed his eyes. What a bitter end to


    his life.

 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387


    Chapter 387 Promise Me This


    With that, Aliona left. Now, all she could do was wait for Lucas¡¯ news before she took the next step. She


    had to bear Elliot¡¯s child quickly, for Riley was still waiting for her to bail him out.


    Meanwhile, in Hond, Hayley removed her bandage for the first time a week after her surgery. Now that


    her face was no longer swelling, the surgery results were visible.


    Her originally slightly square face had now be oval. Her double eyelids were still swollen, but her


    nose had be taller, her lips were now prettier, and her jawline was now perfect.


    Hayley got ecstatic at that¡ªshe was finally beautiful. Though it wasn¡¯t as good-looking as Anastasia¡¯s


    all-natural face, she was certain it wouldn¡¯t be far off from Anastasia¡¯s.


    Once her swelling was gone entirely, she¡¯d be able to see Elliot!


    What she didn¡¯t expect was that the results were far better than she had expected, and she¡¯d be able to


    go home after a month.


    Hayley looked into the mirror to find her profile and features simr to Anastasia¡¯s. She smiled at that,


    her gazeced with triumph.


    What will Anastasia think when she sees my face? Will it disgust her?


    Then, she wondered if Elliot would ept her and suddenly fall in love at one point once her face had


    healed entirely and was at the peak of her beauty.


    Surely the night five years ago was unforgettable to him. If he suddenly had the urge to revisit the


    feeling, only she would be able to give it to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re stunning, Miss Seymour. A perfect ten,¡± said the agent beside her.


    However, Hayley suddenly stopped smiling, and the happiness was gone in a split second. The praise


    did nothing to delight her.


    Her face was shaped ording to Anastasia¡¯s. Simply put, praising her would be like praising Anastasia,


    and this displeased her.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Worse, this difort would only remind her of Anastasia¡¯s perfect, all-natural face whenever anyone


    praised her.


    At night, after showering Jared, Anastasia nned to watch some TV and rx when her phone rang all


    of a sudden. She picked it up to find Elliot calling.


    What is he doing calling thiste?


    However, she still answered the call nheless. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Can I hang out at your ce?¡±


    ¡°Right now?¡± Anastasia checked the time at that to find it was already 8.30PM.


    ¡°I just finished a business dinner, and I¡¯ll be passing by your ce on my way home. I want to see you.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just see me yesterday?¡±


    ¡°To me, there isn¡¯t a second that I don¡¯t stop thinking about seeing you.¡± Elliot became the embodiment


    of Mr. Romantic.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, was rendered speechless.


    Surely he would already have a child by now if he used this effort to court another woman!


    ¡°Alright,e up then.¡± Finally, she said yes.


    An ted Elliot responded, ¡°Right away!¡±


    Just like that, a regr night turned exciting following Presgrave¡¯s sudden visit.


    Right after that, Anastasia got up to make tea and cut up some fruits.


    Five minutester, the doorbell rang. She checked the peephole, and sure enough, a certain someone


    was standing outside of her apartment.


    She opened the door only to find he hadn¡¯te alone, but also brought tons of stuff with him! The most


    eye-catching thing would be thetest set of Legos. Elliot carried two sets in his hand while Rey followed


    behind him with four more.


    ¡°Why did you buy so many?¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t know how to react upon seeing this.


    ¡°Jared loves them.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to spoil him,¡± she pointed out frustratingly.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe in as well, Mr. Osborne?¡± Anastasia invited Rey in.


    However, how dare he stay when his boss hade to spend some quality time with Miss Tillman? He¡¯d


    like to live a couple more decades, after all. ¡°No, thanks. I still have something to do. You two have a nice


    chat.¡±


    Jared thought he heard noises outside and came out, eximing when he saw the lego sets on the


    couch. ¡°Wow! I love you so much, Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    At that, he threw himself into Elliot¡¯s arms, leading Anastasia to shake her head. This guy has bought


    Jared overpletely.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to promise me one thing now that you¡¯ve taken my presents. Listen to your mom, and don¡¯t


    ever make her upset.¡±

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388


    Chapter 388 Watch TV With Me


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll definitely listen to Mommy and not make her angry.¡± Jared nodded.


    ¡°Good boy. Go on, have fun!¡±


    With that, Jared picked a set of Legos he was most interested in and went into his room. Meanwhile,


    Anastasia stored the rest of the presents in the storage cab. Although Elliot looked visibly better now,


    she still asked out of concern, ¡°Have you gotten over your cold?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all gone now,¡± Elliot said with a smile. ¡°All thanks to you.¡±


    Anastasia lowered her head upon meeting his fathomless gaze. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything, though.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. You just have to smile more at me. It works better than any medicine in this world.¡±


    Elliot smiled. Not even a sliver of aloofness could be found on him whenever he faced her.


    Abashed, she handed the bowl of fruit to him. ¡°Quit yapping and have some fruits!¡±


    Elliot handed her a banana out of the blue, asking, ¡°Want one?¡±


    Anastasia took it from him, but she suddenly blushed. ¡°No thanks.¡±


    Elliot got what she was thinking immediately and guffawed. ¡°What in the world are you thinking? Is your


    little mind constantly filled with lewd thoughts?¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face flushed bright red at that. Yes, she had overreacted, but he had clearly done it on


    purpose, hadn¡¯t he?


    Elliotughed at her for quite a while before finally helping himself to the fruits. Just then, he looked


    somewhat lustfully at her. ¡°Feel free toe at me if you have any needs in this regard.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Anastasia rolled her eyes straight at him.


    Elliot only smiled, looking like an incubus, hot as hell.


    Anastasia got up and went to gather theundry hanging on the balcony, not daring to take another look


    at him. By the time she came back in, Elliot had slouched on the couch, looking weary.


    Instead of watching TV, he fixed his gaze on her while holding the tea she had brewed for him.


    It had unknowingly reached 9.30PM, and Anastasia looked toward the man who had been hanging


    around for nearly an hour. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. When are you going to leave?¡±


    ¡°Can I sleep in your bed tonight?¡± Elliot got greedy.


    ¡°No.¡± It was a hard pass.


    At that, he sighed disappointedly. ¡°Your bed to me is the best cure for insomnia, and my head has been


    hurtingtely¡­¡±


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t sure if he was lying or not, but when she looked at him, he was rubbing his temples,


    looking like he seriously had a throbbing headache.


    Her heart ached for him again when she thought about how she had angered him to sickness a few days


    back.


    ¡°How are you going to shower and sleep when you don¡¯t have a change of clothes?¡±


    ¡°I have some clothes in the car. I¡¯ll have Rey bring it up!¡± Elliot said it as though he hade prepared.


    Instantly, Anastasia thought she had fallen for his trap. This man had speciallye to sleep over!


    ¡°Fine then! Have him bring it up for you!¡± She agreed to let him stay over in the end.


    tion immediately surged within Elliot¡¯s fathomless gaze. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Soon, Rey came delivering Elliot¡¯s clothes¡ªthere was a suit for the next day and a set of cotton


    pajamas. Sure enough, he had nned toe over from the very beginning.


    With that, Anastasia went to tuck Jared in, leaving Elliot to shower and go to bed himself.


    Jared had so much fun with the Lego set that he exhausted himself, falling asleep as soon as his head


    hit the pillow. With that, Anastasia got out of bed to check if Elliot had also gone to bed.


    However, the lights in the living room were still lit, and Elliot was slouched on the couch after his shower,


    watching TV in his ck night robe.


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone to bed?¡± Anastasia asked as she hugged her arms, feeling chilly. It was already


    winter. Wouldn¡¯t he catch a cold in such thin clothes?


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Elliot reached his hand out to her in response. ¡°Come here.¡±


    Anastasia knew she¡¯d surely be taken advantage of if she went to him.


    Surprisingly, she didn¡¯t reject him. Instead, she deliberately sat a little far away from him. At that, Elliot


    got up and sat right next to her before pulling the woman into his arms.


    ¡°Watch TV with me for a while, will you?¡± Elliot asked softly.

 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389


    Chapter 389 Give Me a Kiss


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but soften as she leaned against his chest while listening to his solid,


    unavoidable heartbeats.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Elliot turned his head to nt a kiss in her hair. What an amazing feeling it was to have her back in his


    arms again.


    His broad chest gave her a strong sense of security, making it seem as though there was nothing she


    needed to be afraid of. When had she started liking this feeling!?


    The couple watched the business channel together. Then again, it only suited someone like Elliot, for she


    began to nod off very quickly. What was more, she was very snug being in his arms.


    Just like that, she closed her eyes before she knew it, and sleepiness creeped up on her. Soon after, she


    started breathing evenly.


    At that, Elliot turned off the TV and carried her up.


    However, Anastasia shot wide awake and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, looking at him


    with somewhat amorous eyes. ¡°Where are you taking me?¡±


    ¡°To sleep.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sleeping with Jared.¡± She had no intentions of sleeping with him!


    However, Elliot still carried her straight to the master bedroom. ¡°Makes no difference.¡±


    How could it be the same!? Anastasia¡¯s drowsiness was immediately gone, and she made her way to the


    door as soon as Elliot put her down. However, he grabbed her immediately and pulled her into his arms,


    forcing her to face him.


    Anastasia¡¯s hair was let loose as a result, and her milky white velvet nightgown made her face innocent


    yet alluring. It surely would be the death of him.


    Elliot gulped, looking as though he was trying his best to hold back something.


    Anastasia caught the possessiveness in his eyes, and she immediately warned, ¡°Don¡¯t you d¡ª¡± Just like


    that, he made her swallow the word ¡®dare¡¯.


    Admittedly, Anastasia couldn¡¯t say no to his kisses every time. It carried a strange yet tingling sensation,


    making her want more despite feeling abashed.


    Suddenly, he let go of her and asked in a husky voice, ¡°Do you want it?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Anastasia denied her desire stubbornly, but deep down, she wanted to give it a go. She wanted to


    see if she could ept his approach. Not only that, she wanted to see if the trauma he evoked would


    come back.


    She didn¡¯t want the trauma from five years ago to haunt her for the rest of her life, for she wanted to


    experience the joy of being a woman too. However, she still pushed him away while saying, ¡°It¡¯s really


    late. You should turn in early.¡±


    Jared¡¯s still at home, for heaven¡¯s sake!


    Elliot was merely asking. After all, she had to want it herself. If she didn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t force her even


    though he was on the verge of exploding.


    Anastasia scurried into Jared¡¯s room, but she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Elliot, his kiss, his breath, and


    his gaze.


    The following morning, Anastasia opened her bleary eyes to find a pair of angelic eyes staring at her.


    ¡°What is it?¡± She sat up and kissed her baby boy.


    ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m going to bete for school,¡± Jared said solemnly.


    ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t today Saturday?¡±


    ¡°Nope. It¡¯s only Friday!¡± Is Mommy dreaming?


    Anastasia pped her head at that. She had trouble sleeping the whole night, no thanks to Elliot. Right,


    Elliot! He had stayed over for the night. At that, she asked with a smile, ¡°Is Mr. Presgrave around?¡±


    ¡°He is! He¡¯s waiting for you in the living room.¡±


    ¡°In that case¡­ Ask him to send you to school! I¡¯m really sleepy.¡± Anastasia wanted to bezy this once.


    ¡°Okay!¡± The little guy headed out, beaming.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, Mommy still wants to sleep. Can you please take me to school?¡±


    Of course, he was more than happy to, smiling as he said, ¡°Sure! Go and pack your bag. I¡¯ll let your mom


    know.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Anastasia, who was still half-awake, happened to be shifting into a snug position so she could go back to


    sleep when she heard the door open. Then, she heard footsteps approaching her, and with that, she


    reached her hand out to pat his leg while saying dreamily, ¡°Hurry up and go to school, Jared!¡±


    Jared?!


    Elliot chuckled under his breath, somewhat frustrated. This woman sure dared to take advantage of him.


    At that, he bent over and leaned close to her. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll send your son to school. You have to kiss me in


    return, though.¡±


    Startled, Anastasia shot wide awake and reflexively covered her sleepy face. ¡°I have morning breath!¡±

 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390


    Chapter 390 Tell Your Director to Come Out


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind that.¡± Elliot inched closer after saying that, and Anastasia reflexively stretched out her arms,


    giving him a peck on the cheek. ¡°Please take Jared to school for me. Thanks.¡±


    He swiftly pulled her into his arms, causing her to nuzzle her face against his chest as he nibbled her


    neck while stroking her hair.


    The intimate scenemonly shared between married couples got Anastasia¡¯s heart beating wildly and


    her face suddenly flushing scarlet.


    Just then, his husky voice traveled to her ear. ¡°You really tortured mest night.¡±


    At that, he even bit her ear teasingly, causing her to jolt and shove him away while blushing. ¡°Get the hell


    out of here, Elliot!¡±


    After sessfully interrupting her nap, Elliot headed out, finally content.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia went back to sleep with peace of mind, knowing that Elliot would take Jared to


    school. It seemed she could only be this at ease when leaving Jared in his hands, right?


    On the other hand, Alice came to a caf¨¦ nearby Bourgeois after answering a call. Upon seeing the


    person waiting at a table, she approached them while looking around cautiously. ¡°Why have youe


    looking for me?¡±


    ¡°I want to thank you for the sketch you gave mest time. I¡¯m really pleased with it. Here¡¯s the situation


    now; ourpany has decided to use this sketch to file awsuit against Bourgeois and ruin their


    reputation.¡± The woman went straight to the point.


    Alice¡¯s expression changed a little upon hearing her words. ¡°I thought we agreed on only filing a


    giarismwsuit? Howe you¡¯re suing Bourgeois now?¡±


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well, Bourgeois has taken too many of our clients. Hence, my boss has decided to take a long shot and


    use this opportunity to sue Bourgeois for infringement. The bigger, the better. We¡¯re not only going to ruin


    the designer¡¯s reputation, but also destroy Bourgeois¡¯ business.¡±


    Alice frowned at that. She didn¡¯t think this far in the beginning, but who¡¯d have thought her actions gave


    the rivalpany such a massive advantage?! ¡°What do I get from this? Am I not getting anything when


    I¡¯ve done you guys such a big help?¡±


    ¡°Of course you¡¯d get something in return. I¡¯m here discussing this with you, aren¡¯t I? My boss said to give


    you a hundred thousand aspensation. After this is all over, you cane straight to us as our


    deputy director. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re only giving me a hundred thousand? I took a huge risk by stealing such a good sketch, and all I


    get is a hundred thousand? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me!¡± Alice was nomb; she was going to bag a


    sweet deal. Besides, the rivalpany was surely only painting a rosy picture, offering her a spot in their


    company! All she wanted was what she could get her hands on.


    ¡°Alright, fine! I¡¯ll propose half a million to my boss, but that¡¯s the most you¡¯re going to get.¡± At that,


    Jacqueline Sherman, designer for Bourgeios¡¯ rivalpany, called her boss to negotiate the deal. After


    a few words, she hung up and said to Alice, ¡°My boss says he can do half a million. That is as far as he¡¯ll


    go.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± Alice was pleased with the amount. After all, apart from getting the money, she could have


    Anastasia expelled from the jewelry design industry.


    ¡°From now on, only you and I know about this n. No one else can know about this,¡± said Jacqueline


    gravely.


    ¡°Of course. You can count on me.¡± Alice was confident that no one would know she was behind this. She


    then asked curiously, ¡°When are you guys making your move?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re all set to go. Ourwyers will go to your officetest by this afternoon.¡±


    Alice left the caf¨¦ with a malicious smile. Even if Anastasia was currently on leave, she was still


    Bourgeois¡¯ designer. As long as this incident blew up, that woman would have no ce in the jewelry


    design industry any longer!


    However, she didn¡¯t know about Elliot¡¯s debt to the Tillman Family. Hence, she believed the Presgraves


    would think otherwise of Anastasia once this incident blew up.


    Hmph, say goodbye to marrying into the Presgrave Family, Anastasia!


    Alice had been bottling her hatred for Anastasia for far too long, and it was high time for a good drama.


    That day, everyone had just returned to Bourgeois from lunch at 2.00PM when a group of men in suits


    entered the lobby and headed straight to the office, looking stern. At that, the leading man shouted, ¡°I¡¯d


    like to speak to your director!¡±

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391


    Chapter 391 use Her of giarizing


    Felicia had juste out of the washroom when she heard the noise. At that, she asked with a frown,


    ¡°Who are you guys?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m George Walden, the director of Savill Jewelry Atelier. We suspect your employee has stolen one of


    our designer¡¯s work, and we have the right to pursue legal liability,¡± the guy said confidently as though it


    did happen, and it was even dire.


    No doubt they were merely causing a ruckus since something like this was normal between rival


    companies. At that, Felicia sneered and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your proof? Don¡¯t nder our employees for no


    reason, or we¡¯ll sue you for defamation.¡±


    ¡°We definitely have proof, or why do you think we¡¯d daree to you? You have a designer named


    Anastasia Tillman, working under yourpany, don¡¯t you? She has submitted a sketch for next year¡¯s


    spring jewelry show, hasn¡¯t she? In reality, she stole my employee¡¯s masterpiece and imed it as her


    own. We have the right to pursue her legal liability, so if you¡¯ll please have here out.¡±


    Felicia couldn¡¯t help feeling shocked at that. Who knew that Anastasia would be caught up in a


    giarism scandal? How could this be, though?


    ¡°She¡¯s on leave right now. I can deal with this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, we¡¯re not just holding her ountable. We¡¯re also suing Bourgeois for mismanagement,¡± George


    announced arrogantly.


    Clearly, they weren¡¯t going to quit until they heard the end of it.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll contact my designer and have here forward to rify the incident.¡± With that, Felicia went


    into her office and called Anastasia.


    Anastasia happened to be at Tillman Constructions right then. The reports she was reading were giving


    her a headache, and she eased immediately upon hearing the ringtone. ¡°Hey, Felicia.¡±


    ¡°A director of another jewelry atelier hase to us saying that you allegedly giarized their


    employee¡¯s work, Anastasia. Are you free toe and deal with this?¡±


    ¡°What? giarize? Me?¡± The news baffled Anastasia as there was no way she would ever do something


    like that!


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re even iming that the piece you stole is the one you submitted to the jewelry show.¡±


    ¡°Impossible! That¡¯s my own design and my own inspiration.¡± Anastasia retorted.


    ¡°I believe you too. However, those guys won¡¯t leave until youe and verify it yourself. Can you rush


    over?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll be there in a second.¡±


    With that, Anastasia dashed to Bourgeois.


    Back at Bourgeois, gossipers began crowding together. Alice was among them as she listened to their


    whispers about the incident. More than that, it delighted her when most of them were evidently mocking


    Anastasia.


    ¡°Goodness! They¡¯ve even paid to be on the trending page.¡±


    At that, someone read out the headline, saying, ¡°Designer of a famous jewelry atelier shamelessly steals


    other¡¯s work after running out of ideas. Evidence to prove.¡±


    ¡°Designer, Anastasia Tillman, of Bourgeois by QR is guilty of giarizing.¡±


    Alice smiled as she listened to all that. Looks like Savill really wants to make a big deal out of this! Will


    Anastasia still have the nerve to stay in this industry?


    At this point, Felicia ushered the people from Savill to wait in the conference room. Aftering out, she


    deliberated whether to call Elliot, but in the end, she decided to wait until Anastasia had arrived before


    doing so.


    After all, it was an inglorious issue for Anastasia.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    As she dashed toward the lobby, the receptionists all shot her nasty looks. Clearly, everyone at


    Bourgeois had heard about her incident.


    When Anastasia showed up in the office, the gossip stopped immediately, leaving only a mocking gaze


    staring at her.


    ¡°Here, Anastasia,¡± Felicia called out to her.


    At that, Anastasia went into Felicia¡¯s office. As soon as the door closed, Felicia looked at her gravely.


    ¡°Anastasia, they¡¯re making a big deal out of this. They are clearly nning to ruin Bourgeois¡¯ reputation.¡±


    Of course, Anastasia could understand Felicia¡¯s worries. At that, she raised her hand and swore, ¡°I swear


    that I¡¯ve never stolen anyone¡¯s work.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I trust you. Also, I haven¡¯t told President Presgrave about this yet. You decide whether to inform


    him.¡±


    ¡°I want to meet these guys first.¡± An exasperated Anastasia wanted to set the record straight. How dare


    they use her of giarizing for no apparent reason.

 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392


    Chapter 392 One Rotten Apple Spoils the Whole Barrel


    ¡°Take it easy. I have a feeling they¡¯vee prepared, so we¡¯d better not fall into their trap.¡± Felicia patted


    Anastasia¡¯s shoulder.


    After entering the conference room, Anastasia looked toward the five people sitting there. There were


    twowyers, two Savill staff, and the director.


    ¡°Are you Anastasia Tillman, the person who stole my designer¡¯s work?¡± George sneered as soon as he


    saw Anastasia.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    At that, Anastasia stared coldly at him. ¡°On what basis do you say that?¡±


    ¡°We have proof, of course. In fact, you replicated nearly the whole of my designer¡¯s piece and submitted


    it to the show.¡±


    ¡°I know well if I¡¯ve done so.¡± Anastasia continued to stare coldly at George, not intimidated at all.


    Just then, one of them took out an iPad and opened the sketch before handing it to Anastasia. ¡°Miss


    Tillman, why don¡¯t you take a look at these two pieces first? One of them is our designer¡¯s drawing and


    the other one is yours. They¡¯re practically identical.¡±


    Anastasia took the iPad with a frown and couldn¡¯t help being stupefied upon seeing the sketches. They


    were indeed identical with only differences in a few details.


    ¡°This is my work. You guys stole it!¡± Anastasia retorted as she put the iPad down.


    ¡°We get that you¡¯re not talented enough, Miss Tillman, and that you want to establish your reputation as


    a designer by giarizing my designer¡¯s work,¡± George said with utter sympathy.


    At that, Felicia stood up for Anastasia. ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. Miss Tillman is our most talented


    designer, and she will never steal somebody¡¯s work.¡±


    ¡°Naturally, we would gather all the evidence beforeing to look for you. Firstly, this piece is from our


    chief designer, Jacqueline Sherman. Secondly, she released it earlier than you did. What¡¯s more, the


    finished product was ced in ourpany¡¯s disy casest month. However, Miss Tillman submitted


    her sketch on the twelfth of this month. ording to the timeline, she could¡¯ve giarized the piece.¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡± Anastasia held her breath, shocked that Savill had moved so quickly.


    Felicia¡¯s face turned slightly grim as well. She remembered that Anastasia had keyed her piece into the


    company¡¯s system on the second of this month and submitted the sketch to the show a week ago.


    Hence, the timing was very unfavorable for Anastasia.


    Nheless, she still trusted that Anastasia wouldn¡¯t do something like this.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, Savill will not tolerate such behavior. You have two options¡ªtake down your piece,


    apologize to Savill publicly on behalf of Bourgeois, andpensate for our loss. Otherwise, we will


    pursue your legal liability for giarizing our work and demandpensation. Of course, you¡¯d still have


    to apologize to us.¡±


    George pressed on, and he even concluded that Anastasia was the thief.


    At that, Felicia said, ¡°We need to dig into this before giving you an answer. Why don¡¯t you guys head


    back first?¡±


    ¡°Alright, seeing that we¡¯re fellow traders, I¡¯ll give you until 3.00PM tomorrow.¡± George added disdainfully,


    ¡°How unfortunate for something like this to happen within the jewelry design industry.¡±


    Anastasia was still baffled when the door closed behind her. How did Savill manage to disy her work


    in advance?!


    She was certain that was her design, for she had sketched it out with her own hands. In fact, that piece


    came to her when she sat alone untilte at night under the starry sky.


    How did she be the giarist?!


    The true thief was Jacqueline!


    Anastasia heard people gossiping about her the entire way back to her office. Some who long had a


    problem with her couldn¡¯t care less about offending her anymore.


    ¡°I thought she really was capable, but it turns out she got to her position by stealing other people¡¯s work.¡±


    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that the truth? Thanks to her, ourpany¡¯s reputation will be ruined.¡±


    ¡°I swear, one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel.¡±


    Meanwhile, Alice entered Anastasia¡¯s office with a cup of coffee, gloating. ¡°I thought you were something!


    Who knew that you only rose to fame with such shortcuts?!¡±

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393


    Chapter 393 Elliot Has Come


    Anastasia remained silent in her seat.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best if you don¡¯t ask President Presgrave to save you, for it¡¯ll only make things worse. You¡¯d


    better quickly apologize andpensate Savill to save ourpany from further losses,¡± Alice reminded


    her.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Of course, she didn¡¯t want Elliot to be involved in this. Though she was confident that they wouldn¡¯t have


    anything on her, she didn¡¯t want to be panicky either.


    ¡°Why should I apologize when I never giarized in the first ce? The one who should be apologizing


    is Savill.¡± Anastasia looked up and stared coldly at Alice.


    Alice hit the roof at that. ¡°Are you going to keep acting stubborn, Anastasia? You¡¯ve already be a


    joke in the jewelry design industry. Are you only going to apologize after you¡¯ve ruined all of Bourgeois¡¯


    reputation? I will not let you destroy thepany¡¯s future!¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s only option was to apologize.


    Anastasia stood up in response and said firmly, ¡°I will not apologize before I get to the bottom of this.¡±


    Alice couldn¡¯t help choking and snapped, ¡°Just because President Presgrave likes you doesn¡¯t mean you


    can actwlessly, you know. It¡¯s already embarrassing that you¡¯ve giarized. Are you going to make a


    bigger deal out of this?!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t giarize, so I won¡¯t apologize.¡± One could tell from Anastasia¡¯s beautiful face that she wasn¡¯t


    about topromise.


    Alice was taken aback, for she had never seen someone as stubborn as Anastasia.


    At that, she red at Anastasia and uttered, ¡°Well, I can¡¯t wait to see what your fate will be!¡±


    Meanwhile, Felicia pondered over something as she stood in her office. Savill wasing at Anastasia


    with full force, putting her at a disadvantage. With that, she decided to give Elliot a call.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Elliot¡¯s voice came from the other end of the line.


    ¡°President, there¡¯s something you need to know.¡±


    After hearing the whole story from Felicia, he asked concerningly, ¡°What did she say?¡±


    ¡°Anastasia is sure that she didn¡¯t giarize.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯lle over now.¡± With that, Elliot ended the call.


    Bourgeois was still in the process of moving; since Elliot was at the Presgrave Group, he needed some


    time to get there.


    Meanwhile, Grace brought a cup of tea for Anastasia while she sat in her office. ¡°Anastasia, I believe you


    didn¡¯t giarize. No matter what everyone else says, I believe you,¡± said Grace as sheforted her,


    feeling bad for the woman.


    ¡°Thanks, Grace.¡± Anastasia was grateful to have an assistant like Grace.


    After Grace left, Anastasia propped her forehead, trying to figure out how the whole thing came to be.


    She had finished her first draft on the tenth ofst month, and Savill had already put the piece on their


    disy by the end ofst month. In other words, they had about twenty days in between amending and


    coming up with the finished product. If their workshop worked overtime on this piece of jewelry, it was


    indeed possible for them tounch it in about a fortnight at best.


    However, the sketch had always been with her, so who could¡¯ve handed it to Savill?


    Someone had evidently leaked it, and it had already happened when she came up with the first draft.


    However, who wanted her gone for good? A designer would no longer have a ce in the industry if they


    were branded for giarizing. After all, it was just as bad as murder.


    In the end, Anastasia determined that someone had stolen her sketch between the tenth and eighteenth


    of November.


    Still, several people hade in and out of her office, and she needed more time to find out exactly who


    did it.


    Then again, Savill wanted her to answer by 3.00PM the next day. They clearly didn¡¯t want to give her


    time to investigate.


    More than that, they were also being ruthless, dragging Bourgeois¡¯ reputation down while suing her for


    giarism.


    Bourgeois¡¯ fame now had overshadowed manypanies in the market and also garnered a high


    approval rate. Hence, no doubt fellow traders would want to bring down this strongpetitor.


    Anastasia was searching for her first draft when she heard someone pushing the door open. At that, she


    looked up and was surprised.


    Elliot hade!


    ¡°Felicia told me about your situation.¡± Elliot propped his hand on the desk and asked when he saw her


    searching for something, ¡°What are you looking for?¡±

 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394


    Chapter 394 She Couldn¡¯t Falsely use the Innocent


    After Anastasia finally found her first draft, she put it on her desk and said, ¡°This is my first draft, but it


    can¡¯t be used as evidence to prove I didn¡¯t giarize.¡±


    The time and date thepany assessed were based on when the piece was keyed into the system.


    Clearly, Savill had the upper hand in this.


    ¡°I believe you.¡± Elliot looked at her with absolute trust.


    Anastasia choked at that, and she smiled wryly. ¡°Do you really have that much faith in me?¡±


    ¡°Who am I suppose to believe when I don¡¯t even believe in my woman?¡± Elliot¡¯s gaze was filled with


    resolution.


    He got her a little stump, and she evaded his gaze. Nheless, his words had given her a confidence


    boost.


    ¡°Thanks. Now, I want to get to the bottom of this and see who leaked my sketch to Savill.¡± With that, she


    looked down at her sketch.


    This was one of her favorite sketches, but now, Savill imed it as their own and even ndered her for


    it. How exasperating it was!


    ¡°Find that person, and I¡¯ll teach them a lesson for you.¡± Elliot¡¯s face turned grim. That person probably


    had a death wish since they dared to touch his beloved woman.


    Right as Anastasia looked up, he continued, ¡°Also, Savill will have to pay a heavy price for ndering


    you.¡±


    Anastasia was rendered at a loss for words.


    She had a feeling Savill would be facing their doom.


    ¡°Alright, tough guy. Let¡¯s investigate first!¡± Anastasia decided to check the office¡¯s surveince footage


    before they did anything further.


    The security didn¡¯t dare snub Anastasia¡¯s request, sending the footage of said time to herptop. With


    that, Elliot and Felicia kept herpany as they looked through it together.


    Meanwhile, Alice couldn¡¯t help but begin to panic in her office. She hadn¡¯t expected Elliot to actually step


    in, and it got her seriously tensed.


    Elliot was all-powerful, and he had very strong influences. What was more, he had a bunch of formidable


    lawyers. Even if Anastasia was sued, hiswyers would be able to win the case.


    Since it hade to this, Anastasia definitely wouldn¡¯t put up with it. Right then, she sat in front of her


    laptop while she looked through the footage. She swore that she would find the culprit.


    Elliot¡¯s heart ached as he sat next to her, watching her stare into the screen with her brows locked into a


    deep furrow, non-blinking. ¡°Do you have any enemies in the office? Alternatively, is there anyone who


    wants to harm you?¡±


    Two people immediately came to her mind¡ªAlice and Aliona. These two were openly hostile toward her.


    However, she couldn¡¯t rule out the possibility of someone using her sketch to make money, or that Savill


    had nted a spy in Bourgeois.


    ¡°Hold on. We¡¯ll talk after I¡¯m done watching the footage.¡± Anastasia watched the surveince footage


    frame by frame, fast-forwarding and rewinding from time to time.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get back to work, Director Evans? I¡¯ll keep herpany.¡± Elliot pulled a chair over and


    sat next to Anastasia. He decidedly ignored the important work in Presgrave Group, choosing to solve


    the incident with her instead.


    ¡°You should go back to work too! I can handle this myself.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want to take up his time


    either.


    ¡°I¡¯ll watch with you.¡± Elliot wasn¡¯t going anywhere. After all, nothing was more important than clearing her


    name now.


    Anastasia¡¯s head spun from watching an hour of footage. Seeing that it was about time to pick Jared up,


    she turned to Elliot. ¡°I might have to stay and watch the footage tonight. Can you please ask Nigel to pick


    Jared up and babysit him for the night?¡±


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll call him.¡± With that, Elliot dialed Nigel¡¯s number.


    Nigel was their number one nanny, and more than that, he was among the only few Anastasia trusted.


    After hanging up, Elliot stayed by Anastasia¡¯s side with peace of mind, watching the surveince footage


    with her. Meanwhile, Anastasia had been recording the time and person who came in and out of her


    office.


    She didn¡¯t rx for a moment since she didn¡¯t want to falsely use the innocent, nor would she spare


    the culprit.


    As Savill wanted an answer by the following afternoon, she had to look through all the footage and find


    the culprit by that night.


    Now that Nigel was babysitting Jared, she could focus on work. Sometimeter, Grace brought her a


    little pick-me-up. After taking a few sips of the coffee, Anastasia went back to staring at.

 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395


    Chapter 395 You Have Zero Credibility


    After she was done drinking the bird¡¯s nest soup, Anastasia grabbed her bag and said to Elliot, ¡°I¡¯ll head


    back to the office first.¡±


    There was no reason for Elliot to stay anyway. With that, they paid the bill and headed back to


    Bourgeois. When they arrived back in the office, those who were working overtime had all gone home by


    now.


    Elliot followed Anastasia into her officezily. Meanwhile, she removed her jacket, finding it a bother. The


    khaki-colored bodycon dress beneath it made her curves especially alluring underneath the lights.


    With that, he sat across from her and admired her.


    The bright lighting made the pair of eyes underneath her thick, longshes as clear as crystals, and her


    delicate facial features made her palm-sized face exceptionally charming.


    He grew more infatuated with her the more he looked.


    How can there be a woman who matches my aesthetics so perfectly in this world?


    They were practically formed ording to his preferences, and she was a beauty from every angle.


    Feeling tired, Anastasia decided to look away from herptop only to find a certain someone staring at


    her with his chin propped.


    Who knew how long he had been watching her like that. Underneath the lights, his eyes were like


    vortexes that sucked her in, and his pursed lips wereced with temptation beneath his tall nose.


    Just then, Elliot curled his lips and smiled. ¡°Found anything?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡± Anastasia leaned back and raised her head a little.


    ¡°Will you give me a reward if I help you find the culprit?¡± He asked out of the blue, seemingly confident.


    Of course, Anastasia had never nned on relying on him. However, since he had suggested it, she


    agreed jokingly and said, ¡°Sure!¡±


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s a yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll give you a reward if you can find this culprit.¡± I¡¯ve watched the surveince footage for hours,


    and I still haven¡¯t gotten anything. As if you¡¯d be able to find the culprit.


    Elliot smiled confidently and said, ¡°Alright. It¡¯s a deal.¡± With that, he closed herptop. ¡°Don¡¯t look


    anymore. I¡¯ve already found the person.¡±


    The news got Anastasia stumped. ¡°Who is it?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know tomorrow. Now, let¡¯s go home!¡± It pained Elliot to see her so exhausted.


    ¡°Tell me who it is!¡± Anastasia shot up from her seat, surprised.


    He wasn¡¯t going to keep it from her anyway. With that, he exined, ¡°I¡¯ve asked Rey to retrieve all of


    Bourgeois¡¯ employees¡¯ recent bank transactions and found half a million transferred into Alice¡¯s ount.


    The sender? Savill Jewelry Atelier¡¯s public ount.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened at that. It was just as she had suspected! She thought Alice had been acting


    rather suspicious in the clip she had saved earlier.


    ¡°I knew it. I figured it was her.¡± Anastasia pped her desk in anger. ¡°That wretched woman.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you home now and deal with this tomorrow.¡± Malice shot from Elliot¡¯s cold gaze as he swore, ¡°I¡¯ll


    make them pay for what they did to you.¡± These guys really had a death wish for messing with his


    woman.


    Anastasia gave up checking the rest of the surveince footage at this point, certain that the clip she


    saved could prove that Alice had been into her office.


    It was already 8.30PM when they came out of Bourgeois. Just then, a gust of cold wind blew past,


    leading Anastasia to hug herself since she was feeling chilly.


    At that, Elliot pulled her into his arms and wrapped her up in his suit jacket, causing her to blush slightly.


    She was enveloped in his pleasant scent which invaded her senses.


    Anastasia checked the time when they arrived at her home to find it was already 9.30PM, so she gave


    up on picking up Jared. However, someone began devising his schemes when she was about to get out


    of the car.


    ¡°Can I go in for some tea?¡± Elliot¡¯s true intentions were evident in his eyes.


    ¡°No.¡± Anastasia rejected as she looked at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to drink some tea. I won¡¯t do anything else,¡± he swore.


    To that, she reminded, ¡°President Presgrave, do you not realize you have lost all credibility with me?¡±


    Then, he looked somewhat defeatedly at her. ¡°You heartless woman. Go on, go home!¡±


    After exiting the car, Anastasia watched him drive away before heading up to her apartment. Just then,


    what Alice had done to defame her popped into her head. She would have to solve this issue thoroughly.


    Later at 3.00AM, Alice arrived at the international airport in a taxi, entering hurriedly with her suitcase.


    Meanwhile, one of Elliot¡¯s bodyguards received a call as he sat inside a ck sedan not far from her.

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396


    Chapter 396 You Have Zero Credibility


    After she was done drinking the bird¡¯s nest soup, Anastasia grabbed her bag and said to Elliot, ¡°I¡¯ll head


    back to the office first.¡±


    There was no reason for Elliot to stay anyway. With that, they paid the bill and headed back to


    Bourgeois. When they arrived back in the office, those who were working overtime had all gone home by


    now.


    Elliot followed Anastasia into her officezily. Meanwhile, she removed her jacket, finding it a bother. The


    khaki-colored bodycon dress beneath it made her curves especially alluring underneath the lights.


    With that, he sat across from her and admired her.


    The bright lighting made the pair of eyes underneath her thick, longshes as clear as crystals, and her


    delicate facial features made her palm-sized face exceptionally charming.


    He grew more infatuated with her the more he looked.


    How can there be a woman who matches my aesthetics so perfectly in this world?


    They were practically formed ording to his preferences, and she was a beauty from every angle.


    Feeling tired, Anastasia decided to look away from herptop only to find a certain someone staring at


    her with his chin propped.


    Who knew how long he had been watching her like that. Underneath the lights, his eyes were like


    vortexes that sucked her in, and his pursed lips wereced with temptation beneath his tall nose.


    Just then, Elliot curled his lips and smiled. ¡°Found anything?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡± Anastasia leaned back and raised her head a little.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Will you give me a reward if I help you find the culprit?¡± He asked out of the blue, seemingly confident.


    Of course, Anastasia had never nned on relying on him. However, since he had suggested it, she


    agreed jokingly and said, ¡°Sure!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll give you a reward if you can find this culprit.¡± I¡¯ve watched the surveince footage for hours,


    and I still haven¡¯t gotten anything. As if you¡¯d be able to find the culprit.


    Elliot smiled confidently and said, ¡°Alright. It¡¯s a deal.¡± With that, he closed herptop. ¡°Don¡¯t look


    anymore. I¡¯ve already found the person.¡±


    The news got Anastasia stumped. ¡°Who is it?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know tomorrow. Now, let¡¯s go home!¡± It pained Elliot to see her so exhausted.


    ¡°Tell me who it is!¡± Anastasia shot up from her seat, surprised.


    He wasn¡¯t going to keep it from her anyway. With that, he exined, ¡°I¡¯ve asked Rey to retrieve all of


    Bourgeois¡¯ employees¡¯ recent bank transactions and found half a million transferred into Alice¡¯s ount.


    The sender? Savill Jewelry Atelier¡¯s public ount.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes widened at that. It was just as she had suspected! She thought Alice had been acting


    rather suspicious in the clip she had saved earlier.


    ¡°I knew it. I figured it was her.¡± Anastasia pped her desk in anger. ¡°That wretched woman.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you home now and deal with this tomorrow.¡± Malice shot from Elliot¡¯s cold gaze as he swore, ¡°I¡¯ll


    make them pay for what they did to you.¡± These guys really had a death wish for messing with his


    woman.


    Anastasia gave up checking the rest of the surveince footage at this point, certain that the clip she


    saved could prove that Alice had been into her office.


    It was already 8.30PM when they came out of Bourgeois. Just then, a gust of cold wind blew past,


    leading Anastasia to hug herself since she was feeling chilly.


    At that, Elliot pulled her into his arms and wrapped her up in his suit jacket, causing her to blush slightly.


    She was enveloped in his pleasant scent which invaded her senses.


    Anastasia checked the time when they arrived at her home to find it was already 9.30PM, so she gave


    up on picking up Jared. However, someone began devising his schemes when she was about to get out


    of the car.


    ¡°Can I go in for some tea?¡± Elliot¡¯s true intentions were evident in his eyes.


    ¡°No.¡± Anastasia rejected as she looked at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to drink some tea. I won¡¯t do anything else,¡± he swore.


    To that, she reminded, ¡°President Presgrave, do you not realize you have lost all credibility with me?¡±


    Then, he looked somewhat defeatedly at her. ¡°You heartless woman. Go on, go home!¡±


    After exiting the car, Anastasia watched him drive away before heading up to her apartment. Just then,


    what Alice had done to defame her popped into her head. She would have to solve this issue thoroughly.


    Later at 3.00AM, Alice arrived at the international airport in a taxi, entering hurriedly with her suitcase.


    Meanwhile, one of Elliot¡¯s bodyguards received a call as he sat inside a ck sedan not far from her.

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397


    Chapter 397 Elliot¡¯s Support


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to stop her. She won¡¯t be able to leave the country anyway.¡± Rey¡¯s voice came from the


    other end of the line.


    Alice had now be a wanted fugitive, so there was no way would she be able to get through airport


    security.


    Currently, Alice was waiting in line. She had prepared to hide abroad with the five hundred thousand until


    all of this was over.


    She had a feeling the whole of Savill would give her trouble, for she had brought them devastating


    disaster by pissing off Elliot.


    Finally, it was Alice¡¯s turn. She handed the customs officer her documents, only to find them ncing at


    her. With that, she asked anxiously, ¡°Is everything alright, sir?¡±


    The customs officer returned her documents and announced, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, miss, but you¡¯ve been banned


    from leaving the country. Please go back.¡±


    Blood drained from Alice¡¯s face upon hearing their words. ¡°What?! How? What for? Why am I banned?!¡±


    ¡°Anyhow, you¡¯ve been banned from leaving the country. As for the reason, I¡¯m pretty sure you know it


    well!¡± The customs officer nced impatiently at her.


    Alice was genuinely freaking out now, but all she could do was leave the airport with her luggage. Am I


    still not able to escape when I¡¯ve already moved so quickly?


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    With that, Alice got to public security through her friends and asked if she hadmitted some sort of


    crime. However, she still got no answers.


    Anastasia came to work at 8.30AM, and just like the day before, her colleagues looked at her with


    mocking gazes as she entered Felicia¡¯s office.


    ¡°Did you find anything?¡± Felicia asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s Alice. Savill transferred half a million into her bank ount. I also have a clip of hering in and


    out of my office around that time.¡±


    Felicia sighed in response. ¡°She¡¯s the mole? How disappointing.¡±


    Lo and behold, Alice didn¡¯t show up for work. Anastasia had been waiting for the people from Savill to


    show up at 3.00PM, but what came was even bigger news. Savill had been sued for bribing a Bourgeois


    employee, stealing a design sketch, being involved in viting Bourgeois¡¯ trade secrets, and even


    defamation.


    The trending pages the day before were all about Savill prosecuting Bourgeois, but it was the other way


    around now.


    Certainly, it wasmercial warfare.


    Felicia got a call just then, and she fell silent for a few seconds after answering it. Then, she looked


    toward Anastasia. ¡°Alice has been arrested, and Savill¡¯s CEO will make an official apology.¡±


    ¡°Elliot¡¯s behind this.¡± Anastasia was surprised at how Elliot moved so quickly, for he had turned the tide in


    one night.


    Did he stay up all night to deal with this? Anastasia thought.


    When afternoon came, an even more shocking piece of news came. Savill¡¯s stock market crashed and


    even hit the limit at one point, causing it to be on the verge of bankruptcy. In other words, its several-


    billion worth of assets were turning into dust.


    Savill had probably never expected their one mistake to cost them everything after taking legal action


    against a designer, and for that, they pissed off the mystery business magnate backing her.


    All in all, the issue came to an end by that afternoon. Savill would be withdrawing from the jewelry-


    making industry, and their CEO even held a press conference himself to apologize to Anastasia,


    admitting they had stolen her sketch and even defamed her. For that, they would bepensating her


    with 1.8 million.


    Everyone at Bourgeois watched the live stream, and when they heard thepensation amount, they all


    turned into green-eyed monsters. Not only had Anastasia recovered her reputation, but she would also


    be getting 1.8 million aspensation.


    It sure was different having Elliot¡¯s support!


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was also watching the press conference in her office. Of course, she was happy to


    get a whopping amount for nothing, but she also wished that something like this would never happen


    again.


    After all, it seriously polluted the industry¡¯s culture.


    When Anastasia took a trip to the pantryter on, everyone fawned on her wherever she went.


    ¡°Congrattions, Anasatasia! We all know you were innocent.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why would Anastasia need to steal their work when she¡¯s so talented?¡±

 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398


    Chapter 398 A Man-Eating Beast


    ¡°Alice is just jealous of you.¡±


    Anastasia onlyughed it off. Alice had iting, and Savill brought their ending upon themselves.


    Though Elliot¡¯s move left them bankrupt, they didn¡¯t deserve any pity.


    When she returned to her office, her phone rang. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s celebrate tonight.¡± Elliot¡¯s voice came from the other end of the line.


    ¡°Sure. My treat.¡± Anastasia had to give him proper thanks.


    Though she¡¯d be leaving the jewelry-making industry and returning to help her father¡¯s business, he had


    retained her reputation for her. This would retain her footing if she ever returned to this industry.


    ¡°Nigel said that he¡¯d babysit Jared. I¡¯ll be just us tonight,¡± Elliot said.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll make the reservation.¡± She didn¡¯t have a problem with it either.


    ¡°I¡¯d like a special thanks tonight,¡± he reminded.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    However, Anastasia didn¡¯t quite get him. ¡°What kind of special thanks?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see at the restaurant.¡± Elliot acted all mysterious.


    Seeing that it was already 4.30PM, Anastasia ended the call and picked a restaurant. Thanks to him, she


    got a whopping 1.8 million. She¡¯d still obtain a million or so after tax, and it was only right that they had a


    fancy dinner that night.


    Meanwhile, a ne took off from Hond. Hayley smiled as she looked out to the evening sky, sitting in


    first ss. She could finally go home.


    Her eyes were still a little puffy under her sunsses, but her face was no longer swelling, and with


    makeup, she was now a beauty.


    Now that ¡®average¡¯ was no longer a part of her, she¡¯d be every man¡¯s dream girl.


    How she wished she could be in front of Elliot right now. She¡¯d captivate him with her brand new self.


    Back at home, Anastasia booked a private room for 6.30PM at a high-end restaurant to treat Elliot to


    dinner. While she was making the orders, all Elliot could care about was staring at her, for she looked


    drop-dead gorgeous and was in an excellent mood that night.


    ¡°Thanks for sticking up for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what I should do. Anyone who dares hurt you will have to pay.¡± No way would Elliot be merciful.


    This time, Alice would be prosecuted for theft, selling trade secrets, as well as other crimes, sentencing


    her to at least five years of jail time. Savill, on the other hand, would have topensate Bourgeois up


    to a hundred million for infringement apart frompensating Anastasia for her losses.


    Elliot¡¯s team ofwyers were no slouches, and they could easily have the opposing side pay up every


    last bit of their assets.


    ¡°Can you attend a charity auction as my plus one tomorrow night?¡± Elliot asked out of the blue.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Anastasia agreed without hesitation. He had been a big help, so she shouldn¡¯t say no to his


    requests so quickly.


    It was a pleasant dinner, and Elliot enjoyed himself very much. It wasn¡¯t until after Anastasia was done


    eating that she realized how beautiful the nightscape was outside the window. With that, she walked to


    the window and admired the music square outside.


    Just then, a firm chest pressed onto her back, and Elliot circled her in his arms following that, causing


    her to tense up a little.


    There was barely any space between them, and despite theyer of clothing, they could feel each


    other¡¯s body heat. Thest time they were this close was before Riley had kidnapped her.


    ¡°We¡¯re done with the main course, but I still haven¡¯t had my dessert!¡± Elliot¡¯s deep, amorous voice


    traveled to her ear.


    To that, Anastasia suggested, ¡°Would you like me to order it for you?¡±


    Elliot smiled at that. ¡°You know well that you¡¯re my dessert.¡±


    No way was she going to be his dessert. Then again, he was hugging her too tightly, and she


    wouldn¡¯t be able to escape anyway.


    Meanwhile, her scent was intoxicating him, leading him to nt a kiss on her neck like he was truly


    savoring a dessert.


    ¡°Cut it out,¡± Anastasia warned.


    This is a restaurant, for heaven¡¯s sake!


    However, Elliot knew that the servers here were well trained. They wouldn¡¯te in for no reason.


    At that, he turned her around, forcing her to face him. However, she looked everywhere but his eyes, for


    an active man-eating beast lived within it.


    On the other hand, Elliot stared at her, his fathomless gaze drifting from her eyes to her nose,nding on


    her lips atst.

 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399


    Chapter 399 I Can Afford to Pay for Heating


    Her soft, red lips beckoned him, and instantly, his gaze turned unfathomable and dangerous.


    Before Anastasia knew it, Elliot had already pressed her onto the window, kissing her. However, she held


    his waist as she shivered.


    Heavens, she was acrophobic!


    She couldn¡¯t help freaking out with him pressing her back against the window.


    However, her nervousness fueled his appetite. His possessive kiss tingled her senses, and it


    overwhelmed her.


    She pinched his waist when she finally couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, for she was on the verge of breaking


    down.


    Elliot could only release her then. ¡°I-I have a fear of heights!¡± Anastasia said bashfully before grabbing


    her bag. ¡°I¡¯m going to pay the bill.¡±


    After exiting the restaurant, Anastasia said knowingly, ¡°I still have to buy something. Why don¡¯t you head


    home first?¡±


    Clearly, she didn¡¯t want him to send her home.


    ¡°What are you getting? I¡¯ll go with you.¡± How could he leave her out here on her own when it was already


    thiste?!


    ¡°I¡¯m going to watch a movie with a friend.¡± Anastasia checked the time to find it was a little over 8.00PM,


    and she¡¯d be able to catch a movie.


    ¡°What friend?¡± Elliot knew her lifestyle and social circle better than she did, after all.


    Knowing that her n wasn¡¯t working, she held her forehead and admitted, ¡°Alright, I¡¯m not meeting a


    friend, nor am I going to buy anything. I just don¡¯t want you to send me home. Happy?¡±


    Elliot smirked in response. ¡°Are you really this afraid of me?¡±


    Suddenly, Anastasia had the urge to watch a movie. Since she had to take care of Jared, it had been


    ages since shest went to a cinema. With that, she turned to Elliot. ¡°Do you want to watch a movie?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± He was more than happy to do anything with her.


    With that, the couple went to a mall nearby since Anastasia had already bought the tickets online. Elliot¡¯s


    tall and handsome figure was exceptionally eye-catching among the crowd. Some thought he was a


    celebrity, while others thought he was a model.


    He would have people amazed on the first look and sinking on the second.


    As the Presgraves had shielded him from the public eye since he was a child, it was normal for the


    average Joe not to know who he was.


    When it was time to enter the movie theater, Anastasia handed Elliot a drink before they sat down and


    enjoyed a blockbuster.


    Amidst the darkness, Elliot held her hand and inteced their fingers, and whenever the movie cut to a


    scious scene, he would even stare at her with a beaming and captivating gaze, for he dreamed of


    reenacting such scenes with her.


    Anastasia¡¯s face flushed amidst the darkness, mortified. A certain someone wasn¡¯t just ying with her


    hand, but he was also rubbing her palm amorously.


    Her face was bright red for the entire movie, and she had no clue what she had just watched. All she


    remembered were Elliot¡¯s every fidget.


    Why did she suggest watching a movie?!


    It was already 11.30PM by the time they left the cinema. Elliot wrapped his arms around her as they


    walked to his car parked in the parking lot outside. His tall stature acted as a windbreaker for her,


    shielding her from the cold winter wind.


    After entering the car, Elliot said contentedly to Anastasia, ¡°Let¡¯s go home!¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Anastasia nodded before pulling her phone out to check for any messages. Later, she flipped


    through the trending pages to find the news of Savill dering bankruptcy everywhere. s, a domestic


    brand was gone just like that.


    With that, she looked over at the man driving. The dark blue ambient lights inside the car brought out his


    nobility and otherworldliness. His slender fingers controlled the steering wheel elegantly, just like how he


    controlled themercial world with ease.


    ¡°Am I a sight to behold?¡± Elliot smiled as he looked ahead, seeming as though he knew she was staring


    at him.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Anastasia admitted.


    ¡°Would you like to have me? I¡¯m very easy to get. You just have to reach out, and I¡¯m all yours,¡± he joked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± she answered bashfully.


    ¡°Well, may I have you?¡± Elliot rephrased.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s freezing today. I can help warm your bed.¡±


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Anastasia chuckled as she looked out the window, amused. ¡°Thanks, but no thanks. My heater is doing


    perfectly fine.¡±


    ¡°You have to pay for heating, whereas I¡¯m free of charge.¡± Elliot tried to sell himself.


    She turned to him in response, still chuckling. ¡°I can still afford to pay for heating.¡±

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400


    Chapter 400 He¡¯s Non-existent to Her


    At that, Elliot smiled with resignation. ¡°Alright then!¡±


    When he pulled over in front of Anastasia¡¯s apartment, he could only watch her get out and go home.


    s, it would be another lonely night.


    Just then, his phone rang. He checked the caller ID to find it was Hayley, someone he hadn¡¯t been in


    contact with for about a month.


    He had really forgotten all about her. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Elliot, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m back. I¡¯ve missed you so much!¡±


    ¡°Nice to hear that you¡¯re back safely,¡± Elliot answered perfunctorily.


    ¡°Are you avable for a meal tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m upied tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°How about the day after?¡±


    ¡°I have to work overtime this weekend.¡±


    ¡°Well then¡­ can I visit you next week?¡±


    ¡°Sure, we¡¯ll talk some other time. Goodnight.¡± With that, Elliot ended the call.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Soon after, another call came in. It was Rey this time. With that, Elliot pressed the answer button on the


    steering wheel and drove away.


    ¡°President, I¡¯ve got news from the Abyss Club. We¡¯ve managed to trace the phone call to an address, but


    what¡¯s strange is that it¡¯s from Summit Mansion.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s brows furrowed lightly upon hearing Rey¡¯s news. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the area where Hayley lives?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! It¡¯s exactly where you bought Miss Seymour¡¯s mansion. The number originated from that area.¡±


    ¡°Can you get more information apart from that?¡±


    ¡°The number isn¡¯t registered, and the SIM card was sold illegally. Hence, we can only track where the


    call hade from. I¡¯ll check Summit Mansion¡¯s surveince next. It¡¯s an upscale mansionmunity,


    after all. Surely there will be cameras everywhere. I¡¯d like to find this guy.¡±


    ¡°Sure! Go ahead!¡± Likewise, Elliot wanted to hunt down the person who had destroyed the server room.


    He had to get to the bottom of this no matter what; he lost the truth to Anastasia¡¯s misfortune five years


    ago because of this person, and it hindered him from finding that b*stard.


    Daniel showed up in Hayley¡¯s mansion two hourster, and his jaw dropped upon seeing the woman


    swirling a ss of red wine on the couch.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, you¡­¡± The fact that Hayley had undergone cosmetic surgery left Daniel gobsmacked,


    what more when she now looked somewhat like Anastasia.


    ¡°Am I pretty?¡± Hayley asked, smiling with a quirked brow.


    ¡°Yes. Yes, you are.¡± He had to admit that her surgery was a total sess.


    However, he also knew everything she did was only to win Elliot¡¯s heart.


    Hayley smiled contentedly when she saw Daniel¡¯s amazement for her in his eyes. ¡°Do you think Elliot will


    like my face?¡±


    Yes, the all-new Hayley Seymour was even more beautiful now, but Daniel still preferred how she looked


    initially, for this version of Hayley looked somewhat fake.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, why would you want to torture yourself like this?¡± His heart ached for her.


    She must¡¯ve experienced extreme pain and mustered all of her courage to look like this. Surely no


    ordinary person would have the guts to even reshape their skull.


    ¡°I can even give my life to get Elliot¡¯s attention, what more just by changing my face.¡± Hayley¡¯s obsession


    with winning Elliot¡¯s heart had now evolved to a maddening degree.


    Daniel said nothing more after that and brought her some food. At that, Hayleymanded, ¡°Tell me


    what Elliot and Anastasia have done while I was away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know someone publicized President Presgrave and Miss Tillman¡¯s rtionship.¡±


    The reminder rendered animosity to surge within Hayley. ¡°Anastasia leaked those photos out on


    purpose. She wants to im Elliot for herself.¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, President Presgrave has been the one courting Miss Tillman, though,¡± Daniel pointed


    out honestly.


    Naturally, Hayley wouldn¡¯t believe this to be true, and she sneered at that. ¡°They won¡¯t ever end up


    together in this lifetime.¡±


    Daniel didn¡¯t quite get what she was saying, but his gaze at her was nowced with passion. They had


    shared a few romantic nights, after all.


    Too bad Hayley only saw her as something to warm her bed with, and he was practically non-existent to


    her.

 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401


    Chapter 401


    ¡°Will Elliot be attending any events these days where I might run into him?¡±


    The benefit g tomorrow night came to Daniel¡¯s mind, but knowing that Elliot. would likely bring


    Anastasia as his date, he lied, ¡°Not that I¡¯m aware of. President Presgrave has been tied up with work at


    thepany these days.¡±


    Hayley could only swallow her bitter resentment. Her eyes were still a little swollen post-surgery, and she


    could afford to wait before meeting Elliot in person.


    The next morning, the news of the Lancaster Group¡¯s benefit g broke out among the upper-crust


    society. Given Lucas¡¯work, he managed to rally a considerable number of distinguished guests for


    the benefit, one of whom happened to be Elliot.


    For the sake of being able to climb the socialdder and work the elite society to the advantage of her


    schemes, Aliona had ordered Lucas to announce her identity as his illegitimate daughter at the benefit


    tonight. She had only one target this evening, and that was Elliot. She had already made all the


    arrangements and set her ns into motion; all there was left to do now was for him to rise to the bait.


    Needless to say, she was going to dress up to the nines in hopes of catching his eye, and it would be


    even better if he could fall for her charms without any prompting on her end. If he refused to bed her


    tonight, then she was going to have to resort to other means to make him.


    That afternoon, Anastasia had only just finished lunch when Elliot called to tell her he would be picking


    her up at 2.00PM and bringing her somewhere. He had deliberately kept the details vague, so at this


    point, she could only sit around and wait for Rey¡¯s phone call.


    Just then, her phone rang a second time. She thought it might be Rey, but upon ncing at the caller ID,


    she saw that it was an unfamiliar number. As she frowned, she put the call through and asked, ¡°Hello,


    who is this?¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, Anastasia. Have you been taking good care of my son?¡± The voice on the other line


    belonged to a man, but it was heavily warped by a voice processor and hearing it sent a chill down


    Anastasia¡¯s spine.


    A dark look passed over her face, and her hand shook as she clutched the phone tightly. ¡°I swear, if you


    show up, I¡¯ll kill you with my own hands.¡±


    The man chuckled. ¡°You could kill me, Anastasia, but that would leave our son with


    two criminal parents. It could be rather brutal for the kid, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± she demanded through gritted teeth as her thoughts mored in her head.


    ¡°What is your rtionship with Elliot?¡± he asked grimly. ¡°If you dare to even marry. another man and have


    him be the new father to my son, trust me when I say I¡¯ll be very, very angry with you.¡±


    ¡°My son has nothing to do with you,¡± Anastasia growled.


    ¡°He¡¯s my son too, and that means I¡¯m just as involved in his life as you are.¡±


    She clenched her fists as a murderous rage filled her. ¡°What the hell do you want?¡±


    ¡°Listen carefully, Anastasia-you are not allowed to marry someone else while our son is under your care,


    especially if that someone is Elliot.¡±


    ¡°You know Elliot?¡± she asked when she sensed unbridled hostility in his tone when he mentioned Elliot.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who he is, but I saw your pictures with him all over the inte. If you so much as even


    think about marrying him and setting up a new family for our son, you can be sure that I will make you


    pay,¡± he threatened in a low and angry voice.


    ¡°The kid is mine and mine alone, and you have nothing to do with him! If you show up, I won¡¯t hesitate to


    call the police and have you locked up,¡± Anastasia warned, not at all backing down in the face of his


    threats.


    ¡°You were the one who snuck into my room voluntarily five years ago, Anastasia. Whatever happened


    next was a mere ident, and you can¡¯t press charges against me for that.¡±


    She clenched her jaw and bit out, ¡°In that case, why don¡¯t you try me and see if I could put you in jail for


    life?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure our son would love to find out more about his biological father,¡± he said, biting down on her


    weakness.


    ¡°Leave my son alone! Don¡¯t you dare go near him!¡±


    ¡°I know where he goes to school, where you live, and where your father lives.¡± Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about hurting my family unless you want to pay in blood,¡± she warned maliciously.


    He scoffed. ¡°You don¡¯t scare me at all, Anastasia. I am a man with nothing to lose, and I don¡¯t mind


    taking our son down to hell with me if you were to kill me.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you die somece else and leave my son alone?¡± Her heart had leaped to her throat, and in


    the next second, she started to formte a n. She took a deep. breath and pressed in a more obliging


    tone, ¡°What do you want? Money? I could give you a sum of money if you promise to leave my family


    alone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to give me money?¡±


    ¡°I could give you a million, but you have to stay the hell away from my son¡± she bargained icily.


    However, he countered, ¡°I don¡¯t want your money. I want you to stay away from Elliot!¡±

 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402


    Chapter 402


    Anastasia frowned. She found it odd that the man imed he had nothing to live for on one hand while


    refusing her money on the other, and odrler still was how someone so heaten down insisted she stay


    away from Elliot. He simply wasn¡¯t making any sense.


    In the end, the man¡¯s greed got the better of him as he said, ¡°Fine, wire me the money!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hand you the card with the money in it if youe over personally to retrieve it,¡± Anastasia countered


    stubbornly.


    ¡°Trying to lure me out, I see. Hah! I¡¯m no idiot, Anastasia. I know you¡¯re trying to set me up to get caught!


    Save your energy and don¡¯t bother trying to catch me; you won¡¯t seed. Stay away from Elliot if you


    know what¡¯s good for you, you hear?¡±


    With that, the man hung up.


    Anastasia stared at her phone as she pondered on their conversation. She couldn¡¯t help wondering why


    the man so stubbornly demanded that she stay away from Elliot. Does he bear a grudge against Elliot?


    More to the point, the man had figured out that she was, indeed, trying to lure him out into the light by


    using money as bait.


    In the past, she would do all that she could to avoid ever meeting the man who had assaulted her five


    years ago, but now, he was forcing her to confront him. She was starting to realize that the only way she


    could move on from her nightmarish past was not by running away, but by facing it head-on fearlessly.


    Perhaps it was only after she had personally condemned the sc*mbag to a life of imprisonment that she


    could finally look back on the incident from five years ago and learn to walk away from it.


    Anastasia vowed that she would never let this man escape the rule ofw no matter what. She wouldn¡¯t


    let him get away with what he had done to her, even if it meant having to tell Jared the truth about his


    birth.


    Meanwhile, over by the man-madeke near Summit Mansion, Hayley was seething with rage as she


    clutched her phone in one trembling hand after she realized that Anastasia could no longer be


    manipted by her vicious, albeit empty threats.


    She had nned on using the identity of the male escort to force Anastasia into staying away from Elliot,


    but the call had ended with Hayley being the one


    threatened instead.


    It was 3.00PM when Rey pulled up outside Anastasia¡¯s apartment. She got into the car and was ferried


    to a boutique in the heart of the city.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, President Presgrave has asked that you pick out a dress for the benefit g tonight, which


    you will be attending as his date,¡± Rey informed politely.¡ª


    Anastasia nodded. If she was going to attend an event with Elliot, it was only par for the course that she


    had to pick out something elegant and understated to match his refined grace. After all, thest thing she


    wanted was to humiliate him by wearing some old dress pulled from the back of her wardrobe.


    The boutique had a wide collection of designer dresses from Anastasia to choose from, and the owner


    personally led her to peruse the seasonal items that were on the more exclusive end of the evening-wear


    spectrum.


    However, Anastasia had turned down all of these dresses in favor of a beige one that entuated her


    wless, porcin skin, which seemed to glow under the lights.


    Time ticked by, and before anyone noticed, it was already 5.00PM. Anastasia emerged from the boutique


    with her make-up done and her dress fitted. The beige evening dress hugged her slender figure and


    ttered her curves, and her hair was gathered elegantly at her nape with tendrils framing her face.


    Coupled with the shimmering earrings she was using, she was the perfect picture of poise and grace.


    ¡°You look beautiful tonight, Miss Tillman,¡± Rey praised with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied graciously. She slid into the backseat of the car as Rey held the door open for


    her, and the staff at the boutique came out to send her off, enviously watching her leave.


    As Anastasia leaned into the seat, she looked like a youngdy born out of aristocracy whose every little


    gesture and expression radiated innate elegance.


    Not two minutes after the car had pulled up outside Presgrave Corporation¡¯s headquarters, Anastasia


    saw a towering figure step out of the revolving doors of the main entrance before he proceeded towardContent is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    her. He looked ethereal when the twilight rays from the winter sun yed over him, giving the illusion that


    he had a halo around him.


    Anastasia¡¯s eyes lit up at the sight of him, and she didn¡¯t even realize that she was gazing upon him with


    love and endearment. Then again, anyone would look at Elliot the same way if they caught even the


    slightest glimpse of him!


    Elliot opened the door and slid into the backseat next to her. His eyes fell on her appreciatively, and he


    found himself unable to look away.


    He thought she was already gorgeous enough without dressing up, but now that she had, he was


    surprised by how breathtaking she looked.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help blushing at the way he was staring at her, and she self consciously tucked a lock


    of hair behind her ear as she asked shyly, ¡°How do I look?¡±


    ¡°No words can describe how beautiful you are right now,¡± Elliot said honestly as he grinned, the corners


    of his eyes crinkling lovingly.


    She gaped at him. ¡°You¡¯re exaggerating, aren¡¯t you? I think I look passably decent, if not slightly better


    than how I usually look.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re drop-dead gorgeous,¡± he went on to praise.


    A little flustered by how earnest he sounded, she pointed out, ¡°You look really good in a suit as well. In


    fact, you¡¯re the only man I know who can look this handsome in a suit.¡±


    He was pleased to hear herpliment, and a delighted smile curled on his lips.


    s, neither of them ever stopped to think about how Rey-the perpetual bachelor who was driving them


    to the benefit g at present-might feel as they rubbed their rtionship in his face.

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403


    Chapter 403


    They cruised down the road leading to the hotel where the benefit g was being held. When it came to


    charity auctions and benefit gs in the upper-crust society, the charity aspect was often overlooked in


    light of the distinguished guest list. More valuable than any of the antiques and items in the auction were


    the connections one could make during an event like this.


    As such, the benefit g became a hotspot for powerful figures in politics and business to gather and


    acquaint themselves with those who couldunch their careers and social lives into new heights.


    It went without saying that Elliot was the main target for the social climbers this evening


    Presently, Aliona was seated in her hotel room, checking her make-up in the mirror. She had seen Elliot¡¯s


    name on the guest list, and she was delighted when she found out that he did not have a plus-one. If


    things went well, she could seize the chance to be his date for the evening.


    Just then, the hotel manager whom she had ordered to keep her informed on the arrival of the guests


    called and said, ¡°Miss Dora, Mr. Presgrave has arrived.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she replied as a smile curled on her lips. After checking herself onest time in the mirror, she


    grabbed her sequined clutch and rose to leave the room.


    She was dressed in a ravishing red dress tonight that gave a subtle view of her cleavage. Any man who


    saw her would undoubtedly be attracted to her.


    When she was in the elevator, she gazed at her reflection and admired her wless presentation. She


    wondered if she would catch Elliot¡¯s eye as soon as she showed up in front of him, and there was a


    confident voice in her head that told her she would.


    Upon reaching the conference hall downstairs, she descended the stairs that led to the crowd that had


    gathered below. She was the princess of Dora Group, and she was set to impress those who beheld her.


    However, just as she was walking down the steps, she caught sight of something that made her so angry


    that she nearly tripped on the hem of her skirt. Disbelief colored her face when her gaze fell on the


    woman who was currently holding onto Elliot¡¯s arm. What the hell is Anastasia doing here?


    Aliona swallowed her rage and continued her elegant descent, but she was already


    fuming. Anastasia¡¯s name had not been on the guest list, which meant she should have been denied


    entrance the moment she showed up at the entrance.


    Then again, Elliot was powerful and intimidating enough to bring in anyone he pleased without needing


    further verification.


    At the thought of this, Aliona took a deep breath and steeled herself as she walked toward Elliot. She


    was determined to trample all over Anastasia tonight.


    Downstairs, Anastasia could sense hostility being directed at her, and she looked up to meet Aliona¡¯s


    spiteful gaze as thetter made her way down from thending. When Aliona looked at her, it was with


    unbridled contempt, but when she looked at Elliot, it was with adoration.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Elliot.¡±


    ¡°Miss Dora,¡± Elliot greeted perfunctorily as he nodded in acknowledgment.


    Aliona¡¯s icy gaze flickered over to Anastasia. She smiled as she asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be here as


    well, Miss Tillman. If I¡¯m not mistaken, your name wasn¡¯t on the guest list.¡±


    Anyone who heard this would feel a rush of humiliation, but Anastasia took it in stride as she feigned


    exasperation and said, ¡°Oh, I wish I didn¡¯t have toe, but President Presgrave insisted and dragged


    me into this. I¡¯m a little embarrassed, honestly.¡±


    The smile on Aliona¡¯s face turned frigid. ¡°Is that true?¡±


    Elliot took Anastasia by the hand at that moment and interjected, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go say hi to Mr. Dora.¡±


    Anastasia nodded and turned to look at Aliona, who was standing in their way. With a delicate raise of


    her brow, she said tly, ¡°Excuse us.¡±


    Aliona could do nothing but step aside to let them pass, watching as they happily made their way over to


    Lucas to greet him.


    Her fists clenched at her sides as fury burned in her. She hated how Anastasia always cropped up


    unexpectedly and thwarted her schemes. Frustrated, she fished out her phone and dialed a number


    before she barked, ¡°All of you, meet me at the lounge on the third floor right now.¡±


    She had called one of her henchmen that she had stationed at the event to ensure


    Elliot would sleep with her tonight. Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aliona looked stormy as she sat on the couch in the third-floor lounge and said to the four bodyguards


    who had appeared before her, ¡°You guys saw that woman who was clinging onto Elliot just now, right?


    She¡¯s his date for the evening, and I want you to find a way to throw her out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Better yet, kill her if you get the chance,¡± she added viciously. However, she had only just said this when


    she decided thatying low for tonight would be the wiser thing to do. She shouldn¡¯t make any dramatic


    moves if she nned on seducing Elliot. After she changed her mind, she said dismissively, ¡°Forget it.


    Just throw her out of here.¡±


    She was belligerent that a woman like Anastasia, who couldn¡¯t even begin topete with her, was


    lording Elliot over her head like she had already won.


    Back at the conference hall, Anastasia was appraising Lucas with concern. He might be the one who had


    put this charity auction together, but he didn¡¯t look to be in high spirits at all. In fact, he seemed


    exhausted. ¡°Mr. Dora, take it easy and make sure to get enough rest,¡± she pointed out gently.

 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404


    Chapter 404


    Lucas was touched by Anastasia¡¯s gentle reminder, and he gave her a grateful smile as he said, ¡°Thank


    you for your concern, Miss Tillman.¡± He would never have agreed to Riley and Aliona¡¯s ns had they


    not used his son¡¯s life as leverage. He could never bring himself to do this to Elliot, but as things were,


    he had no choice.


    There was nothing he could do but watch Aliona seed in her plot against Elliot. Resigned, he looked


    at Elliot and said meaningfully, ¡°The young woman on your arm right now is as gorgeous as she is kind.


    Make sure to keep her.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll invite you to our wedding for sure, Mr. Dora,¡± Elliot replied with a good naturedugh.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, blushed. There he goes with that nonsense again, she thought in


    exasperation, though there was no denying the fondness she felt for him.


    ¡°Very well, and I¡¯ll be sure to show up for the asion. Have fun this evening.¡±


    Not long after, the first session of the auction kicked off. Elliot wasted no time in bidding for a diamond


    bracelet for Harriet, and he was the highest bidder at three million. Next to him, Anastasia pursed her lips


    as she tried to reign in her shock.


    This was closely followed by his bidding for an antique, and it was sold to him at a whopping eight


    million. A gift for Harriet, he had told Anastasia.


    She swallowed. The man was shopping like how she would at a thrift store at this point of the auction. He


    didn¡¯t even blink when he bid millions on the items.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee to put up your card when you see something you like,¡± Elliot said quietly as he leaned


    closer to her. Most of the things he had bid on were more suited to geriatric tastes, so he didn¡¯t manage


    to get anything for Anastasia.


    She shook her head and pointed out, ¡°I¡¯d rather not take advantage of your money, Elliot. It¡¯s bad


    behavior.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be my woman someday anyway; think of it as indulging in advance,¡± he countered with a confident


    smile. Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She didn¡¯t know how he could be so confident that they would get married one day, but she had to admit


    that confidence certainly boosted a man¡¯s charms.


    At that moment, she nced over at Aliona, who sat toward the front of the crowd.


    She had turned around several times to cast ediniring looks at Elliot, and it was cle to see that she was


    trying to seduce him.


    Anastasia whispered in amusement, ¡°I think Miss Dora has feelings for you.¡±


    ¡°Those are nothingpared to the feelings I have for you,¡± Elliot said matter-of factly as he turned to


    look at her with a devilish gleam in his obsidian eyes.


    A smile touched Anastasia¡¯s lips, and he took the chance to wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling


    her close to kiss her on the forehead. She froze at first, and when she nced at Aliona again, she met


    thetter¡¯s scornful and mutinous gaze.


    She hated Aliona for her disgusting two-faced demeanor.


    Aliona, on the other hand, sneered when she saw how tenderly Elliot had kissed Anastasia on the


    forehead. He¡¯ll be mine by the end of the night. Mark my words, Anastasia. Just imagining the


    devastated look on Anastasia¡¯s face filled her with satisfaction


    After the first round of the auction was over, Aliona leaned close and whispered to Lucas, ¡°I think it¡¯s time


    you introduce me.¡±


    Lucas sighed wearily and rose to go up on stage, whereupon he announced, ¡°Thank you all for being


    here tonight. Next up, I have an important announcement. I would like to introduce all of you to someone,


    namely my daughter, Aliona.¡±


    When her name was called, Aliona rose in her seat and elegantly made her way up the stage. Then, she


    hugged Lucas as she said sentimentally, ¡°Thank you, Dad. I love you the most.¡±


    Lucas was decidedly ufortable in her embrace, but just as he was about to pull away, she


    whispered in her ear menacingly, ¡°I¡¯ll be handing you a ss of wer, and I want you to give it to


    Elliot.¡±


    ¡°I want no part in this,¡± Lucas rejected in hushed tones.


    ¡°Oh, but that won¡¯t do. You must be the one to give him the wine,¡± she drawled as she dug her nails into


    his shoulders, threatening him.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he bit out forcefully and unwillingly,


    Below the stage, everyone thought that it was a harmless and loving embrace between a father and his


    daughter. They were all clueless about the truth of their exchange.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was seated as she took in the scene. She had to give it to Aliona for being so


    dedicated in her pursuit of Elliot.


    Now that the first round of the auction was over, the guests resumed their rxed chatter and ss-


    clinking, hoping that they could seize every chance to strengthen. their socialwork during the benefit


    g. Some of them circled Elliot, who was the main target of these social climbers tonight, while trying to


    get acquainted with him.


    TT


    They even tried to hand him the precious goods they had bid for during the auction as gifts, but Elliot


    turned them all down.


    Just then, Lucas walked up to him with two sses of wine in hand, one of which had been spiked by


    Aliona.

 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405


    Chapter 405


    The only way to avoid Elliot¡¯s suspicion was to have Lucas hand him the wine. Aliona sat on the other


    end of the room, but her gaze was fixed on: Elliot and the ss of wine in his hand. She had to make


    sure that he finished everyst drop.


    She had spiked the wine with a powerful dosage of the drug, which was specially ¡ª made to knock


    someone out temporarily, only to have them wake up as the effects of the drug hit their peak.


    The woman whom Aliona had arranged to get close to Anastasia was swooping into action now. She


    greeted Anastasia after walking up to her and said politely, ¡°Miss Tillman, I heard through the grapevine


    that you¡¯re a jewelry designer at Bourgeois. I was wondering if I could have a moment with you?¡±


    Anastasia looked at the elegantly dressed woman and nodded, not wanting to turn her down. The


    woman led her to the side of the room, away from Elliot and Lucas. Then, she exined with a smile, ¡°If


    you must know, I have taken a liking to your designs, and I¡¯d like to have a jewelry set custom-made.


    Could you squeeze me in for an appointment so that we can go over the details?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no longer working in Bourgeois, I¡¯m afraid, but I can rmend someone whose work is far better


    than mine if you¡¯d like,¡± Anastasia offered. Naturally, she would love to help bring in business to


    Bourgeois, and though she had left the atelier, she was still supportive of Felicia¡¯s work.


    Presently, in the banquet hall, Elliot had taken the ss of wine Lucas offered him.


    After making some sentimental remarks, Lucas said to the younger man, ¡°Here¡¯s to pulling off this event


    sessfully.¡± He made a toasting gesture and added, ¡°Bottoms up, Elliot.¡±


    Being the younger of the two, it was only courtesy for Elliot to finish the wine. He tipped his head back


    and gulped down everyst drop of wine, then looked down again to see that Lucas had already finished


    his own drink.


    The two men held onto their empty sses as Lucas went on to say, ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to


    discuss with you, Elliot. Shall we head on to the second-floor lounge?¡±


    ncing over in Anastasia¡¯s direction and seeing that she was in the middle of conversing with a


    woman, Elliot turned to follow Lucas up the stairs.


    Meanwhile, Aliona was so excited to see Elliot finish his ss of wine that her heart beat wildly in her


    chest. Her n was finally going to seed; she was but one step away from making Elliot hers tonight.


    She greatly anticipated his performanceter on. While he would pass out from the drink at first, the


    aftermath that followed was something to look forward to. She felt certain that he would please her in all


    the ways she had dreamed he would


    The mere thought of that sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine as she pulled out her phone and


    ordered the person on the other line, ¡°You can get rid of her now.¡±


    Anastasia was still talking about jewelry with the woman from earlier when two security guards suddenly


    walked up to her and said, ¡°Sorry, miss, but we noticed that you weren¡¯t on the guest list. I¡¯m afraid we


    have to ask you to leave.¡±


    ¡°My apologies. I came here with Young Master Elliot at the veryst minute, which is why my name


    wasn¡¯t on the guest list,¡± Anastasia exined.


    The interruption provided the woman a chance to slither away, and Anastasia was left alone to deal with


    the guards. They insisted, ¡°In that case, could you pleasee with us for verification purposes?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Anastasia looked around the hall to search for Elliot¡¯s familiar figure. She didn¡¯t want


    to follow these two strange guards out of the hall, and when she couldn¡¯t find Elliot, she said stubbornly,


    ¡°I¡¯ll find someone who can verify my attendance as Young Master Elliot¡¯s plus-one.¡±


    ¡°Miss, we have reason to believe that you are here with suspicious ulterior motives. Pleasee with


    us,¡± one of the security guards ordered as he reached out to grab her by the wrist.


    Just then, she looked up in time to catch the pleased look on Aliona¡¯s gaze from across the room. It was


    then that she realized these two guards were acting on her orders. Throwing me out, I see, Anastasia


    mused. She had no reason to stay here anyway, but she didn¡¯t want to give Aliona the satisfaction.


    At that moment, however, she saw Aliona turn to head up the stairs to the second floor.


    Anastasia swiftly shoved the security guard¡¯s hand away from her wrist and blended into the crowd of


    guests. Then, she made her way over to the buffet restaurant from the other side of the hall.


    She wanted to look for Elliot, but she had made one round through the vicinity and


    found him nowhere in sight. Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    In the lounge on the second floor, Elliot was listening to what Lucas had to say when he suddenly felt as


    if his blood was rushing to his head. He blinked hard, but when that did little to alleviate the dizziness, he


    nced at Lucas and said, ¡°Mr. Dora, my. head is spinning.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get some rest, Elliot? Here, you can take a nap here and return to the partyter,¡± Lucas


    offered as he went over to help the younger man. As Elliot¡¯s conscious mind slowly slipped into the


    darkness, hey down on the couch and dozed off within seconds.


    Shortly after, Aliona pushed the door open and walked into the lounge. She looked at Elliot¡¯s


    unconscious form, and a devious but ted smirk curled on her lips. ¡°Finally, he¡¯s mine.¡±


    Lucas glowered at her in disgust. ¡°Take him upstairs. You¡¯ve finally got what you asked for.¡±


    Aliona smiled as she drawled breezily, ¡°Go down and entertain your guests. I don¡¯t want any of them


    bothering me tonight.¡±

 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406


    Chapter 406


    Anastasia was trying to shake off the two security guards, but when she saw Aliona walking up the stairs,


    she wondered if Elliot was on the second floor as well.


    After all. Aliona gravitated toward Elliot no matter where he went. Anastasia reckoned that he was on the


    second floor, so she made her way upstairs. However, even as she arrived in the corridor. she wasn¡¯t


    sure where to start looking; all the lounges on this floor were identical, and their doors were all firmly


    shut.


    Just then, she caught sight of someone being hauled out of the lounge at the end of the corridor. While


    she was turning away, she could clearly see that the figure being carried away by two security guards


    was none other than Elliot.


    What¡¯s wrong with him? She grew anxious immediately as her heart leaped to her throat. Elliot looked


    weak and drained, and he couldn¡¯t walk without the two guards supporting him under the arms.


    The next second, she saw Aliona emerge from the lounge before she followed the two guards toward the


    elevators. At once, Anastasia¡¯s stomach churned. What the hell? Did Aliona drug him?


    A fiery rage seized Anastasia as she hurried over to the elevator lobby, where she saw that the elevator


    Aliona and her henchmen had presumably taken had stopped on the fifteenth floor. The banquet hall


    where the auction was being held was on the eighth, which meant there were a good seven floors that


    got in the way of Anastasia¡¯s rescue mission.


    She pressed the button on the panel repeatedly, but no elevator came down for her. As of now, the only


    thing that flooded her mind were thoughts of how Aliona was close to iming Elliot as her own.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t quite understand where her sudden possessiveness wasing from, but she was


    adamant to keep her man away from other women¡¯s clutches. With that in mind, she was even more


    determined to go up and stop Aliona from doing anything despicable to Elliot. What the hell is wrong with


    Elliot? Why does he keep getting drugged? Isn¡¯t it bad enough that he had slept with Hayley


    unintentionally five years ago? Now, he¡¯s about to fall victim to Aliona!


    Finally, an elevator arrived on her floor. She hurried through the open doors and stared anxiously at the


    floor numbers disyed on the little screen in the elevator, feeling bile rising in her throat. Never had she


    imagined that an elevator could move so slowly. She couldn¡¯t believe that the fifteenth floor felt so far


    away. Is Aliona getting her hands all over Elliot now?


    Meanwhile, Elliot had been carried into a suite and plopped down on the couch. The security guards had


    left, and right now, Aliona was sitting on the other side of the couch with a smirk on her lips as she


    appraised the sleeping man.


    He was a work of art. She took in the chiseled angles and nes of his handsome face, and when her


    gaze fell upon the perfect curve of his lips, she swallowed. She wanted nothing more than to kiss him


    right now and see how he tasted.


    However, she wasn¡¯t in a hurry to make a move on him, knowing that he wouldn¡¯t be able to resist


    seeking her out and pulling her into his arms the moment he woke up. All she had to do now was wait for


    him to regain his senses, and she wanted to make sure that the first thing he saw when he


    opened his eyes was her in a suggestive outfit.


    She went into the adjoining bedroom to put on the night-gown that she had prepared for this night. Once


    she put it on, no man would be able to resist the temptation of bedding her.


    When Anastasia arrived on the fifteenth floor after what felt like ages, she stepped out of the elevator


    doors and surveyed the eerily quiet hallway. She didn¡¯t know which room Aliona was in but she was


    desperate enough to knock on every door until she found out.


    She was going to do everything she could to stop Aliona¡¯s hideous acts before she got away with them. I


    have to save Elliot no matter what!


    While the thought of this was amusing, it didn¡¯t change the fact that the man needed saving tonight. She


    was going to be his knight in shining armor for a change.


    Anastasia began to knock on every door along the hallway. Seeing as there were several rooms left


    vacant for the night, she didn¡¯t get a response after knocking on a handful of doors. Once in a while, she


    woulde across a room that was upied, and presently, the woman who opened the door was


    astonished to see her. ¡°Is there something I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I must have the wrong room. I apologize for disrupting your evening,¡± Anastasia replied


    courteously.


    Then, she went on knocking one door after the next. She couldn¡¯t care less about the embarrassment,


    and every time she knocked, she would dodge to the side of the door, afraid that Aliona would not open


    up if she saw her through the peephole.


    Atst, when she came to a stop at thest room, Anastasia took a deep breath and rapped her knuckles


    against the door several times.


    This was Aliona¡¯s suite. She frowned when she heard the knock, and she wondered with no small


    amount of disgruntlement who would bother her at this crucial time. Then, she thought that perhaps one


    of her henchmen needed to speak with her, so she crossed the room to answer the door.


    She looked through the peephole, but when she saw that nobody was on the other side, she turned to


    walk away. Just then, another series of knocks came, and she impatiently threw open the door without


    checking this time.


    Only one person was standing out in the hallway,


    Anastasia let out a breath of relief when she saw Aliona at the door, dressed in nothing but a suggestive


    nightgown. I¡¯ve found you.


    Aliona flushed as she demanded hotly, ¡°What are you doing here, Anastasia?¡± As soon as the words left


    her mouth, she btedly realized what was happening and quickly reached to close the door.


    However, Anastasia was quicker. She mmed her palm against the door before it shut all the way and


    marched into the room.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407


    Chapter 407


    ¡°Get out of my room, Anastasia,¡± Aliona thundered.


    Anastasia took one look at Elliot¡¯s sleeping form on the couch and pointed at him. She said, ¡°Oh, I will


    leave, and I¡¯m taking him with me!¡±


    ¡°Elliot got drunk and fell asleep in my room. What does any of this have to do with you? Leave on your


    own!¡± Aliona barked as she reached out to grab Anastasia by the wrist and tried to drag her out the door.


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    As she pulled away from her, Anastasia countered angrily, ¡°Did he really get drunk, or did you spike his


    drink to try and set him up for your own schemes? As a wornan, I¡¯m disgusted by you.¡±


    Aliona immediately pulled out her phone to call for backup, but when Anastasia saw this, she snatched


    the phone away and asked snidely, ¡°Oh, trying to call for help to throw me out, are you?¡±


    ¡°Give me back my phone, Anastasia!¡± Aliona ground out. There was an icy fury in her eyes as she eyed


    Anastasia murderously. This annoying pest is always trying to foil my ns!


    Without another word, Anastasia threw the phone on the ground and stepped on it with her heel,


    breaking and shattering the screen.


    ¡°How dare you destroy my phone?!¡± Aliona screeched, refusing to believe that Anastasia had such a


    feral side to her even though she had seen it with her own eyes.


    Indeed, Anastasia¡¯s rage was sufficiently stoked this evening. Just thinking about the despicable things


    Aliona had nned to do to Elliot sent unbridled anger rushing through her. With a defiant gaze, she


    pointed out snarkily, ¡°I can pay for the damages if you¡¯d like.¡± Then, she assessed the nightgown Aliona


    was wearing and sneered, ¡°Why bother wearing a nightgown when you could save time and wear


    nothing instead?¡±


    ¡°This is between me and Elliot, Anastasia. Stay out of it! What right do you have toe in here and


    demand to leave with him?¡±Aliona shrieked. Now that she couldn¡¯t call for backup, she was going to have


    to chase Anastasia out of here herself.


    ¡°Even if I was here as a friend, I still wouldn¡¯t let Elliot be taken advantage of by the disgusting likes of


    you!¡± Anastasia snapped righteously.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call security if you don¡¯t get out right now.¡±


    ¡°Might as well, seeing as I¡¯m going to call the police on you,¡± Anastasia spat as she took out her phone to


    make a call.


    At the sight of this, Aliona faltered and quickly rushed up to her. ¡°I told you to stay out of this!¡±


    Anastasia threw her phone and purse aside, then stormed forward to meet Aliona halfway. Soon, the two


    women were embroiled in a vicious fight. Aliona got pped in the face before she could even snatch up


    Anastasia¡¯s phone, and she couldn¡¯t believe that she had just been struck.


    ¡°Did you just hit me?¡± she screeched.


    ¡°How very astute of you,¡± Anastasia drawled sarcastically. She nced over at the man lying on the


    couch. If she hadn¡¯t gotten here in time, Aliona would have had her way with him.


    Aliona raised her hand to fight back, but Anastasia clutched her wrist. She had grown up fighting with


    Erica, and her experience put her at an advantage. Aliona, on the other hand, had been raised and


    coddled like a princess by Riley, which left her helpless in a physical brawl.


    Presently, she let out a piercing shriek. She was like a cat with all its fur standing on its back as she


    hystericallyunched herself at Anastasia.


    Having not anticipated this, Anastasia toppled backward onto the ground, but when she retaliated, she


    was like an angered lioness.


    She reached up and grabbed a handful of Aliona¡¯s hair, pulling it with as much force as she could


    summon.


    A sharp cry escaped Aliona as tears sprang to her eyes, feeling as if her hair was going to be pulled from


    her scalp. ¡°Let go of me, you b*tch! Let go!¡±


    However, Anastasia did not let go. Instead, she pinned Aliona to the ground while keeping a firm grip on


    her hair.


    Not wanting to lose, Aliona reached up to grab Anastasia¡¯s hair as well, thereby wing off the silver


    comb that held her hair in ce.


    As Anastasia¡¯s long hair tumbled wildly around her face, both women were locked in a fierce battle,Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    screaming as one tried to push the other to the ground.


    Neither of them realized that the man on the couch had been awakened by their shrill cries. Elliot sat up


    groggily with one hand pressed to his forehead, only to see themotion taking ce in the space next


    to the couch. The two women were tangled together in a violent fight that was only escting with every


    passing second. When he heard a familiar voice amidst the screams and taunts, his eyes widened.


    ¡°Stop!¡± he ordered hoarsely.


    The two women stopped immediately as his voice cut above theirs.


    Anastasia and Aliona released each other, though she was visibly more bewildered than Anastasia.


    If one had to pick a winner, Anastasia would undoubtedly be a victor in this brawl. She had dealt


    considerable damage to Aliona, whose hair hade close to being pulled out of her scalp. There were


    even w marks on her skin, and the delicate straps of her nightgown had been ripped off, barely


    holding up the only item of clothing she had on.


    Presently, Anastasia tried to pull her tangled long hair into submission. She grabbed her purse and went


    up to Elliot to help him to his feet, saying, ¡°Now that you¡¯re awake, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The moment her hand touched his, it sent an electric current through Elliot. He narrowed his eyes slightly


    and suddenly felt heat rising in him, threatening to consume him whole.

 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408


    Chapter 408


    It was as if there was a raging fire burning in Elliot, and it didn¡¯t feel like it was dying down anytime soon.


    It was then that he realized he had been set up.


    At that moment. Aliona reached out to stop Anastasia while seething, ¡°You can¡¯t take him awar now. He


    needs a woman!¡±


    ¡°And he has one-that¡¯s me. He has no need for you,¡± Anastasia retorted furiously as she held onto Elliot


    to keep him upright.


    Upon hearing this, Elliot¡¯s eyes glimmered happily. She¡¯s going to save me, he thought.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go, Elliot!¡± Aliona cried out pleadingly, reaching out for him.


    However, one baleful look on his part was all it took to make her falter. He glowered at her warningly as


    he bit out in disgust, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± He didn¡¯t need to think to know that she was the one who had


    drugged him tonight.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Anastasia prompted as she opened the door and led him out. Then, she fished out her


    phone and called Rey, asking him to meet them at the hotel entrance.


    Back in the suite, Aliona was close to unraveling with hysteria. She couldn¡¯t believe that her ns had


    once again been thwarted by Anastasia.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia hauled Elliot into the elevator and propped him up against one wall. Now that her


    hands were free, she tried tob her hair into submission with her fingers and straightened her slightly


    crumpled dress. When she tilted her head and saw the imprint on the baster skin of her neck, she


    cursed, ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s heart twisted as he assessed the damage on her. He then asked weakly, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    She shook her head and turned to look at him glumly. ¡°You ought to thank me for saving you before you


    became Aliona¡¯s ything in bed.¡±.


    He gaped at her speechlessly. With superhuman effort, he pushed through the fire that was threatening


    to consume him and asked in a strained voice, ¡°You got into a fight with Aliona to defend my honor?¡±


    ¡°Are you implying that I shouldn¡¯t have done that to save you? You just want to sleep with Aliona, don¡¯t


    you?¡± Anastasia countered sharply as she gave him an usatory look.


    ¡°The only person I want is you, Anastasia,¡± Elliot forced out almost breathlessly as he leaned against the


    elevator wall, too weak to stand properly on his feet. In a show of his genuine desire for her, he added,


    ¡°Let¡¯s switch hotels. I need you.¡±


    ¡°Switch hotels? Fat chance! We¡¯re going to the hospital.¡± She had only just said this when the elevator


    doors opened, and she snaked an arm around his waist to haul him out.


    He was evidently disgruntled as he muttered, ¡°I thought you were going to sacrifice yourself to save me


    from distress.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve overestimated the extent of my selflessness,¡± she pointed out sarcastically. As if I would ever


    think about doing that, Elliot!


    Just then, Rey hurried up to them, and when he saw how unwell Elliot looked, he urged. ¡°What


    happened to President Presgrave?¡±


    ¡°He was drugged. Quick, we have to get him to the hospital!* Anastasia said.


    Upon hearing this, Rey hastily helped Elliot over to the car.


    When Elliot had settled into the backseat, he could feel the heat in him grow relentless. Rey was behind


    the wheel, and Anastasia was seated close to a man whose smoldering gaze was fixed on her.


    She sensed the desire that was pulsating through him, and when she turned to check on him, he lunged


    forward and kissed her.


    ¡°It hurts¡­ Help me, Anastasia,¡± he pleaded in a low and husky voice.


    Anastasia quickly pulled down the screen that separated the front and backseat of the car while trying to


    shove the man away from her. ¡°Just hold on a little bit longer, Elliot. We¡¯re almost at the hospital.¡±


    However, with the effects of the drug peaking in him, waiting was no longer a viable option for him. He


    desperately needed relief now.


    ¡°Elliot, just hang on a little bit-¡±


    She was cut off when he leaned forward and kissed her hungrily,


    In the driver¡¯s seat, Rey stepped on the gas and weaved through thenes on the road as he sped


    toward the hospital. He didn¡¯t want Elliot to make any mistakes out of impulse tonight, or else Anastasia


    might hold a grudge against him.


    Having sought relief in the kiss, Elliot visibly calmed down in the spacious backseat. He managed to


    recover a sliver of self-control as he murmured in a pained and hoarse voice, ¡°Anastasia¡­ I need you¡­¡±


    Fortunately, there was a hospital nearby. After Rey pulled up at the entrance, he tapped on the window to


    indicate that they had arrived. Anastasia shoved Elliot and his restless hands away from her and said,


    ¡°Come on, Elliot, pull yourself together. We¡¯re already here at the hospital.¡±


    Rey opened the car door for them, and Elliot obligingly stepped down from the car. Anastasia took her


    purse and followed suit before she walked with him to the doctor¡¯s office.


    A series of procedurester, he was put up in a hospital room and hooked to an IV. As the sedative


    worked through his system, Elliot was like a tamed beast, and he eventually drifted off into a deep


    slumber.


    It was only then that Anastasia finally rxed. She leaned into the seat next to the bed tiredly and


    thought with dismay about how she had not unleashed her full force on Aliona during the fight earlier.


    There was residual adrenaline thrumming in her veins, reminding her that she ought


    teach that wretched girl a hard lesson.


    She was pulled from her thoughts when Rey, having sorted out the paperwork at the counter, returned to


    ask, ¡°Miss Tillman, would you like to go home?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m good. I¡¯ll stay here and look after him.¡±


    ¡°Very well, then. I¡¯ll be right outside, so just call me if you need anything.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409


    Chapter 409


    Anastasia nodded wearily. She gazed at Elliot pensively while he slept soundly under the dim glow of the


    lights. The sedative had evidently overpowered the effects of the drug from earlier and the IV solution


    was being transfused slowly through a tube that was attached to his strong arm by a short needle.


    As she watched him, she began to wonder if Aliona had nned on forcing herself onto him before


    making him take responsibilityter.


    The n was a good one, admittedly, but unfortunately for Aliona, Anastasia caught on to it and thwarted


    it in time.


    Anastasia was incredibly relieved that she had attended the benefit g with him tonight. Had she not


    been there, he would have fallen into Aliona¡¯s evil clutches. She hade upon him lying unconscious


    in Aliona¡¯s hotel suite, and with the effects of the drug snatching away his voice of reason, she couldn¡¯t


    help wondering if he and Aliona would have gone all the way had she not intervened.


    Eventually, she fell asleep. She wasn¡¯t sure how much time had passed when she felt herself being


    picked up and pulled into a warm andforting embrace.


    It was already 3.00AM when Elliot woke up to see that the girl had dozed off on the couch with his suit


    jacket draped over her. He felt his gut wrench, and he rose to carry her over to the bed.


    The effects of the drug had worn off by then. When he saw the w mark that ran along the delicate skin


    of her neck and her tousled hair, his heart twisted.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    As he sighed, he med himself for having put her through the tiresome ordeal of saving him.


    Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Aliona was fuming in her suite after her n was ruined. She wasted no


    timeshing out at the two security guards who had let Anastasia out of their sight. As things were, she


    did not stand a chance to get close to Elliot, much less im him as her own. In fact, she wouldn¡¯t be


    surprised if he hated her with a passion.


    ¡°Miss, should we bring you to the hospital to get your face treated?¡± the bodyguard asked out of concern.


    Naturally, Aliona had seen the imprint on her cheek where Anastasia had pped her earlier. The


    scratch marks all over her body were even more jarring under the light. She couldn¡¯t believe how sayage


    and persistent Anastasia had been during the fight. She had only been wearing a thin nightgown when


    the brawl happened, which exposed most of her skin to Anastasia¡¯s vicious attacks.


    ¡°That wretched little b*tch!¡± Aliona bit out as resentment and rage burned in her eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t let her get


    away with this!¡±


    In the hospital, Anastasia stirred from her sleep when it was slightly past dawn. She opened her eyes


    slowly, only to meet the dark and amused gaze of the man sitting next to the bed.


    She instinctively covered her face with her hands. Suddenly, she registered where she was. Wait, how


    did I even end up in bed? He must have carried me over from the couch!


    I¡¯ve been staring at you for the past half an hour. It¡¯s a littlete for you to hide your face now, don¡¯t you


    think?¡± Elliot teased as a low chuckle escaped him.


    She flushed and let her hands drop, then turned to look at him with her clear and unwavering gaze as


    she asked, ¡°Are you okay now?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± he reassured with a smile. He reached out to stroke her hair, but when his hand came away with


    a few broken strands of it, he asked in a pained voice, ¡°Does your scalp still hurt?¡±


    Of course it does! Aliona practically tried to weed my hair out with her possur hands! ¡°Not really,¡± she lied


    nheless as she lifted the covers off her and got out of bed. She was still wearing the dress fromst


    night, though it was a little wrinkled now.


    After leaving the hospital, Rey dropped them off at Elliot¡¯s vi, whereupon Anastasia hopped into the


    shower, put on a change of clothes, and went downstairs.


    Presently, Elliot was on a call with Lucas. ¡°Mr. Dora, I just called to let you know that your daughter,


    Aliona, spiked the drink you gave mest night,¡± he said unhappily.


    ¡°What? Are you alright, Elliot? I know Aliona can be impulsive, but she never should have gone this far


    no matter how much she likes you!¡± Guilt worked its way into Lucas¡¯ tone as he added on the other line,


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hold it against her. She¡¯s only young, and she didn¡¯t think before she acted.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let this incident go, but only because you and I are on good terms. That said, I don¡¯t ever want to see


    your daughter again,¡± Elliot said icily, the anger in his voice evident.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Elliot. I¡¯m truly, truly sorry that she put you through this,¡± Lucas humbled himself and


    apologized profusely.


    Elliot hung up the phone and turned to see that Anastasia had alreadye down the stairs. He reigned


    in his anger and resumed his affable and charming disposition as he asked, ¡°Are you hungry? How about


    I make you something to eat?¡±|


    Anastasia gaped at him. ¡°You know how to cook?¡±


    ¡°Nothing fancy, but I can do a mean steak.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯d very much like to try your cooking.¡±


    He went into the kitchen to get started on lunch for her. For a moment, it was as if she had be a


    distinguished guest, and he was the personal chef who would tend to her pte.


    He pulled the dark gray apron over his ck shirt and matching trousers. He might be cooking, but it


    seemed as if elegance did not abandon him even while he was operating the stove.


    He kicked off Anastasia¡¯s dining experience with a hot cup of coffee. ¡°Enjoy, Miss Tillman,¡± he said


    teasingly with a yful smile.


    She sat on the couch and reached for the coffee, indulging in the personal service that he rendered her.


    As she nodded, she brought the cup to her lips and took a sip, pleasantly surprised to find that it had the


    sweet aroma that she preferred in her coffee.

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410


    Chapter 410


    ¡°The coffee¡¯s good,¡± Anastasia praised heartily as she set her cup down.


    Elliot was in the kitchen slicing up fruits for the sd, and next to the chopping board was the raw steak


    that he nned on searing for Anastasia.


    The vi that was tucked halfway up the hill boasted ss walls that offered a full view of the gorgeous


    scenery outside. Elliot had put on some lighthearted music, filling the room with an idyllic and romantic


    air.


    The steak he made was aromatic and tender, and coupled with the fruit sd, he managed to pull off an


    impressive yet simple meal.


    ¡°Tell me about how you saved mest night,¡± he said, curiosity getting the better of him.


    Anastasia recounted the events ofst night briefly. Then, she frowned as she asked, ¡°You¡¯re usually


    bright; how did you get tricked into letting your guard down?¡±


    ¡°Aliona had her father pass me the wine, and I didn¡¯t think much of it when I gulped it down,¡± Elliot


    confessed.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll have to be careful when you¡¯re outside of your home. There are plenty of women who


    would do despicable things just to make you climb into bed with them,¡± she warned darkly, thinking that


    even men weren¡¯t safe in modern society and thus needed to learn to defend themselves.


    Men like Elliot, in particr, with their deadly good looks and insurmountable wealth, ought to have their


    guards up most times.


    Naturally, Elliot would not allow the incident to repeat itself. He didn¡¯t want to see Aliona¡¯s face ever


    again.


    Presently, he teased as mischief glittered in his eyes, saying, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have minded losing my honor at


    all if you were the one who had spiked my drinkst night and taken me to bed.¡±


    A look of disgust shed across Anastasia¡¯s features as she countered, ¡°Underhanded methods like that


    are not my forte.¡± After all, she would never stoop so low.


    He knew that, but he still believed that he would have willingly leaped into the fire if she had been the


    one who started it.


    It was noon when Nigel dropped by the vi with Jared in tow. The little one had taken a strong liking to


    Elliot¡¯s abode, and he wasted no time in going up to his mother as he pleaded, ¡°Mommy, can we please


    stay in Mr. Presgrave¡¯s house for a few days? Just a few days!¡±


    Anastasia thought about the threatening phone call she had received from the male escort the other day


    and shuddered. She wanted her son to stay somece safe, and now that winter break was upon them,


    she decided to give him some time off school.


    ¡°Very well,¡± she relented with a nod. ¡°As long as Mr. Presgrave agrees to let us stay, then we will.¡±


    At once, Jared ran over to Elliot, who was speaking to Nigel in the drawing room.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the little guy hurried back to his mother and dered happily. ¡°Mr. Presgrave


    said we could stay here for as long as we likel¡±


    ¡°Very well then, we¡¯ll stay. However, you have to promise to be on your best behavior.¡±


    ¡°I promise, Mommy! I¡¯ll be on my very best behavior!¡±


    After a while, Elliot and Nigel walked up to them, with thetter saying that he had to leave to attend to


    some things.


    Having seen Nigel off, Elliot brought Jared out to y catch. That was when Anastasia received a call


    from Francis telling her to drop by thepany on Monday.


    Anastasia had decided to go into Tillman Constructions to familiarize herself with the management of the


    company, and she couldn¡¯t give up the endeavor halfway through.


    Meanwhile, over at Summit Mansion, Hayley looked up at Daniel as he walked in and asked, ¡°Has


    everything been settled?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should lie to President Presgrave like this, Miss Seymour,¡± Daniel pointed out sullenly.


    ¡°Why not?¡± She sounded unhappy at being chided by an assistant-type, and she added snarkily, ¡°I¡¯m


    asking you if the matter has been settled.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it has. The private hospital has agreed to cooperate with you,¡± Daniel replied. Then, he handed her


    the forged medical report for a miscarriage. ¡°Here¡¯s what you asked for.¡±


    ted, she took the report and checked through the details. When she saw that the dates and time


    stamps were all in check, she beamed and said, ¡°I must say, Daniel, you certainly know how to carry out


    your duties.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving now if there¡¯s nothing else you need,¡± he replied curtly.


    ¡°Remember to keep this a secret between us,¡± she emphasized.


    ¡°I know.¡± With that, he turned to leave.


    A menacing gleam shed in her eyes. She was sure that if Anastasia had given birth to a child and


    warranted suchvish fayors and affections on Elliot¡¯s part, then she would receive the same, if not better


    treatment too. She wanted him to know that she had gone through an abortion five years ago to add to


    the guilt that he was already feeling toward her.


    Now that she had the sonogram and the report detailing the miscarriage in hand, her lie was iron-d.


    There was no way Elliot wouldn¡¯t believe her.


    She took a deep breath and dialed his number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Elliot greeted when he picked up the line.


    ¡°Elliot, it¡¯s me. Do you think you coulde to see me for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not feeling too well.¡±


    ¡°Are you sick?¡±


    Hayley hummed in response. ¡°It¡¯s a long-time illness that acts up every winter.¡± She deliberately lowered


    her voice as she said feebly, ¡°Elliot, there¡¯s something that I¡¯ve been hiding from you all this time, but I


    think I should tell you the truth now.¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411


    Chapter 411


    ¡°What is it?¡± Elliot asked.


    ¡°Five years ago, we¡­ we had a baby together.¡±


    Elliot had one hand in his pocket as he stood in front of the French windows in the study, and when he


    heard what Hayley said over the phone, his eyes widened. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Our baby didn¡¯t manage to survive, but I was looking through my stuff and I found the sonogram from all


    those years ago. Our baby.¡± Hayley let out a heartbreaking sob. ¡°I lost the baby at three months¡­ I¡¯m so


    sorry for not being able to keep him.¡±


    He was shell-shocked. He never thought that he had hurt Hayley more than she let on five years ago,


    and he didn¡¯t ever expect her to have gone through a miscarraige.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that I was pregnant at the time. I was always so overworked and tired, and by the time I


    found out I was expecting a baby, the fetal heartbeat had stopped.¡± She was crying even more


    mournfully now on the other line as she went on to say, ¡°It was all my fault. I didn¡¯t know I was having a


    baby. If I did, I would have done everything I could to bring the baby into this world.¡±


    ¡°Stop crying,¡± Elliot urged gently. ¡°That¡¯s enough now. Don¡¯t beat yourself up over this; maybe this is just


    fate at work.¡±


    ¡°I get really cold whenever winteres around. The doctor mentioned that it¡¯s a side effect from the


    miscarriage. Elliot, I want to see you, right now..¡± Hayley pleaded, ¡°Can you pleasee over and see


    me?¡±


    He frowned. ¡°Right now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, right now. I¡¯m really, really unwell, and I want to see you. Please,¡± she begged.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go over now,¡± he agreed. He couldn¡¯t believe that Hayley had suffered a miscarriage that left


    her with such brutal side effects.


    Presently, it was evening time, and Anastasia was resting in her bedroom when Elliot pushed the door


    open toe in. ¡°I need to head out for a while. Mrs. Collins wille byter to make dinner.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Anastasia replied with a nod.


    Elliot¡¯s dilemma was clear in his obsidian eyes as he gazed at her. He didn¡¯t want her to know that he


    was going over to Hayley¡¯s ce because he didn¡¯t want to hurt her.


    ¡°What time will you be back?¡± she pressed.


    ¡°A littleter than usual.¡±


    ¡°Alright then. Go ahead.¡± She didn¡¯t want to intrude too much upon his personal life either.


    He gave her a long look, then turned and left.


    Meanwhile, over at Summit Mansion, Hayley flew into her room and sat down in front of the


    nity. She happily grabbed her cosmetic bag and began to put on her make-up so that she looked ready


    to wee Elliot.


    The swelling and bruises on her face from the stic surgery had healed over, and having gone through


    a rigorous skin treatment, she was glowing beautifully under the lights. A delighted smile curled on her


    lips, and she was entirely happy with how the procedure had turned out even though she bore some


    semnce to Anastasia now.


    She carefully applied her make-up to create an effortless and natural look, then ran toward her wardrobe


    to pull on a stunning negligee that revealed just the right amount of skin. After that, she grabbed a white


    fur coat and draped it over herself to add a luxurious touch to her overall appearance.


    When she was done, she sat on the couch and waited for Elliot to show up.


    As night devoured thend, a ck sedan drove into the front yard of the mansion. Elliot¡¯s elegant and


    towering figure stepped out of the vehicle. He was dressed in all-ck, and there was an imposing air of


    nobility about him as he made his way up the path to the front door.


    Hayley was peering at him through the window with unadulterated adoration. She had been wanting to


    im this man as her own, in life and in bed, ever since sheid eyes on him. At the same time, she was


    admittedly flustered and nervous, she wasn¡¯t sure if he would take too kindly to her new face, but at the


    thought of how men often fell for beauties, her desire to be loved by him overpowered her fear and


    uncertainty.


    Elliot opened the front door, which had been left unlocked, and walked into the house. He was greeted at


    once by the sight of Hayley lounging on the couch in the living room, the dim lighting overhead casting a


    warm glow over her skin as the thin nket slid halfway off her torso. Just then, she looked up slowly,


    and her eyes lit up when she registered his arrival.


    Upon taking a good look at her face, he stopped in his tracks. His eyes narrowed slightly as he appraised


    her, and for a moment, he couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing.


    He could see traces of Anastasia¡¯s delicate features on Hayley¡¯s face. Shock rippled through him as he


    btedly realized that she had gone for stic surgery. Just so she could look like Anastasia, he thought


    grimly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Elliot? Do you not like the way I look now?¡± Hayley looked crestfallen. ¡°I know how much


    you like Anastasia, so I¡­ I did my best to look like her. I did this for you. Please don¡¯t push me away


    after this!¡± She sounded like she might cry any time, though she was subtly pieading for hispliments.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412


    Chapter 412


    ¡°stic surgeryes with its risks, and there isn¡¯t a need for you to go to such lengths.¡± Elliot pointed


    out as he sat down on the couch across from Hayley. He couldn¡¯t help finding it unsettling to see her


    looking like this.


    ¡°All I ever want is for you to love and notice me like how you do to Anastasia,¡± Hayley muttered demurely


    as she bit down on her lower lip.


    .-.


    He frowned at this. ¡°You really didn¡¯t have to get so much work done on your face just to suit my


    preferences.¡±


    She felt gutted. He wasn¡¯t behaving the way she thought he would at all, and he was still treating her with


    the same indifference as he did before she went for stic surgery.


    Without another word, she picked up a docket from the table and handed it to him, saying, ¡°All the


    information about our baby is in there, Elliot. Take a look for yourself. I know it¡¯s been five years, but I¡­ I


    still haven¡¯t moved past it.¡±


    He rose to take the docket, then opened it to pull out the sonogram. It had Hayley¡¯s name and the date


    written on it, and the timestamp showed that it was taken about three months after the incident at Abyss


    Club.


    ¡°Take care of yourself and rest up,¡± Elliot said as he set the documents aside. When he looked up at


    Hayley again, it was withpassion and apology. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for putting you through the pain and the


    heartache. I¡¯ll hire a nutritionist toe by tomorrow to curate a special diet for you while you¡¯re


    recuperating.¡±


    At that moment, Hayley let out a low hiss of pain and doubled down as her hand pressed down on her


    abdomen. ¡°It hurts¡­¡±


    He stood up immediately and crossed over to her, urging, ¡°Would you like to see a doctor?¡±


    She clutched his arm and pulled him down on the couch, and he did as he was prompted. Then, she


    nuzzled into his embrace while he was distracted and snaked her arms around his waist, hugging him


    tight as she mumbled, ¡°I¡¯m cold, Elliot. Can you hold me, please?¡±


    Elliot¡¯s gaze darkened as he reached for the nket and draped it over her shoulders. He then offered


    tly, ¡°I¡¯ll go and turn up the thermostat.¡±


    ¡°No! I just need your warmth,¡± she insisted, still clinging onto him as her eyes fluttered closed. She


    wanted nothing but to breathe in more of his scent.


    He stiffened before patting her shoulder awkwardly. Being touched by any woman other than Anastasia


    irked him to no end.


    Suddenly, Hayley grabbed her phone from the coffee table and clicked into the camera. Then, she took a


    picture of herself snuggled up in Elliot¡¯s arms. She gazed up at him and exined, ¡°Just so I can take a


    look at you whenever I miss you and you aren¡¯t around.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and turn up the thermostat,¡± he bit out coldly as he shoved her firmly aside. He marched over to


    the control panel on the wall where the thermostat was and turned up the heat in the


    living room


    Hayley stood up from the couch and let her fur coat slide down her shoulders deliberately, revealing the


    red negligee that she wore underneath. It revealed her skin in all the right ces, and it was so short that


    she might as well be naked. She gave Elliot a helpless look, seemingly flustered by the loss of her fur


    coat.


    At present, the sheer amount of skin she was revealing would have prompted any other man to abandon


    all sense of reason and rush up to her to devour every bit of her stunning, fragile beauty. ¨C


    ¡°Elliot, I¡¯m cold¡­¡± She was like a child who couldn¡¯t even bend down to pick up her own coat. All she did


    was stand there and stare at Elliot imploringly, silently willing him to save her from distress.


    However, he was focused on turning up the thermostat, and when he finally turned to look at her, it was


    with an impassive expression that matched the frosty gleam in his eyes.


    She dispensed with subtlety as she begged, ¡°Elliot, hold me! Please!¡±


    Having turned up the thermostat, he returned to her side and picked up the coat before handing it to her,


    swiftly blocking out the ample amount of decolletage that she was showing. In a cold and crisp voice, he


    said, ¡°Don¡¯t bother using such tricks on me. A woman is only ever desirable and lovable when she lovesContent is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    and values herself first, got it?¡± He did not fall for her seductive charms and decided to lecture her


    instead.


    It seemed as if the novelty of romance was lost on him.


    Hayley was stunned by his rejection, and when she saw him grab his phone off the coffee table, she


    demanded, ¡°Are you leaving?¡±


    Needless to say, Elliot had already figured out the true reason she asked him toe over, and if


    seduction was all she had nned for tonight, he didn¡¯t think he had to stay here a moment longer. ¡°If


    you¡¯re lonely and dying forpany, you¡¯re wee to bring home any man you want,¡± he pointed out


    sardonically before he turned to head for the door.


    You¡¯re the only one I like, Elliot! Can¡¯t you just stay with me for a night? I¡¯ll give you anything you want!¡±


    Hayley cried as she shamelessly and desperately chased after him.

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413


    Chapter 413


    However, Elliot had alrcady slid into his car and closed the door. Hayley hurtled toward him, but just as


    she was about to reach the door, he backed out of the driveway smoothly and sped off into the night,


    leaving her shivering in the cold breeze,


    The fur coat on het kept her warm, but there was no thawing of the icicles that pierced her heart following


    his harsh rejection


    The courage she had summoned just to go through with the stic surgery was all for naught; Elliot


    wasn¡¯t impressed by her new face at all, nor did he nce at it for even longer than a few seconds.


    She couldn¡¯t understand why this was happening. He likes the way Anastasia looks, doesn¡¯t he? I¡¯ve had


    all this work done just to look like her, so why am I still not good enough?


    Gritting her teeth, she fished out her phone with a malicious gleam in her eyes and selected the picture


    she had taken earlier before sending it to Anastasia.


    With her chest rising and falling rapidly, she screamed into the night, ¡°If I can¡¯t have you, Elliot, then


    neither can Anastasia!¡± She stormed back into the house and plopped down on the couch, grabbing the


    bottle of wine she had been drinking before Elliot¡¯s arrival, and threw her head back as she gulped down


    the contents. However, at that moment, her eyes widened when she realized that the wine had lost its


    familiar tangy fragrance, and it seemed like it had been diluted with water


    Hayley stared at the wine in astonishment. Have I left it exposed to the air for too long? She filled half a


    ss with the wine and drank it, only to find that it was as tasteless as tap water.


    Her hand flew to her throat as her mind scrambled for an answer. What¡¯s happening? Why can¡¯t I taste


    the wine?


    As panic seized her, she hurried to the fridge and rummaged the drawer for a handful of cherries. She


    didn¡¯t bother washing them as she shoved them into her mouth. The sweetness of the cherries, which


    she was sure she had tasted just the day before, had been severely diluted, barely coating her tongue. It


    was as if her taste buds were degenerating.


    She started to grow anxious as she ran into the kitchen. She had never cooked here, but the servants


    had stocked up the salt and sugar. Having found a bag of salt, she tore it open and shoveled a handful of


    it into her mouth. The saltiness ought to make her cringe and shudder, but she could not taste it at all,


    and she only became incredibly thirsty afterward.


    ¡°My taste buds!¡± She let out a frantic shriek. Then, she crouched down on the floor and clutched her


    throat. She couldn¡¯t believe that the stic surgery had caused her to lose her sense of taste.


    Without wasting another second, she dashed out of the house and into the garage, driving over to the


    hospital.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was curled up in bed with a good book, and she had spent the better part of the


    last few hours without her phone. Now that she wanted to check the time, she began to search for her


    phone.


    Elliot¡¯s vi was huge, and it would take a while for her to find the phone she had so casually set aside


    somewhere.


    It was only after she ventured down into the living room that she found her phone on the table next to the


    couch. She sat down to check the time, only to see that she had received a new message


    She clicked into it, and the contents made her eyes widen in shock. The text was sent from an unfamiliar


    number, and the picture that came with it was one of a woman, who bore a striking ¡­ resemnce to


    her, snuggled up in Elliot¡¯s arms.


    Anastasia did not miss the fact that Elliot was wearing the same clothes he had when he left the house


    earlier. When he said he was heading out, did he really mean he was going to some other woman¡¯s


    ce?


    She nced at the woman in the picture again. Aside from the strong resemnce they shared, she was


    a little stunned to see that there was something unnervingly familiar about the woman.


    Anastasia had no idea that Hayley had gone under the knife. More importantly, it had been a major


    procedure. It was only normal that Anastasia could not recognize her underneath all that make-up and


    raunchy outfit.


    How did this woman get my number anyway? She even sent me this picture to rile me up!


    She tossed her phone aside as frustration and anger welled up in her. Just then, she heard the sound of


    a car, specifically Elliot¡¯s, pulling up outside.


    She fixed her murderous gaze on the door, and sure enough, it wasn¡¯t long before Elliot walked past the


    threshold with his car keys in hand.


    Anastasia narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms as she stared at him like he was the guilty cat that


    ate the canary.


    Catching sight of this, Elliot felt a chill run down his spine as he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    He had been happy to see that she was waiting on the couch for him, but when he caught the murderous


    look in her eyes, he began to wonder what he had done to offend her.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she bit out coldly. She smiled, but it did not reach her eyes as she drawled, ¡°Did you have fun,


    President Presgrave?¡±


    He raised a brow at her and countered, ¡°Did you wait up for me on purpose?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tter yourself; I only came down for a drink,¡± she said humorlessly as she rose to pour a ss of


    water for herself.


    ¡°I want a drink too. Pour one for me?¡±


    ¡°Unless your arms or your legs are broken, do it yourself!¡± Anastasia snapped as she took the ss of


    water she had poured for herself and went up the stairs.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414


    Chapter 414


    Downstairs, Elliot gaped after Anastasia wordlessly


    For some reason, he felt like he was being abandoned. Women were perpetually unsolvable mysteries,


    and not even Elliot, with his businessman brilliance and intelligence, could figure them out.


    .


    He did not bother pouring himself a ss of water and followed Anastasia up the stairs instead. When he


    got to her bedroom doorway, he saw that she was seated on the couch on the second floor and asked,


    ¡°Where¡¯s Jared?¡±


    ¡°ying Legos,¡± she answered coolly, deliberately avoiding his gaze as she flipped through her half-read


    book.


    At that moment, Elliot saw the ss of water on the table next to her and reached out to take it.


    However, just as he brought it up to his lips, she said curtly, ¡°Don¡¯t touch my ss.¡±


    Seeing as he had already begun to drink from the ss, he gulped down a mouthful of water. He then


    narrowed his eyes as he asked, ¡°Why not?¡±


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    When she saw that he had taken a sip, she shrugged and said, ¡°Fine, drink the whole ss of water. I¡¯ll


    just go downstairs and pour myself another one!¡±


    She was making it sound like he carried some infectious disease. We¡¯ve already kissed multiple times,


    and all of a sudden she doesn¡¯t want me drinking from her ss? He was baffled as he sat down across


    from her. His piercing gaze was inquisitive as he asked, ¡°I drank your water. Why should that stop you


    from drinking the rest of it?¡±


    He had sensed her hostility from the moment he came home, and her passive-aggressiveness was


    making him nervous, not to mention frustrated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it,¡± she muttered in annoyance, not wanting to say anything more after that.


    ¡°Why not?¡± he pressed. He was never one to beat around the bush be it in business deals or


    conversations. He would much rather have an open discussion when it came to solving problems, and


    he wanted to have a solution as soon as possible. ¡°Is there a problem between us that I should know


    about?¡±


    ¡°You know what, I never should have saved youst night! Sure, what Aliona did was despicable and


    disgusting, but it wasn¡¯t as if you would be at a loss, right? You¡¯d only have to put in some physicalbor,


    but that¡¯s about it! She¡¯s the one who would have gotten the short end of the stick! Right?¡± Anastasia


    blurted out all of a sudden.


    This only made Elliot more puzzled. However, before he could say anything, she went on to ask in all


    seriousness, ¡°Did you think I was butting into your personal affairsst night and you secretly me me


    for it?¡±


    It was then that he realized they didn¡¯t just have a problem; they were having a crisis. Otherwise, she


    wouldn¡¯t take such a feisty tone with him at present.


    Everything had been fine when he left home carlier, which meant something must have happened in


    between that made hersh out at him like this. He softened and asked in hopes of settling the matter


    amicably, ¡°Anastasia, tell me what happened.¡±


    She took her phone and pulled up the picture she had received from the unfamiliar number earlier,


    showing it to him as she snapped, ¡°Next time you decide to fool around behind my back, find a woman


    who doesn¡¯t look so eerily simr to me. It makes me sick.¡±


    Elliot narrowed his eyes slightly when he saw the picture. I can¡¯t believe Hayley sent it to her! ¡ª¨C


    In a grave tone, he asked, ¡°Anastasia, do you know who she is?¡±


    ¡°What, have I seen her before or something?¡± Anastasia was admittedly astonished by his question. She


    didn¡¯t think that the person he was fooling around with was someone she knew.


    ¡°That¡¯s Hayley.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Anastasia gasped. ¡°That¡¯s Hayley?!¡±


    That exined why she had found the woman so familiar yet so strange at the same time. She never


    expected Hayley to have gone under the knife and gotten all this work done just to look like her. The


    thought of this made her sick to the stomach; the person she hated and was disgusted by the most had


    decided to take on her face!


    ¡°She went for stic surgery, and apparently, the procedure was done with your looks in mind,¡± Elliot


    borated, sounding equally unsettled and queasy.


    ¡°Well, she certainly snuggled up real close to you, didn¡¯t she?¡± Anastasia mumbled unhappily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea. I¡¯ve never felt anything but guilt toward her, and I don¡¯t intend to let that


    progress into anything else,¡± he exined in a low voice as he stared at her imploringly as if silently


    begging for forgiveness.


    Naturally, Anastasia knew that Hayley had set this up and taken the picture just to spite her. Besides, if


    she were to look really closely, she could tell that Hayley was the only one who was doing all the


    hugging; Elliot did not reciprocate her gesture at all.


    Wait! Why am I getting jealous here? She isn¡¯t someone I should be jealous of! Anastasia flushed as she


    pursed her lips. Then, she grew a little embarrassed as she offered sheepishly, ¡°President Presgrave,


    would you like a ss of water? I¡¯ll go and pour you one right now!¡±


    Upon seeing the sudden shift in her demeanor, Elliot knew that her anger had waned. He had to admit


    that the furious side of her piqued a certain fear and anxiousness that he had never felt before.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, was not envious of the fact that Hayley¡¯s stic surgery had been a


    sess. After all, procedures like these often required a severe alteration of one¡¯s bones, muscles, and


    nerves. There was no telling if there would be any longsting damages that came from this.

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415


    Chapter 415


    ¡°You¡¯re not upset with me anymore, are you?¡± Elliot got up and sat beside her with a hint of tentativeness


    in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not upset! I did say some harsh words just now, but don¡¯t take it to heart!¡± Anastasia turned around


    and realized that she had no right to treat him that way.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back to the room.¡± Anastasia wanted to go back to the room and have some alone time.


    However, as soon as she got up, a strong arm grabbed her wrist and yanked her down. In an instant,


    Anastasia fell onto Elliot¡¯sp and into his arms.


    ¡°You.¡± Anastasia squinted her eyes, wondering what he was up to.


    ¡°Do you still hate me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you!¡± Anastasia lied through her teeth.


    ¡°That ss of water,¡± reminded Elliot.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I hate you,¡± Anastasia exined quickly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it unless you prove it to me.¡±


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°How should I prove it to you?¡± She felt that there was nothing to prove.


    ¡°I have a way,¡± said Elliot in a low voice as he sped the back of her head and kissed her thin lips.


    Anastasia¡¯s mind instantly went nk. How could he kiss her whenever he wanted to? Could he at least


    respect her?


    After a passionate kiss, Elliot proved with facts that she did not despise him. Only then did he let go of


    her in satisfaction.


    Without uttering another word, Anastasia grabbed her phone and entered the room. She needed some


    quiet time to herself!


    She should think about the consequences first before messing with him next time.


    The next morning, Anastasia received a call from Felicia while she was still in a groggy state.


    ¡°Anastasia, have you seen the news? Alice has been sentenced to five years in prison.¡±


    seel


    Hearing that, Anastasia¡¯s eyes immediately shot open, and she was now wide awake. ¡°Five years?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! President Presgrave seems to have shown his temper this time, but Alice dug her own grave. She


    didn¡¯t just ruin her own future but was even sentenced to five years in prison. She deserves it, though.


    Besides her, Jacqueline has also been sentenced to three years of imprisonment.¡± Anastasia could hear


    the hint of regret underneath Felicia¡¯s words.


    However, when the case was applied to Anastasia, she didn¡¯t find them innocent at all. Alice was a


    vicious woman, while Jacqueline didn¡¯t know how to draw a line. As if it wasn¡¯t enough for her to steal


    Anastasia¡¯s work as her own, she even had to betray Anastasia!


    If it weren¡¯t for Elliot¡¯s help this time, it would have been difficult for Anastasia to find proof of Alice¡¯s theft,


    not to mention the fact that Savill Jewelry Atelier had been supporting Alice in secret. Anastasia faced


    the risk of getting kicked out of the design industry and bing a joke among the public. How cruel


    was that to her?


    ¡°Felicia, I think Alice is too ambitious and is always finding ways to rece you. There¡¯s no need ¡ª to


    pity her,¡± Anastasia uttered disapprovingly.


    She remembered the kind acts of those who treated her well, but she would not pity those who treated


    her badly.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Alice deserves to be punished. Those who have spoken ill of you in thepany are now


    terrified. They¡¯ve underestimated President Presgrave¡¯s love for you.¡±


    Anastasia instantly felt warmth filling her chest. Only those involved were more emotional.


    ¡°I know, and I¡¯m grateful for what he has done for me.¡±


    ¡°Okay, after you take over your father¡¯spany, I¡¯ll wee you back. Besides, all the works that have


    giarized yours have been taken off the shelves, and your works have been reunched.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Felicia.¡±


    ¡°Savill is pretty unlucky too. Weren¡¯t they supposed to be listed soon? Sadly, because of this incident,


    they¡¯ve be bankrupt. I heard that the president even went to beg President Presgrave to let them


    go, but President Presgrave refused.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! He begged President Presgrave through various connections, and he even went to stop his car


    several times. I heard that he even kneeled on the ground while begging too.¡±


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t aware that the owner of Savill had done all those things.


    As she lifted the nket, Anastasia got out of bed. She nced at her son and saw that he was still fast


    asleep, probably from the excitementst night.


    After putting on another coat, Anastasia went downstairs. It was cold outside since winter had arrived. It


    was a foggy morning, and in the far distance, mountains could be vaguely seen spiking in the clouds.


    If someone were to bring her a cup of warm coffee at that moment, that would be even more pleasant.


    With that thought in mind, she smelled the aroma of coffeeing from the kitchen. There stood an


    elegant figure while he was cooking breakfast. He was wearing an off-white sweater and khaki-colored


    pants. This was the softest look Anastasia had seen on Elliot.


    Usually, he wore dark-colored clothing, but today, he decided to go with a light and mellow toned outfit. It


    was simply a domestic sight to see.

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416


    Chapter 416 ¡°You¡¯re awakel¡± Elliot was wearing an apron, giving off the vibes of a househusband.


    Anastasia walked up to him and discovered that a scrumptious breakfast had beenid out on the table.


    Elliot, on the other hand, was fiddling with the coffee machine,


    ¡°Take a seat. Breakfast will be ready soon.¡± As he spoke, Elliot checked the time.


    While watching his back, Anastasia suddenly had the urge to hug him. With that thought in mind, she


    walked over on a whim, extended her arms, and gave him a back hug.


    Elliot was slightly startled, but he wasn¡¯t stiff. It was just a pleasant surprise to him. His eyes curved into


    crescent shapes, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.


    Just like that, Anastasia hugged him for a while, indulging in his warmth early in the morning.


    ¡°Thank you for everything you have done for me.¡± Anastasia pressed against his firm back and uttered


    gratefully from the bottom of her heart.


    Meanwhile, Elliot took the opportunity and reached out to hold her hand. He turned around, as if afraid


    that she would pull away once he faced her.


    Anastasia¡¯s arms stayed on his waist while his hands were ced lightly on her shoulder. After the two


    made eye contact, Anastasia lowered her head shyly.


    ¡°For me, it¡¯s far from enough. As long as you give me a chance, I can do more for you,¡± Elliot uttered in a


    baritone voice while he reached out and stroked her hair. ¡°Will you give me the chance to do so?¡±


    As a response, Anastasia threw herself into his arms. His tender gaze overwhelmed her.


    ¡°I¡¯m already by your side. Are you still afraid that you don¡¯t have enough chances to spoil me?¡± Anastasia


    raised her head and inquired with a smile.


    Elliot kissed her hair and responded, ¡°Wait a minute. I¡¯ll make breakfast for you and Jared.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so d that Jared and I can have breakfast that you¡¯ve prepared!¡±


    Picking up a cup of coffee, she sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, waiting for Chef Elliot¡¯s


    breakfast.


    Ten minutester, Elliot came over with two tes of big breakfast. It was a nutritiously-bnced meal,


    and it smelled so good. Even the food ting was aesthetic.


    Anastasia quickly enjoyed her meal. With him here, she had nothing to worry about.


    ¡°My grandma will be holding a banquet tomorrow to host some guests, do you want toe?¡± Elliot


    asked cautiously.


    Ever since the incident with Rileyst time, he was a little worried that Anastasia would mind going over


    to Presgrave Residence.


    After pondering for a while, she nodded. ¡°Sure! I¡¯lle.¡±


    Hearing that, Elliot let out an inaudible sigh of relief. Thank goodness she was willing to go.


    Meanwhile, in a mansion within the city, Aliona sat on the sofa with a sullen face, thinking about her


    following ns. After being interrupted by Anastasiast time, her good impression in front of Elliot had


    beenpletely ruined.


    Lucas called to say that Elliot was furious now, and he didn¡¯t want to see her again.


    Anastasia was the culprit. If she hadn¡¯t appeared, Aliona would have seeded that night.


    ¡°Anastasia, you cruel woman!¡± Just then, Aliona saw the news. Because of her giarism, Elliot made a


    jewelrypany bankrupt for Anastasia¡¯s sake and even sent two designers to jail.


    Now, Aliona had to rebuild her good impression in front of Elliot so that when she gave birth to his child,


    Elliot would treat the child like his own.


    What could she do now? She couldn¡¯t even contact her godfather.


    Just then, a subordinate hurriedly entered from the outside to hand her a letter.


    ¡°Miss Aliona, Master Riley sent this from jail. Hurry up and take a look.¡±


    Aliona took it and immediately tore it open to check the letter, only to read several words that contained a


    vague meaning from Riley.


    ¡°Aliona, the situation doesn¡¯t seem to be in my favor. I want you to implement the final n as soon as


    possible. Regarding the n we discussed before, just do it boldly without any hesitation.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she read those words. The final n that her godfather had


    mentioned was for her to get pregnant with Elliot¡¯s child and kill Elliot before the child was born. That


    way, the child would be sent to the Presgrave Family and be their only heir.


    This was the quickest way to acquire the assets of the Presgrave Family. The Presgraves had only a few


    candidates for their heir, and Elliot was the family¡¯s only direct son. Since he had no children yet,


    whoever gave birth to his child would be considered a treasure.


    Aliona held the letter and clutched it tightly with her beautiful nails. Was her godfather in such a critical


    condition already?Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417


    Chapter 417


    Lucas bad once told her that Elliot was investigating his kidnapping case back when he was a child and


    Anastasia¡¯s mother had also been killed in the very same incident. Therefore, Elliot was trying his best to


    reopen the case.


    That must be what her godfather meant by the situation wasn¡¯t in his favor. He was worried that Elliot


    might harm him in prison, or if Elliot found out what happened in the past, he would definitely make Riley


    rot in prison for the rest of his life.


    ¡°Miss Aliona, now that Master Riley isn¡¯t here, we will listen to yourmands.¡± The subordinate had a


    premonition that Riley was at a dead end now, and Aliona was the one who held Riley¡¯s foreign assets.


    They could definitely reap the benefits by following her.


    Aliona shut her eyes and ordered, ¡°You guys may leave.¡±


    Her godfather would not let her give up just like that because Lucas was making sure that she didn¡¯t


    abuse her power. Lucas¡¯ son was still kidnapped overseas under the watch of Riley¡¯s subordinates, and


    she didn¡¯t even know where he was locked up in.


    Moreover, she had not inherited her godfather¡¯s assetspletely yet, so if she opted out now, it


    wouldn¡¯t be beneficial for her. She even had to bear the risk of being hunted down.


    However, she could bet on Elliot. All she had to do was to give birth to his son and kill him to enjoy the


    billions of assets from the Presgrave empire.


    ¡°Tell Father that I will execute his n.¡± Aliona bit her lip, feeling ambitious.


    To be able to work alongside a conspirator like Riley proved that Aliona didn¡¯t have an innocent mind.


    At Summit Mansion, Rey had sent some men over to carry out investigations and monitoring works.


    Eventually, they managed to retrieve footage near themunication tracking address. It was a footage


    of a woman in a call, and she was standing beside the fountain.


    ording to the GPS location, Rey was pretty certain that it was her who had ordered the security guard


    to burn the Abyss Club¡¯s server room.


    She was the only person who fit the timing and address, after all.


    ¡°Do you have any other footage? I want something clearer.¡±


    The security guard tried to search for other footage on the surveince screens and zoomed in on one of


    the shots. In that specific footage, Rey could see the woman clearly and widened his eyes in shock.


    Indeed, the woman in that footage was Hayley!


    ¡°Send me this video,¡± Rey uttered calmly.


    After he returned to the car with this information, Rey dialed Elliot¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, ording to the GPS location, I just discovered that the person who ordered the


    security to set fire to the server room is Miss Seymour.¡±


    ¡°What? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s her. I¡¯ll send the information to you in a while.¡±


    After returning to the study, Elliot received the footage sent by Rey. The woman on the screen was


    indeed Hayley, and she was on the phone.


    Elliot trusted that there wouldn¡¯t be a problem with Rey¡¯s sources, and their tracking system under


    Presgrave Group was even bound to the satellite positioning system to measure urate time and


    distance.


    Why did Hayley order the security guard to burn down the server room? What secret was she hiding?


    Elliot¡¯s inner doubts welled up.


    Perhaps Anastasia would know better about Hayley.


    He then picked up hisptop and got up to find Anastasia. Currently, she was on the second floor


    reading a pile of material reports sent by her father. It took her a long time to digest a few material terms.


    She was already feeling a headache since she wasn¡¯t fit to manage apany.


    ¡°Do you have some time to spare? I have something to ask you.¡± Elliot sat opposite her and showed her


    hisptop.


    Squinting her eyes, Anastasia looked at the woman on the screen, asking, ¡°Isn¡¯t that Hayley?¡±


    ¡°Please forgive me for investigating the incident five years ago without your consent,¡± Elliot apologized


    beforehand.


    Hearing that, Anastasia was baffled. ¡°Why do you want to investigate this matter?¡±


    ¡°I want to find that b*stard and make him rot in prison.¡± Elliot¡¯s eyes were cold.


    Anastasia quickly recalled a recent call from the host who slept with her before. She knew that he was a


    time bomb that would explode by her side at any time.


    By then, her reputation and her son¡¯s background would be heavily affected.


    Therefore, sending him to prison could be the only way to end it once and for all.


    ¡°Did I tell you that it was Hayley who arranged for the host to sleep with me?¡± Anastasia raised her head


    without evading the question.


    Hearing that, Elliot waspletely stunned. It was the first time he had heard about this from Anastasia.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418


    Chapter 418


    ¡°Hayley was the one who framed you five years ago?¡± Elliot instantly widened his eves in disbelief.


    Anastasia recalled that she hadn¡¯t told him about it before, so she nodded. ¡°Back then, Hayley and my


    sister teamed up to trick me into going to the club. Once I entered the private room, there was already a


    man who dragged me in.¡±


    Upon hearing the new piece of information, Elliot clenched his fists. What he heard from Hayley was that


    Anastasia had entered the wrong private room and was vited by a man. She even cut off her


    friendship with Hayley after that.


    Between Hayley and Anastasia¡¯s words, Elliot chose to believe in Anastasia without reason.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me before that Hayley had framed you?¡± Elliot felt incredibly guilty and med


    himself for believing in Hayley¡¯s words.


    ¡°How could I when you¡¯re so protective of her? I was worried that you¡¯ll believe in her words rather than


    mine.¡± When Anastasia thought of that, she felt uneasy.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯d believe you,¡± Elliot affirmed while looking into her eyes.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Why did you show me this photo?¡± Anastasia inquired while staring at the screen.


    ¡°I asked Rey to check the surveince footage of the night you wereid five years ago and discovered


    that a security guard burned the server room of Abyss Club. After checking the IP address as well as the


    call log of the security guard¡¯s phone, we found out the person who instructed the security guard was


    indeed Hayley.¡±


    Anastasia was equally as puzzled. Why did Hayley do it?


    Was she trying to hide a secret by burning the server room of Abyss Club five years ago?


    ¡°Did you know that Hayley and I slept together in this same club?¡± Elliot spoke though he wasn¡¯t willing


    to. After all, mentioning it always made him regret it deeply.


    Once again, Anastasia was stunned to hear that, so she inquired, ¡°How did it happen?¡±


    ¡°I was unprepared that night. I got caught in someone¡¯s trap, and they wanted to create a scandal to


    ckmail me, so I fled to a private room. Hayley came afterward, and I took advantage of her under the


    influence of drugs.¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you intoxicated? How did you know it was Hayley that night?¡± Anastasia questioned out of


    curiosity. .


    ¡°I gave her a watch afterward. She found me through the watch.¡±


    ¡°What kind of watch is it?¡±


    ¡°It is one of my custom-made watches. There is only one of it in the world, and it was in Hayleys hands.


    She took it as a pawn in the second-hand market in March this year, and that¡¯s how I


    found her.¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but silently mocked herself. How could they both experience the same thing, but


    Hayley received Elliot¡¯s materialisticpensation and apology while she wasn¡¯t so lucky? The host she


    met was selfish and ruthless. He was blinded by greed, didn¡¯t repent his mistakes, and even dared to


    threaten her!


    That made her desperate to find that b*stard and see what kind of nasty look he had. Even though he


    seemed ashamed that night and even offered his watch to her, she would never forgive him.


    ¡°Anastasia, I think you should know Hayley better than I do. Why do you think she burned the server


    room?¡± Elliot inquired.


    Shaking her head, she answered, ¡°I¡¯m afraid only Hayley knows the answer.¡±


    Since the host existed and even tried to threaten Anastasia before, she never thought about the


    possibility that Hayley had reced her, nor did she realize that the b*stard was sitting right in front of


    her


    ¡°If someone called me, are you capable of finding out who this person was?¡± Anastasia wanted to rely on


    Elliot¡¯s ability to find the host.


    ¡°Who are you looking for?¡±


    ¡°The host actually called me a few days ago and threatened me. If he calls me next time, perhaps you


    can help me find out who he is.¡±


    ¡°Give me his number. I¡¯ll get Rey to check it for you right now.¡±


    After fishing out her phone, Anastasia scrolled to the number that had called her a few days ago. Elliot


    quickly recorded the number and sent it to Rey for investigation.


    ¡°Actually, I could ask Hayley if I wanted to find this b*stard. She has his information, but I know that she


    will refuse to tell me.¡± Anastasia hated Hayley to her bones.


    After hearing Anastasia¡¯s story, Elliot no longer had good feelings for Hayley. He didn¡¯t even want to see


    her face from now on. Feeling guilty for her was one thing, but what she did to Anastasia back then was


    unforgivable. When he found out who the host was, he was definitely going to make Hayley apologize to


    Anastasia.

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419


    Chapter 419


    ¡°I will find this person out and make him pay for his actions back then,¡± Elliot reassured her.


    ¡°Okay. Sorry for the trouble.¡± Anastasia took a deep breath.


    She didn¡¯t want to see the disgusting face of that man, yet she had to face him.


    Meanwhile, over at Summit Mansion, Hayley had just returned from the hospital. Her tastebuds were still


    pretty nd, but she already requested an agency to inquire about her condition with several foreign


    doctors.


    However, Hayley was still happy with her new, beautiful face in the mirror.


    The only thing Anastasia had won over her since they were kids was her face. Hayley had always been


    like a leaf to a rose whenever she stood beside Anastasia.


    Now, she had finally be a rose as well.


    Just then, her phone rang. After ncing at the screen, she picked up the call and said, ¡°Hello, Daniel.¡±


    ¡°Miss Seymour, I just received news that Old Madam Presgrave will be hosting the annual family


    banquet tomorrow and inviting her friends and family. Has President Presgrave notified you about it yet?¡±


    ¡°What? Tomorrow?¡± Disappointment shed in Hayley¡¯s eyes. Elliot hadn¡¯t even mentioned it to her.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s tomorrow afternoon at Presgrave Residence. There will be three tables for guests who have a


    close rtionship with the Presgrave Family. I thought President Presgrave invited you, though.¡±


    ¡°I want to be invited! Daniel, can you think of a way to let me in?¡± Hayley wasn¡¯t going to miss this


    opportunity. She had to be there!


    ¡°You may arrive early tomorrow morning without notifying President Presgrave. Once you¡¯re here, he will


    not chase you out in front of so many rtives.¡±


    Hayley thought he made sense. After all, it was time for her to reveal her new face beside Anastasia. Not


    only that, she should arrive early for the banquet, and she was pretty sure that Harriet wouldn¡¯t kick her


    out because Elliot had vited her before.


    As she sat on the sofa, there was a hint of coldness in her eyes. She must not let go of this opportunity


    to go against Anastasia. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, she dialed Erica¡¯s number and said. ¡°Erica,e over to my ce tonight. I have a git tot you.¡±


    If she wanted to know anything regarding Anastasia, Erica was the most reliable person.


    Hearing that there g that there was a gift for her, Erica left the house immediately.


    After arriving, she was shocked to see Hayley.


    ¡°Hayley, have you had stic surgery?¡± She scanned her up and down in disbelief.


    Hayley smirked. ¡°Who do you think I look like?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± After taking a closer look, she blurted, ¡°You didn¡¯t get surgery just to look like Anastasia, did


    you?!¡±


    ¡°Just praise my beauty already. I don¡¯t like to hear anything else,¡± said Hayley as she gloated.


    ¡°Oh! You¡¯re so pretty! You¡¯re way more beautiful than Anastasia. Your beauty makes you look elegant!


    Anastasia is no match for you!¡± Erica quickly praised her.


    Receiving those praises put Hayley in a good mood. She then pushed a bag that she didn¡¯t fancy in front


    of her, offering, ¡°Here you go.¡±


    ¡°Wow! This is so pretty! You treat me so well, Hayley. I¡¯ve always wanted this bag, but I could never


    afford it.¡±


    Now that she was using the money that Elliot hadpensated her with, Hayley no longer fancied a bag


    like this. Straightforwardly, she demanded, ¡°Tell me what Anastasia has been up totely!¡±


    ¡°Did you know? My dad told me she was kidnapped, and the kidnapper is highly likely to be the culprit in


    her mother¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°Really? Didn¡¯t her mother sacrifice to save Elliot, though?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! The culprit was Elliot¡¯s uncle, a half-brother to his father.¡±


    Hayley was stunned to hear that. Did that mean the culprit who killed Anastasia¡¯s mother was someone


    from the Presgrave Family? That should be interesting! Shouldn¡¯t Anastasia hate the Presgraves now?


    While Erica continued bbering, Hayley no longer wanted to hear her out; she already had her own


    ns.


    If Anastasia hated the Presgrave Family, what would she do to them? She would definitely do something


    to hurt the Presgraves. For example, she might take the opportunity to take revenge on Harriet.


    Last time, Hayley noticed that Harriet had been taking some kind of medicine. If something went wrong


    with her medicine, the me would fall on Anastasia.


    Hayley had always been a vicious person, and she was also a person who dared to act on it.

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420


    Chapter 420


    As long as she could separate Anastasia and Elliot, what else wouldn¡¯t she do?


    Just then, Erica¡¯s phone beeped. When she picked it up, she saw a message from Alex that read, Come


    to my ce tonight.


    After reading the message, she smiled and replied, ¡®Sure!¡¯


    Now that she and Alex had hooked up, their rtionship was progressing rapidly. They had even slept


    together before.


    Hayley went to bed once Erica left, but before going to sleep, she took out a watch from her deski To her,


    it was the only thing she had that was possessed by Elliot before.


    The watch contained Elliot¡¯s presence, and it could providefort to her emptiness.


    After switching off the lights, the watch suddenly glowed in a shady green color in the dark, its diamonds


    shining on the entire screen. The shape of a wolf¡¯s head could also be seen in the middle of the watch.


    Indeed, it was a beautiful timepiece.


    Just like its owner, the watch shone in the dark, showing off its elegance.


    The dark green luster paired with the wolf head was a totem of the Presgrave Family.


    It was a watch that Harriet tailored specially for Elliot, so it was the only watch in the world.


    In Elliot¡¯s mansion, Anastasiay in bed thinking about her promise to Elliot about attending his family¡¯s


    banquet on Sunday. However, she didn¡¯t feel like bringing her son over.


    Therefore, she decided to ask if her father had a day to spare for her son.


    In her dreams, Anastasia unknowingly returned to that night five years ago. She felt that there were a


    pair of hands sping tightly around her, and as she struggled, a faint green light shed across in front


    of her. That was the only light source amidst the dark.


    It was the watch that was glowing in green. Anastasia clearly remembered the wolf head engraved in the


    watch; in a moment of despair, she struggled to see the source of light emitted from the devil.


    Unfortunately, she wasn¡¯t able to see the man clearly.


    The next morning, Anastasia contacted her father. Since Francis hadn¡¯t seen his grandson in a few days,


    he was eager to meet Jared again.


    Elliot, on the other hand, agreed with Anastasia¡¯s decision. He even assigned his bodyguard to send


    Jared over.


    ¡°My grandma loves Jared. She says thatred looks like me when I was younger.¡± As Elliot watch the car


    leave, he heaved an audible sigh.


    Anastasia was just trying to protect her son. If Jared were to attend a crowded event, he might be


    looked down upon as a child with a single parent.


    ¡°Sorry. I don¡¯t mean to not bring Jared over. I hope you understand,¡± Anastasia exined as she raised


    her head.


    ¡°I understand. You don¡¯t have to apologize.¡± With that, Elliot held her hand. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to dress


    like this today.¡±


    After ncing down at her outfit, she realized it was a little in. ¡°What should I wear?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the room. I¡¯ll pick your outfit.¡± While saying that, he pulled her into the living room.


    When they arrived in Anastasia¡¯s room, both of them stood in front of the wardrobe. Elliot had bought her


    many pieces of thetest trends and branded clothes, but she had never worn them. After swiping his


    slender fingers across the row of clothes, he finally picked an elegantce dress. ¡°Wear this.¡±


    After that, he grabbed another long trench coat and said, ¡°And this.¡±


    Anastasia thought he had a good eye for fashion, so she agreed, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wear themter.¡±


    ¡°Wear them now!¡± Elliot folded his arms in front of his chest in anticipation. ¡°I want to see how my taste


    is.¡±


    With that, Anastasia grabbed the clothes and entered the bathroom. After a while, she came out in the


    dress and requested helplessly, ¡°Can you help me with the zip?¡±


    Smiling, Elliot walked up to her back and pulled the zip for her. At the same time, he pecked her fair


    neck.


    Feeling shy, Anastasia quickly entered the bathroom and grabbed the coat. Sure enough, the outfit


    looked fashionable and elegant on her. At the same time, it was eye-catching and pleasant to see.


    ¡°It looks good on you,¡± praised Elliot. He then added, ¡°That¡¯s because you look good in everything youText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    wear.¡±


    Anastasia seemed to take hispliment well. Looking at the time, she inquired, ¡°Should we be leaving


    now?¡±


    ¡°Sure! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t invite Hayley, did you?¡± Anastasia suddenly inquired.


    ¡°I won¡¯t invite her.¡± Elliot didn¡¯t want to see Hayley now or ever.


    At the Presgrave Residence, Hayley came uninvited, which gave Harriet a surprise. However, due to


    what her grandson had done to Havley back then. Harriet greeted her as usual out of courtesy.

 Chapter 421

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    Chapter 421


    At the same time. Harriet realized that Hayley¡¯s face seemed to have changed. Though she still looked


    beautiful, it seemed that she had done something to her appearance.


    To be frank, Harriet rejected the behavior of pursuing beauty through surgery. Since her body had been


    given to her by her parents, she should cherish them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry foring uninvited to your banquet, Grandma. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve missed you so much.¡± The


    look in Hayley¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t seem sincere at all.


    However, Harriet reassured her, ¡°No worries. I forgot to inform you about it. Since it¡¯s usually the same


    old rtivesing every year, I¡¯m happy that you¡¯vee too.¡± After saying that, she instructed one of


    the maids, ¡°Escort Miss Seymour to the garden for some tea.¡±


    Hayley was overjoyed upon hearing that. Sure enough, Harriet didn¡¯t drive her away, so she happily


    followed the maid to the garden.


    As soon as Hayley left, Harriet let out a sigh of relief. She was aware of Hayley¡¯s intentions, but the


    Presgrave Family could only ept one daughter-inw. Therefore, no matter what Hayley did, it would


    be useless.


    ¡°From whom did Miss Seymour hear the news?¡± One of the female housekeepers on the side questioned


    in surprise. She was the one who had sent out the invitations, but she didn¡¯t recall sending an invite to


    Hayley.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Let¡¯s just serve her since she¡¯s already here!¡± said Harriet with a wave of a hand.


    However, the housekeeper med herself. After all, she knew what Hayley¡¯s identity was; she was


    merely a woman whom Young Master Elliot couldn¡¯t get rid of.


    ¡°Should I inform Young Master Elliot?¡±


    When Harriet recalled that Elliot would be bringing Anastasia to visit today, she was certain that


    Anastasia wouldn¡¯te if she knew that Hayley was here. She couldn¡¯t help but shake her head and


    replied, ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s tell them when they arrive!¡±


    One of them was someone Harriet didn¡¯t wee, while the other was someone Harriet desperately


    wanted her to be here.


    Between Hayley and Anastasia, it was obvious who had the upper hand.


    Soon, Harriet¡¯s daughter, son-inw, as well as Nigel arrived.


    Some rtives and friends had also arrived earlier, so the whole yard was packed with luxury cars. All


    the rtives of the Presgrave Family had gained a firm foothold in the political and business circles with


    the support of the Presgrave Family. The Presgraves were like a big tree, and there was an intricate


    network of rtionships under the protection of said tree. Even Harriets brother was able to soar high in


    the political circle due to the family¡¯s influence.


    While sitting in the tea house in the garden, Hayley couldn¡¯t help but feel a little nervous when


    she heard the lively atmosphere in the main hall. However, it wasn¡¯t going to make her flinch or retreat.


    Looking down at the box of drugs in her bag, she smirked cynically.


    Anastasia was going to lose her pride today in front of all the rtives of the Presgrave Family


    After picking up the cup of tea, she took a few sips. It tasted pretty nd although she had already taken


    some medication to revive her taste buds.


    The doctors said that the surgery might cause long-term side effects, but for her beauty, Hayley could


    only endure it.


    At that moment, a ck Rolls-Royce entered the front yard. The man who came out of the car was Elliot


    while the woman that came out of the car was Anastasia.


    He extended his hand to hold her, but she hid her hand shyly. ¡°Let¡¯s not hold hands.¡±


    His deep gaze locked on her for a few seconds before realizing that she was just shy and didn¡¯t want to


    show too much affection in front of her rtives.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, then!¡± Elliot understood her feelings.


    As they walked past the front garden and into the hall, they saw three banquet tables in the living hall. All


    of the guests had arrived.


    Once they entered the hall, Elliot started greeting the guests. As the most honorable child of the


    Presgrave Family, Elliot had been polite and thoughtful since young. Therefore, everyone adored him.


    While Anastasia followed him around, she listened to him exchanging customary greetings with hisProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    rtives. It was also the first time she had seen him behaving like a well-mannered junior. Usually, he


    was aloof and unapproachable, making everyone surrender to him!


    ¡°Elliot, why don¡¯t you introduce us to this beautifuldy beside you?¡± one of his aunts urged.


    ¡°This is Anastasia Tillman, my girlfriend,¡± Elliot introduced her naturally.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but feel her cheeks heat up when she heard that. She had thought about this


    question beforeing, but she still couldn¡¯t avoid revealing her identity.

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    Chapter 422


    ¡°What a beauty! Elliot has a good eye!¡±


    ¡°Of course, he does! Elliot has always been the most good-looking child to us. Naturally, he should go


    out with a beautiful woman.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t agree!¡± Suddenly, a male voice sounded behind thedy.


    Turning around, thedy couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud at the sight of Nigel. Nigel raised his chin and


    questioned, ¡°Which part of me doesn¡¯t win over Elliot? I was obviously the best looking when we were


    young.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. You¡¯re the most handsome!¡± Thedy quickly changed her words, eliciting someughter


    among the crowd.


    Even Anastasia was amused by their interaction. Based on Nigel¡¯s looks, he was indeed not inferior to


    Elliot. However, in terms of his stance, Elliot was more domineering than he was.


    ¡°Anastasia, you should be the judge. Who is more good-looking between Elliot and me?¡±


    Initially, Anastasia was just a spectator watching them. Now that Nigel had thrown the question at her,


    she could only cough awkwardly as she replied, ¡°You.¡±


    After saying that, Anastasia sensed a pair of eyes filled with resentment staring at her.


    ¡°Anastasia has good taste.¡± With that, Nigel reached out his hand to Anastasia, suggesting, ¡°Come on,


    let¡¯s go over there. I have something to tell you.¡±


    However, the moment he finished his sentence, Elliot shot daggers at him. Nigel immediately sensed the


    deathly stare and realized that he couldn¡¯t treat Anastasia casually anymore. He couldn¡¯t even get


    involved with her personal affairs now that she belonged to someone else.


    ¡°What is it that you cannot talk in front of me?¡± Elliot red at Nigel to prove his presence.


    Anastasia covered her mouth while chuckling, but Nigel huffed while saying, ¡°You petty man. Can¡¯t I talk


    to your girlfriend for a little while?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± rejected Elliot coldly.


    ¡°Be the judge, Anastasia. He was the one who interrupted us when I tried to pursue you. I was kindText ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    enough to let you go, but look at how he¡¯s treating me now!¡± Nigel started whining.


    Anastasiaughed out loud at his antics. ¡°I¡¯m not meddling in your fight. You should solve it between


    yourselves.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and greet Grandma.¡± Uponnding an arm on her waist, Elliot dragged Anastasia away from


    Nigel.


    Since he was left without a choice, Nigel tagged along because he was bored. Everyone who attended


    the banquet today was mostly the seniors, and all the juniors didn¡¯t manage to attend.


    Currently, Harriet was sitting in the hall chatting away with the other old madams. When she saw Elliot


    and Anastasia walking up to her, her eyes were instantly filled with tenderness and affection.


    ¡°Come here, Anastasia. Take a seat,¡± she invited gently.


    With that. Anastasia took the seat next to her. Harriet looked at her with guilt and apology ¡°Didn¡¯t you


    bring Jared with you?¡±


    ¡°Jared went to my father¡¯s ce.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I quite like that child. He¡¯s so adorable.¡± Whenever Harriet thought of the child, she immediately saw


    young Elliot in him.


    Just then, the housekeeper requested to talk to Elliot outside.


    ¡°Young Master Elliot, I have something to tell you. Miss Hayley is here.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s face immediately darkened. ¡°Who let her in?¡±


    ¡°Miss Hayley was the earliest to arrive, but I don¡¯t know who informed her,¡± the housekeeper uttered


    helplessly.


    There was a hint of coolness that shed in Elliot¡¯s eyes. Who was the one who obtained the information


    and ryed it to Hayley? There was only one person who knew about it, and that was his personal


    assistant, Daniel.


    It seemed that Hayley even had the means to buy information from people around him.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Elliot questioned indifferently.


    ¡°She¡¯s at the tea house in the garden and hasn¡¯t been invited to the hall yet. Do you want to see her?¡±


    After ncing at Anastasia, who was busy chatting with his grandmother, he walked toward the tea


    house in the garden.


    On this side, Hayley had been waiting to be invited to the main hall. However, it was Elliot who greeted


    her instead with a long face.


    Hayley was in utter shock. Flustered, she almost broke the teacup in her hand. ¡°How did you know I was


    here, Elliot?¡±


    Ever since he knew that Hayley was the cause of Anastasia¡¯s misery back then, he didn¡¯t have any


    feelings for her anymore.


    ¡°This is my family¡¯s gathering. There¡¯s no reason for you to attend.¡± Elliot stared at her coldly.

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    Chapter 423


    Hayley¡¯s eyes immediately reddened. ¡°Why can¡¯t Ie when Anastasia is here? You¡¯re being too


    biased, Elliot.¡±


    Elliot frowned slightly and retorted somewhat coldly, ¡°To me, you¡¯re iparable to Anastasia. I have


    always wanted to make up to you only in the material aspect, and you should know that.¡±


    Hayley sensed that Elliot had changed, and his attitude toward her had be extraordinarily cold. Did


    Anastasia tell him something?


    ¡°Elliot, why are you doing this to me? Did I do something wrong?¡± Hayley bit her red lips and i showed a


    pitiful look.


    ¡°Is it your fault that Anastasia was harassed five years ago?¡± Elliot interrogated.


    Hearing that, Hayley quivered. She shook her head fervently and denied, ¡°It wasn¡¯t me; it wasn¡¯t me,


    Elliot. It was her stepsister who did it. When I wanted to stop her, it was toote. I regret it so much now,


    and I deserve Anastasia¡¯s hatred.¡±


    Hayley appeared to be helpless on the surface, but in reality, she hated Anastasia to her bones. Sure


    enough, Anastasia exposed what happened back then just to win Elliot¡¯s heart.


    Staring at Hayley¡¯s face, Elliot could only see how ugly her cry was after she underwent stic surgery. It


    made him extremely ufortable, and he didn¡¯t believe in a single word she uttered.


    Hayley knew that she looked beautiful when smiling, but she didn¡¯t know how hideous she looked when


    crying.


    ¡°Do not step into the hall, but you may have lunch here before leaving,¡± Elliot warned in a low voice. He


    didn¡¯t want Anastasia to know that she was here.


    Hayley understood his intentions, so she panicked and said, ¡°Elliot, you can¡¯t do this to me.¡±


    This time, Elliot was already at the door. He turned back and shot her a cold gaze, uttering, ¡°From now


    on, I don¡¯t want to see you again.¡±


    This sentence was undoubtedly like a sharp sword stabbing into Hayley¡¯s chest. She underwent surgery


    to look like the woman he liked, but instead, he told her that he didn¡¯t want to see her again.


    ¡°Elliot¡­¡± Hayley stood up and chased after him, but she was stopped by two maids. ¡°Please stay here,


    Miss Seymour.¡±


    Hayley¡¯s heart fell into an abyss at this moment. Elliot¡¯s attitude showed her that no matter what she did,


    he only loved Anastasia.


    In order to make Anastasia happy, he didn¡¯t allow her to enter the hall even if she had alreadye all


    the way to Presgrave Residence. Anastasia would be the protagonist tonight, while she was going to


    suffer from humiliation all alone.


    When she returned to the sofa, a strong feeling of resentment shed in Hayley¡¯s eyes. Anastasia being


    alive was her greatest pain.


    In the main hall. Anastasia did not know that Hayley was also there. Harriet took her to a quiet lounge


    and exined the truth about how Elliot had been saved back then without holding back..


    Back then, the situation wasplicated, and it definitely gave her mother pressure to save the hostage.


    In Elliot¡¯s case, however, she sacrificed herself and pounced on him to save him. That was her duty as a


    police officer, and she wasn¡¯t forced by anyone.


    ¡°Anastasia, you may me me if you¡¯re upset, but don¡¯t me Elliot, okay? He was depressed and


    completely lost when he came back that day. He loves you very much, and he doesn¡¯t want to lose you.¡±


    Anastasia was moved to hear Harriet¡¯s words. Hearing others tell her that Elliot loved her seemed to give


    her a sense of certainty as if he loved her wholeheartedly.


    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m sorry for believing in Riley¡¯s words and misunderstanding you,¡± Anastasia apologized.


    Harriet didn¡¯t have any morements about her stepson. All she wanted was for the younger


    generation to not be harmed by him again.


    Elliot instructed the housekeeper to serve Hayley in the tea house and made sure that she left after


    having lunch.


    Upon moving to the quiet lounge, he immediately softened when he saw the woman sitting on the sofa


    with his grandmother. There was now a touch of warmth in between his brows, and the coldness toward


    Hayley just now hadpletely disappeared.


    Anastasia looked up at the man who was approaching, and a blush of shyness crept up her cheeks. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Harriet couldn¡¯t help but smile upon seeing them. ¡°Well, it¡¯s time for me to go out and greet the guests


    now. I¡¯ll let Elliot keep youpany in here.¡±


    After speaking, Harriet left the room. Elliot sat beside her naturally, staring at her as if he could never


    have enough of the woman.

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    Chapter 424


    Anastasia suddenlyughed, ¡°Can you stop staring?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Nigel¡¯s more handsome than me?¡± Elliot wanted to settle this matter with her


    privately.


    Seeing him like that, Anastasia burst outughing. ¡°What? Are you jealous?¡±


    As sheughed, Elliot¡¯s long arms stretched out and wrapped around her waist, pulling her down with


    him until they were both lying on the sofa. Anastasia was on top of him, staring down at his face that was


    too close forfort.


    A perfectly wless face was reflected in her eyes.


    ¡°Take a good look. Is my face not up to your standards?¡± Elliot intentionally described himself pitifully.


    In response, Anastasia pursed her lips and smiled. Why was he sopetitive? Why did he insist on


    comparing himself to Nigel in terms of appearance?


    He was definitely more childish than her son.


    ¡°You¡¯re handsome. In fact, you¡¯re the most handsome guy to me.¡± Anastasia used the same trick she had


    coaxed her son on him.


    Fortunately, it seemed that the trick worked even better on him. Elliot curved his thin lips, asking,


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s true. In terms of appearance, my sones first, you are second, and Nigel is in third ce,¡±


    Anastasia answered him in all seriousness. He should be satisfied with her answer by now!


    Elliot knew that it was too difficult to win over Jared and take down the first ce, so he was satisfied


    with the final oue.


    Only then did Anastasia realize that she was still lying in his arms, and she could feel the heat radiating


    from him through his clothes. The warmth of his skin felt a little too hot for her to bear, so she


    immediately struggled to get up.


    However, Elliot¡¯s long arms werezily draped around her waist, and a malicious smile crept on his face.


    ¡°Elliot, let me go,¡± Anastasiained softly. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t show me your love, I won¡¯t let go,¡± said Elliot with a smirk.


    ¡°What do you mean? You¡¯re really unreasonable sometimes.¡± Anastasia had enough of him. How could


    he just say things like that out of in air?


    ¡°It¡¯s either you kiss me, or I kiss you. Pick one.¡±


    Did it make a difference? Wasn¡¯t she going to be kissed in the end? What a canny businessman he


    ¡°Neither. I want to go out to eat something delicious.¡± After Anastasia finished speaking, she got up


    forcibly.


    Elliot sat up with her, but in the next second, the two fell on the sofa once again. This time, Anastasia


    was below Elliot.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Anastasia thought Elliot was a nasty man.


    ¡°I won¡¯t give up until I achieve my goal,¡± said Elliot before kissing her red lips.


    All of sudden, Anastasia felt as if a current was running through her body. It felt like she was going crazy.


    Elliot really liked to mess around with her regardless of the asion.


    However, there was no doubt that the kiss was exciting and sweet. As the sunlight shone onto the sofa,


    Anastasia was surrounded by his breath, indulging in his gentle and delicate kiss. Elliot had a special


    ability; whenever he looked at Anastasia or kissed her, it was as if his eyes were dripping with honey. He


    looked at her as if she meant the world to him.


    Upon hearing footstepsing from outside the window, Anastasia shoved him hard, causing him to fall


    to the ground.


    With a loud thud, Elliot¡¯s head hit the ground harshly.


    ¡°Oh, dear! Elliot, are you alright?¡± Anastasia sat up. She felt bad for Elliot, who was currently lying on the


    ground.


    How hard did she push him just now? How bad did it hurt when his head hit the ground?


    Although there was ayer of carpet, there was indeed a loud thud just now.


    Elliot¡¯s eyes were full of grievances. ¡°Are you trying to murder your husband?¡±


    Seeing that he was lying on the floor and unable to get up, she reached out to pull him while apologizing,


    ¡°Sorry. I thought your Grandma woulde in and see us.¡±


    Elliot now knew what would happen to him if he angered her after marriage. He would face the fate of


    being kicked down from the bed.


    Borrowing the strength of her pull, Elliot pushed her onto the sofa once again. ¡°I won¡¯t forgive you if you


    don¡¯t kiss me first.¡±


    Anastasia took the initiative now and kissed him on the cheek. ¡°Happy?¡±


    ¡°On the lips,¡± Elliot reminded.


    Anastasia rolled her eyes and muttered, ¡°You¡¯re so bossy.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t roll your eyes at me. That¡¯s rude,¡± reminded Elliot once again.


    Defying him, Anastasia rolled her eyes before uttering proudly, ¡°We¡¯re not officially in a rtionship yet,


    anyway. You Still have a chance to run back.¡±

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    Chapter 425


    Elliot didn¡¯t know what to do with her. Just then, Anastasia hugged his neck and nted a kiss on his thin


    lips. ¡°All peachy? I¡¯ll go eat now.¡±


    With that, she smoothed her clothes and went out.


    Behind her, the man still looked majestic despite sitting on the carpet, and there was a hint of mischief on


    his handsome face.


    In another tea room at the end of the corridor, even though Hayley enjoyed the treatment as a guest and


    had a table full of foodid out before her, she was suffering inside..


    Her existence here was like a joke. The servants looked like they respected her on the outside, but she


    knew that they wereughing at her behind her back!


    She hated Elliot for treating her like that, but she hated Anastasia even more; Anastasia must have


    whispered horrible things about her in Elliot¡¯s ears, turning her into a vicious woman.


    Hayley took a deep breath, the hatred apparent in her eyes as a sneer crept onto her lips. She got up


    and walked out of the room, but a servant immediately reached out and stopped her. ¡°Miss Seymour,


    Young Master Elliot insists that you have your meal here.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I go to the bathroom?¡± Hayley red coldly at her, then strode toward a certain ce. When she


    was herest time, she had the opportunity to tour the Presgrave Residence.


    She remembered faintly that Harriet¡¯s medicine was kept in a specialized room on the first floor. She


    thought that since the Presgrave Residence housed such arge family, they probably wouldn¡¯t install


    CCTVs inside their house. This would make her operation much easier.


    Just as expected, she didn¡¯t spot any CCTVs around her. When she passed by the garden, she heard


    laughtering from the main hall. It filled her heart with envy, for Anastasia was probably there as well.


    Hayley noticed that the servant was following her. Annoyance shed across the depths of her eyes as


    she instantly walked further into the garden. The servant called after her, ¡°Miss Seymour, please don¡¯t


    run around. That¡¯s not where the bathroom is.¡±


    Soon, Hayley managed to throw off the servant and emerged from another corridor. Now, all the servants


    were gathered at the main hall to serve the guests, so the huge Presgrave Residence looked especially


    empty.


    A vicious feeling rose up in Hayley¡¯s heart. Even if Harriet had no ill intentions toward her, she still hated


    that old woman. She hated how Harriet favored Anastasia over her without helping her get together with


    Elliot.


    As such, Hayley wouldn¡¯t mind Harriet dying. She just wanted Anastasia to take the me.


    Finally, Hayley found the storeroom on the first floor. As expected, she walked briskly over and found that


    it was unlocked. She opened the door and saw a few freezers inside, in addition to a row of shelves.


    However, Harriet¡¯s usual medication was ced on a table, and a few medicine bottles were ced


    separately in a small basket. Hayley poured them out and studied them


    briefly before putting two simr types of pills inside.


    The pills were sleeping medications and also heart medications withplicated ingredients. If


    consumed over a long period of time, a person of Harriet¡¯s age would experience problems soon


    enough.


    After swapping out the pills, Hayley immediately left the scene.


    Hayley passed by the garden once again, and when she saw the bustling on the other side, she


    suddenly felt the urge to go over as well. Didn¡¯t Elliot ban her from meeting Anastasia?


    In that case, it was all the more reason for her to let Anastasia know that she was here.


    Hayley went closer to the main hall on purpose. When she saw two well-dresseddies in front of her,


    she suddenly put a hand to her forehead and fell onto the floor.


    ¡°Oh! Are you alright, miss?¡± Just as expected, one of thedies rushed over to her.


    Hayley fainted right away, and she heard anotherdy say, ¡°I¡¯ll go get help.¡±


    At the table, Anastasia was sampling the desserts when she heard ady rush in, saying, ¡°Come quick!


    Someone just fainted. Hurry up and send her to the


    Elliot had just excused himself to answer a call, and Anastasia was sitting next to Nigel. When they


    heard the shouts, Nigel was the first to get up. Anastasia followed him out.


    Nigel looked at Hayley and asked, a little stunned, ¡°Who even is she?!¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Just ignore that and send her to the hospital right away,¡± Nigel¡¯s mother urged.


    When Anastasia saw Hayley lying on the floor, she was instantly shocked. She didn¡¯t expect that Hayley


    would be here as well. Just then, someone shouted, ¡°She¡¯s waking up.¡±

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    Chapter 426


    Hayley, who was in Nigel¡¯s arms at the time, suddenly opened her eyes. Nigel immediately out her down.


    Just then, a servant hastily walked over. ¡°Miss Seymour, why are you here? I¡¯ve been looking all over for


    you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with this Miss Seymour?¡± Brenda asked.


    ¡°Y-Young Master Elliot told us to let Miss Seymour dine in the side hall,¡± the servant replied.


    Anastasia¡¯s gaze met Hayley¡¯s, and the hatred in Hayley¡¯s eyes was directed right at her. Anastasia


    understood right away that Hayley had attended as well, but Elliot had arranged a separate dining area


    for her.


    Hayley definitely didn¡¯te on official invitation; she hade of her own ord.


    ¡°You-¡± Nigel looked at Hayley, then back at Anastasia. He felt as if he had just met the bootleg version of


    Anastasia, and traces of Hayley¡¯s stic surgery were visible in the sunlight.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, I¡¯ll get a car ready to send you back after the meal.¡± The housekeeper appeared and


    gestured toward Hayley. ¡°This way, please.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll inform Old Madam Presgrave first,¡± Hayley told the housekeeper.


    ¡°Sorry, but Young Master Elliot has asked me to take you home right away.¡± The housekeeper didn¡¯t want


    Hayley to affect the other guests.


    Hayley was a little reluctant, but at that moment, the female guests who gathered around her were all


    examining her in surprise. She could only say, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll leave. However, can I have a word with my friend


    first?¡±


    With that, she pointed at Anastasia.


    Anastasia instantly declined in disdain. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to say between us.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia, when you were assaulted five years ago, you said that I was the one who did it. Why did you


    tell Elliot that I was the one behind it? Since when did I order a host to sleep with you, causing you to


    give birth to a son as a result?¡± Hayley said loudly. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    At the side, Nigel was so furious that he wanted to cover her mouth. Simrly, Anastasia turned red in the


    face out of anger. Hayley was mentioning this incident in front of all the guests on purpose.


    ¡°Hayley, that¡¯s enough messing around.¡± Just then, Elliot walked over to them from somewhere, his


    expression dark.


    Startled, Hayley trembled slightly, but she raised her voice to retort, ¡°Did I say anything wrong? Elliot, I


    don¡¯t want you to misunderstand. I really didn¡¯t harm her.¡±


    Anastasia clenched her fists tightly as she shivered in fury. Even up until now, Hayley kept crossing the


    line.


    How could someone twist the truth to this extent?


    Elliot¡¯s expression was unimaginably dark. Hayley was taking the opportunity to tell all the Presgraves¡¯


    rtives about that incident, and she clearly wanted to ruin Anastasia¡¯s reputation


    ¡°Shut up, Hayley.¡± Elliot gave her a warning re.


    Hayley¡¯s eyes immediately went red, and she used in tears, ¡°Elliot, I gave you my first time five years


    ago to cure you, and you bullied me to no end. I even miscarried once for you. Is this how you should


    treat me?¡±


    Everyone present stared at Elliot in shock, for they couldn¡¯t believe he did something like that. They had


    no idea if they should me this most noble young master of the Presgraves.


    Anastasia¡¯s face turned pale in an instant as she looked at Hayley. She actually miscarried once for


    Elliot¡¯s sake?


    Harriet had just arrived on the scene and managed to catch Hayley¡¯s act. She said to Hayley, ¡°Miss


    Seymour, I know that Elliot had mistreated you before, and he alsomitted some mistakes. However,


    Elliot has been looking for you for the past five years so he could make it up to you. Now, we¡¯re doing our


    best topensate you for the incident five years ago. Ever since we found you, have the Presgraves


    ever mistreated you?¡±


    Hayley¡¯s true desire wasn¡¯t any material object, for she actually wanted to be Elliot¡¯s wife. Gritting her


    teeth, she said, ¡°Grandma, I can¡¯t even find a man to marry now. I want to be Elliot¡¯s wife. I want to marry


    him.¡±


    Hayley exposed her ambitions without restraint. She looked toward Elliot with a meaningful gaze. ¡°Elliot, I


    don¡¯t me you for what you did to me that night. I just want to stay by your side and be with you.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t force love, Hayley. I will never take you as my wife,¡± Elliot rejected coldly.

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    Chapter 427


    ¡°Miss Seymour. I know Elliot has mistreated you before, but he alsopensated you in every way he


    could. You should know where the line is drawn.¡± Brenda stepped forward, not wishing for her mother to


    be troubled and intending to protect her own nephew.


    Hayley looked at the well-dresseddy, whose eyes red in warning toward her. She had done and


    said everything she nned to do and say today, and she didn¡¯t want it to spiral into chaos either. She


    pitifully nodded. ¡°I understand. I¡¯m sorry, Grandma. I shouldn¡¯t have disturbed your banquet. I¡¯m so sorry,


    and I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±


    The housekeeper immediately sent for someone to take Hayley home. Hayley kept looking back at Elliot


    as she left, her love and adoration obvious to all.


    However, under the sunlight, Elliot¡¯s entire body emanated a chill. No matter how loving Hayley¡¯s gaze


    was, it could not remove the coldness in him.


    While no one was looking, Anastasia quietly left the crowd. She walked toward a deserted garden, her


    thoughts upied with the notion that Hayley had undergone abortion for Elliot¡¯s sake.


    This was further proof of the incident between Elliot and Hayley that night. It reminded her again of this,


    and she felt unbearably sad.


    Brenda helped her mother back inside to rest. The other rtives and friends also understood the


    Presgraves¡¯ situation, so they didn¡¯t make anyments on it. The Presgrave Family was powerful


    exactly because its members were united.


    Just then, Harriet felt some difort in her chest. She told the housekeeper, ¡°Jodie, fetch my


    medicine.¡±


    ¡°Please calm down, Old Madam Presgrave. Do not heed to Miss Seymour¡¯s words.¡±


    ¡°She miscarried a child for Elliot¡¯s sake! A child of the Presgraves!¡± Harriet said regretfully.


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t think like that. It¡¯d be real trouble if Elliot had a child with that girl.¡± Brenda was aware. After


    all, someone with a personality like Hayley¡¯s did not deserve to marry into the Presgrave Family.


    Just then, the housekeeper brought the medicine. She also gave Harriet some water to take the pillsText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    with. After Harriet had taken the medicine, she sighed. ¡°No matter


    what, the right wife for Elliot can only be Anastasia.¡±


    ¡°Yes! I also hope Miss Tillman will marry Elliot.¡± Brenda actually preferred Anastasia too. Anastasia had


    saved her son¡¯s life, after all.


    When Elliot found Anastasia, she was sitting on a swing in the garden. She was in a daze as she sat on


    the swing, and when the wind lifted her hair, it was as if her hair was also glowing under the sunlight. She


    looked like a princess heavy with worry.


    Elliot strode over in light steps and walked up to her. Then, he began pushing the swing into motion.


    Anastasia let him continue pushing before she asked, ¡°When did you find out that Hayley miscarried for


    you before?¡±


    ¡°Last time, when she sent you a photo,¡± Elliot answered truthfully.


    He hadn¡¯t declined when Hayley clung onto him and asked him for a photo!


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let her into the main hall to eat today?¡± Anastasia asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to see her and upset your mood,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ve shamed you in front of your family, though,¡± Anastasia said bitterly. After all, she was assuming the


    role of his girlfriend today.


    Elliot let the swing stop, then bent down and looked at her in all earnestness. ¡°Anastasia, I don¡¯t care


    what other people think of you. I only know that in my heart, you have always been perfect.¡±


    Anastasia looked at him, her heart aching for him,


    ¡°Do you regret that incident with Hayley five years ago?¡± Anastasia asked.


    Elliot nodded. He couldn¡¯t find any words to express the regret in his heart.


    Just then, a servant came rushing along the garden path. ¡°Young Master Elliot,e quick. Old Madam


    Pregrave has fainted.¡±


    Elliot and Anastasia instantly got to their feet in shock. They exchanged nces and strode hurriedly


    toward the main hall.


    Nigel had carried Harriet back to her room and ced her down. Harriet¡¯s face was pale, and her eyes


    were tightly closed. She was barely conscious.


    ¡°Why did Grandma faint all of a sudden?¡± Elliot hastily walked into the room.


    ¡°She said she was feeling ufortable in her chest, and she asked for some medicine to ease the


    difort. Within ten minutes of her taking the pills, she suddenly fainted on the floor.¡± The


    housekeeper was extremely anxious as well.

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    Chapter 428


    ¡°Are those pills the ones Grandma usually takes?¡±


    ¡°Yes! They¡¯re the heart pills she always takes.¡±


    ¡°Elliot, hurry up and send her to the hospital¡± Brenda was so anxious that her eyes were turning red.


    Anastasia was deeply worried too. Elliot carried the unconscious Harriet and walked out the door,


    whereas Brenda and Jonathan left along with him. Nigel helped Anastasia up and said, ¡°You can go in


    my car.¡±


    In a private hospital which Presgrave Group had invested in, Harriet was immediately sent to the


    emergency unit.


    In the car, Nigel was anxious as well. ¡°My grandmother¡¯s health has always been in the pink, so how


    could she just faint like that? Was it too shocking for her? Also, who¡¯s that Hayley person just now?¡±


    After Anastasia told him about Hayley and Elliot, Nigel was stunned. He never thought that something


    like that had happened to his cousin five years ago.


    ¡°There¡¯s definitely more to this Hayley person.¡± Nigel hated that sort of woman at first nce.


    ¡°Hayley wants to be Mrs. Presgrave.¡±


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°She had stic surgery too, didn¡¯t she? She¡¯s trying to look like you.¡± Nigel disliked her even more.


    Anastasia nodded. Any mention of Hayley was like a heavy rock upon her heart.


    By the time Anastasia and Nigel arrived at the hospital, Harriet had been in the emergency unit for more


    than ten minutes.


    Anastasia saw Elliot standing in the corridor, his expression tense and his eyes filled with worry. At the


    side, Brenda also leaned against her husband with her fists clenched tightly.


    ¡°Dad, Mom, did the doctor say anything?¡±


    ¡°No, not yet.¡± Jonathan shook his head.


    Anastasia walked over to Elliot. She wanted tofort him, but she didn¡¯t know what to say. Harriet


    didn¡¯t look too good just now. What would he do if something happened to Harriet?


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± said Elliot,forting her instead.


    Anastasia patted him on the shoulder and apanied him as they waited for the results.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and the doctor emerged while asking, ¡°Young Master Elliot, we found Old


    Madam Presgrave¡¯s heartbeat unusual just now, and it seemed as though she had taken the wrong


    medication. Are you sure that she had taken heart pills that are easy on her?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the situation with my grandma?¡±


    ¡°We cleansed her stomach just now, and we¡¯re trying to lower her blood pressure. However, this may be


    an arduous experience for her.¡±


    Hearing that, everyone present felt their heart ache for her. Anastasia noticed Elliot¡¯s tightly-clenched


    fists, and she pitied him as well.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do our best so that she can regain consciousness. Young Master Elliot, can you bring me the pills


    Old Madam Presgrave usually takes at home? I want to examine them.¡±


    Elliot nodded. When the doctor closed the door again, Elliot called up the housekeeper and asked her to


    deliver the medicine.


    ¡°Mom is at an old age now, but she still has to suffer like this. I feel so sorry for her,¡± Brenda said as she


    clutched at her chest.


    ¡°Even normal people can¡¯t bear all this suffering. Was there something wrong with the medication?¡±


    Jonathan frowned.


    Anastasia intuitively thought of someone. Hayley had appeared at the Presgrave Residence today, and


    she was an evil and scheming woman. Could she be involved in this?


    Nheless, Anastasia kept this guess to herself. After all, she couldn¡¯t say anything without proof.


    After more than two hours in the emergency unit, Harriet was moved to the ward. Within half a day, she


    seemed to have gained a few more years, and she looked


    considerably weaker.


    Just then, the housekeeper had also brought the medication, which was promptly sent to the doctor for


    examination.


    Anastasia looked at the time and found that it was almost 4.00PM. She called up her father and asked


    him to take her son back to her home and stay the night there, and she would go back as soon as Harriet


    woke up.


    Francis told her not to worry, and she could wait as long as she wanted at the hospital until Harriet


    regained consciousness.


    Meanwhile, Elliot stationed himself in the doctor¡¯s office as he watched the doctor study every bottle of


    medicine. He wanted to know the main reason his grandmother had fainted.


    Just as the doctor poured out a bottle of pills, he looked at the shape and size of the pills on the paper,


    and he could immediately spot the problem.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t heart medication. Has there been a mix-up?¡±

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    Chapter 429


    The housekeeper, who was standing at the side, also came closer to look. She eximed, ¡°When did the


    pills get sorge? Even the marks don¡¯t look like the pills Old Madam Presgrave usually takes.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think these are heart pills either. I¡¯ll have someone run a thorough analysis to determine its


    ingredients.¡±


    Elliot looked at the housekeeper. ¡°Jodie, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either, Young Master Elliot. The pills I gave Old Madam Presgrave yesterday were still the


    normal size, but how did they turn bigger today?¡± The housekeeper also had no idea what was going on.


    ¡°Someone probably swapped the contents.¡± With that, the doctor took another bottle and poured the pills


    onto a piece of paper to examine them. ¡°These are sleeping pills, but there¡¯s something wrong with them


    too. Even though they look more or less alike, these pills contain 6 times the contents of the pills I usually


    prescribe to Old Madam Presgrave. If she takes these pills, her life would be at risk.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s expression changed. It was obvious that someone had swapped his grandma¡¯s pills, but who


    would do such a vicious thing?


    The housekeeper was also shocked to the core. ¡°Oh my goodness! Who¡¯s trying to kill her? How dare


    they meddle with her usual medication!¡±


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯d better find out as soon as possible.¡± The doctor looked at Elliot. ¡°Young Master Elliot, with Old


    Madam Presgrave¡¯s age, her medications must not have the slightest bit of error.¡±


    Rage was already obvious on Elliot¡¯s face, and there was a cold murderous look in his eyes.


    Who dared to meddle with his grandma¡¯s medication?


    No matter who it was, when the culprit was uncovered, he would make them pay dearly.


    ¡°Fortunately, she has quite a strong resistance to medicine, and it caused such a reaction. This is how


    we were able to determine early on that someone had meddled with her medication.¡±


    ¡°Young Master Elliot, I really can¡¯t figure out who would do such a thing. All the servants in the Presgrave


    Residence love and respect Old Madam Presgrave. She¡¯s usually very caring toward us, and we are all


    grateful to her. Who would plot against her?¡±


    ¡°When did you think the pills were swapped? Were the pills normal yesterday?¡±


    The housekeeper nodded. ¡°Yes, the pills were still normal yesterday, and they were fine this morning.


    The pills only seemed different this afternoon.¡±


    The housekeeper was only a little more than 40 years old. She had no problems with her eyesight, and


    her memory was quite decent as well.


    If none of the servants in the Presgrave Residence would do such a thing, then someone outside of the


    house might have done it. Even though many rtives and friends visited today, they were all people the


    Pregraves were on good terms with.


    ¡°Could it be Miss Seymour? She might hate you for not letting her dine in the main hall, and that may be


    why she plotted against Old Madam Presgrave,¡± the housekeeper reminded.


    A cold light instantly gleamed in Elliot¡¯s eyes. Indeed, Hayley was the most probable culprit.


    ¡°I asked you to send people to keep an eye on her, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°It was lunch time, and we were short staffed. I only sent one person to watch her, but she probably


    couldn¡¯t be tracked throughout the entire process. She must have found an opportunity to slip into the


    medicine room.¡±


    ¡°The CCTV! Young Master Elliot, we have CCTV in the medicine room.¡± The housekeeper suddenly


    remembered. A cat had sneaked into the medicine roomst time, but she thought that a new servant


    had broken something instead. In the end, when they found out the truth, Harriet even scolded her for it,


    so she installed CCTV in the medicine room after that.


    ¡°In order to keep better watch over the medicine room, I installed the CCTV there of my own ord. I


    feared that something was wrong with the medicine.¡± With that, the housekeeper took out her phone.


    The CCTV was linked to an app on her phone.


    ¡°Show me the recording,¡± Elliot ordered through gritted teeth. He was already extremely furious at this


    point.


    The housekeeper navigated the app and found the folder where the recordings were


    stored. They were saved in chunks, so she had to look through the recordings chronologically. Soon, she


    found the time when Hayley entered the room. Then, Elliot took her phone and sat on a couch nearby,


    ying the video in fast forward. Finally, sounds could be heard in the quiet medicine room at 12.45PM.


    It was the sound of a door opening. Immediately after that, a figure walked in. Who else could it be but


    Hayley?


    She looked around her for a while, then got to work swapping the contents of the medicine bottles. Her


    evil act was caught right on camera.

 Chapter 430

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    Chapter 430


    ¡°Iust as expected, it¡¯s Hayley. I can¡¯t believe she could get so evil at such a young age. Hasn¡¯t Old


    Madam Presgrave treated her well enough?¡± The housekeeper had never seen such a vicious woman.


    Elliot watched the entire process of her swapping out the medicine, whichsted a few minutes. His


    handsome face was tense, and a fearsome and chilly aura emanated from him.


    He already thought that she was incredibly evil when she first harmed Anastasia all those years ago. He


    didn¡¯t expect her to endanger his grandma¡¯s life as well.


    Hayley had no idea that her every action was being recorded. When she turned around, she even looked


    at the medicine with a vicious smile on her face. She smiled gleefully for a few seconds before finally


    leaving.


    The housekeeper was almost driven mad by her anger. Hayley obviously had the intention of harming


    people, and she couldn¡¯t believe that Hayley¡¯s heart could be so ugly beneath the pretty exterior.


    ¡°Send me a copy of the video.¡± Elliot passed the phone back to the housekeeper, then asked the doctor,


    ¡°How¡¯s my grandma¡¯s condition right now?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s doing well, and her blood pressure has been regted. She can stay in the hospital, and we¡¯ll


    check on her for a while. Fortunately, the medicine wasn¡¯tpletely absorbed into her body.¡±


    Elliot nodded, then said to the housekeeper, ¡°Don¡¯t tell my grandma about this yet. I don¡¯t want her to be


    affected.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Young Master Elliot. Please don¡¯t let Hayley off the hook. She¡¯s too evil.¡±


    The housekeeper was extremely furious as well. If Hayley wasn¡¯t found out, she might be the one to take


    the me. She couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen to her then.


    Also, Harriet was such a kind person, so if the old woman passed away just like that, she would live all


    the days of her life in regret.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let her off so easily,¡± Elliot said through gritted teeth. Hayley¡¯s good days were over.


    Elliot didn¡¯t get back at Hayley right away. For now, he just wanted to wait until


    Harriet woke up, and he would deal with this matter when her condition had stabilized.


    However, he still had one more person to deal with. He reached out and dialed Rey¡¯s number. ¡°Get


    Daniel to take care of Hayley tonight, and keep a close eye on him throughout the whole process. I want


    to know his rtionship with Hayley.¡± I


    ¡°Understood!¡± Rey sensed that something was about to happen, so he did exactly as he was told.


    Meanwhile, Hayley didn¡¯t know anything about Harriet being hospitalized. After she was sent back to the


    vi, she had a round of drinks and gotpletely drunk. After her drinking session, she received a call


    from Daniel.


    ¡°President Presgrave has asked me toe and take care of you. Are you okay, Miss Seymour?¡± Daniel


    asked over the phone.


    ¡°Come here, Danny. I need you.¡± At that moment, Hayley only wanted a man to depend on.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡± Since it was Elliot¡¯s orders, Daniel had a valid reason toe and take care of


    Hayley.


    Daniel arrived after a short while. When he saw Hayley lying in the pile of wine bottles, he went over and


    helped her up. ¡°Miss Seymour, you¡¯re drunk.¡±


    ¡°Danny, am I really that bad-looking? Am I really inferior to Anastasia?¡±


    Daniel could only coax her as he said, ¡°No, you¡¯re very beautiful too.¡±


    ¡°Howe Elliot only has eyes for Anastasia, though? What about me? I put in so much effort to look


    like her, but Elliot didn¡¯t even spare me a look. He had no idea how scared I was when I was on the


    operating table. Even my sense of taste has gone wrong, but he still doesn¡¯t like me.¡± Hayley sobbed into


    Daniel¡¯s arms.


    This scene was caught on a camera not far away, for Rey had sent people to keep an eye on them.


    Hayley and Daniel were unaware of all this as they talked in the room.


    ¡°Danny, carry me upstairs.¡± Hayley¡¯s eyes were filled with a pleading look. She needed a man right now.


    Daniel looked at Hayley. Even though Hayley had altered her appearance, Daniel still loved her. After all,


    they had been intimate on a few asions before.


    Daniel carried Hayley upstairs, and all this was recorded and sent to Elliot¡¯s phone. As Elliot watched


    Hayley mingle with his assistant, there was only disgust in his heart.


    Elliot was now sitting on a couch in the lounge. Anastasia had fetched a ss of water for him, so Elliot


    turned off his phone and epted it.


    Anastasia could see that Elliot wasn¡¯t in a good mood. He seemed worried, and he was also terribly


    furious.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 431

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    Chapter 431


    In fact, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but sense a chilly aura and the man¡¯s eerie silence filled the atmosphere.


    Soon, Elliot looked up and sat her down beside him. ¡°How are things with Jared? Would you like to leave


    and check on him now?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. He is with my dad. Anyway, have they identified the reason that caused your


    grandmother to faint?¡± Anastasia curiously asked.


    Elliot nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you more when I¡¯m done taking care of everything.¡±


    ¡°Sure. What matters now is that your grandma wakes up.¡±


    An hourter, Harriet woke up and was seemingly in a good mood, although she had no idea why she


    fainted in the first ce.


    ¡°Mom, let me handle our dinner next year! The years have caught up to you, and you should rest more.¡±


    Brenda thought the hectic preparation for the dinner had taken a toll on Harriet¡¯s health and caused her


    to pass out.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything much either.¡± Thedy shook her head.


    ¡°You nearly scared us all to death, Grandma.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m fine, aren¡¯t I?¡± Harriet insisted that she was still healthy and refused to worry


    the others.


    At the same time, Elliot was relieved after seeing his grandmothere around, thinking he could finally


    put his mind to ease. ¡°Grandma, you should probably stay in the hospital for a week,¡± he suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mom! I promise I¡¯ll visit you every day so that you won¡¯t feel bored. Please stay here!¡±


    ¡°Why do you guys look like you¡¯re trying to incarcerate me here?¡± Harriet wasn¡¯t happy with everyone¡¯s


    suggestion as she expressed her dissatisfaction. After all, they all thought that the more energetic she


    tried to make herself seem, the more childish she appeared to be.


    In the meantime, Anastasia felt just as relieved as the rest while looking at the olddy with a smile on


    her face while finally feeling the joy of having an elderly senior


    in the family. Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Aunt Brenda, why don¡¯t you stay here to keep Grandmapany with Nigel while I give Anastasia a


    ride home?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Brenda nodded her head in response.


    When Elliot took Anastasia home, he was surprisingly quiet in the car, which made Anastasia think it was


    because he was too shocked about his grandmother¡¯s condition. Therefore, she silently stayed by his


    side until they arrived at the entrance of her residential area just as Elliot said, ¡°I¡¯lle over to pick you


    upter.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯ll be staying home tonight.¡± Anastasia didn¡¯t want Elliot to be tired out by the


    hassle of traveling.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll pick you up tomorrow then.¡± He hoped that she would move in and stay with him.


    ¡°Alright, do what you must for now.¡± She alighted from the car and walked further into the residential


    area.


    After watching thedy walk through the gate, Elliot reached for his phone and dialed Rey¡¯s number.


    ¡°Gather a few men and tell them toe with me to Hayley¡¯s house.¡±


    On the other hand, Hayley and Daniel were cuddling each other in their sleep at Summit Mansion as


    they were exhausted from their intimate moment just minutes ago. However, that also left the


    unsuspecting duopletely unaware of Elliot and his men¡¯s arrival.


    Meanwhile, Rey was shocked by what he discovered as he managed to trace a transaction that led them


    to a source, which waster identified to be from the ck card given to Hayley. ¡°President Presgrave,


    Miss Seymour has spent approximately fifty million with this card in the past six months.¡± Damn! Hayley


    hasn¡¯t really been frugal with the money she¡¯s been given. ¡ª


    Elliot squinted, deciding to stop aiding Hayley financially from that moment on. At the same time, Rey


    had the ess card to the mansion and was able to drive into thepound. Throughout the entire


    time, Hayley and Daniel were still sound asleep in the room. Since the manor belonged to Elliot, he had


    the authority to reset the password. Instead of waking the two of them up, he reset the password and


    opened the door.


    ¡°They¡¯re now upstairs. Should we head up there?¡± Rey awkwardly asked, considering


    the fact that Daniel was his colleague.


    ¡°Get them down here.¡± Elliot had no interest in witnessing what he deemed would be an eyesore.


    Therefore, Rey reluctantly headed upstairs by himself and made his way to the bedroom where he saw


    several clothes lying on the ground. At the sight of that, he felt goosebumps running all over his body as


    he knocked on the door, waking the two of them up instantly.


    While Hayley snapped out of her alcoholic influence, Daniel immediately asked, ¡°Who else has ess to


    your house, Hayley?¡±


    ¡°Is it Anna?¡± Hayley, who was seen with her messy hair, was mad at Anna whom she thought was


    knocking on the door.


    As Daniel wore his clothes in a panicky manner, Hayley wrapped herself in her pajamas and opened the


    door, only to be greeted by Rey¡¯s face which left them horrified and stunned.

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    Chapter 432


    ¡°M-Mr. Osborne, what brings you here?¡± Hayley asked in a terrified manner and went on to exin what


    might have appeared to Rey, although Daniel could be seen buttoning up his shirt in the background.


    ¡°Mr. Lancaster and I were discussing something in the room.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave is waiting downstairs. Get down there when you¡¯re done putting on your clothes.¡± Rey


    finished his words and walked away.


    Upon hearing the man¡¯s words, Hayley turned pale in the face. What?! Elliot is waiting downstairs? She


    then turned her attention to Daniel and red at him. ¡°We will say nothing about our rtionship!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say!¡± Daniel replied. What kind of dumb question is that?! I don¡¯t want to die yet!


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Upon putting on their clothes, they headed downstairs as if they had just finished discussing their


    business. Then, Hayley made her way to Elliot, although she was still trying to get over her surprised


    feeling about the man¡¯s untimely visit. ¡°Here you are, Elliot.¡± Despite the short period, she managed to


    put on some makeup and applied some lipstick to her lips before showing herself in a decent coat.


    At the same time, Daniel was too scared to look up as he seemed afraid to step forward. Meanwhile,


    Elliot set his cold eyes on thedy who wasing his way, his eyes gaze filled with rage and


    exasperation.


    ¡°Rey, please show Miss Seymour the video.¡± Elliot had never thought about killing someone, but at that


    moment, he was tempted to make an exception.


    While Hayley had no idea what she was going to be watching, Rey proceeded to turn up the volume and


    show her a video of herself swapping the medicine at Presgrave Residence with the highest resolution.


    In that instant, Hayley¡¯s eyes were left wide open in horror as she covered her mouth and spent the next


    few minutes watching the video until the end.


    Deep down, she didn¡¯t expect that her wrongdoings would be caught on tape, and she shivered so much


    that she struggled to muster the courage and meet Elliot¡¯s gaze. However, she eventually decided to


    take a peek, only to notice the man¡¯s cial expression like he was suppressing his murderous intent.


    On the other hand, Elliot, who met Hayley¡¯s eyes, instantly felt a strong desire to kill her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Elliot. I-I¡­ I¡­¡± Hayley stammered and struggled toplete her sentence


    In the face of Ellior¡¯s indifferent sharp gaze. While she was usually good at giving excuses, nothing


    seemed toe to her mind at that moment. After all, her wickedness and heartlessness were exposed


    by the vidco, which left her with almost no way to exin herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I-1 was foolish to make that


    mistake. Please forgive me, Ellion. I just couldn¡¯t think straight.¡±


    ¡°Miss Seymour, do you know that Old Madam Presgrave has been admitted to the hospital because she


    mistakenly took the medicine you swapped and fainted?¡± Rey asked rhetorically in an attempt to make


    Hayley understand the gravity of the situation


    Upon hearing Rey¡¯s reply, Hayley felt her blood freeze. ¡°What?! Grandma mistakenly took the medicine?!


    I¡¯m sorry. I never thought of doing any harm to Grandma. I swear I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Thedy stubbornly tried to


    talk her way out, gazing at Elliot tearfully. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Elliot! I didn¡¯t mean it! I didn¡¯t do that on purpose¡­¡±


    ¡°Hayley, I¡¯m going to spare your life for the sake of that incident five years ago, but I demand you to


    return my card and my watch to me. Then, pack your stuff and get out of my manor;¡± Elliot answered


    coldly without a sign of expression that indicated his anger


    Scared by the man¡¯s words, Hayley bit her lips in fear as she didn¡¯t think her nightmare would catch up to


    her so soon. Although the truth about the incident that happened five years ago wasn¡¯t exposed, she was


    surprised that Elliot still wanted to take everything away from her. ¡°You can¡¯t do this to me, Elliot! I gave


    you my first time five years ago, so is that how you¡¯re going to treat me?¡±


    ¡°You tried to kill my grandmother, so do you think I¡¯m going to give a damn about what happened five


    years ago? With this video, I could put you in jail and have you locked up in a cell for eternity,¡± Elliot


    answered coldly.


    Meanwhile, Hayley went weak in the knees and copsed onto the ground after hearing Elliot¡¯s words.


    After all, Elliot was like a god that had made her somebody. Now, he was going to take everything away


    from her. I¡¯m no longer who I used to be, and I¡¯ll never be the person I was. I¡¯m now living like a princess,


    so how can I go back to the old days when I was poor and broke?


    ¡°Please, Elliot! Please don¡¯t do this to me! I¡¯m sorry! I made a mistake, but I¡¯ve learned my lesson¡­¡±


    Hayley sank to her knees and crawled toward Elliot, beseeching him to cut her some ck. ¡°Please don¡¯t


    take my card away from me. Please don¡¯t chase me out of this manor! I promise I¡¯ll never harm anyone


    ever again, Elliot! I don¡¯t want to lose everything I have now¡­¡±

 Chapter 433

    Chapter 433


    Chapter 433


    On the other hand, Rey and the other bodyguards were speechless upon seeing Hayley¡¯s reaction,


    seeing how thedy was willing to beg Elliot not to take away her money at the cost of her pride. As the


    man¡¯s cial gaze stopped thedy from moving, he said, ¡°From the moment you tried to kill my


    grandma, you no longer deserve to own everything you have right now. I have no more tolerance for you,


    Hayley!¡±


    ut, ¡ª¡ª


    At the same time, Daniel, who was staring at Hayley, lost his liking toward her as he found her


    embarrassed look ugly andughable. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, President Presgrave. I¡¯ll resign right away.¡± He walked


    closer and added, ¡°I know I¡¯ve made a mistake for allowing Miss Seymour to seduce me. I apologize to


    you for that.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, Daniel?! I didn¡¯t seduce you, but you forced me to sleep with you instead.¡±


    Hayley refuted Daniel, refusing to let thetter¡¯s usation add to Elliot¡¯s hatred for her.


    Nheless, Elliot felt nothing but disgust toward the two of them. He red at Daniel and said, ¡°Get out


    of my face now!¡± Knowing that Elliot was showing him mercy by telling him to leave, Daniel rose to his


    feet and staggered away desperately while Hayley stayed behind and continued to kneel on her knees


    with a pale face to show her unwillingness to lose everything she had.


    ¡°Find Mr. Presgrave¡¯s card and watch.¡± Rey gave the bodyguards an order.


    ¡°No, please don¡¯t take my card away! Please don¡¯t¡­¡± Hayley tried to grab her handbag, but the guards


    were one step ahead of her as they emptied it and reached for her wallet. As soon as they got their


    hands on the ck card, they wiped it with a piece of tissue paper and handed it over to Elliot.


    Nheless, he didn¡¯t take the card. Instead, he let Rey take it. In the meantime, one of his bodyguards


    headed upstairs and came down shortly after he found Elliot¡¯s watch and returned it to him.


    When Hayley saw what they were doing, she lost her mind and shouted, ¡°No, none of you can take


    anything away from me! They are all mine! I deserve them, Elliot! You¡¯re indebted to me, so you can¡¯tText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    take them away from me.¡± As Hayley wanted to hug Elliot¡¯s thigh to beg him not to take away her


    possessions, two of his bodyguards immediately restrained her to keep her from getting closer to Elliot.


    ¡°Take all her possessions and throw them away.¡± Elliot gritted his teeth, ordering his guards to take


    everything away from Hayley,


    Hayley immediately covered her ne with her hands, her eyes left wide open in


    horror. After all, she wasn¡¯t about to give up a ne worth over five million, but soon, a bodyguard


    came closer while the other two pinned her to the ground. Humiliated, Hayley screamed out loud. ¡°You


    can¡¯t do this to me! You can¡¯t do this to me, Elliot! Help me! Ouch! It hurts, Elliot!¡± Despite thedy¡¯s


    painful screams, Elliot¡¯s gaze had no sympathy at all; there was only coldness and indifference to it.


    The guard swiftly removed Hayley¡¯s ne, as well as her diamond bracelet, diamond watch, and


    diamond ring. After that, the guard reached for her handbag, in which he put her cell phone and


    identification documents before throwing it back to her. With her messy hair, Hayley was seen sitting


    while crying on the floor while ring at Elliot resentfully. ¡°If I had known you were so heartless when you


    slept with me five years ago, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered to save you, Elliot!¡±


    No matter how Hayleyined, Elliot¡¯s eyes were only filled with hatred as he appeared emotionless.


    ¡°You set Anastasia up five years ago, and now you tried to kill my grandmother. The two of them are the


    women I love the most, so you should consider yourself lucky that you¡¯re still breathing right now.¡±


    ¡°Miss Seymour, I¡¯d like to ask you a question. Why did you instruct the guards at Abyss Club to burn


    down the server room? What are you hiding?¡± Rey seized the opportunity and asked.


    Hayley¡¯s face changed as she looked at Rey in horror. ¡°I-I did no such thing.¡±


    ¡°What are you not telling us?¡± Elliot questioned Hayley.


    Upon hearing Elliot¡¯s question, Hayley was horrified to realize that the former had already started to


    investigate the incident five years ago. For that, she was grateful that she had acted soon enough to


    destroy the evidence, or her lies would have been exposed a long time ago. ¡°Yes, I did that because I


    didn¡¯t want anyone to know that you slept with me.¡± Hayley tried to brush Elliot off with an excuse, but the


    man wasn¡¯t convinced by her perfunctory exnation at all. I don¡¯t believe in her words. They are not


    convincing at all, and I¡¯m sure she knows more than she lets on.

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434


    Chapter 434


    On the other hand, Rey reckoned it was a good thing for Elliot for confronting Hayley about the incident


    five years ago. By doing so, Hayley could no longer mess around in the name of what had happened


    back then.


    Soon, Elliot stood up, seemingly tired of looking at Hayley¡¯s face as he turned to his bodyguard. ¡°Get her


    out of my manor.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t do this to me, Elliot! Please, no! I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve learned from my mistakes now, so please


    forgive me!¡± Hayley rose to her feet in a panicky manner, wanting to copse into Elliot¡¯s embrace.


    However, just when she was a foot away from him, she stopped in her tracks.


    It turned out that Elliot¡¯s nonchnt yet menacing gaze fell upon Hayley, intimidating her with his


    prominent status. At the same time, Hayley didn¡¯t dare to take a step forward as if she was about to fall


    off the edge of a cliff even though she was only standing several feet away from the man.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get out of here myself.¡± Hayley clenched her jaw, thinking she should do onest thing that would


    make her proud in front of Elliot. In the meantime, she couldn¡¯t help but figure out whether Elliot would


    treat her better after he had calmed down from his anger. Therefore, as she walked closer and closer to


    the door, she was looking forward to hearing Elliot calling out to her out of sympathy, but in the end, her


    wish didn¡¯te true.


    Instead, Hayley only felt a pair of cold eyes glued to her as she walked out the door. Upon stepping out


    of the manor, she looked back and took in the big house in which she had stayed for thest six months.


    The ce felt like a castle to her, and she had enjoyed a life of wealth andfort like a princess who


    was taken care of by her servants. Then, when sheid eyes on the Ferrari that she deemed was


    supposed to be hers, she couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry to see it taken away from her, along with everything


    else she owned just a few minutes ago.


    Now that she was back to being a normal person with nothing left, she regretted not transferring some of


    the properties under her name and stashing some of the expensive jewelry in her house. After all, she


    never had a thought that she would end up so miserably one day. Deep down, she beat herself and


    regretted harming someone innocent. If I didn¡¯t do any harm to anyone, I would still be enjoying all this.


    What the heck have I done?


    However, Hayley quickly asked herself how ady couldn¡¯t be blinded by her delusionally idealized


    fantasy after meeting a man like Elliot. Well, I guess it¡¯s not


    something fortunate for ady to be treated kindly by Elliot. Instead, it¡¯s a misfortune in disguise because


    it is going to drive her crazy since she will now crave to marry Elliot more than ever. Then, Hayley


    realized her madness all began with her love for Elliot, which was why she had done everything to win


    him over even though that had eventually led to her downfall.


    Soon, Hayley looked up and saw Elliot standing by the window. Meanwhile, the man seemed as graceful


    and handsome as he usually was, but she felt sorry for herself because she now no longer had the


    chance to even ask to see him.


    After leaving the manor, she realized the only valuable thing was the outfit that she was wearing at that


    moment. After all, she had spent hundreds of thousands purchasing her coat and tens of thousands on


    her shoes and handbag, but other than those things, she had nothing else left with her.


    In just a day, Hayley lost everything and went back to the way she used to live her old days. At the


    thought of that, she could no longer fight back her tears as she cursed Elliot and Anastasia, hoping they


    would suffer terribly until they died. She then curled her lips upward and smiled since she was nning


    to keep Anastasia in the dark about Elliot¡¯s identity as her son¡¯s father.


    At the same time, she gloated at Elliot¡¯s unawareness about Jared¡¯s actual identity, finding joy in the fact


    that Elliot thought Jared was Anastasia¡¯s illegitimate child with another man when he was in fact his son.


    Only I know this secret, but too bad that I¡¯m going to keep it with me until myst dying breath. By then,


    I¡¯m going to reveal it and make them suffer in remorse. I want Anastasia to remember that she slept with


    Elliot once back then. That¡¯s going to sting her like a nail in her chest, eh?


    ¡°Anastasia and Elliot, you will both die a horrible death!¡± Hayley cursed the two of them with a loud voice.


    Not long after that, she decided to settle down at a nearby caf¨¦, trying hard to adjust to her normal life


    after having lived her days luxuriously andfortably for the past six months. Upon ordering herself a


    cup of coffee, she silently swallowed the unpleasant truth of being treated meanly by Elliot who had now


    be the person for whom she had nothing but hatred and grudges.


    After taking a sip of her coffee, Hayley was stunned by the diluted taste. She remembered ordering a cup


    of coffee with a rich vor, yet she didn¡¯t taste anything except for a strange hint of bitterness. ¡°Is there


    something with your coffee? Why does it taste terrible?¡± Hayley vented out her anger on the waiter.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435


    Chapter 435 Going Crazy for Money


    The waiter came over and asked, ¡°Is there anything wrong with the coffee, miss?¡±


    ¡°What kind of coffee did you serve me? It contains no fragrance at all. I asked for hand-brewed coffee. Is


    this instant coffee?¡± Hayley inquired.


    ¡°It is indeed hand-brewed coffee, miss,¡± the waiter exined.


    ¡°This is the worst cup of coffee I¡¯ve ever had!¡± After finishing her words, Hayley stood up angrily.


    As she approached the door, she heard twodies mocking her.


    ¡°Despite her nice outfit, her personality is terrible.¡±


    ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s as if she¡¯s uneducated.¡±


    Hayley turned her head to see the twodies mocking her and chastised them. ¡°What are you talking


    about behind my back?¡±


    ¡°Did we refer to you? We¡¯re just talking about a b*tch who was barking earlier. Why are you fitting


    yourself into what we said?¡±


    Just as Hayley was about to walk over and confront them, they waved their hands to someone behind


    her. ¡°We¡¯re here, my dear.¡±


    At that, Hayley turned her head and saw two bulky men walking in. When she saw them, she became


    frightened and left after casting a stern re at the twodies.


    After she exited, she realized at that moment that she no longer had the right to be arrogant. She was


    even having trouble surviving now. It was easier to transition from frugality to excess, but not the other


    way around.


    In the past six months, she had no friends and had notmunicated with her family at all. She was a


    selfish person who would never share anything good with others. Hence, for the past six months, she


    was busy enjoying herself without even helping her family out. Her family remained poor and still


    struggled to make ends meet.


    She, on the other hand, had lived the life of a princess. She had stic surgery, drove expensive cars,


    lived in a luxury bungalow, and carried a premium credit card with an unlimited limit.


    Meeting Elliot was the disaster that ruined her life.


    At this point, Hayley noticed a swarm of cars exiting the intersection in front of her. The line of Rolls-


    Royces that cost millions looked imposing on the road. Indeed, they belonged to Elliot.


    Hayley suddenly recalled that she could take some of them and sell them since her vi was full of luxury


    things. She might be able to survive for a while with the money she received from the sale.


    However, after hailing a cab to the vi, she discovered that the password for the gate¡¯s digital lock had


    changed. She gritted her teeth and attempted to enter from the other side, but she identally set off the


    warning rm while climbing in. As a result, she was forced to flee in despair.


    When she had previously lived here, Rey had assured her that she did not need to be concerned about


    its security because there was a warning rm outside the wall. If anyone broke in, the rm would


    notify the security office that would immediately notify the police station who would thereafter dispatch


    officers over.


    As she remembered this, she felt hopeless. It was impossible for her to get anything out of this ce.


    A disappointed Hayley was walking on the street when her phone rang. She looked at the screen and


    immediately answered the call. ¡°Hello, Mr. n. How are things going on your end? When can I return to


    Hond again?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve contacted the relevant authorities, Miss Seymour, and we have arranged a time for you.


    However, you must first pay an examination fee.¡±


    ¡°How much is that?¡±


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a lot to you. Just a hundred thousand.¡±


    ¡°What?! A hundred thousand for the examination fee? I want to sue the hospital for causing my loss of


    taste, but he still dares to ask for an examination fee?¡± Hayley yelled and she sounded as if she was


    about to copse.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, the surgery you had cost about two million, so of course the examination fee would be


    this much. Furthermore, if you intend to sue the hospital, you must have at least one million set aside for


    legal fees.¡±


    It drove her insane when she heard that. ¡°What? You all are just going crazy over the money! They


    should be the one topensate me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Seymour. The contract, which you signed, clearly states that you will bear all


    consequences including any after-effects. If you want to make more amendments to what was done, you


    will have to pay for additional treatments.¡±


    ¡°Piss off!¡± she eximed. At that point, Hayley was regretting her stic surgery.


    She could not afford the fee to maintain what she had done in the future. Even for her current loss of


    taste, she was unable to sue them, and all of this urred within two months of her surgery.

 Chapter 436

    Chapter 436


    Chapter 436 Marry Him


    The car was on the road and Elliot was sitting in the passenger seat, looking exhausted. ¡°President


    Presgrave, where do you want to go?¡± Rey asked.


    The first thought that came to Elliot was to look for Anastasia. However, she had informed him that she


    would not being to his house today, so he had no idea where he should go.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go see Grandma at the hospital.¡± Truth was, he was concerned about Harriet¡¯s health.


    ¡°I think you should inform Miss Tillman how you dealt with Hayley, President Presgrave, in case Hayley


    finds ways to cause trouble to Miss Tillman,¡± Rey suggested.


    Elliot considered what Rey said before saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go Anastasia¡¯s ce, then.¡±


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was preparing dinner when she received a call from Elliot, who said he would be


    coming over. She asked if he was going to have dinner here, to which he replied, ¡°Can you prepare my


    portion as well?¡±


    As she had not prepared dinner yet, she mentioned, ¡°Come over!¡±


    Francis was ted to know that Elliot would being, as it meant that Anastasia had reconciled with


    the man.


    ¡°Prepare more food, Anastasia,¡± Francis instructed. ¡°I¡¯ll bring Jared out for a walk.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Anastasia replied with a smile.


    Francis¡¯ phone, which had been left on the table, rang not long after he left. That surprised Anastasia,


    because she had not anticipated Francis not bringing his phone. She walked over to take a look and


    when she saw who was calling, she answered.


    But before she could respond, the person on the other end of the line yelled, ¡°Do you still want to live


    here, Francis? You¡¯re back at Anastasia¡¯s house, looking after her child, aren¡¯t you? You don¡¯t stay at


    home all day every day, not even on weekends! Do you even remember our home?¡±


    Anastasia frowned upon hearing that. Turned out that Naomi appeared to be dissatisfied with Francis


    coming to look after Jared. I bet he would need to face her nagging when he goes backter!


    ¡°It¡¯s Anastasia here, Naomi. My father is taking a stroll downstairs,¡± Anastasia voiced out.


    ¡°Anastasia, what do you mean by asking my husband to leave every day? Are you attempting to divide


    us? What nefarious ns do you have?¡± Naomi immediately chastised her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. I merely wanted him to look after Jared for a while.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have had your child if you don¡¯t have time to care for him!¡± Naomi responded angrily.


    That infuriated Anastasia. ¡°He¡¯s my father, so why can¡¯t he look after my child?¡±


    ¡°All right, let him look after your child as much as you want! Maybe one day I¡¯ll just divorce him!¡± Naomi


    threatened.


    Hearing that, Anastasia had the urge to talk back to the other woman, but she didn¡¯t want to make things


    difficult for Francis, who would be spending his life with Naomi. Hence, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask him to go home


    now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Anastasia. You better not have any thoughts on your dad¡¯spany. It doesn¡¯t belong


    to you alone. Erica and I have our shares in it as well. If you intend to im it as your own, I¡¯ll definitely


    not let you off the hook.¡± Naomi hung up the phone as soon as she finished speaking.


    Anastasia, however, had never harbored such a thought before. It was just that Francis¡¯ business was


    now her responsibility. She had no choice but to assist Francis in relieving his stress.


    When Francis returned not long after, Anastasia requested him to go back to his house for dinner. He


    knew as well that Naomi would definitely be displeased since he had been out socializing all week and


    hadn¡¯t been home much.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go home. Take good care of Jared.¡±


    Francis then left. Not longter, Elliot arrived.


    ¡°I miss you so much, Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s only been a day since youst saw him. What¡¯s there for you to miss?¡± Anastasia said with a


    chuckle. It seemed that Jared had be more attached to Elliot than to her.


    And she was jealous about it.


    ¡°I just miss him!¡± Jared replied, his mouth pouting.


    Seeing that, Elliot lowered his head. He then carried Jared in his arms and gave the boy a kiss. ¡°I miss


    you too. I wanted to take you both home, but your mother refused.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, just marry my mom fast! She¡¯ll be your wife then!¡± Jared said loudly.


    Anastasia, who was in the kitchen, heard everything he said, and found him amusing. Walking out, she


    gave him a stern re and said, ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense, Jared.¡±


    ¡°I want it as well! If she agrees, I can marry her right away.¡±


    ¡°Mom, did you hear what Mr. Presgrave said? Please agree to it!¡± Jared said as he dashed into the


    kitchen.

 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437


    Chapter 437 The Seymours


    Anastasia heard that, but she did not want toe out.


    Elliot then sat on the sofa with Jared, asionally hearing whatever was going on in the kitchen. He


    realized that he had really fallen in love with such a mundane life.


    At the same time, Anastasia had prepared a lot of food. She had prepared Francis¡¯ portion as well, but


    there were only three of them now.


    Jared attentively spooned food for Anastasia and Elliot while they were eating. Anastasia looked at him,


    then at Elliot, and she realized they looked just like father and son.


    After they finished their dinner, Anastasia was busy cleaning up the kitchen, while Elliot stood by the


    door, waiting for her.


    ¡°Do you have anything to tell me?¡± She walked out, wiping her hands.


    ¡°I retracted everything I had given Hayley. I don¡¯t want to see her again from now on.¡±


    Anastasia was shocked to hear that. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Hayley was the one who changed Grandma¡¯s medicine, which caused Grandma to faint this time. She


    wanted to hurt Grandma.¡±


    Anastasia could not believe what she was hearing, and she clenched her fists and asked, ¡°What? Hayley


    changed Old Madam Presgrave¡¯s medicine? Why did she do that?¡±


    ¡°Aside from her evil nature, I¡¯m guessing she wanted to frame you with this. Fortunately, surveince


    cameras were installed in the area where the medicine was prepared, and all of her actions were


    documented. Otherwise, she¡¯d undoubtedly use you of doing so.¡± Anastasia would have been


    implicated in the case if Elliot wasn¡¯t lucky enough to obtain the evidence.


    ¡°Your grandmother treats her well, but she still intends to harm her. What a vicious woman she is!¡±


    Anastasia felt an immense hatred against Hayley.


    ¡°That being the case, you need to guard against her if you ever see her in the future. I fear that she¡¯ll go


    insane and hurt you.¡± He would protect her, but she would need to take care of herself as well.


    He couldn¡¯t possibly be around her 24 hours a day, no matter how strong he was.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I will. Where is she now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve chased her out and taken back all of the things that I had given her. She doesn¡¯t deserve all that,¡±


    Elliot replied coldly.


    Hearing that, Anastasia felt that it was Hayley¡¯s retribution for all the harm she did.


    She didn¡¯t even qualify as a human. Anastasia could forgive her for the incident five years ago, but


    Hayley had deteriorated to the point where she was now attempting to harm Harriet through changing


    the medicine. That was a heinous crime. After all, Harriet was Elliot¡¯s beloved grandmother.


    Later in the night, Elliot didn¡¯t seem to want to leave. Anastasia did not ask him to leave as well, but


    merely tidied up her bed for him to rest on since he was exhausted after a long day.


    Indeed, that made Elliot utterly d. She treats me better now, he thought.


    Meanwhile, in the Seymours¡¯ house, all five of them were staying in an old and cramped ce. Hayley


    had two younger siblings, a sister and a brother. Her parents were both low-wage earners, with her


    mother working as a helper and her father as a construction worker. Despite the fact that she had been


    well off for the previous six months, she did not help her family financially because she hated them.


    And now, when she returned, she began to cry regretful tears. Why am I so selfish? Why didn¡¯t I assist


    them financially or buy a bigger house for them when I was rich in the past? Elliot would not have taken


    them back if I did so.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Hayley¡¯s mom, Valerie, emerged from the house to dispose of the garbage. Seeing


    Hayley under the bright light, the older woman did not recognize her daughter.


    After all, Hayley had stic surgery and looked entirely different now.


    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s me, Hayley,¡± Hayley said calmly.


    ¡°What? Hayley? You¡­ Have you had stic surgery? Where did you get your money?¡± Valerie yelled at


    Hayley after realizing the woman in front of her was her daughter.


    That enraged Hayley. This family is always like this. I am always the one being scolded.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you use the money you spent on stic surgery to help the family? You¡¯re such an ungrateful


    child. I shouldn¡¯t have raised you up in the first ce. Why are youing back now?¡±


    Hayley, too, responded with a yell, ¡°Fine! I¡¯m noting back! I¡¯ll just die outside if that¡¯s what you want!¡±


    She turned around and ran away as soon as she finished her sentence. Valerie was taken aback by that.


    While she feltpelled to pursue Hayley, she knew it made no difference to the family whether or not


    this daughter of hers was in the family.

 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438


    Chapter 438 The Watch


    Hayley had always been standoffish and liked to put on airs since young. Hence, her return would only


    be a burden on their family. Furthermore, they had no idea where she had been for the past six months.


    They even had to beg her for money previously.


    Meanwhile, Hayley entered a shopping mall after leaving the Seymours¡¯ house. She yearned for such a


    dazzling location. She then entered a branded store. As her bag and clothes were all branded, the


    shopkeepers greeted her warmly.


    ¡°Miss, this is ourtest design. Would you like to have a try?¡±


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    That made Hayley feel sentimental. She could take anything she wanted a few days ago without thinking


    about the cost, but now the cost of the shoes was far beyond her means.


    Just a pair of shoes cost more than six thousand.


    Her mind was in a daze when she exited the shop. She wanted to beg Elliot to return the wealthy life to


    her.


    Where can I go now? she wondered. Suddenly, she remembered Erica. Erica was the only one who


    could take her in now, but for her to do so, Hayley could not let her know that Elliot had cut off all her


    living expenses.


    Indeed, Erica came to pick her up after a call, and they both then went back to the Tillman Residence.


    Inside the house, Hayley saw the items she had previously given to Erica. She didn¡¯t want them before,


    but now she was desperate to get them back.


    Erica, on the other hand, had no idea Hayley was in a desperate state now. She thought Hayley was only


    feeling lonely.


    ¡°Why are you looking gloomy, Hayley?¡± Erica asked, whileying on the bed, after seeing Hayley¡¯s pale


    face.


    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Hayley immediately turned off the lights and said, ¡°Let¡¯s sleep.¡±


    A tinge of hatred shed through her eyes in the darkness. Elliot loves Anastasia so much. If something


    happened to her, he would undoubtedly go insane.


    Since Hayley¡¯s life was now meaningless, she wanted to drag Anastasia with her to the grave and leave


    Elliot alone in this world.


    Meanwhile, Elliot was sleeping on Anastasia¡¯s bed, and he didn¡¯t wake up until the next morning. Only on


    her bed could he get such a good night¡¯s sleep.


    Christmas was around the corner, and the entire city was buzzing due to the festive season. It was a


    week away from Christmas Eve and Elliot started to get busy as well. The next day after the dinner they


    had together, Anastasia and Jared returned to Elliot¡¯s vi.


    Though Elliot had not given Anastasia an official status, living with him had be second nature to


    her.


    Three dayster, Rey walked into Elliot¡¯s office carrying a watch box containing the watch they took from


    Hayley.


    ¡°The watch had been cleaned thoroughly, President Presgrave.¡±


    Elliot took the watch from Rey. As it was his grandmother¡¯s birthday gift to him many years back, he had


    always treated it as a treasure. He once thought of giving it to Hayley, but now, he simply wanted to keep


    it for himself.


    After working hours, Elliot brought the watch back to the vi. When Anastasia heard his car, she walked


    out from her room to seek him out.


    She knocked on his room and when she entered, she saw him holding a watch in his hand. Curiously,


    she asked with a smile, ¡°You bought a new watch again?¡±


    ¡°No. This was an old watch given by Grandma.¡± Elliot, however, omitted the fact that he took it back from


    Hayley, fearing that Anastasia might get upset upon knowing it. Upon hearing his words, she took the


    watch and spent some time looking at it. Then, she said, ¡°It looks exquisite. It must be expensive as


    well.¡±


    ¡°About tens of millions.¡±


    She took another look at it after hearing that. ¡°Let me examine it and feel what it¡¯s like to hold tens of


    millions in my hand.¡±


    Noticing that she liked it, Elliot said, ¡°I¡¯ll give it to you then.¡±


    ¡°No! How can I possibly ept such an expensive item from you? Even if I take it, I wouldn¡¯t dare to


    wear it out. I would be just inviting snatch thieves if I wear it out without any bodyguards.¡±


    Elliot smiled in response. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll arrange twenty bodyguards for you. You can then wear any


    watch you like.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. I prefer a normal life,¡± Anastasia said while shaking her head.


    He then led her into his closet. There was a massive ss disy containing all of his watches, and he


    ced the watch she was holding in it. It glistened in the bright light. Due to the refraction of the lights,


    the wolf¡¯s head figure on it, which normally shone in the dark, was emitting faint light as well.

 Chapter 439

    Chapter 439


    Chapter 439 Nowhere to Go


    As Anastasia was leaning against the ss disy and admiring his collection, she felt a warm


    sensation behind her. When she turned around, she was met with the man¡¯s intense stare.


    The fire within his gaze was unmistakable.


    She could understand what Elliot, as a normal twenty-eight-year-old man, was thinking of at the moment.


    However, his phone rang unexpectedly. He took a look at the screen and saw the name that disgusted


    him.


    The call was from Hayley.


    Anastasia saw it too, and she immediately raised her head and wanted to ask if he would answer the


    call.


    However, Elliot rejected the call and blocked Hayley¡¯s number.


    Anastasia knew that, despite their previous one-night stand, Hayley¡¯s act of harming his grandmother


    was totally uneptable to Elliot, and that by doing so, she would never see him again.


    Noticing that he wasn¡¯t in a good mood, Anastasia hugged him and said, ¡°I¡¯ll prepare dinner tonight.


    What do you want to have?¡±


    ¡°I enjoy whatever you cook.¡± Elliot hugged her back, pressing her against his chest so they could hold


    each other tightly.


    All Anastasia could smell as she was buried in his arms was his hormonal scent, and she heard him say


    beside her ear, ¡°But you¡¯re my favorite dish of all.¡±


    At that, she pushed him away with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, President Presgrave, but such a dish is not


    avable tonight.¡±


    She exited the room after finishing her words, leaving him smiling alone in the room. Elliot was patient


    enough to wait for what he desired.


    It was a dark night outside. All of the other watches in the ss disy were dimly lit; only the watch


    they were looking at earlier had a wolf¡¯s head on it, exuding a domineering aura.


    Meanwhile, Hayley sat dejectedly on a bench on the cold street. She had called numerous times, but


    none of her calls were answered.


    She knew that Elliot had blocked her.


    The cold breeze blew through her, and she immediately wrapped her arms around herself. It was only


    now that she realized the expensive clothes she was wearing weren¡¯t designed to withstand cold


    weather, as those who could afford them would never be forced to live on the streets.


    Suddenly, she thought of another person, and she dialed Daniel¡¯s phone number using her phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡± His voice sounded aloof.


    ¡°It¡¯s Hayley. Can I sleep over at your ce, Daniel?¡± Biting her lips, she requested.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, I¡¯m sorry, but we shall not be in contact anymore.¡±


    ¡°How can you treat me like this, Daniel? We¡¯ve slept together so many times. Don¡¯t you have any


    feelings for me?¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, Hayley, you were always the one to make the first move. Which man will reject a


    woman who took the initiative? Truth is, I really don¡¯t have any feelings for you.¡± Daniel was fired by the


    Presgrave Group, and he med Hayley for his loss of such a well-paying and promising job.


    ¡°Daniel, you¡¯re such a b*astard,¡± she scolded.


    ¡°I liked you before you had stic surgery. However, now that you¡¯ve had surgery, I find it repulsive that


    your face is filled with prosthetics.¡± He then continued, ¡°You look exactly like a ghost when you cry.¡±


    His words enraged Hayley to the point where her face flushed and she thought she was going to blow a


    gasket.


    ¡°Anastasia is naturally beautiful, but yours is man-made. Don¡¯t even think aboutparing yourself to


    her. You will never be able to match her beauty in your lifetime.¡± Daniel spit out even harsher words.


    ¡°That is absurd! In every way, I¡¯m not worse than she is!¡± Hayley screamed angrily.


    ¡°You¡¯d do well to wake up! President Presgrave has been uninterested in you since the beginning. A


    lowly woman like you even wishes to be a princess, but even with the crown on, you¡¯ll look amusing!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Daniel Lancaster! You have no right to talk to me in such a way,¡± she angrily refuted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever call me again. Well, now that you have a new look from the surgery, you might be able toText content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    survive if you sell yourself.¡±


    ¡°Piss off!¡± Gritting her teeth and trembling with rage, Hayley squeaked out these two words and hung up.

 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440


    Chapter 440 Loss of Sense of Smell


    Hayley could stay at Erica¡¯s ce, but she knew it was only a matter of time before Erica discovered she


    no longer had anything. As a result, the former rushed to find another ce to stay before that.


    Naomi was sitting on the sofa watching television when Hayley returned to the Tillman Residence. Erica


    had told her that Hayley was now wealthy, so she was polite to her whenever she saw her.


    ¡°Hello, Hayley. You¡¯re back! Erica is upstairs!¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Naomi.¡± Hayley gave her a smile.


    ¡°Your surgery is quite well done, Hayley. You look prettier now.¡± Naomi looked at Hayley with envy and


    felt that Hayley resembled Anastasia.


    To that, Hayley pretended to smile, but she was feeling awful deep down. Instead of advantages, this


    face of hers now brought her a lot of malice.


    Erica was in her room, experimenting with her new perfume. When she noticed Hayley, she eximed


    happily, ¡°Hayley,e over here and give it a shot. Is the scent of Chanel No. 5 pleasant?¡±


    Hayley obliged. However, when Erica sprayed it on her, all she felt was some wetness on her face with


    not much fragrance.


    ¡°Is this genuine?¡± she inquired right away. She had previously worn Chanel No. 5, so why couldn¡¯t she


    recognise it now?


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s genuine! I asked someone to buy something for me abroad. I think it smells nice!¡± Erica


    sprayed it again after she said it. ¡°I really adore this fragrance!¡±


    As if Hayley thought of something, her eyes widened, and she right away grabbed the perfume and


    sprayed it all over her face. However, the only thing she felt were water droplets on her face and a very


    faint, if not none, fragrance scent. She tried her hardest to smell it but she got nothing.


    What is going on? Why can¡¯t I smell it?


    ¡°Hayley, what happened?¡±


    Frightened, Hayley walked over to Erica¡¯s dressing table and sprayed another perfume on her, but the


    result was the same. She couldn¡¯t detect any scents. When she realized this, she cradled her head andProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    yelled before squatting down on the floor and cried.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Hayley?¡± Erica looked at her in surprise. At the same time, she took over the perfume


    bottles in Hayley¡¯s hand as well, fearing that Hayley would drop her newly purchased perfume.


    Hayley was a stubborn character, so she refused to tell anyone about her unfortunate events. She feared


    being looked down upon.


    As a result, she did not inform Erica that she had lost her sense of taste; what was even more terrifying


    was she discovered that she had lost her sense of smell as well. It was no surprise she had no appetite


    for the past few days. Any food was unappealing to her, and she realized now that it was because of her


    loss of smell.


    ¡°What exactly happened to you, Hayley?¡± Erica blinked her eyes in shock. Hayley¡¯s behavior really


    terrified her.


    To that, Hayley stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± At that point, her eyes were red.


    ¡°You gave me a shock! Well, I¡¯ve been waiting for this perfume for a long time and I finally got it now.¡±


    Erica sprayed the perfume again after her words and reveled in it.


    Hayley, on the other hand, was envious. She now realized how wonderful it was to be a normal human


    being, with intact senses of smell and taste.


    But she had lost them all. The doctor did warn her before the surgery that there would be side effects


    because the surgery was extensive, but she ignored all of that and insisted on going ahead to be


    prettier and attract Elliot. The only thing on her mind was getting the desired effect.


    Now, it was almost as if God was punishing her for her greed.


    Hayley wouldter face exorbitant legal fees and a life of poverty. Even if her face could stay pretty for a


    while longer, she couldn¡¯t afford the upkeep.


    Problems with her face would arise if she did not maintain it, no matter how beautiful it was now. She


    couldn¡¯t imagine what she would look like if the time came.


    Feeling miserable, she struggled to keep her tears at the corner of her eyes from falling. She had been


    reduced to this point entirely due to an invisible force pushing her, which was made up of her greed,


    envy, and a deep hatred for Anastasia.

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441


    Chapter 441 His Attentiveness


    Hayley¡¯s hatred for Anastasia persisted even now, and the former believed that Anastasia was to me


    for her current plight.


    Christmas was around the corner, and Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier was preparing an event for the joyous


    season. Early in the morning, Felicia gave Anastasia a call.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Anastasia was stillying on the bed, unwilling to get up.


    How cozy the bed was in the winter!


    ¡°Why? Are you that tired afterst night?¡± Felicia joked indecently.


    That stumped Anastasia. ¡°What are you thinking of, Felicia?¡±


    ¡°What? Am I wrong? Is President Presgrave by your side now?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten there yet, Felicia!¡± Anastasia replied, burying herself in her nket.


    On the other end of the call, Felicia was surprised to hear that. ¡°Oh my! You spend every day with him


    and have managed to keep your cool until now? Well, I admire you for that,¡± Felicia teased. Then, she


    went straight to the point. ¡°Do you have time to attend the annual celebration that Bourgeois Jewelry


    Atelier nned two weeks ago?¡±


    ¡°Oh? I would like to go.¡± Anastasia was interested.


    ¡°Great! Ask President Presgrave if he has the time to attend as well. Vice-president Young requested me


    to confirm with you,¡± Felicia said.


    Larry Young was the atelier¡¯s boss for the outsiders. Anastasia rarely saw him, but she knew that he


    yed a significant role in the atelier¡¯s sess today.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll ask him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite a big celebration this time. We invited our spokesperson and singer too.¡±


    ¡°Which singer will be there?¡±


    ¡°The more well-known ones will be Bobby Moore and Hendrix O¡¯rion.¡±


    Anastasia was ted to hear that and she eximed with much anticipation, ¡°I like Hendrix O¡¯rion a lot!¡± Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    She was in a good mood after ending Felicia¡¯s call. The annual celebration was on this Friday, and she


    wanted to continue working as well although it was just two days before Christmas Eve. Design was her


    lifelong hobby; it was not merely her job, but her dream as well.


    She hoped that her designs would one day be a treasure admired by many, just as an artist would wish


    for the most dazzling stage. That would give Anastasia an indescribable sense of aplishment.


    After getting up from the bed, she went to Jared¡¯s room, only to find that he wasn¡¯t there. At that point,


    she was embarrassed to learn that she had be evenzier than her own son.


    She then went to the kitchen and saw a portion of breakfast that had been kept warm. After finishing it,


    she went to the garden and heard Jared¡¯sughter from thewn.


    Walking in the direction of the sound, she noticed him kicking a ball with Elliot, who was dressed in a


    gray sports suit.


    Elliot is the only one who can be this handsome even in a sports suit.


    And his figure was absolutely superb.


    Jared saw hering and immediately demonstrated his kicking abilities. She smiled lovingly at him, her


    eyes full of praise, and gave him a thumbs up.


    Elliot turned around and looked at her too. His ck hair was in a messy state from the wind, but it made


    him appear younger.


    She hesitated whether to look at him or Jared, but it was obvious that Jared was not as eye-catching as


    Elliot just then.


    She felt sorry for her son. He was kicking the ball so hard that she could see it, but she was distracted by


    another man.


    Jared, drenched in sweat, finally ran up to her and hugged her. ¡°Mommy, am I skillful?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s wonderful.¡± She gave him a peck on his cheek.


    Elliot walked toward them too, holding a towel in his hand. He then thoughtfully reced the one on


    Jared¡¯s back. Such attentiveness moved Anastasia¡¯s heart, but she felt ashamed at the same time as


    she, being Jared¡¯s mother, was not as attentive to Jared.


    Jared was like Elliot¡¯s biological son; each and every of the child¡¯s moves affected Elliot. Because he


    cared for Jared, he was always thinking about how to treat Jared better.


    After changing his towel, Jared ran back out to thewn again, whereas Elliot simply sat down beside


    Annastasia. Remembering the annual celebration, she asked, ¡°It¡¯s Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier¡¯s annual


    celebration this Friday. Are you free to attend?¡±


    Upon hearing that, he shook his head. ¡°Larry informed me about this, but I have no time for it.¡±

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442


    Chapter 442 Father and Son


    ¡°I see.¡± She nodded. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go on my own.¡±


    Elliot had just turned his head to look at Jared, but upon hearing her words, he immediately turned and


    looked at her again. ¡°You¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°Felicia said there will be some good performances. I¡¯m interested.¡± At that point, Anastasia was already


    looking forward to seeing her favorite singer.


    Elliot changed his mind and said in a deep tone, ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll ask Rey to allocate some of my time then.¡±


    That startled Anastasia. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. Your work is more important.¡±


    ¡°Work will never be more important than my girlfriend,¡± he replied casually. He initially refused to attend


    the annual celebration because the atelier was unimportant to him in the first ce. That was just a


    jewelry brand he bought for fun.


    In fact, Elliot acquired it to get closer to Anastasia.


    His words gave her a warm feeling. Even the cold air surrounding her became warmer now. Pursing her


    lips, she smiled and said, ¡°But I¡¯m not nning to bring Jared along. Too many people will be there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. If you don¡¯t mind, I n to send Jared to Grandma¡¯s house. She had been nagging to see


    him.¡± Elliot looked at her, to which Anastasia nodded in agreement. ¡°Send him there then!¡±


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She did not mind it at all. She merely hoped that Jared would not be too mischievous and cause trouble


    for Harriet.


    When they mentioned that to Jared, he happily agreed and asked, ¡°Mommy, are you going on a date


    with Mr. Presgrave?¡±


    ¡®No. We¡¯re just attending a work event,¡± she exined.


    However, Elliot did not go along with her. ¡°You¡¯re right, Jared. We are going on a date.¡±


    ¡°Enjoy your date then! I¡¯ll be good.¡± Jared hoped that they could be together more than anyone else.


    Seeing them both, Anastasia was rendered speechless.


    Jared was still young, but he was preupied with adult issues.


    There were still two days until Friday. The next morning, Anastasia received a call from Francis informing


    her that there would be a year-end inventory meeting in the afternoon and inviting her to attend.


    Though it was still too early for her to take over Francis¡¯ business, she was trying her best to be a


    qualified sessor.


    ¡°I¡¯m dropping by my dad¡¯spany, so I¡¯ll leave Jared to you,¡± she told Elliot.


    Elliot had just woken up and his hair was still in a messy state. But not longter, Jared came down with


    the same hairstyle.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t control herughter when she saw that. Indeed, hair in the winter is uncontroble.


    ¡°What are youughing at?¡± Elliot asked while handing her a cup of milk.


    ¡°Both you and Jared really look alike sometimes,¡± she answered.


    Hearing that, Elliot turned around to look at Jared and smiled. ¡°This is our fate as father and son.¡±


    Anastasia had no idea what to reply to that. Jared, on the other hand, hugged Elliot¡¯s legs and asked,


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, when can I have such long legs as yours?¡±


    He already had Elliot¡¯s looks and now, he wanted to have Elliot¡¯s long legs as well.


    Elliot then put a cup of milk before him and answered, ¡°You will have long legs if you eat more and drink


    more milk.¡±


    That immediately prompted Jared to take the milk and said, ¡°Okay. I will finish this!¡±


    ¡°Jared, I need to go to your grandpa¡¯spanyter. Stay at home and listen to Mr. Presgrave, will


    you?¡±


    ¡°Sure! I can y with Mr. Presgrave then!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. He is now working from home and has arge amount of work toplete. Don¡¯t bother


    him,¡±Anastasia mentioned. In fact, Elliot chose to work from home because they were at home.


    However, Elliot consoled Jared, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will y with you.¡±


    When he heard that, Jared proudly raised his brows at Anastasia. The child looked exactly the same as


    Elliot while doing this, leaving her speechless.


    She did not drive her car here and hence, she couldn¡¯t go out. It wasn¡¯t practical for someone to pick her


    up either.


    In the end, Anastasia could only borrow a car from Elliot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have other cars which are not that eye-catching?¡± Standing in the basement garage, she was


    taken aback by the array of sports cars in front of her.


    All of the cars were either cool, dark, or wild in color, making thempletely unsuitable for her to drive.

 Chapter 443

    Chapter 443


    Chapter 443 Gray Sports Car


    ¡°That suits you.¡± Elliot pointed to a gray Ferrari.


    Anastasia wasn¡¯t choosy, so she got into the driver¡¯s seat right away and adjusted the seat. Elliot couldn¡¯t


    help but to admire her from outside the window for a while before she left.


    At the same time, Francis walked out from the Tillman Residence. Coincidentally, Erica returned from


    breakfast with Hayley and when she saw Francis, she asked, ¡°Where are you going, Dad?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am going to work. There¡¯s a year-end inventory meeting today.¡±


    Just as he finished his words, Naomi approached them and said, ¡°Go with your father, Erica. Year-end


    inventory meetings are very important, so join it and learn from your father.¡±


    With that, Erica had no other option but to say, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you, Dad.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to. Rest well at home.¡±


    ¡°Dad, please let me go! You can leave first and I¡¯ll drive there on my own.¡± She then looked towards


    Hayley and asked, ¡°Hayley, do you want to visit my dad¡¯spany?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go together!¡± Hayley figured that since she had nowhere else to go, she might as well check


    out Francis¡¯pany.


    Erica followed Francis shortly after he left, taking Hayley with her. Erica treated Hayley like a family


    member and talked to her about everything throughout the journey.


    ¡°My dad wanted to leave thepany to Jared, Anastasia¡¯s illegitimate son. Hmph, he¡¯d better dream


    on! As long as my mum and I are around, we will never let that happen.¡±


    ¡°Of course! What rights does she have to take away what is yours for her son? Don¡¯t let her do that,


    Erica.¡± Hayley encouraged Erica to fight for her share in Francis¡¯ estate as well.


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡± Just after she ended her sentence, Erica stepped on the elerator harder.


    When they were near Francis¡¯pany, a gray sports car dashed out from the other junction. Under the


    winter sun, the paint on the sports car shone brightly. It appeared exceptionally elegant and luxurious,


    with amanding presence.


    ¡°Oh my! Who would drive such a car on the road? He¡¯s got to be some wealthy young master!¡± Erica


    sighed. How wonderful it would be to meet someone like this.


    Hayley looked at the car as well, thinking that in order to return to her previous extravagant lifestyle, she


    could use her pretty face to seduce some wealthy men.


    And that included the man in the gray sports car in front of them now.


    The sports car was obviously a popr style among men, so they both assumed the driver was a man.


    ¡°He just drove into my dad¡¯spany. Perhaps he¡¯s my dad¡¯s client!¡± Erica couldn¡¯t help but be ecstatic


    about it.


    Hayley, on the other hand, had already begun to style her hair. She was dressed elegantly in clothes


    borrowed from Erica today and she looked stunning, at least for the time being.


    Hence, she wondered if the man from the sports car would be attracted to her.


    The sports car came to a halt and its engine stopped. Just as they were expecting a charming young


    prince to get down the car, they saw the car door open and Anastasia step out.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia did not notice Erica¡¯s car. After walking away for a few steps, she turned around


    and pressed the lock button on the keys. The lights of the sports car then shed, resembling an elegant


    crouching cheetah.


    Erica and Hayley exchanged jealous nces at that.


    ¡°That¡¯s Anastasia? How did she get such a posh car?¡± The rage, envy and jealousy in Erica¡¯s heart was


    about to explode.


    Hayley, on the other hand, was well aware that Anastasia was Elliot¡¯s precious now. Of course she can


    have whatever she desires!


    Elliot would dly buy her an entire shopping mall if Anastasia so desired.


    After Erica parked her car, she noticed that Hayley was still spacing out. ¡°Let¡¯s get down, Hayley.¡±


    In fact, that was what Hayley was thinking about¡ªwhether she should get down and face Anastasia. But


    then again, she had nothing to be afraid of.


    Hence, she took her bag and alighted from the car.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia bumped into Alex just as she reached Francis¡¯ office. When he saw her, a tinge of


    excitement shed in his eyes and his heart started racing. She was, after all, the woman that he couldProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    not forget.


    Even though he couldn¡¯t be with her, he couldn¡¯t help but be drawn to her every time she appeared.

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444


    Chapter 444 The Dog That Bites Its Owner


    ¡°Hey, Anastasia. There you are! The meeting will be in conference room No. 3.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Thank you.¡± Anastasia nodded with a smile and walked into Francis¡¯ office after that.


    Seeing that she was here, Francis took the documents and stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Just when the both of them exited the office, Erica and Hayley appeared. When Anastasia saw Hayley,


    her gaze dimmed. Why is she here?


    ¡°Dad, I want to attend the meeting too.¡± Erica then continued angrily, ¡°Why did you inform her but not


    me?¡±


    However, Francis did not intend for Erica toe, so he muttered, ¡°Don¡¯t make a scene here, Erica.


    Bring your friend to rest somewhere else!¡±


    ¡°Dad, you leave for the meeting first. I¡¯ll be there in a short while,¡± Anastasia then said.


    Francis had to oblige since the time for the meeting was approaching. ¡°Come quickly,¡± he hurried her


    before walking to the conference room.


    After Francis left, Anastasia immediately stared coldly at Hayley and asked, ¡°Why are you in my dad¡¯s


    company?¡±


    ¡°Erica brought me here,¡± Hayley replied, her brows raised.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I brought her here! Can¡¯t I even bring my friend here now?¡± Erica asked aggressively.


    Being Erica¡¯s half-sister, Anastasia tried to kindly warn Erica, ¡°Don¡¯t be with such a person in the future.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you are better than me, Anastasia? What gives you the right to say that?¡± Anastasia¡¯s


    words enraged Hayley. She was in such a pathetic state now all because of this woman.


    Anastasia only responded with a cold stare. ¡°At the very least, unlike you, a dog that bites its owner, I


    have a conscience.¡±


    Hayley understood what she was hinting at. Gritting her teeth in rage, she replied, ¡°You¡¯ve no right to


    humiliate me, Anastasia. I merely did some foolish things.¡±


    ¡°Elliot was gracious enough not to send you to jail. Otherwise, based on what you did, you will almost


    certainly be imprisoned for at least ten years ¡°Anastasia stated solemnly. Even she, as an outsider, was


    enraged by what Hayley had done, let alone Elliot.


    Meanwhile, Erica, who was standing beside them, did not understand their conversation.


    But Hayley¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Stop pretending to be kind, Anastasia. You aren¡¯t fair to Erica as well


    since you wanted to take over your dad¡¯spany as your own.¡±


    Hayley began to incite conflict between Erica and Anastasia, intending to drag Erica into the battlefield.


    Erica felt that what Hayley said was right too, so she immediately stared at Anastasia and said, ¡°That¡¯s


    right. Why did Dad only inform you about the meeting and not me? You¡¯re the one who asked him to do


    so, right?¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but be concerned about Erica¡¯s na?ve and gullible personality, as she knew how


    well Hayley exploited such people.


    ¡°I did not do so.¡± After Anastasia finished her words, she walked to the conference room right away,


    without even sparing Hayley a second nce.


    Staring at her retreating figure, Erica turned around and looked at Hayley. ¡°Why did she say you need to


    be imprisoned?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Hayley did not intend to exin it to Erica. ¡°I understand your concerns now, Erica. It


    seems that your father indeed wants her to take over thepany.¡±


    ¡°The lounge is there, Hayley. You can wait for me there. I¡¯ll check out the situation in the conference


    room now.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡± Hayley nodded as she watched Erica leaving for the conference room. She wasn¡¯t in a


    hurry anyway, so she roamed around thepany.


    As she stood beside the guardrails, reading the advertisement brochure on the wall, a man¡¯s hand was


    suddenly ced on her shoulder. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in the conference room yet, Anastasia?¡±


    Feeling shocked, she turned around, startling the man behind her as well. Alex, too, was surprised to see


    thisdy who looked like Anastasia.


    Then, he realized that he had gotten the wrong person.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I mistook you for someone else,¡± he apologized while staring at Hayley. She did resemble


    Anastasia, even though shecked Anastasia¡¯s elegance when observed closely.


    Hayley, on the other hand, recognised Alex as the finance manager Erica had mentioned, and she found


    him quite attractive.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445


    Chapter 445 Jealousy


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Hayley Seymour, Erica¡¯s friend,¡± she said.


    ¡°Erica¡¯s friend, you say? Hello, I¡¯m Alex Hunter, and I work as the finance manager here at Tillman


    Constructions,¡± Alex replied, his eyes still drawn to her face. She looks very much like Anastasia!


    He initially almost mistook her for Anastasia. It was probably due to the fact that he fell in love with


    Anastasia at first sight, which resulted in him developing a good impression of Hayley, who now


    resembled Anastasia, when he met her.


    When Hayley sensed his admiration in the eyes, something in her mind clicked. Therefore, with a


    pleasing smile, she asked, ¡°Mr. Hunter, may I have your phone number? This way, it will be easier for me


    to ask questions rted to finance in the future.¡±


    At first, Alex was stunned by the request but when he felt Hayley¡¯s enthusiasm for him, he was delighted


    and immediately took out his cell phone to exchange numbers with her.


    ¡°I have to attend a meeting now. You maye to me anytime if you have any questions, Miss


    Seymour.¡± After saying that, Alex left with a gentle smile.


    The corner of Hayley¡¯s mouth turned into a sinister smile as she watched the man leave. He is the right-


    hand man of Francis. Anastasia, the feud between us will not end in this life; either you die, or I die!


    When Alex pushed open the door and entered the conference room, he noticed Anastasia was sitting


    next to Francis. Her head was lowered as she was reading the documents. Despite being right in front of


    him, she had an unapproachable atmosphere.


    ¡°Alex, over here!¡± Erica beckoned him over.


    However, he responded, ¡°Erica, I need to preside over the meeting. I will be sitting here.¡±


    After saying that, he sat beside Anastasia. Erica was not assigned a seat, so she could only sit in the


    back.


    Erica felt an unpleasant and conflicted emotion in her heart as she witnessed this because she could tell


    that Alex was just seeking an opportunity to be closer to Anastasia.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 446

    Chapter 446


    Feeling jealous, she darted a resentful nce in Anastasia¡¯s direction. Throughout the previous month of


    dating Alex, she had unknowingly fallen in love with him. Except for not being wealthy enough, he had


    been treating her well in every way, making her feel pampered and indulged.


    And that had added another charge on Anastasia¡ªseducing Erica¡¯s man.


    Furthermore, Anastasia emanated the aura of a decision-maker. Currently, she sat next to her father


    dressed in a suit while looking like the future female president of Tillman Constructions.


    All these realizations had intensified Erica¡¯s jealousy toward her.


    In the lounge, Hayley was bored to death, but Alex¡¯s figure kept hovering in her mind. If she had not


    fallen to this level, she would never entertain a man of his status.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    However, she could not afford to be fussy any longer. She just wanted to take advantage of her current


    face as much as she could.


    Although Hayley felt sorry for Erica, she was also aware that Erica was taking advantage of Alex. So,


    Hayley could use the same way to seduce him and with that, she would have an extra hand when


    dealing with Anastasia in the future.


    While Francis was sitting on the main seat, Anastasia was at the side to sign some internalpany


    documents for him.


    Alex¡¯s eyes were drawn by Anastasia¡¯s neat gesture of signing, which made him envious of Elliot. Why is


    he able to have her?


    Without Elliot, he would undoubtedly pursue Anastasia with all his heart. However, with a man like Elliot


    in the picture, Alex didn¡¯t stand a chance at all.


    Erica assumed she was here for a conference, but she wasn¡¯t prepared for the torture of watching


    Anastasia deal with documents by her father¡¯s side and Alex peering at Anastasia from time to time.


    Erica didn¡¯t even have the chance to speak, and she had nothing to do.


    Just like a fool.


    In the end, Erica could no longer bear it and thus, she found an opportunity to slip out. Then, she went to


    get Hayley before they left together.


    ¡°You should stay,¡± Hayley advised Erica.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point? To see how Anastasia learns to manage my dad¡¯spany? Not to mention her


    seductive appearance. She knows nothing better than how to seduce a man! Even Alex was peeking at


    her several times!¡± Erica whined.


    ¡°Really? Your boyfriend was there as well? Then, Anastasia really has no sense,¡± Hayley said as a smug


    expression shed across her eyes.


    Hayley thought of the way Alex looked at her. Even if she was aware that the stare was because he


    couldn¡¯t get Anastasia and it was why he was partly interested in her, she didn¡¯t care.

 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447


    Chapter 447 No Cooking Talent


    ¡°Damn her. My father only has Anastasia in his eyes and never me. Hayley, let¡¯s go shopping and watch


    a movie!¡± Erica stated.


    ¡°Okay. I will follow whatever your n is,¡± Hayley replied. Deep down, she mused, I have got a lot of time


    these days.


    While Ericained about her father¡¯s negligence, all she could think about was having fun.


    After the conference was over, Francis invited everyone to lunch and naturally, Anastasia would not go


    against her father¡¯s decision.


    Anastasia¡¯s cell phone rang at around half-past eleven in the morning. She picked up the call as soon as


    she nced at the phone screen. ¡°Hello?¡± she answered with a cheerful tone, and her red lips curled up.


    ¡°Are you noting home for lunch?¡± Elliot asked on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°Nope. I¡¯ll be having lunch with my dad and coworkers,¡± Anastasia replied.


    ¡°Is Alex there too?¡± he asked, slightly annoyed.


    ¡°Is President Presgrave always doubtful of himself? Do you believe I¡¯ll have feelings for other men?¡± she


    responded in an amused tone.


    ¡°No talking to him, let alone physical contact,¡± Elliot ordered overbearingly.


    Okay, I¡¯ll try my best.¡± Anastasia chuckled.


    As soon as Elliot¡¯s furious sighing sound came through the phone, Anastasia immediately became


    serious. ¡°Alright. I will do as you say, okay?¡± sheforted.


    ¡°Okay, I trust you.¡± Elliot felt a sense of helplessness and he grumbled to himself, What else can I do


    other than trust her?


    ¡°Take care of Jared for me. I¡¯lle home to cook dinner tonight,¡± she remarked.


    ¡°You can leave Jared to me. Don¡¯t worry,¡± he assured.


    It was really relieving to have him taking care of Jared, so she giggled. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll apany my dad to


    lunch now.¡±


    Alex, who was not far away, was staring at Anastasia¡¯s smiling face obsessively. Deep down, he knew


    that Elliot was the only man who could make her smile so brightly and charmingly.


    When they arrived downstairs, Anastasia got into her father¡¯s car and set off. When they passed by the


    sports car in the parking lot, Francis couldn¡¯t help but nce at it a few times.


    Simrly, as a car geek, Alex was also eyeing the sports car, as he knew it was the car which Anastasia


    drove today.


    Meanwhile, at the Presgrave Residence, Jared was expectantly waiting for lunch to be ready as he


    watched Elliot working away in the kitchen.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Elliot knew the few dishes that Jared liked, so there he was, wearing an apron and learning to cook the


    dishes by watching and following the step-by-step instructions on the iPad.


    However, even if he was a big shot in the business world, he was not a genius when it came to cooking.


    When Elliot finished cooking the chicken casserole, he realized that there was ayer of ck paste


    underneath, which made it inedible.


    Not giving up, he tried to stir fry some carrots, which was Jared¡¯s favorite, but the taste of the sauteed


    carrot wasn¡¯t right either.


    In the end, after Young Master Elliot spent ages busy cooking in the kitchen, he came to a conclusion¡ª


    he spent half an hour and cooked for nothing.


    At first, he was so confident in taking care of Jared but now, his self-confidence had been hit hard.


    As he was helplessly taking off his apron, Elliot noticed it was already 12.10 PM. Generally, Jared would


    be having his lunch by now.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Jared. I¡¯ll take you out to a nice lunch,¡± he said. Although Elliot might not have the cooking


    talent, he possessed another superpower¡ªmoney.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s fantastic! But didn¡¯t you just cook, Mr. Presgrave?¡± Jared inquired innocently.


    In the end, Elliot chose to go with the truth. ¡°Ahem! It¡¯s not that good and we are not eating it.¡±


    ¡°You still did a great job, Mr. Presgrave!¡± Jared had seen the man¡¯s hard work in cutting and washing


    those ingredients earlier. He had put effort into it, even if it didn¡¯t turn out well.


    When Elliot heard Jared¡¯spliment, his frustrated heart was healed instantly. He leaned down toward


    Jared and solemnly said, ¡°Thank you!¡±


    After that, Elliot couldn¡¯t help but cup Jared¡¯s cheek and kiss it, as the child was way too cute.


    Normally, he wouldn¡¯t kiss Jared in front of Anastasia for fear of offending her. Now that she wasn¡¯t here,


    however, he could kiss Jared a few more times.


    At this moment, Jared wrapped his arms around Elliot¡¯s neck and kissed him back on the cheek several


    times. ¡°Mr. Presgrave, after Mr. Nigel, you are one of the few good men that I have ever met.¡±


    Elliot hummed, his heart filled with a warm sensation as he held Jared¡¯s hands and headed out.


    After Anastasia finished lunch, she followed Francis¡¯ car back to thepany¡¯s parking lot. ¡°Dad, I will be


    leaving now,¡± she dered as soon as she stepped out of his car.

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448


    Chapter 448 Slept on His Bed


    ¡°Anastasia, will youe home for dinner on Christmas Eve?¡± Francis asked before she left.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Looking at her father¡¯s eyes which were filled with anticipation, Anastasia thought for a moment and said,


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll bring Jared home for Christmas Eve.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Francis beamed. ¡°Great! I will ask Naomi to prepare more food, especially some of


    Jared¡¯s favorites,¡± he said with excitement.


    Anastasia understood that her father only wanted the family to be harmonious, but certain things could


    not be changed; just as there is no way to eliminate Naomi and Erica¡¯s resentment of her.


    As Anastasia drove out of the parking lot in her sports car, she came across Alex¡¯s car. He stopped and


    lowered the window to wave goodbye at her. Out of courtesy, she reciprocally lowered the window.


    Meanwhile, Alex¡¯s heart waspletely captured by her.


    Dressed in her suit and driving the gray sports car, Anastasia looked stunning and elegant.


    ¡°Anastasia, drive slowly,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°I will. Thank you.¡± After saying that, she stepped on the elerator and left.


    Anastasia drove home all the way without making any stops. As she noticed it was already 2 PM, she


    wondered what Elliot and Jared were doing after lunch.


    When she reached, the gate system automatically verified Elliot¡¯s sports car and granted her entry. After


    she entered the password and walked into the hall, she could feel the absence of Elliot and Jared.


    However, just as Anastasia was about to head upstairs, she detected a burnt scenting from the


    kitchen.


    Shocked, she quickly put down her bag and dashed to the kitchen. However, the kitchen was clean and


    tidy, with some vegetables on the counter. She then noticed the burnt smell wasing from a cooking


    pot. Out of curiosity, she had a peek at it and she was both amused and moved.


    Apparently, Elliot failed in cooking lunch for her son. Did he take Jared out to eat?


    So, Anastasia took off her coat and started to clean up the kitchen. Every time she tidied up something,


    she could imagine Elliot working hard in the kitchen. As a pampered young master, it must have been


    difficult for him to learn how to cook.


    After she was done cleaning the kitchen, she sat in the hall and started reading the documents she


    brought back from thepany. Managing a constructionpany was indeed challenging for her, but


    she would not back down.


    She went through those documents and before long, it was already a little after 3 PM. She began to feel


    drowsy and she could barely keep her eyes open. Eventually, shey down on the sofa and fell asleep.


    Soon after, Elliot and Jared came home from lunch and he led Jared into the hall. As soon as they


    entered the hall, his sharp eyes spotted a sleeping Anastasia on the couch. Upon seeing that, he


    shushed Jared, who was standing beside him. Meanwhile, Jared got the hint andplied, staying


    silent.


    It was winter now. Even if Anastasia was wearing a coat, she could still feel the cold. However, she was


    too tired to move. So, Elliot gestured to Jared, informing him that he was going to carry her upstairs to


    sleep.


    While covering his mouth with his palm, Jared nodded with a grin. Then, he pointed upstairs, indicating


    that he would be spending time in the yroom.


    Elliot nodded in response. After Jared went upstairs, Elliot sat beside Anastasia and felt her hands. It


    was cold to the touch.


    Is she not afraid of catching a cold? Noticing the document that she was still holding in her hands, he


    could feel his lips curl up. Hmm. She is putting in a lot of effort. Then, he took the document from her


    hand, bent down and carried her in his arms.


    Anastasia¡¯s face naturally rested against his chest. As if knowing that he was back, she didn¡¯t wake up


    and remained fast asleep.


    As Elliot was carrying her upstairs, he originally thought of taking her back to her room. However, he


    changed his mind halfway through and headed to the main bedroom.


    Sleeping on Elliot¡¯s huge gray bed, Anastasia curled up into afortable position and continued to


    sleep.


    Seemingly infected by her sleepiness, Elliot began to feel a little sleepy too. He theny down beside


    her, arms supporting his face as he stared at her. She was breathing evenly, and the corners of her


    mouth were curved up slightly.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was fast asleep and she had no idea her profile was greatly admired by


    Elliot.


    His gaze gently traveled across her eyebrows and nose before settling on her slightly pursed red lips.


    The pink lips of hers exuded some kind of fatal attraction to him.


    At first, Elliot was suppressing his desire, but because it was too hard to hold back, he gave in and


    leaned down, pecking her on her lips.


    However, the soft touch made him want more.

 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449


    Chapter 449 Awoken by a Kiss


    Elliot¡¯s kiss awakened Anastasia. Her eyelids fluttered slightly and her eyes widened in the next


    second.His face was so close to hers that he seemed to be about to take things to the next stage at any


    moment.


    With a smile, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but use him, ¡°Do you consider yourself a gentleman if you take


    advantage of someone while they are sleeping?¡± Just as she was about to roll over and get out of bed,


    Elliot¡¯s long-arm domineeringly seized her. ¡°You are running away after telling me off?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You took advantage of me first. Why can¡¯t I tell you off?¡± Her big bright eyes glowed, a cheeky look to


    them.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Okay. If you truly want to argue over who is to me for this, it¡¯s you. It¡¯s your fault that you look so


    alluring and seduced me.¡± Elliot¡¯s ability to shirk responsibility was top-notch.


    At that point, Anastasia was rendered speechless. She never knew that he could turn ck into white


    with a few sentences.


    ¡°Alright, but it¡¯s not my fault that I looked this way. The fault lies in that I shouldn¡¯t have lingered at your


    house. I¡¯ll pack up my things with Jared and leave in a while,¡± Anastasia retorted. She was nobody¡¯s fool.


    As expected, she could see a trace of panic sh in Elliot¡¯s eyes. In the next second, he tightened his


    arm around her and ordered, ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡±


    The smugness in Anastasia¡¯s eyes increased as she heard him. ¡°Then who is at fault now?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I was wrong.¡± He admitted honestly.


    Suddenly, she felt pity for him. ¡°Alright. I forgive you and I won¡¯t hold you ountable.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± After saying that, Elliot quickly sealed her red lips with a lingering and deep kiss, which made


    Anastasia unable to resist. In the end, she fell deep into it.


    Elliot was a man who had such ability. Although he was domineering, she still willingly became his prey


    and even enjoyed it.


    The kiss made the both of them pant. ssy-eyed, Anastasia reached out and pushed him away as she


    said, ¡°Stop messing around.¡±


    ¡°I know you want it too.¡± Elliot¡¯s deep eyes were filled with suffering and restraint.


    She knew that there was nothing she could hide from him. She did enjoy the intimate time with him, but it


    was also apanied by trauma.


    ¡°I¡¯m cooking tonight. Take it as a token of appreciation for the meal you cooked for Jared in the


    afternoon,¡± Anastasia said gratefully.


    ¡°It was unsessful,¡± Elliot replied in frustration.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. The fact that you¡¯re putting effort into it is highly appreciated.¡± Anastasia smiled and added,


    ¡°It¡¯s Jared¡¯s blessing.¡±


    After hearing that, Elliot lowered his head and kissed her between the brows, then rubbed the tip of his


    nose against hers.


    ¡°Do we need to say thank you between us?¡± he stated.


    As Anastasia had turned her face to the side in an attempt to shake her head, Elliot¡¯s lips fell on her


    cheek. In return, she quickly cupped his face and kissed his cheek, as if tofort this man who could


    only limit himself to kissing her.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s time for me to cook now,¡± she remarked.


    She got up and left, and Elliot sighed as hey on the bed. The heat and desire that had spread through


    his slender and sturdy body had no way to be unleashed.


    At Tillman Residence, Erica was the only one that was paying for their expenditure after Hayley


    apanied Erica shopping around. Since Erica wasn¡¯t a generous person, Hayley could feel that the


    woman was a little upset.


    On the way home, Erica turned her head and asked tentatively, ¡°Hayley, I¡¯m going to meet my boyfriend


    tonight. Do you want to go home now?¡±


    Hayley curved a smile and replied, ¡°Sure. Just drop me off here. I¡¯ll get a taxiter.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Next time I¡¯ll treat you to dinner,¡± Erica apologized. She had spent over ten thousand and even


    paid for the bag that Hayley chose today.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. See youter.¡± For the time being, Hayley didn¡¯t want to lose Erica as her friend.


    As she watched Erica¡¯s car leave, Hayley¡¯s eyes shed with mockery. If Erica knew that Hayley had lost


    everything, the former would not have been so patient with her.


    The mockery in her eyes turned sinister, and Hayley took out her phone and dialed Alex¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello? Miss Seymour?¡± Alex was a little surprised when he received her call.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Hunter. Have I disturbed you?¡± she asked innocently.


    ¡°Oh¡ªnot at all. Is something wrong?¡± he replied.


    ¡°Thing is, I have an interview tomorrow at apany and I would like to ask you for some professional


    advice about ounting,¡± Hayley exined.

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450


    Chapter 450 The Fish Took the Bait


    ¡°Really? I can help you with this. Do you want to talk on the phone?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m free. I¡¯ll get you a coffee while we talk about it.¡± Hayley took the initiative to ask Alex out.


    ¡°Alright. Where are you? I¡¯ll be right over!¡± Alex agreed without a second thought.


    After Hayley sent her location to Alex, her eyes shed with a smug expression. See that? Erica¡¯s man


    bites the bait easily. All thanks to my current face.


    Then, Hayley spun around and walked into the shopping mall behind her. She found a cosmetics store


    and sat in front of the mirror, putting makeup on with a trial set. She used to learn how to do makeup, so


    it was easy to imitate a makeup look that was Anastasia-like.


    After Hayley finished putting on the makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes resembled that


    of a predator, and Alex would be her prey tonight.


    In the meantime, Erica called Alex when she was on the way home. She wanted to spend the night at his


    house tonight, but he declined, saying that he was working overtime and would not be home untilte.


    Hearing that, Erica could only believe him. What she did not know was that Alex was on his way to meet


    Hayley.


    Half an hourter, Hayley, who had been waiting in the cafe for a while, saw Alex strolling in through the


    door. He was roughly 1.8 meters tall and dressed in a ck down jacket. Although he is not as gorgeous


    as Elliot, he is nevertheless regarded as good-looking.


    Alex¡¯s heartbeat quickened as he gazed at Hayley in the faint light. Her face alluded to Anastasia¡¯s


    beauty. It wasn¡¯t as bright and moving as Anastasia¡¯s, but it was somewhat alluring.


    For him, Hayley¡¯s face was enough to make his heart flutter. However, he was always looking for


    Anastasia¡¯s traits in the woman currently before him.


    ¡°Miss Seymour, it¡¯s nice to see you again.¡± Since Alex sat down in the chair, he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off


    her.


    As expected, Hayley knew that he had a crush on her, so she propped her chin and inquired, ¡°Won¡¯t


    Erica be jealous if I meet you, Mr. Hunter?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Alex shook his head. ¡°What were the questions that you wanted to ask me?¡± he


    continued.


    ¡°There¡¯s no rush. The night is still very long, and I¡¯d like you to apany me for a bit. Is that all right?¡±


    she queried.


    ¡°No problem!¡± He didn¡¯t mind spending time with Hayley.


    After a long chat, Alex felt more pity for Hayley as he observed her delicate appearance.


    Finally, it was gettingte. At 10.30 PM, Hayley got up and imed she was leaving, so Alex naturally


    decided to send her home.


    As soon as they stepped out, the cold breeze blew on Hayley¡¯s face. Immediately, she yawned as her


    body shivered, and she leaned against Alex¡¯s body. In an instant, he removed his jacket and draped it


    over her body, then reached out his arms. Almost automatically, Hayley fell into his embrace.


    ¡°Mr. Hunter, you are such a gentleman,¡± she praised him.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Alex¡¯s heart had been moved long before, without the need for her praise. He looked at the Anastasia-


    like face in his arms, picturing how lovely it would be if the woman in his arms was truly Anastasia.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get in the car.¡± He then led Hayley to his car.


    With the heater on in the car, Hayley took the opportunity to take off her jacket, revealing the sensual and


    low-cutce dress underneath.


    ¡°Mr. Hunter, can I stay at your ce for the night? I don¡¯t want to go home by myself. I¡¯m afraid of being


    alone,¡± Hayley asked as she looked at Alex with watery eyes, directly conveying her intentions.


    His eyes lit up in surprise as he responded, ¡°Okay. As long as you don¡¯t mind my bed, I¡¯ll take you


    home.¡±


    The two hit it off. At Alex¡¯s house, Hayley took the initiative and he did not refuse her. He muted his


    phone, which was on the couch, and the screen disyed Erica¡¯s iing call. Unfortunately, the


    phone¡¯s owner was enjoying an intimate time with another woman.


    On the other hand, Erica had been waiting at home for Alex to finish his work, but she couldn¡¯t get


    through to him, which made her a little distressed.


    ¡­


    It was early in the morning and the weather was very pleasant. For the atelier, the annual celebration


    would be their most rxing night of the year.


    They had invited a few well-known singers and artists, as well as arranged a lottery session, all in order


    to make the event a grand one.

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451


    Chapter 451 Targeting Elliot


    The current spokesperson of Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier was Cecilia Acre, who had several popr


    works. She had good endorsement ability and would be attending the event that night.


    When Cecilia had just arrived at the studio to apply her makeup, her agent suddenly appeared and


    pulled her up to her feet. ¡°Change your dress for tonight,¡± the agent suggested.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we already choose one? Why should we change it?¡± she asked in confusion.


    ¡°I just got the news that the big boss of the atelier, Young Master Elliot, will attend the event. Your


    evening gown is not grand enough, so I got you a high-end dress. Try it on right now.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Instantly, Cecilia¡¯s eyes lit up and she stomped her feet excitedly. ¡°What? Will President Presgrave


    be present? Oh my god! It¡¯s so sudden, didn¡¯t President Presgrave say he won¡¯t being?¡± she


    inquired.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why he suddenly changed his mind. In short, this is your chance, you can¡¯t miss it.¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s agent gave her a wink. In the entertainment industry, if she could form a connection with a big


    shot like Elliot, it would lead her to a bright and promising future ahead.


    ¡°Hurry up and take me to choose the evening gown. Quickly now!¡± Cecilia couldn¡¯t wait to attend the


    event, and she wanted to present her most beautiful side to Elliot.


    On the other hand, everyone in the atelier was cking off now because they were all waiting for


    tonight¡¯s event.


    Meanwhile, Aliona was also looking forward to meeting Elliot. Since the attempt to drug Elliot had failed,


    she had not had the courage to show up by Elliot¡¯s side. But after learning that he would attend the


    event, how could she possibly miss it?


    Although she really wanted to perform her father¡¯s task, she couldn¡¯t do anything before she slept with


    Elliot and became pregnant with the heir of the Presgrave Family.


    As a result, Aliona was looking for an opportunity to re-approach Elliot, and tonight¡¯s annual celebration


    was the perfect chance for her.


    At about 10 AM, Elliot brought Anastasia and Jared back to the Presgrave Residence for lunch. Harriet,


    who had been discharged from the hospital and returned home, regained her spirits. To avoid irritating


    his grandmother, Elliot asked Jodie to keep Hayley¡¯s movements from the old madam.


    Jodie even listed Hayley as a person who was forbidden to enter the house. Wherever Harriet went,


    Hayley would not be allowed to be there.


    Harriet was ecstatic today since she had received a phone call from Elliot the night before. The


    Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier was holding its annual celebration that day. Elliot needed to apany


    Anastasia to the event, so he would send Jared here for a day so that the old madam could look after


    Jared.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    When Harriet thought of Jared, she thought of her own grandson, and she adored Jared with all her


    heart.


    The main reason was that Jared looked almost identical to Elliot when he was a child. In short, he was


    adorable and charming.


    Sitting in the hall, Jared looked left and right and he realized everyone was affectionately ncing at him,


    which made him feel less fearful and more secure now.


    ¡°Jared,e here to your great-grandma. I haven¡¯t seen you for some time, and I missed you dearly,¡±


    Harriet said as she beckoned to him.


    Encouraged by Anastasia, Jared walked cheerfully to Harriet¡¯s side. Just then, she took out a prepared


    gift and handed it to him. ¡°Do you like it?¡± she asked.


    When Jared realized that it was a remote control airne, he nodded happily and responded, ¡°I like it!¡±


    After checking the time, Elliot looked at Harriet and said, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ll leave with Anastasia now, as we


    have to stop by at a boutique shop.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Just go.¡± She nodded as she said, ¡°Leave Jared to me.¡±


    Without a doubt, Anastasia felt safe keeping her son here. After she advised Jared on a few things, she


    left with Elliot.


    For some reason, Anastasia felt strangely pleased while sitting in the passenger seat, as if she was


    covertly dating Elliot behind Jared¡¯s back.


    As soon as Elliot got in the car, Anastasia looked at her clothes and stated, ¡°This is the attire I¡¯m wearing


    to the event tonight. There is no need to change into an evening gown.¡±


    Elliot nced at her with confusion after hearing what she said. ¡°Do you not know that the dress code for


    tonight is formal?¡±


    She was taken by surprise and replied, ¡°Really? But Felicia didn¡¯t inform me!¡±


    However, when she looked into Elliot¡¯s eyes, it didn¡¯t feel like he was lying. So, is everyone going to wear


    formal dress tonight?

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452


    Chapter 452 A ck Evening Gown


    ¡°Alright then! Let¡¯s make a trip to a haute couture boutique that sells evening gowns.¡± Anastasia had no


    other choice but to dress up ording to the dress code.


    Alex had been fooling around with Hayley in his bed a couple rounds by the time the clock hit 1 PM. Her


    having a face like Anastasia¡¯s made it hard for him to keep himself off of her.


    After they woke up, Alex went to the bathroom as Hayley stayed in bed to use her phone. She didn¡¯t feel


    an ounce of guilt for treating Erica the way she did. Alex was merely someone both Erica and Hayley


    used.


    Hayley received a text message at this moment. ¡®Hayley, how is your preparation for the annual


    celebration at Bourgeoising along?¡±


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    She looked at the ID to see who the sender was, and it turned out to be May, someone whom she hadn¡¯t


    contacted in a long time. She hadn¡¯t had any use for May, after all.


    Still, Hayley was surprised to see the message. She had no idea that there was an annual celebration for


    thepany that day.


    ¡®I haven¡¯t received any news about it, May. Who told you that?¡¯ she replied.


    May only asked in return, ¡®Didn¡¯t President Presgrave tell you? He will be there tonight as well! Could he


    have forgotten to inform you?¡¯


    Hayley immediately replied to her, ¡®Elliot must have forgotten to let me know because he has been so


    busytely. Can I join the event?¡¯


    ¡®Of course you can! All the customers who purchased haute couture from Bourgeois have received an


    invitation card. Yours is probably in your email. Remember to get dressed in haute couture tonight,


    Hayley. I look forward to seeing how beautiful you will look!¡± Just like in the past, May was still trying hard


    to tter Hayley.


    A strong desire started surging inside after Hayley read the message. She didn¡¯t think she would be


    seeing Elliot again so soon.


    Should I take a chance? An ambitious glint shed in her eyes then¡ªshe simply had to do it.


    She could take the opportunity tonight to appear a little more pitiful and miserable. If she managed to


    arouse Elliot¡¯s sympathy for her and make him look at her one more time, she was sure she would still


    have a chance to be cared for by him in the future.


    I must go, but where do I borrow a dress from? Hayley thought of a boutique she went to before where


    she happened to have gotten a coupon for free rental. The old her might not have even bothered with it,


    but with her current situation, she prayed with all her heart that she could still redeem it.


    After Alex came out of the bathroom, Hayley immediately leaned against his chest as she looked up at


    him. ¡°I have no money for lunch. Alex, can you lend me some, please?¡± she asked pitifully.


    Seeing her looking so small and beautiful in his arms, he unhesitantly took all the cash in his wallet and


    passed them to her. ¡°I hope this isn¡¯t too little for you, Hayley. Here, take it!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Alex!¡± She stood on her tiptoe and lovingly kissed him.


    Alex was suddenly hit by the thought of how nice it would be if it was Anastasia who was in his arms.


    On the other hand, Anastasia was browsing through the gowns avable in a boutique while Elliot


    patiently waited for her. He sat in the middle of the lobby, sipping on his cup of coffee.


    In hopes that there was something Anastasia would take fancy to, even the boss of the boutique had


    personally served and introduced all the one-of-a-kind outfits she had in her store.


    It wasn¡¯t that there was nothing that caught Anastasia¡¯s eye. In order to keep low-profile, she was


    actually looking for an evening gown that wouldn¡¯t attract as much public attention as the more eye-


    catching gowns would.


    She finally found one that was exactly what she was looking for. It was a strapless ck dress that was


    seamlessly tailored, which was also made of thicker material that could keep her warm.


    As Anastasia rarely wore this kind of dark-colored evening gown, it surprised even herself how good she


    looked in the gown. Her long hair was draped over her back, and when paired with her stunning features,


    it magnified her aura that was as pure as a clearke.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, with elegance such as yours, you would definitely look good in any evening gown.


    However, I do think that this one suits you particrly well. It gives a touch of cool and noble


    temperament.¡±


    The owner of the store could see at a nce that Anastasia was not a weak and soft woman. On top of


    her gaze that kept others at bay, she sometimes exuded a domineering aura that didn¡¯t make anyone


    ufortable. It was only a cover she put on to protect herself.


    Anastasia was also satisfied with the ck dress while she looked at herself in the mirror. As she sat


    before the dressing table to let the owner do her makeup, thetter couldn¡¯t help but marvel at


    Anastasia¡¯s facial features. She thenpleted Anastasia¡¯s look with a light makeup that matched her


    temperament.

 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453


    Chapter 453 It Is Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas


    Anastasia walked down the stairs from the second floor after she got dressed. When the man on the sofa


    heard the footsteps, he immediately raised his head and his deep eyes widened in surprise.


    Elliot couldn¡¯t help but muse about how this woman whom he called his looked good no matter what she


    wore.


    Anastasia walked to his side, but she was somewhat timid as she asked, ¡°Does it look good?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely gorgeous,¡± heplimented her in a low voice.


    She then held up two purses with sequins on them. ¡°Which one do you think looks better?¡± she asked


    again.


    Elliot looked at the purses with a serious gaze for a few seconds and eventually chose one for her. She,


    too, didn¡¯t bother agonizing herself over this anymore and proceeded to use the one he chose.


    There would be two uninvited guests at the anniversary celebration tonight¡ªAliona and Hayley.


    Hayley and Alex had just arrived at an apartmentplex at this moment. This was a small apartment


    unit that Alex had just bought not long ago for investment purposes. Now, however, it was where Hayley


    would be living after she had be his woman.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hayley, we have no choice but to let you live here in order to not let Erica find out that we are together,¡±


    Alex told her rather bluntly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± She apologetically said, ¡°I feel sorry for stealing Erica¡¯s boyfriend.¡±


    Alex somehow felt a sense of aplishment at that. With his arms around her, he dotingly scolded her,


    ¡°What nonsense are you saying? You don¡¯t need to apologize. Between you and Erica, of course you are


    the one that I like. The rtionship between Erica and I is purely professional.¡±


    ¡°Alex, you have to help Erica.¡±


    Hearing that, he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Hayley, do you know Erica¡¯s sister, Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I heard from Erica that she is dating the young master of the Presgrave Group!¡± Hayley then


    added, ¡°I also heard that she had a child out of wedlock five years ago. ¡±


    His face froze when he heard those words. ¡°Did she have a messy private life?¡± he probed.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? She used to work in a club!¡± Hayley spat with a contemptuous look on her face. ¡°She


    worked at one to earn enough money to study abroad!¡±


    Needless to say, Alex was shocked to learn that Anastasia had such a troubled past.


    ¡°Alex, let¡¯s not talk about her. I am your woman from now on.¡± Hayley¡¯s eyes looked zed as she gazed


    at him with eyes full of admiration.


    Alex was looking at Hayley¡¯s face, and yet Anastasia was the one his heart longed for.


    The afternoon soon came. The banquet this time around was held in the big banquet hall of a seven-star


    hotel. As Bourgeois had shown tremendous improvement in their overall performance this year, the


    annual celebration was naturally held at a size that corresponded to the employees¡¯ achievements.


    The staff of Bourgeois started arriving one after another at 5 PM. Their haute couture¡¯s customers were


    amongst the invitees tonight too. The event was both the annual celebration and the time to engage with


    their customers.


    Someone must have spread the word that Elliot was going to attend the celebration, as even the female


    guests who weren¡¯t going to attend had alle, which was why the banquet was bound to be extra


    lively.


    Elliot had undoubtedly be the target of the unmarried women in the crowd. Tonight was finally their


    chance to approach the man who barely showed his face in public even on a normal day.


    Anastasia was sitting in his car when she received a message from Felicia.


    ¡®Anastasia, you have to keep a close eye on President Presgrave tonight. Many female guests are here


    for him.¡¯


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help butugh when she read the text message. Felicia must really care about her for


    her to remind Anastasia of something like this.


    ¡°What are youughing at?¡± The man beside her nced at her, his hands gracefully controlled the


    steering wheel.


    She was held a little flustered as she subconsciously grabbed onto her phone. ¡°Nothing,¡± she mumbled.


    Anastasia would be embarrassed to death if the man were to see the message.


    However, the more she tried to hide it, the more suspicious the man¡¯s gaze became. Could she be


    chatting privately with some other man? he wondered grumpily.


    After they arrived at the hotel, Larry was the one who came down to personally receive them. ¡°There you


    are, President Presgrave and Anastasia. I have prepared a room for you to rest.¡±


    Since it was still early, Anastasia and Elliot made their way to a suite to rest first, and they would only go


    downstairs when the celebration had started.


    Standing in front of the French windows, Anastasia noticed how the atmosphere outside was feeling a lot


    more like Christmas. She was staring into the night view in a daze when a pair of arms wrapped her


    around her waist. The man then propped his chin on her corbone without a word, and their intimacy


    happened naturally.

 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454


    Chapter 454 Elliot Was Finally Here


    ¡°It is Christmas Eve tomorrow. Are you going to celebrate it at the Presgrave Residence?¡± Anastasia


    asked, to which Elliot hummed in response. ¡°I always celebrate it with my grandmother.¡±


    Anastasia would be going back to her father¡¯s house tomorrow. Although there was no ce for her in


    that house, it was still a ce she called ¡®home¡¯ as long as her father was there.


    ¡°Would it be okay if I invited both you and Jared to Grandma¡¯s ce on Christmas?¡± Elliot asked in a low


    voice after a slight pause.


    She gave it a thought and decided that she wouldn¡¯t be home during Christmas if she were to be there


    on the eve.


    ¡°Sure!¡± She nodded in reply.


    The arms around her waist soon tightened as she was pulled even more tightly into the man¡¯s chest. The


    man then made a move to kiss her, but she reached out to cover his thin lips just in time. ¡°No kisses,¡±


    she squeaked. ¡°Don¡¯t mess up the makeup I have on.¡±


    Anastasia had to face her rivals in love tonight, so she had to make sure her makeup would put her at an


    advantage.


    The man nibbled on her corbone unhappily at that. ¡°It should be okay to kiss you here, shouldn¡¯t it?¡± he


    growled.


    It immediately felt like electricity coursed through Anastasia¡¯s body as she allowed the man to punish her


    with a kiss. At this moment, Elliot¡¯s phone began to ring. He nced at it, thereafter going to the sofa and


    sitting down as he picked up the call. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Everything has been arranged as per your instruction, President Presgrave,¡± Rey reported from the


    other end of the call.


    Elliot grunted in agreement and his eyes showed a glint of satisfaction.


    Without them realizing, it was already 6.30 PM, and all the invited people were present. At this moment,


    a woman d in a sensual dress walked in from the entrance. It turned out to be Aliona. All the effort she


    had put into her appearance tonight was for the sake of catching Elliot¡¯s attention.


    Felicia, who had seen her walking in, came over to her. ¡°Aliona, why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t Ie, Felicia? I am also an employee of Bourgeois.¡± Aliona answered in a prickly tone


    because she knew that Felicia and Anastasia were on good terms.


    Felicia was unperturbed by her rudeness, and she only calmly replied, ¡°I don¡¯t think your name is on the


    invitation list.¡±


    ¡°My rtionship with President Presgrave allows me toe if I want to.¡± After she said that, Aliona


    turned to the manager standing at the side. ¡°Go get a seat for me!¡±


    Felicia was at a loss for words after hearing what Aliona said. Even though she was a registered


    employee at Bourgeois, she had no sense of responsibility for her work. She had never even submitted a


    usable draft from the time she joined thepany.


    At the same time, May was weing Hayley in the hall downstairs. As soon as the former saw Hayley


    walking in from outside, she immediately jumped up in joy. ¡°There you are, Hayley!¡±


    The evening gown Hayley rented from the boutique wasn¡¯t bad at all. At least, it was worth the price she


    paid for it.


    ¡°Hayley, you look so beautiful!¡± May noticed at a nce that the other woman had undergone stic


    surgery.


    ¡°Has the event started? Did you arrange a seat for me?¡± Hayley asked May.


    ¡°It is done.¡± May still wanted to curry favor with her. She was expecting Hayley to one day ce an order


    with her, and she would then get a huge amount asmission.


    Hayley walked into the banquet hall and sat in an inconspicuous seat for guests. The only reason she


    came tonight was just to find her chance to put on a pitiful act in front of Elliot and make him sympathize


    with her.


    As the celebration was about to begin, everyone had started toe over from the buffet table.


    Anastasia and Elliot were having their dinner in the hotel suite when Felicia sent the former a message to


    notify her that the performance was about to start. Felicia also asked Anastasia when she would go


    down to the banquet hall.


    Not wanting to miss the live performance of her favorite singer, Anastasia quickly urged Elliot, ¡°Let¡¯s goCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    down now!¡±


    He only nodded in reply before and he apanied her to the hall.


    Even as the lights had deliberately been dimmed, Elliot managed to bask everyone present in his aura


    the moment he and Anastasia stepped in. With his straight posture and mile-long legs, he had the


    demeanor of an arrogant king.


    ¡°President Presgrave is here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, lord! It really is President Presgrave! I thought he wouldn¡¯te!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I am seeing President Presgrave in the flesh. He is so good-looking!¡±


    ¡°Hey, who is that woman by his side?!¡±


    The sounds of admiration of the female guests below the stage almost overshadowed the music ying


    in the background.


    Hayley¡¯s breath seemed to hitch as she looked at the couple. The man that she had been thinking about


    these days was right in front of her eyes, and he had the woman she hated the most by his side.


    Meanwhile, Aliona, who was amongst the guests, was so excited her eyes lit up. Elliot was finally here.

 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455


    Chapter 455 Serenade


    When Larry was nning the seating arrangement, he made sure that Elliot and Anastasia were in the


    first row. Even the spokesperson Cecilia Acre, who was seated next to him, was so excited she found it


    hard to breathe as she started busying herself with doing this and that to get Elliot¡¯s attention.


    Anastasia finally knew how it felt to be Elliot¡ªshe had be the focus of all women tonight. She could


    feel the intensely envious eyes along the way that seemed like they could poke holes in her any moment


    now.


    ¡°Hello, President Presgrave. I am Cecilia Acre, the spokesperson for Bourgeois. It is a pleasure to meet


    you.¡± Cecilia took the initiative and greeted him.


    Elliot nodded slightly at her. ¡°Hello.¡±


    Cecilia initially had a waistcoat on, but as she spoke to Elliot, she subconsciously reached out to tug on it


    slightly, making it slide down to reveal her silken skin exposed by the deep V-neck of her outfit.


    Anastasia could tell at a nce what the female artist was plotting to do.


    She was slightly speechless when she saw that, but she had to admit that Cecilia had a bold fashion


    style.


    Of course, she only wore it for Elliot to see, and not anyone else.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    At this exact moment, the emcee of the event stepped onto the stage. After he gave a passionate


    introduction, Larry took the emcee¡¯s ce, and he gave a speech regarding a detailed introduction to the


    outlook and future development of Bourgeois.


    However, other than the performance, what everyone was looking forward to tonight was the lucky draw


    session. It was said that both the prize money and winning rate tonight were extraordinarily high.


    The performance finally began at 7 PM.


    The first person to take the stage was Anastasia¡¯s favorite singer, Hank O¡¯rion. He was dressed as


    handsomely as a prince. Among the warm apuse from the audience, Anastasia was also very


    enthusiastic as she pped in earnest.


    Despite themotion, Elliot didn¡¯t look at the singer once, as he was deeply attracted by the woman


    beside him who was pping with all her might. His dark eyes were filled with a myriad of emotions as


    he stared at her.


    Anastasia, however, waspletely enthralled by Hendrix, who was on the stage. The song he was


    singing was also coincidentally her favorite song.


    Elliot¡¯s cold gaze first nced at the singer who blew kisses to his audience, and then the former turned


    back to looking at Anastasia¡¯s charmed expression.


    So this is why she insisted on attending the banquet? he fumed. Is it all because of this singer?


    At that point, Anastasia finally felt goosebumps from the intensity of Elliot¡¯s stare, so she turned to look at


    him as she asked, ¡°What is the matter?¡±


    The woman had obviously made his mood sour, and yet she dared to ask him what happened!


    ¡°Do you like him a lot?¡± he suddenly hissed.


    Even though the light was dim, Anastasia could still feel Eliot¡¯s overbearing aura. That cold gaze of his


    was even more piercing than the cold air outside. She couldn¡¯t help but gulp in fear as she thought, He


    would definitely get angry if I were to say that I like Hendrix!


    And so, she decided to reply to him with a clever answer. ¡°I like his songs,¡± she announced.


    ¡°That means you like him, huh?¡± There was a trace of displeasure as the man frowned.


    She had no other choice but to appease him by reaching under the table and holding his hand in hers.


    His eyebrows finally rxed at that, and he domineeringly grabbed her fingers tight.


    Anastasia resignedly felt the strength of his grip between his fingers. She was even starting to get


    distracted even though she was listening to Hendrix singing live. All she could focus on now was the


    calloused fingertips going back and forth on her palm under the table.


    Sitting at a table on the third row, Aliona didn¡¯t once watch the performance on stage. She was


    constantly finding her opportunity to approach Elliot.


    But now that there was a performance going on, it would only be embarrassing for her if she rashly


    approached Elliot and ended up being kicked out on the spot by the man.


    She had to find a time when she would be alone with him.


    Coincidentally, Hayley had the same idea as Aliona, which was to meet Elliot alone. That would be the


    only time she could put on a good show.


    At the same time, she was a little worried that Anastasia would notice her. Hence, she could only try to


    hide herself using May as her human shield.


    It was finally time for the first round of the lucky draw session after Hendrix sang two songs in a row.


    ¡°Next up, we will draw 50 names as the winners of the constion prize.¡±


    The name of those who were picked shed across the big screen, and those who were drawn


    automatically knew that the grand prize was out of their reach.


    The second round of performances began after 50 names were drawn. This time, it was a sensual


    female singer who sang. And after she was done, 30 names were drawn for the third prize.


    Cecilia also had a performance prepared for the event. She went on stage and sang a love song, and


    she made sure to keep her eyes on Elliot the entire time. It was as though she was senerading him and


    him alone.

 Chapter 456

    Chapter 456


    Chapter 456 Five Million Sports Car


    Elliot¡¯s gaze naturally stayed on the stage. As Anastasia looked on, she was hit by a rage that appeared


    out of nowhere and she began to angrily scratch the back of the man¡¯s hand with her nails.


    He turned to look at her with a smile, but she didn¡¯t even look at him as she pretended like nothing was


    going on.


    She had already put her soul into pinching him a second time whereas he could only quietly ept his


    fate. What a cruel woman! he thought. She can look at other men, but I am not allowed to look at other


    women?


    There was a faint smile ying by the corners of her eyes and mouth, but the man¡¯s hand under the


    table already had additional scratch marks on the back of it.


    She was punishing him with a nonchnt, unsuspecting face.


    The next programme after the performance was the lucky draw for the second prize worth 30 thousand.


    Then came the first prize and the special prize.


    Larry, who was on the stage, couldn¡¯t help his excitement as he announced, ¡°Most of you might not be


    aware of this, but tonight¡¯s grand prize is a sports car worth five million!¡±


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As soon as these words came out, the audience immediately fell into amotion as they gasped aloud,


    ¡°A sports car worth 5 million?!¡± Wow! Does this make the winner wealthy overnight? What a motivating


    prize this is. President Presgrave sure is a generous boss!


    Anastasia was also stunned to hear Larry¡¯s words. She quickly turned to look at Elliot for answers, but all


    she could see was a face that revealed nothing for now.


    She soon started hearing several voices talking behind her.


    ¡°Golly! It would be great if I was the winner!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! It is a sports car worth five million! I don¡¯t even need the car. Just give me the 5 million!¡±


    Despite not being an employee of Bourgeois, Hayley was excited like the rest of them were. How she


    hoped at this moment that she worked for thepany so that she stood a chance to win the car.


    May had started clenching her fists out of hopes that she was the winner.


    Aliona was the only one who red at Anastasia with envious eyes that seemed to know what was going


    on.


    The next performance thatsted until 8.30 PM was also an entertaining one before it was followed by


    the lucky draw for first prize. There would be three winners who would take home 128,800 in cash.


    Anastasia could feel how overjoyed the three winners were when they went on stage to get their prizes.


    There was another performance after that, but everyone was nervous now that they were nearing the


    time for the announcement of the grand prize winner.


    Anastasia had released Elliot¡¯s hand at this point to pray that she would be the lucky winner. The


    atmosphere thick with excitement was making her anticipate winning the grand prize.


    The ted Larry finally took the stage again before he humorously joked, ¡°It is time to draw the name of


    the winner for the grand prize. I do wish that it was me. I haven¡¯t won anything, after all!¡±


    The crowdughed out loud after hearing his words. Now that he was done lifting the tension in the air,


    he pointed to the screen behind him and announced, ¡°Everyone, please look at the screen and see if it is


    your name that will be appearing in just a moment.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start counting down now! 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2¡­¡±


    By the time Larry was done with the countdown, a name had appeared on the screen.


    It was none other than Anastasia Tillman.


    Seeing these two words immediately set the crowd off into an envious frenzy.


    Even the winner herself was surprised as she stared at her name on the screen.


    ¡°Miss Anastasia Tillman, pleasee up to the stage,¡± Larry called for her from the stage.


    Then, the woman in question started taking unsteady steps up the stage. She had been hidden within


    the dark crowd from earlier, but now that her beautiful face was directly under the spotlight for everyone


    to see, there were only more jealous eyes looking at her.


    Even Elliot was so stunned by her beauty that he couldn¡¯t help but think how much she would fit into a


    girl group.


    ¡°I would like to do a short interview with you, Miss Anastasia Tillman. Is your heart aflutter now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Anastasia calmly replied as she had realized something now.


    It seemed like the car was intended as a gift for her from the start and the person who wanted to give it


    to her had nned to do it through this lucky draw session.


    If her guess was not wrong, Elliot was the one who bought her the car.


    ¡°Geez! You are too calm, Anastasia. If it was me, I would immediately start dancing to a song on stage!¡±


    Larry jokingly gushed.


    Hearing that, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but let out a giggle, which also made a certain man below the stage


    smile.


    Larry kept on teasing her, ¡°How about you sing us a song, Anastasia? Or you could dance for us!¡±

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457


    Chapter 457 No Need to Thank Me


    Anastasia quickly waved as she rejected Larry¡¯s suggestion, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. I can¡¯t sing at all,


    and I am even worse at dancing.¡±


    Larry¡¯s eyes were on her before he added with a sigh, ¡°It is true what people say about how a gorgeous


    car is for a gorgeous woman. Aren¡¯t you too beautiful to be true, Miss Anastasia?¡±


    ¡°You are also a very handsome man, Vice-president Young,¡± she smoothly gave him apliment.


    The man immediately broke out in cold sweat when he heard the words. ¡°Oh, no! President Presgrave


    has got to be the most handsome one here tonight.¡±


    He then turned to Elliot and with augh, he asked, ¡°President Presgrave, would you like toe up and


    say a few words to the audience?¡±


    Elliot waved to show that he wasn¡¯t going to do it. Anastasia came back to her seat after she took her


    prize, and she threw a helpless nce at Elliot, only for the man to look everywhere but her.


    ¡°Happy times always go by fast. We are nearing the end of our annual celebration, but before that, we


    have prepared a cocktail party for everyone to have a good time.¡± After saying that, Larry left the stage


    for the next programme tomence.


    As soon as the lights in the hall were turned on, the attendees began moving to another hall for wine


    tasting. Elliot¡¯s phone began to ring at the same time, so he took his phone and left his seat.


    Felicia, who had an envious gaze, came over to greet Anastasia. ¡°Just look at how much effort President


    Presgrave has put into making you happy!¡± She sighed.


    Anastasia only smiled in silent agreement. Elliot did go out of his way to keep her happy.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Felicia then continued, ¡°Do you know that Aliona is here?¡±


    Anastasia was caught by surprise when she heard that. She looked around the hall, and seemed to have


    remembered something as she turned to Felicia again. ¡°You will have to excuse me for a moment,


    Felicia.¡±


    Aliona must have taken the chance when Elliot went off to pick up his call to have an alone moment with


    him.


    As Anastasia went into the hallway that Elliot had gone to, she saw Aliona speaking as she stood beside


    Elliot at the end of the hallway.


    Anastasia only picked up her words when she got closer to them.


    ¡°Please forgive me, Elliot. I was drunk the other day. I only made such a mistake because I was out of it,¡±


    the woman exined regretfully.


    ¡°Miss Dora.¡± Elliot¡¯s cold voice rang out as he stated, ¡°I don¡¯t mind letting this matter go, but I don¡¯t wish


    to see you. Please be on your way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Elliot. Can you please forgive me just this one time for my father¡¯s sake?¡± She then held up


    her hand, and with a pitiful expression on, she swore, ¡°I promise I won¡¯t ever do something like that


    anymore.¡±


    Anastasia felt like now was the right time for her to step in.


    She pretended like she was looking for someone, and she came running to Elliot when her eyesnded


    on him. ¡°There you are, Elliot. Vice-president Young was looking for you.¡±


    After saying that, sheced her arm through Elliot¡¯s before acting as though she had just noticed Aliona¡¯s


    presence. ¡°You are here too, Miss Dora?¡±


    Having squeezed out all the tears she could muster earlier, Aliona quickly turned her face away from


    Anastasia.


    However, Anastasia didn¡¯t seem to want to bother herself with Aliona as she proceeded to tug on Elliot¡¯s


    arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she urged. ¡°Let¡¯s return to the banquet hall.¡±


    Seeing this, Aliona immediately threw a re at the other woman. She knew that Anastasia had


    interrupted her apology on purpose.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would still have the nerve to see Elliot again, Miss Dora. You are surprisingly thick-


    skinned!¡± Anastasia added in a ridiculing tone.


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman! You¡ª¡±


    Anastasia cut her off before she could even begin her sentence. ¡°You should thank me for stopping you


    from causing trouble you can¡¯t be responsible for.¡±


    ¡°How dare you?¡± Aliona¡¯s face had turned white.


    Anastasia smirked in response. ¡°Forget it! There is no need to thank me.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s eyes fell on Anastasia then, and unlike the cold gaze he had on just moments ago, he was now


    looking at Anastasia with loving eyes.


    You want me to thank you? Aliona thought incredulously. I hate you so much I could kill you! My n


    would have worked if it wasn¡¯t for you!


    She managed to keep those words in as she only said in a calm voice, ¡°Miss Tillman, I have something


    to say to Elliot. Please give us some privacy.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡ªyou will have to forgive me, then. I, too, have something important to talk to Elliot about. I will be


    bringing him with me.¡± Anastasia snaked her arm around his as she spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    The man took it another step further by wrapping his arm around her waist, thereafter humming in


    response.


    After saying that, the two of them started to leave, and all Aliona could do was watch on as her n to


    apologize got ruined once more.


    You are a dead woman, Anastasia! I will make sure you pay for this!

 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458


    Chapter 458 Too Small a Room


    Aliona¡¯s nails were digging into her flesh, the resentment in her eyes threatening to overflow.


    Anastasia had only rescued Elliot out of Aliona¡¯s clutches out of the kindness of her heart, but before


    they even got back to the banquet hall, Elliot suddenly dragged her along to an empty private room


    before he closed the door behind him.


    She only looked at him with a confused expression on her face, and she asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you have something important to tell me? I¡¯m all ears.¡± He looked excited as he leaned


    his back against the door.


    She couldn¡¯t help butugh when she saw the man fake ignorance.


    With her eyebrows raised, Anastasia eximed, ¡°I threw out that nonsense to save you! Why would I


    have anything important to talk to you about?¡±


    Elliot¡¯s eyes seemed to dim as he stared at her looking all sensual and seductive in her ck evening


    gown. Annastasia naturally had an alluring quality to her.


    ¡°I will do the talking then,¡± he breathed.


    Seeing him slowly approaching her, she raised her hands to push him back. ¡°Just talk, then. There is no


    need for you to get so close.¡±


    The corners of his lips raised ever so slightly as he leaned in.


    He was so close that she had no choice but to arch her neck. Her nostrils were filled with his unique


    manly scent then.


    ¡°That¡¯s close enough!¡± She blinked a few times. ¡°Just say it. I can hear you.¡±


    ¡°You look gorgeous tonight.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she replied in a humorous yet coquettish tone.


    Elliot¡¯s breathing started to quicken. ¡°Do you have any idea what I have been thinking about the whole


    night?¡±


    How would I know?! she quietly eximed before the man held her delicate face in one hand, while the


    other forced her chin up. He then growled in a low and raspy voice, ¡°I have been thinking about kissing


    you.¡±


    His thin lipspletely sealed hers off the next second.


    Anastasia didn¡¯t push him away this time. The man had thoroughly captivated her tonight. From the way


    that he carefully nned the lucky draw session, to him colding rejecting Aliona¡¯s advances only showing


    this special side of his to Anastasia alone, she didn¡¯t think there would be a woman out there who


    wouldn¡¯t feel touched by it.


    Aliona stayed in the hallway without returning to the banquet hall. Now that she had felt Elliot¡¯s


    indifference, it seemed impossible for her to restore her image and be with him.


    Her only choice now was to follow Riley¡¯s n to kidnap Elliot, and have thetter killed after she gave


    birth to their child.


    There was no way she would let Anastasia get off easy as well, as she was the reason Aliona had to go


    through all the humiliation she did.


    At the same time in the banquet hall, Hayley was waiting for a chance to strike. As soon as the lights


    came back on, she hid herself in the bathroom as she told May to notify her as soon as Elliot had left the


    hall by himself.


    Even though May didn¡¯t know why Hayley wanted her to do this, she still obediently did as she was told.


    The couple who was making out in the private room was starting to lose control as they sucked on and


    nibbled each other¡¯s lips and tongue. When Anastasia realized that Elliot wanted to do more to her, she


    had to forcibly push him away.


    ¡°Enough, Elliot,¡± she gasped, feeling a little annoyed.


    He incessantly made light bites on her thin lips, and he finally nced at the sofa in the room and said,


    ¡°The room is too small. I can¡¯t even unleash my full potential here.¡±


    Anastasia was utterly speechless at that as she thought, What an overthinker!


    Aftering out of the room, she went to the banquet hall to find Felicia, whereas Elliot sat in the room


    to rest while he waited for Anastasia to be done with her business.


    Unbeknownst to the couple, May was hiding behind a pir when Anastasia left the room. She couldn¡¯t


    help but feel envious as she watched Anastasia brush out the wrinkles on her gown. May had a feeling


    that Elliot and Anastasia must have been up to no good after staying alone in the private room for more


    than 10 minutes.


    She immediately whipped out her phone and sent a message to Hayley, asking her to go to Room No. 8,


    where Elliot was in alone.


    Anastasia wanted to ask Felicia something when she returned to the banquet hall, but when the former


    couldn¡¯t find her, and seeing as to it was time to go back to pick up her son, she turned back to the


    direction of the private room.


    Hayley, who was still hiding in the bathroom, came out excitedly holding her phone after she received the


    message from May.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Anastasia saw a figure disappearing into a corner as soon as she stepped out of the door of the banquet


    hall. She couldn¡¯t help being surprised by seeing who she thought was Hayley.


    She immediately followed after Hayley with hasty steps. As she hid behind a door, she saw that Hayley


    and May were together whispering about something.


    Anastasia quietly sneered at the sight. She still remembered vividly how May was the one who helped


    Hayley hide her phone thest time her son went missing.

 Chapter 459

    Chapter 459


    Chapter 459 We Did It Again and Again


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hayley turned to May as the former asked in a low voice, ¡°Are you sure he is in there?¡±


    ¡°I have been keeping my eye on him.¡± May nodded. ¡°I am sure he is in there.¡±


    ¡°Good. You can leave now. I will go to him myself.¡±


    May lifted her head right at this moment, and she was so surprised she turned pale when she saw that


    Anastasia, who had left just a while ago, had returned.


    Furthermore, she was standing behind Hayley like a ghost.


    Hayley must have noticed the odd expression on May¡¯s face, only for her to be caught by surprise when


    she turned her head to look in the same direction. Anastasia had her arms crossed in front of her body


    as she coldly stared at them with her beautiful pair of eyes.


    ¡°A-Anastasia, why are you here?¡± May stuttered.


    Anastasia was sure that Hayley hade to beg Elliot for forgiveness. If possible, Anastasia really didn¡¯t


    want to give Hayley the opportunity to do so.


    ¡°Anastasia, you had better not stick your nose into my business!¡± Hayley warned her.


    Instead of answering her, Anastasia turned to ask May, ¡°Hayley was the one who ordered you to steal my


    phone, right?¡±


    Not expecting Anastasia to notice what had happened so long ago, May¡¯s face fell as she quickly looked


    at Hayley in panic.


    Hayley, however, immediately drew a line between herself and May. ¡°Have I instructed you to do


    anything, May?¡±


    ¡°Then let me tell you the truth, May. Hayley was kicked out by President Presgrave himself for plotting


    the murder of the Presgrave Family. Are you still going to protect her despite knowing this now?¡±


    Anastasia revealed Hayley¡¯s true colors without mercy.


    May wasn¡¯t blind nor stupid to not have noticed how Hayley was hiding from people tonight. This


    probably meant that whatever rtionship she had with Elliot had ended for some time now.


    She swiftly pointed an usatory finger at Hayley and eximed, ¡°Yes! Hayley was the one who ordered


    me to do it. Anastasia, everything I did was under her instructions!¡±


    ¡°How dare you, May?¡± Hayley red at the woman.


    May then immediately went and stood beside Anastasia. ¡°Please forgive me, Anastasia!¡± she pleaded.


    ¡°Hayley was the one who threatened me and got me to do it. I didn¡¯t know that she had nned to


    kidnap your son with someone else.¡±


    Anastasia was still extremely angry when she thought about how frightening that night was for her. Her


    cold eyes only swept across to throw May a cold nce as she hissed, ¡°Resign on your own ord!¡±


    May was stunned at first, but she quickly realized that this was the most forgiving solution Anastasia was


    giving her.


    ¡°Alright. I will hand in my resignation letter tomorrow.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Hayley mocked, ¡°You are putting up a front like you are thedy boss of Bourgeois


    even though you aren¡¯t! Anastasia, you don¡¯t have the right to fire employees as you please!¡±


    Anastasia raised her eyebrows slightly. ¡°My affairs are none of your concern.¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡± Hayley choked, not able to finish her sentence. She hated how bossy Anastasia was acting.


    May took the chance to scurry off. Instead of holding a grudge for getting fired, she was grateful to


    Anastasia, the future owner of thepany, for not holding her ountable.


    As soon as May left, Hayley gritted her teeth and she angrily spat, ¡°Anastasia, do you think you have the


    right to act so arrogant if it wasn¡¯t because you have Elliot providing you his support?¡±


    Anastasia only stared at her disapprovingly. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked, to which Hayley


    scoffed. ¡°Why does what I n to do have anything to do with you?¡±


    Anastasia was hit by an unexinable feeling of hatred as she gazed at the woman in front of her.


    Hayley, on the other hand, was resentful about the fact that her chance to meet Elliot privately in the


    room had been ruined by Anastasia.


    Knowing exactly where Anastasia¡¯s sore spot was, Hayley started walking toward her, and she came to a


    halt when they were about a meter apart. She then stared at Anastasia as she said with no shame,


    ¡°There is something that will never change, Anastasia. It is for a fact that Elliot and I had shared a


    passionate night together. We were holding onto each other so tight when we exchanged heated kisses.


    His sweat dripped on my body like it was warm honey. I still remember how insatiable he was that we


    had to do it again and again.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s face began to tense up, and she felt as if something was stuck in her chest and making her


    feel ufortable.


    ¡°I will never forget that night for the rest of my life!¡± Hayley added with her eyes narrowed as a nostalgic


    expression appeared on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to show off?¡± Anastasia sneered.


    Hayley¡¯s lips curled into a smile when she saw that she was getting a reaction out of Anastasia. ¡°It is not


    like you are an innocent woman to Elliot. He will forever remember how you slept with the man a few


    years ago. Besides, don¡¯t you know that Elliot doesn¡¯t touch ¡®dirty¡¯ women?¡±


    ¡°Shut the hell up!¡± Anastasia¡¯s expression was getting increasingly thunderous at that point.

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460


    Chapter 460 Let Someone Else Do the Dirty Work


    ¡°I can shut up, but does shutting up change anything? Does Elliot really not care that you gave birth to a


    b*stard child? There is not one man, especially someone with a status like Elliot¡¯s, who likes raising


    someone else¡¯s child.¡± Hayley snickered.


    Not wanting to hear her speaking for a second longer, Anastasia hissed, ¡°Are you done talking? If you


    are, you¡¯d do best to leave.¡±


    Unfazed by Anastasia¡¯s anger, Hayley continued spewing venomous words. ¡°I pity your son. He will


    never know who his father is, and even worse, he will never know how he was brought to this world.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s fists were already clenched, and she had to hold her anger back as she growled, ¡°Don¡¯t


    make me hurt you on this fake face of yours.¡±


    Hayley was about to take a step back when she heard the door to the private room Elliot was in making a


    noise, as though it was being opened. Her quick thinking made her raise her hands to push Anastasia,


    making Anastasia shove her out of reflex.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Hayley immediately let out a pained howl as she sat on the floor,ining. ¡°Anastasia!¡± She


    wiped away her tears as she mumbled, ¡°How could you hit me? What did I do wrong?¡±


    Anastasia was caught off guard at first, but when she turned her head and saw Ellioting out of the


    room, she immediately understood what Hayley was up to.


    Seeing Hayley covering one side of her face as she stayed seated on the floor, Anastasia squatted down


    to her height, and in a cold voice, she threatened, ¡°Since you are using me of hitting you, it wouldn¡¯t


    make sense if I don¡¯t really give you a p, right?¡±


    Before Hayley could even react, Anastasia raised her hand in the air, and swung it on the uncovered side


    of Hayley¡¯s face.


    Smack!


    Five finger marks could be seen on Hayley¡¯s face, that was heavily coated in make-up, the next second.


    ¡°Anastasia Tillman! You¡ª¡± Hayley was so infuriated her gaze was murderous. She couldn¡¯t believe that


    Anastasia wouldy hands on her.


    Hayley couldn¡¯t bother with the pain in her cheek when she saw Elliot walking toward them. All she did


    the next moment was cry out with a wronged expression on her face. ¡°She pushed and hit me, Elliot! You


    have to side with me!¡±


    Elliot walked over and stood beside Anastasia as his cold eyes nced at the teary-eyed Hayley. The


    next second, he was holding and checking Anastasia¡¯s hand with his head lowered.


    ¡°Let someone else do the dirty work if you are going to hit someone next time. It will dirty your hands,¡± he


    said in a caring voice.


    Hayley could feel a knife being driven through her heart upon hearing that. Not only did Elliot not pity her,


    he was more concerned about Anastasia¡¯s hand being dirty.


    This was what truly insulted her.


    Anastasia, too, was surprised by Elliot¡¯s words. What Hayley had said earlier still felt like a thorn in


    Anastasia¡¯s wound, but the man¡¯s tenderness now was more real than anything else.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and get your hand cleaned up.¡± Elliot held Anastasia¡¯s hand and started walking away. He didn¡¯t


    spare another nce at Hayley, who still remained on the floor.


    All that show Hayley had put on was for naught.


    After Anastasia and Elliot had disappeared into a corner, Hayley immediately got back up, the


    embarrassment on her face bing more evident.


    She knew that it wouldn¡¯t hurt the man one bit even if she were to die in front of him.


    Everything that she was doing was only her digging another deeper hole for her to fall into.


    After Anastasia was done washing her hands in the washroom, she saw Elliot waiting for her as soon as


    she went back outside.


    She let out a smallugh and huffed. ¡°What a stress reliever.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother yourself with her,¡± Elliot reminded. ¡°That kind of woman doesn¡¯t deserve your time of the


    day.¡±


    Anastasia nodded in response. ¡°I know. Let¡¯s go home! It is time to pick up Jared.¡±


    Elliot then held her hand and started walking in the direction of the elevator. His group of bodyguards


    were already waiting and ready to leave with them both.


    Now that it was almost Christmas, the view outside was beautifully decorated with the colors of


    Christmas. It went on along the whole way they drove.


    Elliot¡¯s warm hand was wrapped around Anastasia¡¯s cold one the entire journey.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    By the time they were back to the Presgrave Residence, Jared had fallen asleep out of exhaustion,


    whereas Harriet was still wide awake. She hushed the couple when they came in. ¡°He just fell asleep.¡±


    ¡°It is alright. I¡¯ll carry him to the car,¡± Anastasia smiled. Her sleepy son would stay asleep if he wanted to


    even if she were to move him.


    ¡°Let me do it.¡± Elliot swiftly took a step forward and picked Jared up in his arms. The young boy dazedly


    opened his eyes to look, and he soon closed his eyes again when it was a familiar face that was carrying


    him.


    ¡°Be careful on the road,¡± Harriet reminded them before they left.


    Anastasia then spoke, her voice slightly apologetic. ¡°Please take a rest, Grandma. Jared will only disturb


    you if he were here.¡±

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461


    Chapter 461 Thank You for Taking Care of My Son


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep because I am too excited! What a joyful night this is.¡± After saying that, Harriet looked over


    at her grandson carrying the sleeping child. Jared would always remind her of the wonderful time she


    took care of a young Elliot.


    ¡°We will be leaving now, Grandma. Don¡¯t go to bed toote,¡± Elliot said before he carried Jared out the


    house with Anastasia in tow. After he carried Jared to the car, the young boy leaned against his mother


    and continued to sleep.


    Jared didn¡¯t wake up all the way back to the vi, and it was Elliot, again, who carried him back to the


    bedroom. It was rather inconvenient for Anastasia to hold her son with her high-heels and evening gown


    on, so she changed into her slippers before she went back to her son¡¯s room.


    As soon as she went in, her heart seemed to knot with worry at the sight of Elliot half-squatting beside


    Jared¡¯s bed as he took off the boy¡¯s shoes and socks with a gentle expression on his face.


    Hayley¡¯s words earlier had cut her like a knife.


    There is not one man, especially someone with a status like Elliot¡¯s, who likes raising someone else¡¯s


    child.


    Would Elliot still treat Jared like his own if she were to get married to him and not give birth to another


    child?


    As much as Anastasia didn¡¯t want to think about it, it was a real issue that had to be addressed.


    Just as she was starting to feel suffocated by the unanswered question, Elliot walked out of the boy¡¯s


    room before he closed the door behind him.


    He quickly noticed the solemn look on her face as she stood under a wall light, so he asked, ¡°Why are


    you standing here zoning out?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Let¡¯s go to bed earlier!¡± She started to turn around and leave after saying that. Just as Elliot


    was about to grab onto her, his phone rang, prompting him to pick up the call after taking a nce at the


    caller ID. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°President Presgrave, there is an urgent online video conference that requires your immediate


    participation.¡± Rey¡¯s voice came from the other end of the line.


    Elliot took a look at the time that indicated it was already 11 PM, and he said to Anastasia, ¡°I am going to


    a meeting. You can go ahead and sleep without me.¡±


    With a slightly heartbroken gaze, she threw a glimpse at him and hummed in agreement.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Elliot then went to the study room on the second floor, whereas Anastasiay in bed awake, her head


    constantly reying the painful words Hayley had spat in her face.


    Being insomniac was rough and in order to pass the time, Anastasia took a look at her phone, only to


    unconsciously jump up when she realized that she had been awake for two hours.


    Since she couldn¡¯t sleep, she decided to go downstairs for a ss of milk to help her sleep.


    Before that, she went to Jared¡¯s room to check on him. The boy didn¡¯t kick his nket off of him, and was


    drenched in sweat from staying under the warm nket.


    She was about to go downstairs when she suddenly turned around and headed to the study room


    instead. She knew the man was still inside when she saw the light on the carpeting from beneath


    the door.


    She knocked softly a few times before she twisted the doorknob open. Despite the room being brightly lit,


    Elliot was lying on the sofa with his eyes closed.


    She then took light steps to the sofa, and her heart started beating wildly when she gazed upon the


    perfect face illuminated under the light.


    The man had shapely brow bones, deep and misty eyes, a tall nose bridge, and a pair of sensual lips.


    He was someone who only looked better as time went by.


    Did he fall asleep on the sofa from working overtime? she thought to herself. Seeing this, she couldn¡¯t


    help but take a nket from upstairs and put it on him.


    Just as she was brushing out the corners of the nket, he woke up from the noise. He then opened his


    eyelids that were adorned with longshes and looked at her. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you slept yet?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go back to the bedroom to sleep?¡±


    ¡°I identally fell asleep while waiting for a phone call.¡± After saying that, he sat up, stretched out his


    hands and pulled her in for a hug. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asleep?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I got up to check on Jared.¡± She couldn¡¯t tell him that she had insomnia.


    Elliot just looked at her with an endearing gaze. ¡°Try to sleep early.¡± He then reassured her, ¡°I will go up


    to see him from time to time.¡±


    Hearing that, Anastasia, whose head was resting against his steady heartbeat, raised her chin slightly


    and said, ¡°You are so kind to Jared.¡±


    ¡°He really is like my own son, you know? I see a lot of myself in him,¡± Elliot uttered with sincerity as he


    lowered his head.


    She hooked her arms around his neck and took the initiative to kiss him on his cheek, surprising him.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of my son for me.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me for that. Isn¡¯t this what I am supposed to do?¡±


    Regardless, Anastasia was still grateful to Elliot, for hispany was a blessing to Jared.

 Chapter 462

    Chapter 462


    Chapter 462 You Will Be Mine Eventually


    It was at this exact moment Elliot¡¯s phone started ringing. At that, he swiftly turned to Anastasia and said,


    ¡°Go ahead and sleep.¡±


    Not wanting to bother him when he was on the phone, she went out of the room. She was already behind


    the door when she vaguely heard the man bark in a grave, furious tone, ¡°Is this how you do your job?!¡±


    Still in the presence of the gentle Elliot just seconds ago, Anastasia could feel her heart skip a beat at


    that.


    It only got harder for her to fall asleep after she went back to her room. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder


    what new troubles he was facing this time.


    ¡­


    Christmas Eve hade atst.


    Anastasia promised her father that she would bring Jared home only for dinner, not for lunch.


    After the boy had woken up from his sleep, Anastasia first made breakfast for him before she prepared


    lunch for Elliot, who she thought would only wake up at noon.


    It was already 11.30 AM in the blink of an eye.


    Anastasia got to the door of the master bedroom with light steps to see if the man was still sleeping. As


    she stood there, she gently twisted the doorknob before walking in as quietly as she could.


    Just like she had expected, he was still sound asleep in the king-sized bed covered in gray sheets. She


    was suddenly tempted to take a closer look at the man who rarely stayed in bedte.


    With that in mind, she trod wearily to the side of the bed like a kitten before she lightly propped her arms


    on the bed and leaned over to look at the man. She first noticed how his thick eyshes had cast


    graceful fan-like shadows under his eyes.


    She couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge that there were men out there that didn¡¯t even need to lift a finger,


    and could make people have bad intentions with just their sleeping faces alone.


    Anastasia had to swallow the drool that was threatening to spill as she looked at the man¡¯s sexy


    corbones peeking out from the cor of his pajamas. Not only that, she could see the outline of his


    ripped muscles even though his slender, but sturdy body was hidden from in sight by his pajamas.


    Thank you for creating this masterpiece of yours, God!


    Her head was filled with nonsensical thoughts when Elliot¡¯s eyelids suddenly shot open, and he stared


    straight into her eyes. She was so startled that her arms went soft and her whole body fell t on his


    chest.


    Anastasia started scampering to get up, but with a tug of his long arms wrapped around her waist, she


    had been moved onto the bed like a ragdoll.


    I only wanted to admire your looks for a bit! Even though she was thinking that, she started coaxing him,


    ¡°I won¡¯t disturb you. Go ahead and sleep a little longer.¡±


    Without saying a word, he buried his face in the crook of her neck and nted a kiss there.


    A tingle darted through her body but when she regained the strength in her limbs, she pushed him. ¡°I


    was wrong! I shouldn¡¯t have disturbed your sleep¡­ Please, spare me!¡±


    Despite her resistance, Elliot still proceeded to drag her under the nket warm with his body heat. She


    felt as muchfort as she felt the danger of it.


    This was what people meant when they said that men who had just woken up in the morning were


    dangerous.


    Elliot was like a naughty child still foggy from sleep when he caught her in his arms, and he kissed her


    anywhere and everywhere he could.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Elliot¡­¡± Anastasia whispered. She could feel how hot the man¡¯s body was against her as she pushed


    him away.


    After a long time of not saying a word, he finally protested in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s just a quick hug.¡±


    Hearing that, she couldn¡¯t help but grumble to herself, Quick hug, my foot!


    ¡°You will be mine eventually anyway,¡± he hummed as he pressed his lips to the crown of her head.


    He wanted to own her before she was officially his woman.


    However, Anastasia somehow managed to find a chance to get out of bed. Now that she was looking at


    the man who had sat up in bed, azy and seductive air surrounded him, and she thought it didn¡¯t seem


    like it would be a loss on her part if she were to jump him now.


    She quickly said, ¡°Uh¡­ I made lunch. How about you get up and eat something?¡±


    Rather than answering her, Elliot asked, ¡°When are you and Jared going home?¡±


    ¡°We are going in the afternoon.¡±


    The man lightly stretched before he flipped open the nket, and that was when Anastasia saw the sight


    that made her immediately turn around in embarrassment. Does he really see me as his wife or


    something already?! she gulped.


    Seeing that, Elliot began teasing her in a thuggish way, ¡°Why did you turn around? This thing here


    belongs to you.¡±


    Anastasia fled out the door the next second as she couldn¡¯t bear listening to him any longer.


    As she ran out, she could hear his brightughter echoing in the room.


    He sounded like a hooligan then.


    After she was done preparing his lunch, the man, dressed in a luxurious outfit, came sauntering down


    from the second floor like a noble king.


    He then asked, ¡°Where is Jared?¡±

 Chapter 463

    Chapter 463


    Chapter 463 Dinner With the Tillmans


    ¡°In the yroom on the third floor,¡± Anastasia answered as she brought out the food she whipped up.


    Elliot suddenly looked at her and said, ¡°Give your dad a callter and ask him if he would be okay with


    adding one more ce on the dining table tonight.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. ¡°You want to have dinner at my


    house?¡±


    ¡°I will go to your house for Christmas Eve, and you cane to my house on Christmas. Sounds good?¡±


    He was determined to go to her house tonight for the eve celebration.


    She didn¡¯t oppose his idea, so she swiftly nodded and said, ¡°Sure. I will inform my dad in a while.¡±


    As Francis had a busy job, he was still working overtime at hispany on Christmas Eve.


    Today, however, he was sitting here dealing with some personal affairs rather than the usual work


    matters. He was writing a will. Even though he wouldn¡¯t need it for the time being, he wanted to prepare


    himself in order to get certain things done, as he had had multiple health issues as ofte.


    Alex happened to be at the office to sign a document when he found out that Francis was still there as


    well. He then dropped by to greet his employer.


    As the younger man opened the door, he saw Francis looking at some document and quickly covering it


    with another document when he saw Alex walk in.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh¡ªthere you are, Alex!¡± Francis greeted him.


    ¡°It is Christmas Eve, President Tillman, and yet you are still working overtime.¡± Alex then caringly added,


    ¡°Please be mindful of your health.¡±


    ¡°I understand. You can go ahead and leave! Come back to work after Christmas.¡±


    Alex was an unusually sensitive person, and he had already noticed Francis¡¯ frantic behavior just now.


    But before he could say anything about it, Francis¡¯ndline began to ring.


    ¡°Hello? Okay. I will be down in a minute.¡± Francis stood up after finishing the call. ¡°I will make a trip to the


    warehouse. You can go home now!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you, president,¡± Alex offered, only to be rejected right off the bat.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I am only going to check a few samples of the materials.¡± Francis waited for


    Alex to leave his office with him, and he closed the door behind them.


    Alex then pretended as if he was walking toward the finance department. When he saw from the corner


    of his eye that Francis had entered the elevator, he turned around to see if he was alone before he


    prowled his way back to Francis¡¯ office.


    Francis was not one to lock his office door during the day, which made it easy for Alex to enter. When the


    latter reached the desk, he saw the hidden document that looked a lot like a will. Instead of spending his


    time going through it word by word, he took out his phone to take a photo of it instead.


    After he had finished taking photos of all three sheets of paper, he put the documents back to their


    original ce and scurried away.


    It was only after he returned to his car that he could be at ease to check the photos he took.


    A cold smile appeared on the corners of his mouth when he finished reading the contents of the will.


    Sure enough, Naomi had been spot-on with her worries. It seemed that Francis had no intention to hand


    over thepany to the mother-and-daughter duo¡ªAnastasia was the only heiress of thepany.


    Francis might have had it in his will to distribute the other assets to Naomi and her daughter, but none of


    those couldpare to thepany which had a worth of more than one billion.


    Alex was suddenly reminded of the trust the mother-and-daughter duo had in him. It seemed like he


    would have his share of Tillman Constructions as long as he could make Erica fall for him.


    At the same time, Francis was chatting with the employees in the warehouse when his phone rang. He


    took a nce at it before he reached out to pick it up. ¡°Hello, Anastasia! Are you home yet?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t started my journey yet, Dad. I called you to inform you that Elliot will being over tonight for


    dinner.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Francis¡¯ mood instantly lifted when he heard his daughter¡¯s words. It was his honor to have a


    guest such as Elliot. ¡±That¡¯s great! I will tell Naomi to prepare a feast to properly wee the Young


    Master!¡±


    After Francis cut the call with Anastasia, he immediately called his wife to inform her that Elliot was


    coming to their house for dinner. Naomi, of course, was taken aback as well.


    ¡°What? Young Master Elliot ising to our house for dinner? We have to prepare more food, then!¡±


    ¡°Prepare as much good food as you can. We can¡¯t afford to disrespect him,¡± Francis requested.


    As soon as the call ended, Naomi quickly instructed the servants to go to the supermarket again. Naomi


    had initially prepared some dishes that Anastasia didn¡¯t like after she knew that Anastasia wasing


    home. However, now that Elliot wasing over, she would not dare to offend the Young Master no


    matter how much she loathed Anastasia.


    What was more, it was a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to meet a man whose worth was hundreds


    of billions. She still had some other n up her sleeves.

 Chapter 464

    Chapter 464


    Chapter 464 Little Model


    Naomi then quickly called Erica, who had gone shopping in the early morning. Erica was so excited after


    she picked up the call and learned that Elliot wasing over that she almost passed out.


    ¡°Mom, is it true? Is Elliot reallying to our home?¡± she squealed.


    ¡°That is what your Dad told me. It must be true, then.¡±


    ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t talk now,¡± Erica suddenly said. ¡°I have to buy some clothes.¡± After she hung up the call, she


    dragged her friend along to ransack the boutique they were in for clothes.


    She was determined to dress her best for Elliot tonight.


    Even if all Elliot did was take a look at her a second longer, it would keep her happy for a very long time.


    Elliot received a call from Harriet, in which she told him that she was at Brenda¡¯s before she asked him if


    he woulde over. Needless to say, she was caught by surprise when he told her that he was going to


    have dinner with Anastasia¡¯s family.


    Oh, how she hoped that Elliot would quickly make Anastasia his wife!


    Around 3 PM, Anastasia dressed up her son like a fashionable and handsome child model.


    Elliot, too, had changed into a gray casual suit, with a dark-colored shirtyered with a vest. He looked


    just like an awe-inspiring young master of a powerful family from TV shows.


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t turn her gaze away after she raised her head to look at him. He probably would look


    good in a rag too, she mused.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Elliot held Jared by his hand as they went to the underground parking lot together. He chose


    one of his cars that had a child safety seat installed in it. Ever since he started bringing Jared along on


    drives, Elliot had thrown aside all his best sports cars.


    They looked just like a family of three on their way back to their parents¡¯ house.


    Francis had returned to the Tillman Residence earlier than he usually would. The whole ce had been


    cleaned thoroughly by the servants who had a feeling that someone of importance wasing tonight.


    Erica had been in her room upstairs the whole time fixing her makeup in the mirror and trying on one


    outfit after another. She wanted to pick the one she looked best in before she went downstairs.


    She finally heard the sound of a car engineing from outside. As she peeked from the second floor,


    she saw an impressive-looking sedan driving into thepound, and that was when her heart started


    thumping heavily against her chest.


    Elliot was finally here.


    Naomi had seen Elliot at her husband¡¯spany¡¯s annual celebration before. He was such a brilliant


    man that she couldn¡¯t help but hope that her own daughter would be blessed with the luck to marry him.


    However, her jealousy started bubbling away when she went out with her husband to wee their


    guests, only to see how much they looked like a family when Elliot carried Jared out of the car, while


    Anastasia got out from the other door.


    Naomi could never understand how Anastasia managed to tie a man like Elliot down.


    On top of that, they even brought along that b*stard child too!


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wee, Young Master Elliot!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Tillman,¡± Elliot greeted with a smile.


    The young boy he was holding, too, cheerfully called out, ¡°Grandpa!¡±


    Naomi had a fake smile stered on her face as she stood beside Francis. ¡°Young Master Elliot, we are


    d that you have decided to pay us a visit. Please,e in.¡±


    Elliot then nodded and thanked her.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Anastasia greeted her as well. She didn¡¯t want to embarrass Naomi in front of her father.


    ¡°Anastasia, make sure you take good care of Young Master Elliot while he is here,¡± Francis turned to


    Anastasia and said.


    Erica was finally satisfied with her makeup and outfit right around this time. As she walked down from the


    stairs on the second floor, she looked at Elliot, who was walking in, and greeted him excitedly, ¡°Young


    Master Elliot, you are here.¡±


    Elliot looked at her and gave a nod in acknowledgement. Anastasia then invited him to sit on the sofa,


    while she sat beside him and served him tea.


    Francis, however, suddenly remembered that they didn¡¯t have milk at home. He insisted on bringing


    Jared with him to buy some immediately.


    Anastasia felt slightly resigned at her father doting on her son.


    Naomi was getting annoyed looking at her husband but she, too, could only watch on as her husband


    pampered Anastasia¡¯s son.


    She secretly thought how nice it would be if her own daughter would hurry up and give birth to a son.


    Naomi then threw a knowing nce at her daughter before she went into the kitchen. Erica caught sight


    of that, and she immediately understood what her mother was signaling her to do. Out of nowhere, she


    had a burst of courage to get Elliot¡¯s attention.

 Chapter 465

    Chapter 465


    Chapter 465 Extraordinarily Sweet


    ¡°I will do it for you, Anastasia!¡± Erica, who usually called her sister by her full name, suddenly offered to


    help. Erica didn¡¯t dare show disrespect toward Anastasia now that Elliot was there. She needed to leave


    a good impression on him.


    After Anastasia obediently gave the teapot to Erica, she sat beside him before she grabbed a handful of


    cherries and passed them to him. ¡°Here.¡±


    Elliot then took one cherry out of her palm and popped it into his mouth. She, too, ate one as she looked


    at him. It was somewhat unbelievable to her just how elegant his movements were even when all he was


    doing was eating a cherry.


    How can a man look so graceful in everything he does? she wondered.


    He kept going until there wasn¡¯t a cherry left in her palm, so she went and grabbed another fistful for


    them to share. Erica was sitting across them making tea as she witnessed their soundless intimacy.


    She could die from jealousy right there and then.


    Elliot would only show this friendly side of his when he was with Anastasia.


    If it were any other women, he would have immediately put an unapproachable front by being his usual


    cold self.


    ¡°I bought the cherries! They are great, aren¡¯t they, Anastasia?¡± Erica asked abruptly. She wanted to


    remind them that she was there as well.


    Hearing that, Anastasia casually replied, ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± She stopped eating the cherries after that. Instead,


    she started peeling two oranges, and Elliot only ate what she peeled.


    He acted as though fruits that had been in her hands tasted sweeter.


    ¡°Please have some tea.¡± Erica served him a cup of tea. As soon as the cup was in his hand, he took a


    small sip of it before turning to Anastasia again.


    ¡°I want more oranges,¡± he murmured


    Anastasia swiftly took two more and began peeling one of them for him. Just as she was in the middle of


    it, the man suddenly put two peeled pieces of oranges into her mouth.


    She was startled at first, but she soon began to enjoy the sweetness erupting across her taste buds.


    Erica could only continue to watch their lovey-dovey act.


    ¡°Is it good?¡± he asked in a serious voice, and she nodded.


    At that, Anastasia hummed in reply. ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡±


    He then peeled another orange and brought it to her mouth again. With that, her mouth was full with that


    oh-so-sweet orange.


    Erica was starting to feel upset as she watched the couple. Despite how much effort she put into dolling


    herself up, the man had not spared her even one nce.


    As she felt weird about staying with them, she quickly stood up as she mumbled, ¡°Uh¡­ I will go to the


    kitchen for a bit.¡±


    Neither of them said anything to Erica in reply. Anastasia only proceeded to shove a whole orange she


    had just peeled into Elliot¡¯s mouth.


    Knowing that she did it intentionally, he bit the orange in half before sending the other half to her mouth.


    Anastasia instantly flushed as red as a tomato at that. She could never win every time she tried to tease


    him.


    Still, the orange he fed her tasted extraordinarily sweet.


    ¡°Does the orange that has been in my mouth taste good?¡± he leaned in next to her ear and asked,


    making her blush.


    Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Erica, who had gone into the kitchen, was visibly upset as she stood beside her mother, her lips pouting.


    Naomi could only look at her with sympathizing eyes.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Francis had returned with Jared. Not only did the young boy have milk with him,


    he was also carrying an expensive-looking toy robot.


    As soon as Anastasia saw it, she sternly asked, ¡°Jared, did you pester your Grandpa into buying you a


    toy?¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡± The boy¡¯s cheeks puffed up. ¡°Grandpa wanted to buy it for me.¡±


    Francis hurriedly added to back his grandson up. ¡°I bought it for Jared. He didn¡¯t pester me or anything. It


    is only normal to buy presents for children during Christmas, yes?¡±


    Elliot was still frivolously ying around with Anastasia just a second ago, but now, his back was as


    straight as a pole and a serious expression appeared on his face.


    Francis then sat down and poured more tea into Elliot¡¯s cup, and he warmly said to the younger man,


    ¡°Have some tea, Young Master Elliot.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Tillman, you can just call me by my name,¡± Elliot replied with a smile.


    ¡°Alright, then. Elliot it is!¡± Francis called out rather naturally. Truth was, he had already thought of Elliot as


    his son-inw.


    As the men conversed, Anastasia brought Jared beside her for some fruit. It was then that Francis was


    surprised by the resemnce between Elliot and Jared. Elliot looked exactly like Jared¡¯s biological


    father.


    Francis had never directly asked Anastasia about the identity of her son¡¯s real father. He never had the


    courage to do so either. He had always regretted the five years she went missing after he had


    misunderstood her.

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466


    Chapter 466 She Is Doing It on Purpose!


    The dinner was a feast. For someone as greedy for wealth and power as Naomi was, there was no way


    she would dare to underserve a man like Elliot.


    ¡°Mommy, I want some shrimp,¡± Jared said as he pointed to a shrimp dish.


    Hearing that, Anastasia washed her hand before she peeled some shrimps for her son. As she continued


    to get rid of the shell, Elliot suddenly brought his bowl over for Anastasia to ce a peeled shrimp into


    his bowl. He started to happily munch into it right after.


    Then, she continued to peel a few more for him. Naomi started to feel anxious as she looked at


    Anastasia seemingly assuming the role of Elliot¡¯s wife. Anastasia has got aplete hold on Elliot, she


    thought. This can be dangerous for Erica and I.


    As much as Erica was attracted to Elliot¡¯s gentle and handsome appearance, she loathed Anastasia for


    her deliberate show of affection.


    It was already past 8.00PM by the time they finished dinner, which also meant that it was time for Elliot to


    take Anastasia and Jared back to their own home.


    Francis went and saw them off at the door as he reminded them to drive slowly. Erica and Naomi had


    alsoe out to send their guests off.


    After watching the impressive sedan leave, Francis said to the mother and daughter, ¡°I will be back after


    a walk.¡±


    The instant he left, Erica finally exploded in irritation. ¡°Mom! Just look at how smug Anastasia was. She


    clearly was showing off their rtionship to us on purpose.¡±


    ¡°Anastasia was giving us a warning.¡± Naomi had held in a lot of rage as well. ¡°She is trying to make us


    think that she isn¡¯t an easy opponent, now that she has Elliot backing her up.¡±


    Erica started to grind her teeth as she growled, ¡°Mom, we cannot be afraid of her.¡±


    Her phone began to ring right at this moment. After taking a look at it, she angrily epted the call. ¡°Hey,


    Alex. Where have you been these 2 days? Why didn¡¯t you answer my call or reply to my messages?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, Erica. I¡¯ve been busy dealing with thepany¡¯s inventory. I didn¡¯t mean to not reply. I called


    you to tell you something.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I saw your dad write a will. I will send it to you now, and you can have it sent to your mom. Don¡¯t ever let


    your dad find out that this photo was secretly taken. I will definitely lose my job otherwise.¡±


    When she heard that, Erica immediately urged him to send the photo over. She couldn¡¯t wait to know the


    contents of the will that her father was preparing.


    ¡°Alright, I will send it over now.¡± Alex then hung up the phone.


    It only took a few seconds before Erica received three photos of the will via message. She quickly


    dragged her mother back to the living room and said, ¡°Mom, Alex secretly took photos of Dad¡¯s will.


    Come take a look.¡±


    They proceeded to read it word by word, and by the time they were done, their faces had turned pale


    from their anger.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Just like they had expected, Francis didn¡¯t leave even a small part of thepany to them.


    ¡°F*ck you, Francis!¡± Naomi hissed under her breath.


    Erica was starting to panic as well. ¡°What are we going to do, Mom? Dad has no intentions to give us the


    company at all. It is all going to Anastasia.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Erica. I won¡¯t let you live empty-handed. It seems like your Dad has never thought of people


    important to him, huh?¡± She scoffed. ¡°I finally see his true colors.¡± All those years Naomi had been


    Francis¡¯ wife suddenly seemed like nothing but a waste of time.


    ¡°What are we going to do, Mom?¡±


    ¡°Alex must be on our side since he is helping us. It is only a will. We can just change the contents.¡± A


    wicked look shed across Naomi¡¯s face.


    Francis¡¯ wealth andpany were the only reasons why she was married to him in the first ce. It


    would be a forever thorn in her heart if she ended up not getting anything at all.


    Naomi had a secret that she could never tell anyone, and it was exactly because of how dangerous the


    secret was that she needed to get Francis¡¯ property to make sure that she and her daughter were set for


    life.


    Anastasia felt at ease on the way back to Elliot¡¯s vi as they listened to songs while she enjoyed the


    bustling night view of the city outside the car window, whereas little Jared was quietly ying his Rubik¡¯s


    Cube under the dim lights in the car. Wealth and power were the least of her priority¡ªall she prayed for


    was peace and calm in her life.


    The car drove straight into thepound of the vi when they reached home. As soon as they arrived


    at the parking lot, Anastasia caught sight of a truck parked there in the dark. She couldn¡¯t tell what was in


    the back of the car.


    A magical scene suddenly appeared at this exact moment. The second a light suddenly lit up behind the


    truck, she could see a huge ss case decorated with balloons and flowers, and in it was a white sports


    car quietly parked there. It was an utterly romantic and luxurious sight to behold.

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467


    Chapter 467 The Source of the Problem


    Shocked, Anastasia couldn¡¯t help covering her mouth. The young boy beside her had seen it as well, and


    he eximed in surprise, ¡°Mommy, look!¡± Elliot¡¯s car hade to a stop beside the truck then. After he


    got out of the driver¡¯s seat, he went and opened the door Anastasia was at. ¡°Come on,¡± he said,


    prompting her to step out.


    Still astonished, she asked, ¡°Is this a gift from you?¡±


    ¡°This is the prize you won during the annual celebration!¡± He gazed at her with deep eyes and smiled.


    ¡°Of course the boss has to make ite true.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia went red in the face. She couldn¡¯t even begin to describe her joy. She had


    to admit that the man had his way of pleasing women.


    ¡°Okay! I will dly ept it, then.¡± She had stopped rejecting him out of courtesy because at some point,


    Anastasia was sure that Elliot was the one.


    She could take a present from him without feeling like she needed to justify her actions.


    ¡°Mommy, Mr. Presgrave is so kind to you!¡± Jared also said something nice on Elliot¡¯s behalf in hopes that


    she would be so touched she immediately agreed to marry him that night.


    Anastasia got out of the car, and after standing in front of the ss case to admire the new sports car,


    she got her phone and took a photo of it formemorative purposes.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°It iste now. I will apany you to test out the car tomorrow,¡± Elliot suggested.


    She quickly nodded and answered, ¡°Sure!¡± The car was exactly the way she liked it, in terms of both


    appearance and color.


    It was safe to say that she had fallen in love with it.


    Meanwhile, Aliona was at Lucas¡¯ vi that night. She was slightly angered when she questioned him,


    ¡°Did you go to Riley behind my back? Are you not afraid that Elliot will find out about our rtionship?¡±


    The man¡¯s face dimmed as he heard her usatory tone. ¡°Miss Dora, I suggest you finish your father¡¯s


    n as soon as you can!¡±


    ¡°What did Father say?¡± she asked again.


    ¡°He told me that you can¡¯t get yourself out of this as long as you don¡¯t get done with it. We are all going


    to die because of you.¡±


    Aliona felt her heart quiver at that. She knew full well that Riley raised her for the sole purpose of


    carrying out his n. Their ¡®father-daughter rtionship¡¯ wouldn¡¯t mean a thing, and could never save


    her life if she didn¡¯t do as he nned.


    Through gritted teeth, she told Lucas, ¡°I am already nning it out. I won¡¯t let Father wait too long.¡±


    Her face was glum after she came out of Lucas¡¯ vi. She asked her subordinate who was sitting beside


    her, ¡°How is the arrangement going?¡±


    ¡°We have done the necessary preparations. All we are doing now is wait for an opportunity to kidnap


    Anastasia¡¯s son.¡±


    ¡°n it out carefully,¡± she instructed with just a few words.


    Her goal this time was to target Anastasia¡¯s son because a child was easier to kidnap. Plus, Aliona


    detested Anastasia. She knew that kidnapping Anastasia¡¯s son would tear the woman apart, and if Elliot


    loved her, he would definitely try to save her son no matter what.


    Lucas¡¯ n this time involved a lot of risky operations, but she had to do it to get Riley out of prison as


    soon as she could.


    Back at Elliot¡¯s vi, Elliot received a call from the police right after he took a shower.


    ¡°Young Master Presgrave, please be informed that a close friend of your father¡¯s, Lucas Dora, hase


    to visit Riley Presgrave this afternoon.¡±


    His eyes showed a slight surprise after he heard the officer¡¯s words. Lucas and Riley grew up together,


    but Lucas cut off contact with him at ater time. Elliot had never expected that Lucas would drop by


    Riley¡¯s.


    Curious about what went on, Elliot asked, ¡°How did their conversation go?¡±


    ¡°They were just like old friends. They only greeted each other without saying anything of importance in


    particr.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Elliot hung up the phone. He began to recall what happened at thest charity auction held


    by Lucas. He kept thinking about which drink it was that must have beenced with drugs. It took him a


    while to finally remember how thest drink he had was brought to him by Lucas himself.


    That ss of alcohol was the true source of the problem.


    Elliot didn¡¯t understand why Lucas would help his daughter do such a shameless thing. Lucas used to be


    a top dog in the business world, until the moment his son had wasted and lost all the family fortune. He


    had been getting by in recent years through investments and connections he had made.


    Elliot truly hoped that Lucas wouldn¡¯t involve him in his ns.


    But then again, was Lucas really only greeting an old friend when he went to Riley, or did he have some


    other ideas up his sleeve?


    Elliot then immediately gave Rey a call. ¡°Investigate Lucas¡¯ son who is abroad for me and also, find out


    the blood rtion between Lucas and his illegitimate daughter, Aliona Dora.¡±

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468


    ¡°Understood, President Presgrave,¡± Rey answered.


    Announcing to the public that he had an illegitimate daughter after all these years of keeping a low profile


    didn¡¯t seem like something Lucas would do.


    Elliot suddenly realized that everything he knew about Lucas was from the years when his father was still


    alive, and would respectfully call Lucas his senior. Other than that, Elliot knew nothing about what Lucas


    had been doing in the past ten years.


    Anastasia had just taken a shower as she stood in front of the windows, which coincidentally granted her


    a view of the sports car downstairs. The white car carried a feeling of romance as the lights of the vi


    shone on it under the night sky,


    At the same time at the Tillman Residence, Francis had fallen into a deep sleep after he had a little bit to


    drink. On the other hand, Naomi, who sat beside him, would have loved to strangle the man to death.


    The chilling murderous intent in her eyes had long taken over her feelings for her husband.


    The air was filled with excitement for Christmas the day after Christmas Eve. Many children had started


    toe out to y and go shopping because this was a time when children could have fun and enjoy


    themselves.


    After Anastasia had breakfast, Jared told her that he wanted to go to the museum. She, too, knew that


    she couldn¡¯t bore him at home all day. It was necessary to bring him out to see and get a touch with the


    real world.


    Elliot could only apologetically say to them, ¡°I am afraid I can¡¯t keep youpany today. I have


    something important to attend to at thepany.¡±


    She only let out a light-hearted chuckle, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You have spent a lot of your time with


    Jared. I will take him out today.¡±


    ¡°I will have David and a few others go with you. They won¡¯t get in your way.¡± He was still worried about


    them going out by themselves.


    ¡°Alright!¡± She gave a nod of eptance. ¡°We¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    The mother and son set off at about 9.00AM with four bodyguards in tow, whereas Elliot and his


    bodyguards drove toward the direction of the Presgrave Group.


    The museum had a free entrance for a week. Anastasia held Jared by his hand as they walked in. There


    were a lot of people, and most of the visitors were children. The museum had also organized many fun


    events that children could take part in.


    ¡°Mommy, over there!¡± The boy swiftly pointed to the direction of the dinosaur museum.


    Anastasia let out a smile and nodded as she followed after her son. The bodyguards behind them made


    sure to blend in within the crowd, their eyes intently watching the mother and son.


    However, they failed to notice that there was also a group of people following them around. They were


    Aliona¡¯s goons who Riley had trained overseas. With their ruthlessness and professionalism, they were


    almost as skilled as trained assassins. They had finally found their chance to strike.


    They had twice the manpower this time. There were more than a dozen of them, both female and male,


    who were mingling around in the crowd. Their strategy this time was to besiege Anastasia and Jared.


    Anastasia was still clueless to the danger lurking all around them. The ce was crowded with children


    and parents. She could easily lose her child if she had stopped paying attention for a second. And so,


    she had her focus solely on Jared.


    A middle-aged woman who looked like a normal parent suddenly appeared and bumped into David. Just


    as David was about to walk past her, she suddenly stuck a needle into his waist before she injected a


    substance into him.


    ¡°You¡ª¡± David had already passed out before he managed to inform his colleagues through his earpiece.


    ¡°Darling¡­ Darling! What happened?!¡± The moment the woman acted like she was David¡¯s wife, two men


    rushed out and immediately brought him away from there.


    Three bodyguards in a different location had also been attacked. It was hard for Elliot¡¯s men to fight back


    when Aliona¡¯s goons were extremely well-versed in what they were doing.


    A couple suddenly appeared in front of Anastasia, blocking her view of her son.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± She hurriedly pushed them away and looked at where her son was.


    All she could see now was the dinosaur egg showcase. Jared had disappeared from where he was at


    just a moment ago.


    ¡°Jared? Jared!¡± she directly yelled into the crowd, looking for him.


    She went around the whole ce once, but she still couldn¡¯t find her son. What she didn¡¯t know was that


    there was a man carrying a young boy who was covered in a coat somewhere not far away. The boy was


    none other than Jared.


    Anastasia went to a staff member who was on patrol and anxiously blurted, ¡°Have you seen my son? He


    has a blue down jacket on, and he is about this tall.¡±


    ¡°Miss, did you child go missing? Please calm down, there are a lot of children here today. We will find


    him for you.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469


    Thedyforted her.


    Anastasia, however, remained terrified. It was far too sudden. In just a blink of an eye, Jared had


    vanished.


    She turned around and saw that David and his men were no longer around. What happened? They¡¯ve


    been following me all along!


    Anxiously, she took her phone out and called Elliot.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Elliot, have David and his men returned yet? Jared has gone missing! He vanished before my eyes!¡±


    Anastasia was about to lose it and her voice was trembling nervously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, Anastasia. I¡¯ll contact David now, alright?¡± Elliot tried to console her. ¡°You look around first


    while I give him a call.¡±


    After ending the call, Anastasia went to the broadcasting area with the staff. She called Jared¡¯s name


    several times over the broadcast and asked him to approach the staff and return to her once he heard


    the broadcast.


    At the same time, all staff were reminded to keep an eye out for any child dressed simrly to Jared.


    While the broadcaster was still speaking, Anastasia¡¯s phone rang. She picked it up right away when she


    saw it was Elliot who called. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Something must have happened to Jared, Anastasia. I can¡¯t contact David and his men at all. Jared


    might have been kidnapped. I¡¯m rushing to the museum now.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Hearing that, Anastasia felt as though all her energy was drained and she almost dropped her


    phone to the floor. A staff member nearby immediately held her when he saw that. ¡°Miss, are you okay?¡±


    With reddened eyes, she begged the staff, ¡°My son has been abducted! Please show me the


    surveince video!¡±


    In the meantime, Elliot was on his way to the museum as well. When his car came to a stop in front of a


    traffic light, he could hear his phone ring, and he answered it immediately as he assumed that the caller


    was Anastasia. ¡°Hello?¡± Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Anastasia¡¯s son is in our hands, Elliot Presgrave. Don¡¯t you dare inform the police! Follow our


    instructions or otherwise, Anastasia will never get to see her son again.¡± It was a male voice, clearly


    generated by a voice-changing device.


    Elliot¡¯s car immediately braked, almost colliding with the car behind him. After a brief pause, he calmly


    responded, ¡°What exactly do you want me to do? I can give you whatever you want as long as you don¡¯t


    harm the child.¡±


    Elliot knew fully well that this kidnapper, or the group of them, kidnapped Jared all because of him.


    At the same time, a man approached his window and violently knocked on it. Elliot¡¯s earlier brake almost


    caused this man to collide with him.


    After a few knocks, the man was met with Elliot¡¯s terrifying cold stare. That startled him, and he quickly


    took a few steps back and walked away after spewing some vulgarities.


    Elliot had a gloomy yet ruthless expression as he heard the conditions on the other end of the phone call.


    ¡°First and foremost, Elliot Presgrave, you tell Anastasia not to notify the police. We can¡¯t guarantee this


    child¡¯s safety if we are being pursued by the police. We¡¯ll contact you after that.¡±


    And the person hung up the call right after he finished his words.


    Elliot immediately dialed Anastasia¡¯s number. At the same time, she was watching the surveince


    footage in the security room, where she witnessed Jared being carried away in a matter of seconds. The


    two men who had previously blocked her vision were the kidnapper¡¯s aplices. She also saw how


    David and his men passed out before being carried away.


    Such arge-scale kidnapping plot stunned the security guards as well. Anastasia, who was on the verge


    of copsing, received a phone call at this precise moment. ¡°Jared has indeed been kidnapped.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Anastasia. I¡¯ve just received a phone call from the kidnapper. They are after me, not Jared.


    Don¡¯t call the police first. I¡¯ll bring Jared back safely.¡± Elliot¡¯s calm voice resonated from the phone.


    Anastasia¡¯s mind went nk for a few seconds before she asked, ¡°What do they want from you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already instructed Rey to get you; follow him first. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll do everything I can to protect


    Jared.¡±


    Anastasia felt her heart tighten when she heard Elliot¡¯s words. This group of kidnappers clearly had this


    incident well-nned. If Elliot went straight to them to save Jared, would Elliot be able to survive?

 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470


    ¡°Elliot¡­¡± She began to cry out in fear, and tears fell from her eyes. She wanted both Jared and Elliot to


    be safe.


    ¡°Be patient and wait for my updates.¡± He hung up the call right after that.


    At the same time, a staff member approached her and asked if she wanted to notify the police. Trying


    hard to keep her emotions in check, Anastasia responded, ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I know that person.¡±


    Since that was the case, the staff did not ask further too, as they did not want to shoulder any


    unnecessary responsibilities.


    Anastasia then quickly walked out from the office. When she reached downstairs, Rey was already


    waiting for her.


    ¡°Rey, do you know who is behind this kidnapping?¡± she asked anxiously the moment she got in the car.


    Rey¡¯s face was tense as well. ¡°We are looking into it. We don¡¯t know much about the kidnappers right


    now, but Riley is likely involved. The abductors did not appear to be locals.¡±


    ¡°What does Riley want? Elliot¡¯s life?¡± Anastasia continued asking.


    ¡°Riley has always wanted to seize the Presgrave Group. Hence, even if they had President Presgrave


    with them, they would not harm him for the time being.¡± Rey tried tofort Anastasia. After all, she had


    never encountered anything like this before.


    But her fists remained tightly clenched and the fear in her heart never subsided. Where¡¯s Jared now? Will


    they hurt him? Is he scared?


    Meanwhile, Jared was on a yacht which had just sailed. His small figure sat in one corner of the room,


    with his limbs not tied as he had nowhere to escape to.


    At this moment, a woman walked in. Aliona wasn¡¯t afraid of exposing herself this time, as this was


    already her final step. Even if Elliot knew she was the mastermind, he would never be able to escape


    alive.


    ¡°Howe Anastasia¡¯s son resembles Elliot?¡± She snorted with resentment.


    ¡°Who are you? Why did you kidnap me? I¡¯m not afraid of you at all!¡± Jared bravely stared at her.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared I¡¯ll kill you, kiddo?¡± Ariona held his chin with her hand, her sharp fingernails slicing


    across his face.


    That immediately caused blood to well on Jared¡¯s face. Arrogantly, sheughed. ¡°It¡¯s painful, right?¡±


    ¡°Shame on you for bullying a child!¡± Jared yelled.


    That made her sneer. ¡°I would have thrown you into the sea to feed the sharks if I hadn¡¯t needed you for


    Elliot toe.¡±


    She was well aware that Anastasia would live a miserable life if Jared died.


    Jared¡¯s eyes showed some surprise when he heard that. Mr. Presgrave ising to rescue me?


    Aliona then entered the control room. All those who were here, and there were at least twenty of them,


    were her subordinates. They were all preupied with their tasks, preparing to deal with Elliotter.


    ¡°Miss Dora, Elliot¡¯s yacht has departed. We can exchange this child with him in three hours.¡±


    ¡°All of you have to be extra careful. Elliot¡¯s security team isn¡¯t easy to deal with. Besides, I¡¯ve heard that


    the Presgrave Group has ties to the aviation industry, and they have exceptional surveince.¡± In fact,


    Aliona had a deep admiration for Elliot because he was unquestionably the best of all men. If they hadn¡¯t


    been on opposing sides, she would have married him.


    Meanwhile, Anastasia was in a hotel near the pier. She had just learned that the location requested by


    the kidnappers for the exchange of hostages was on the sea, but they had not specified which area.


    She was already tensed to the point of going insane over any updates.


    Rey found some help to track the kidnappers too. Anastasia was watching them as they worked in the


    hotel room usingplicated devices, appearing to be locating Elliot¡¯s yacht while tracking the


    kidnapper¡¯s.


    ¡°President Presgrave only brought two bodyguards with him, and they were brought there only to take


    Jared away. He intends to face the kidnapers alone,¡± Rey updated her.


    That made Anastasia¡¯s legs wobble, forcing her to support herself by holding on to the table beside her.


    Does Elliot have any confidence toe back alive?


    At this instant, one of the men in the room spoke. ¡°We found the kidnappers¡¯ yacht!¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 471

    Chapter 471


    ¡°Zero in and check the situation.¡± Anastasia anxiously followed Rey as he approached the man. She


    noticed a camera zooming in on a specific location until an image of several kidnappers on guard on the


    deck appeared. The camera then shifted, but there was no sign of Jared. Suddenly, the camera focused


    on a woman sipping tea on the third level of the deck.


    Despite the fact that the camera didn¡¯t show the image clearly, Anastasia recognised the woman on the


    screen right away. Shocked, she eximed, ¡°Aliona? That is Aliona Dora!¡±


    Rey, too, was taken aback. When the camera zoomed in, he recognised the woman as Aliona, who was


    sipping coffee. Two of her men approached her, apparently reporting something, but they couldn¡¯t hear


    what they said. They had only the images.


    ¡°The kidnappers were all under her?¡± Anastasia asked in disbelief. She could not believe that Aliona was


    the one behind all these.


    She hates me, but why does she want to kidnap my son? And why does she want Elliot to go?


    What is her ultimate motive?


    One thing troubled Anastasia so much that she almost couldn¡¯t breathe. Since Aliona hated her, how


    would Aliona treat her son?


    ¡°Jared will definitely be abused by her!¡± She grabbed at her chest. Her heart was in excruciating pain.


    While Rey, standing beside, could only console her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Tillman. She will not do anything


    to Jared before President Presgrave agrees to her requests.¡±


    ¡°There are only 100 nautical miles from the international seas now. Perhaps the kidnappers want the


    exchange of hostages to be done on international seas.¡±


    Since Jared went missing, every second has felt like a torment for Anastasia.


    ¡°Rey, what do you think Aliona wants from Elliot?¡±


    At this precise moment, Rey received a message, which he read immediately. After reading it, he finally


    understood everything.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I have just received unofficial information that Aliona is not Lucas¡¯ illegitimate child; they are not rted.


    Perhaps she was someone on Riley¡¯s side, and everything she is doing now is to seize the Presgrave


    Group for him. As to what they want from President Presgrave, perhaps they intend to have him sign


    some contracts in their favor.¡±


    ¡°Just like how Riley wanted Elliot to sign the contract transferring half of Presgrave Group¡¯s shares


    previously? But Elliot is in their hands this time. Will they hurt him after he signs the contract?¡± The more


    Anastasia thought about it, the more afraid she became. Elliot was Harriet¡¯s only grandson. If anything


    happened to him, how would the entire Presgrave Family survive?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. President Presgrave has his way for sure.¡±


    Just as Rey finished his words, his phone rang. ¡°It¡¯s from President Presgrave.¡±


    He then took Anastasia to another room to answer the call, which he turned on the speaker immediately.


    ¡°President Presgrave!¡±


    ¡°Is Anastasia with you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± she immediately responded.


    ¡°You all should know by now that Aliona is the one behind the kidnapping. If I¡¯m not wrong, she is


    working for Riley. I will get Jared back safely.¡±


    ¡°How about you? How are youing back?¡± Anastasia asked, her voice choked with sobs.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be safe,¡± Elliot calmly promised.


    ¡°We have located Aliona¡¯s yacht, President Presgrave. But we can¡¯t hear any sound. All we can see is


    some images. We will get you out as fast as possible.¡±


    ¡°Good. However, do not act until Jared is safe. Follow the n, and keep in mind that saving Jared is the


    top priority,¡± Elliot stated authoritatively, as if Jared¡¯s life was more important than his.


    Anastasia, on the other hand, could no longer contain her tears. She covered her lips and tried to


    conceal her crying, fearing that Elliot would be worried about her.


    Rey felt sorry for her when he saw her in this manner. ¡°President Presgrave, please hold on as long as


    you can. We will try our best to save you.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let me have a word with Anastasia.¡±


    Rey then left the room after passing the phone to her.


    In the quiet room, Elliot could hear her sobbing. ¡°Can you talk now? If you can¡¯t, we can talk after you


    calm down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright. You can talk now!¡± She sniffed, forcing herself to calm down, but her voice remained hoarse.

 Chapter 472

    Chapter 472


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Jared will be fine.¡±


    ¡°How about you? I worry about you as well, you know, not just Jared,¡± she said in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°I will be fine too. Trust me.¡± Heughed, trying to ease her worries.


    ¡°Promise me, Elliot, that you wille back safely.¡±


    ¡°Is there any reward for returning safely?¡± he suddenly asked in a serious tone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get married when you¡¯re back. I will marry you and be your wife!¡± Anastasia answered decisively.


    That surprised Elliot. ¡°Are you saying it for real? You¡¯ll marry me as long as I return safely?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m not deceiving you.¡± Anastasia was equally serious. She was willing to do anything as long as he


    returned safely to her.


    Can he, though? Can he escape from Riley¡¯s men without any harm?


    All of the kidnappers were well-trained, and their abilities were not to be underestimated.


    ¡°Deal. I¡¯ll crawl back to earth to marry you even if I¡¯m in Hell.¡± Elliot¡¯s tone was solemn, and it was as if he


    were swearing an oath.


    However, that scared her. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to crawl back, Elliot. I want you to walk back, safe and


    sound.¡±


    Crawling back meant he lost an arm or a leg. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of it because it made her


    heart race with fear and insecurity.


    ¡°I know. I promise to walk back to you.¡± Elliotughed, as if he had infinite motivation to keep his


    promise.


    For the next two hours, Anastasia had no idea what she was doing. Her mind was on the verge of


    copsing and she didn¡¯t take her gaze away from the surveince camera for even a second,


    asionally catching a glimpse of Elliot on the deck of his boat. However, no matter how hard she


    stared at the screen, she couldn¡¯t see Jared.


    ¡°President Presgrave is only ten nautical miles from them now. They will be exchanging the hostages


    soon.¡±


    Rey and Anastasia tensed up and focused on the screen as soon as they heard that. Finally, the two


    ships appeared to be only a hundred miles apart. Elliot¡¯s yacht arrived quickly at Aliona¡¯s, and from the


    screen, Aliona greeted him personally with a wide and polite smile.


    Meanwhile, on the two yachts on the international seas, Aliona saw Ellioting down from his yacht.


    She was wearing a figure hugging dress that made her appear graceful. She knew that she couldn¡¯t


    conceal her identity any longer.


    ¡°Elliott, we don¡¯t need to go this far.¡± Aliona exhaled a sigh. She could finally feel like she had him under


    control.


    ¡°Give me the child.¡± Elliot red at her. ¡°You can deal with me in any way you want.¡±


    A tinge of hatred shed through her eyes when she heard that. How did Anastasia captivate him to the


    point where he is willing to sacrifice himself to save her son? Her son is not even rted to him!


    Aliona pped and within seconds, her bodyguard brought a child out from the cabin. When Jared saw


    Elliot, the boy was so surprised that he eximed right away, ¡°Mr. Presgrave!¡±


    Elliot¡¯s gaze was fixed on Jared¡¯s face and when the man noticed the blood on Jared¡¯s face, he red


    venomously at Aliona. Aliona sensed ruthlessness in his gaze, which terrified her. She quickly exined,


    ¡°He was disobedient, so I taught him a lesson. Nothing else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mr. Presgrave.¡± Jared did not want Elliot to worry about him.


    ¡°How do I get this child back?¡± Elliot asked calmly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hand him over to your men while youe to me. The rest of your life is up to me,¡± Aliona said


    calmly. She bet everything she had this time toplete her mission, so she had to be ruthless.


    Elliot then approached her men. There were tens of them on the deck now,pared to Elliot¡¯s two


    bodyguards. In addition, Jared was present. Elliot, she reasoned, would not dare to do anything.


    After all, Jared¡¯s life might be endangered if the situation got chaotic.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Walking over to Aliona, Elliot voluntarily extended his hands for her men to tie.


    ¡°Pass them the child. Otherwise, I¡¯ll hunt you down using all I have.¡± His words were like a curse or spell


    hovering over her heart.

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    Chapter 473


    Aliona waved her hand and Jared was released immediately. However, he ran straight to Elliot.


    ¡°Why are you tied, Mr. Presgrave? I don¡¯t want you to be tied by them just to save me. She¡¯s an evil


    woman!¡± With an angry expression, Jared pointed at Aliona.


    Though Elliot¡¯s hands were sped, he was still as unyielding as usual when he squatted down. He


    looked at Jared solemnly and said, ¡°Jared, return to your mommy. I will be fine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you behind, Mr. Presgrave. Let¡¯s leave together. I don¡¯t want to leave without you!¡±


    Jared hugged Elliot and started crying anxiously.


    Elliot then used this opportunity to signal to his men and one of his bodyguards, Ricky, rushed over and


    grabbed Jared. Jared, on the other hand, struggled to get away, attempting to pry open Ricky¡¯s grip and


    refusing to leave. Hence, Ricky had no choice but to forcibly remove him from the yacht.


    Jared¡¯s cry could still be heard in the air. ¡°Mr. Presgrave! Mr. Presgrave¡­¡±


    When Elliot heard Jared¡¯s cries, he felt his heart ache and tears welled up in his eyes as well. Jared was


    akin to his own son. To him, both of them were rted by blood.


    That made Aliona sneer. ¡°What an emotional father-son duo! You should know by now how you would be


    treated here, Elliot.¡±


    She then ordered, ¡°Retract the suit against my father and return him his freedom!¡±


    A phone was handed to Elliot. At the same time, a sniper was aiming at the three people who had just


    left the yacht.


    Elliot¡¯s gaze dimmed when he saw that. He took the phone and called Captain Anderson. When the


    phone was answered, Elliot said calmly, ¡°Captain Anderson, I want to retract my allegations against myProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    uncle, Riley. Please release him three dayster.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that you want to forgo the investigation of the incident that year, Young Master Elliot?¡±


    ¡°Yes. My uncle is not the suspect,¡± Elliot replied in a serious tone.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll arrange for his release.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± After hearing that, Aliona kept the phone, feeling satisfied. She then signaled to her


    bodyguards. ¡°Let them off. We¡¯ll leave right now.¡±


    Anastasia, who was watching everything through the surveince camera, was crying at this point. She


    witnessed Elliot¡¯s sacrifice to save her son. The man now had his hands tied, and he was like a helpless


    beast who had sumbed to Aliona.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, your son is safe now. I will send someone to get him. Now, let us handle the rescuing of


    President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Elliot¡­ Please save him!¡± Anastasia pleaded with Rey and the group of men with him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We won¡¯t let anything happen to President Presgrave.¡± Rey nodded. He appeared to be


    extra calm.


    Anastasia then rested in a corner as she waited for Jared to return. However, her heart was still troubled


    over Elliot¡¯s safety. She wanted both of them to be safe.


    Meanwhile, Jared was already with the rescue team.


    At this moment, the surveince team reported that their tracking on Aliona¡¯s yacht was lost. She had


    cunningly sailed into the waters of a country with a signal interception system, effectively blocking all of


    their tracking signals. Hence, under the protection of that country, she and Elliot vanished from their


    radar.


    Rey did not expect Aliona to be this cunning too. He took his phone to a corner and dialed a series of


    numbers. ¡°Hello?¡± On the other end of the line was a man¡¯s cold voice.


    ¡°Sorry to disturb you, Young Master Weiss. I need your help concerning President Presgrave¡¯s life.¡±


    ¡°What? Elliot endangered his own life?¡± The man on the other side of the phone was shocked.


    ¡°Yes. He needs your assistance now.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡±


    ¡°He was now kidnapped into the waters of Dansbury. We have no idea if he is still alive. Please enlist the


    assistance of Young Master Lloyd as well in order to save President Presgrave.¡±


    ¡°Just how did he get himself into such a situation?¡± Arthur sighed. ¡°Give me hisst tracked location.¡±

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474


    Rey felt relieved after that and immediately sent Elliot¡¯sst known location to Arthur. The former knew


    that if Arthur and Richard intervened, Elliot¡¯s chances of survival would improve dramatically.


    Truth was, Rey was unsure of their identities because he had only seen them on the phone. Both of them


    were Elliot¡¯s close friends who had been through life and death with him. Despite living quietly in some


    parts of the world, they had exceptional wealth and abilities.


    Before Elliot left, he had instructed Rey to not contact these two guys unless absolutely necessary. But


    now, Rey was terrified of how things had turned out, and he had no choice but to enlist the duo¡¯s


    assistance.


    On Aliona¡¯s yacht, she was sitting on the sofa in the living room, staring at the man who was tied on the


    bed. She was unwilling to kill him, as she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of him dying too.


    ¡°Elliot, if you listen to me and have a child with me, I can beg Father to let you off the hook. We can then


    spend the rest of our lives together.¡± After she finished her words, she approached him and raised his


    chin with her finger. Her gaze seemed to be questioning him.


    Elliot, on the other hand, had a razor-sharp gaze that made anyone who looked at him nervous.


    Aliona continued, feeling irritated, ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. If you want to live, you can only do what I


    just said.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not qualified to have my child,¡± he replied coldly and turned his face to the side to break away


    from her fingers.


    That made Aliona grit her teeth in rage. She looked at his angr brows and nose, and he appeared


    exceptionally wild and unruly to her.


    But his personality was particrly appealing to her. He was so seductive that she couldn¡¯t bear the


    thought of killing him.


    ¡°Do you really want to die, Elliot? Whether you want it or not, I¡¯ll be pregnant with your child, and the


    child will inherit the Presgrave Group. Father will undoubtedly see to it!¡± Aliona yelled, as if she were


    insane. She then grabbed Elliot¡¯s face and tried to kiss him hard.


    However, he gave her a warning look, which terrified her. Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Seeing that, she held back her urge of kissing him and reluctantly let go of his face. ¡°What do you like


    about Anastasia? Am I not better than her?¡±


    To that, he did not answer. Aliona was so iparable to Anastasia that Elliot did not even see the need


    to answer her question.


    ¡®You better think it through, Elliot, whether you want to let me get pregnant naturally or through the


    doctor¡¯s method. Aliona then mmed the door and walked away after she said that.


    Elliot closed his eyes, gauging how much time had passed. By now, Anastasia should have gotten Jared,


    and he felt relieved thinking of that.


    As for his own safety, he figured that Rey had informed his two friends.


    Elliot did not want to alert the two friends of his unless it was absolutely necessary. But, clearly, the


    situation now warranted that, and he would undoubtedly be mocked by them when he saw themter.


    No, he reasoned. Instead of waiting for them, he decided to flee on his own when the opportunity arose


    in order to preserve his dignity.


    A ck helicopter was rising in a huge castle in Flor.


    At the same time, the chairman seat in Yelina¡¯s military meeting was empty. The man who was on this


    seat had left.


    Anastasia was standing at the pier, her tears flowing as she looked at the yacht which was less than a


    hundred meters away from her. When the yacht arrived at the port, the bodyguard lowered Jared, and


    the boy immediately ran toward her.


    ¡°Mommy? Mommy!¡± Jared yelled while running, his eyes reddened.


    The two of them then hugged each other tightly. Anastasia repeatedly kissed him, trying to make sure


    that he was fine.


    But when she saw the red mark on his face, her heart ached, as if it had been stabbed with a knife.


    ¡°Who hurt your face?¡± she asked as she suppressed her rage.


    ¡°The evil woman! She even kidnapped Mr. Presgrave!¡± Jared answered with tears in his eyes. ¡°Mommy,


    please save Mr. Presgrave. He¡¯s in danger!¡±


    ¡°Rey is saving him. Don¡¯t worry. Nothing will happen to him. Let¡¯s go back to the hotel first.¡± Anastasia


    carried Jared in her arms andforted him. However, her words could not put herself at ease either.

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475


    Chapter 475 Fight With Me Alone


    Jared had just been kidnapped and he must have been frightened by it. Hence, Anastasia could not let


    anything to terrify him further.


    She was sitting on the bed, wiping Jared¡¯s face with a wet towel. She feltpelled to kill the vicious


    woman, Aliona, after seeing her child¡¯s tender face that had a visible red mark on it. How dare she injure


    Jared?


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mommy, but Mr. Presgrave was taken away by them.¡± While Jared was speaking, his tears


    dropped from his beautiful eyes. He had been crying all his way back.


    Anastasia¡¯s tears welled up as well when she saw that. However, she knew that crying couldn¡¯t solve


    anything, so she turned around. Wiping her tears off, she reced it with a smile. ¡°Jared, Mr. Presgrave


    is good at everything. He¡¯ll be back safely. We have to trust him.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡± Jared wasforted and nodded his head.


    While hugging and kissing her child, Anastasia swore she would never let him experienced such terror


    again. The incident this time had almost scared her to death.


    Jared was, after all, only four years old. He was exhausted from crying for so long and he finally fell


    asleep in her arms, with tears still on his face. Her heart was aching for him when she saw him in this


    manner.


    Anastasia then covered him with a nket and apanied him on the sofa, fearing that he would have


    a nightmare.


    Meanwhile, Aliona¡¯s yacht had arrived at the pier. Elliot was taken to a scienceboratory, where Aliona


    had arranged for herself to get impregnated with Elliot¡¯s son. After Elliot was killed, she could then bring


    her son back as Elliot¡¯s legitimate heir and send him to Harriet to be the sessor of the Presgrave


    Group.


    She looked at the man in theboratory who was handcuffed in front of her. Despite his current situation,


    he maintained his domineering demeanor. His face still bore the marks left by the bodyguards when heText ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    refused to exit the yacht earlier.


    As a result of his refusal to cooperate, Elliot was beaten up by them. Aliona had no say over it as they


    only followed Riley¡¯s instructions. Thus, they would not treat Elliot better simply because of what she


    said.


    Furthermore, Riley¡¯s right hand, Paul, had a crush on her. He undoubtedly treated Elliot harsher because


    of that.


    Aliona walked into theboratory with a towel in her hand. ¡°Elliot, you¡¯d best be cooperative. They don¡¯t


    entirely listen to me.¡±


    Just as Aliona was about to wipe his face, Elliot coldly rejected her. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡±


    ¡°I just want to wipe your face.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that. Piss off!¡± He was unappreciative of her help and merely gave her a cold stare.


    That annoyed her. At this moment, Paul entered and scoffed at him. ¡°Miss Dora is kind enough to be


    polite to you. You had better be grateful.¡±


    He immediately punched Elliot in the chest, to which thetter only grunted. Hence, Paul was unsatisfied.


    He continued tosh out at Elliot with another punch. Seeing that, Aliona immediately pulled him away.


    ¡°Paul, don¡¯t hit him!¡±


    ¡°Miss Aliona, he¡¯ll be useless after tonight. You don¡¯t need to feel sorry for him,¡± Paul said, his tone


    emotionless.


    Elliot raised his head and his gaze appeared to be one of a predator¡¯s. If he wasn¡¯t tied up, he would


    have ripped Paul into pieces.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a big deal after all!¡± Paul spitted mockingly.


    ¡°If you¡¯re that good, fight with me alone.¡± With his teeth gritted, Elliot tried to provoke Paul.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it, then. I¡¯m not afraid of you at all. I¡¯m going to step on you and have you lick my shoes.¡± As


    Paul was one of the Bauer Mercenary Group, he had absolute confidence in himself.


    Elliot responded with only a cold stare, as if inviting Paul to have a fight with him.


    A tinge of mockery shed in Paul¡¯s eyes before he turned and left theboratory. After he left, Aliona


    turned and looked at Elliot. ¡°Don¡¯t provoke him anymore. He can be really ruthless.¡±


    She then shamelessly continued, ¡°We will be together tonight, and we will do whatever it takes to have a


    child, whether you are willing or not.¡±


    Elliot looked through her with disgust when he heard that. In his mind, he only had one woman, one who


    could never be reced.


    It waste at night and Paul was in his room, wiping his saber. He was in a provoked state.


    Remembering that Elliot was about to die, he wanted to prove himself to Elliot. After all, he was


    competitive by nature.

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476


    If he could defeat the reputable Elliot, it would be the most glorious moment of his life.


    ¡°Bring Elliot to the courtyard. I¡¯m going to teach him a lesson.¡±


    ¡°Paul, he needs to be with Miss Dora tonight to¡­¡±


    Paul¡¯s expression turned awful when he heard that because he had been having a crush on Aliona for


    the past three years. Knowing that she was about to offer herself to Elliot and coupled with the fact that


    Elliot was being unappreciative, Paul was burning with rage.


    ¡°I¡¯ll spare his life.¡± Paul merely wanted to vent his anger, and he was dying to vent it on Elliot.


    And so, his man immediately went to bring Elliot over for his higher-up to do so.


    In an open area in the courtyard, Elliot was brought out, with his limbs remained chained. Paul found that


    unchallenging, so he instructed, ¡°Release him.¡±


    ¡°Paul, what if¡ª¡±


    However, Paul was full of himself. Hence, he did not believe that Elliot could defeat him. With that, he


    sneered. ¡°How would such a pampered young master defeat me? Guard by the side, and if he dares to


    flee, teach him a lesson.¡±


    Six of his men then stood beside them, waiting to witness their battle. Elliot, on the other hand, was


    dressed in a ck coat, a vest and a ck shirt inside. He exuded ruthlessness in the midst of the


    darkness.


    For a brief moment, Paul was concerned when he noticed Elliot¡¯s chains had been removed. He knew


    that Elliot was not someone to be underestimated. Paul had, however, boasted in front of his men, and


    he had no choice but to continue for the sake of his dignity.


    ¡°Come on, Elliot. I¡¯ll let you have the chance to challenge me,¡± Paul said, his voice cold.


    To that, Elliot agilely removed his coat, revealing his sturdy build. His muscles beneath his shirt could


    vaguely be seen under the moonlight.


    ¡°Come on,¡± he responded nonchntly.


    Paul¡¯s fists were clenched tightly. He was dying to teach Elliot a lesson and beat him to a pulp right now.


    It would be even better if Aliona could see it so that she would know he wasn¡¯t inferior to Elliot. Paul


    hoped to win her approval as well as her love after this.


    Meanwhile, Elliot took advantage of Paul¡¯s love for Aliona to obtain such an opportunity. He secretly


    scanned his surroundings, looking for anything that could help him.


    The courtyard was dead silent at this point, leaving only the sound of the breeze ruffling.


    Finally, Paul yelled and dashed toward Elliot, but Elliot easily avoided him. His ease in avoiding Paul¡¯s


    attack astounded Paul, who began to feel an unknown fear of such an opponent.


    Just how capable this man, being the young master of the Presgraves, is?


    Paul hated Elliot¡¯s face the most. His appearance was so perfect that Paul had the urge to destroy it.


    With that, he raised his fist, preparing to give Elliot¡¯s face a hard punch.


    All his strength was exerted in that punch. However, his fist was about to strike Elliot in the face when his


    wrist was grabbed by a powerful palm. The palm had so much strength in it that it made Paul¡¯s bones


    ache. Seeing that his action stopped, Elliot immediately flipped him over his shoulders.


    That caused Paul to lie t on the ground. He couldn¡¯t care less about the pain in his back and he stood


    up immediately, ready for another fight. However, he felt an excruciating pain in his clenched left hand.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had training, haven¡¯t you, Elliot?¡± Paul clenched his teeth and his eyes were filled with rage.


    ¡°Are you afraid now?¡± Elliot sneered. His sneer exuded an inexplicable aura that made one fearful amidst


    the cold wind.


    Paul¡¯s subordinates, who were standing off to one side, started to guard against Elliot.


    ¡°Afraid of you? Dream on!¡± A provoked Paul attacked again. He kicked his leg and started a hand-to-


    handbat with Elliot.


    In a hand-to-hand fight, fighting skills and quick reaction were crucial. Everyone present could see that


    Elliot was equal to, if not better than, Paul in terms of agility and strength.


    Yet, Elliot was beaten up by Paul earlier today when they disembarked from the yacht. How did he


    remain so ferocious?


    ¡°Be careful, Paul.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Paul yelled. At this moment, Elliot gave Paul a kick on his chest. Elliot¡¯s movement was as fast


    as lightning and Paul was unable to avoid it. As a result, he fell nearly two meters away.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477


    ¡°Elliot, one more time!¡± Paul was getting frustrated, and his eyes turned red. He was using all his


    strength to fight, but Elliot could still cope with it.


    This man has unfathomable strength. I am the best in the Bauer Mercenary Group, and I can¡¯t beat him!


    At this moment, Aliona heard a noise. She walked out of the backyard to see Elliot and Paul fighting, and


    she panicked. ¡°Paul, stop it! Cuff him now. You can¡¯t win against him!¡±


    However, her words made Paul furious, as he did not want to lose against Elliot in front of her.


    Although he was not confident, Paul tried to muster all his strength to take Elliot down.


    At this moment, a silver light shed under the moonlight. There was an army knife in Paul¡¯s hand as he


    was desperate. I must make Elliot yield even if it means I have to use a weapon!


    ¡°Paul, stop! Don¡¯t hurt him.¡± Aliona¡¯s face paled in fright, as she didn¡¯t want Elliot to be hurt before


    sleeping with him.


    However, Paul was seeing red. He had lost his subordinates¡¯ respect and now, he had lost his dignity in


    front of her. I must make Elliot bleed!


    Elliot¡¯s gaze sank as he dodged Paul¡¯s attack. Paul was like an uncontroble wild beast that tried to stab


    everyone he saw, and it was hard to predict his movements. Facing an irrational enemy, Elliot reacted


    with calmness.


    At the same time, he was looking for the best opportunity to neutralize Paul. Finally, Elliot found the


    chance. When Paul saw the opportunity to stab his thigh, Elliot immediately choked Paul with his arms.


    Although Elliot¡¯s thigh was hurt, he also managed to choke Paul and end the fight.


    ¡°Let go of Paul.¡± One of his subordinates immediately came over with a gun. Elliot reacted fast enough to


    push Paul into the trajectory of the bullet. Suddenly, Paul let out a low cry of pain as the bullet shot into


    his abdomen.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Paul!¡± The subordinate panicked as he felt his legs getting weak.


    Aliona also panicked as she didn¡¯t expect Elliot to find a chance to escape. Now, he was holding Paul


    hostage.


    ¡°Let me go or I¡¯ll kill him.¡± Paul was sweating and choking as Elliot continued to strangle him, and the


    former was turning pale, as if he was going to stop breathing altogether.


    ¡°Kill Paul, but don¡¯t let Elliot escape!¡± Aliona went crazy and didn¡¯t care about Paul; she only needed


    Elliot to be by her side.


    However, the group of mercenaries was filled with Paul¡¯s subordinates, and they cared about the man.


    At this moment, Aliona walked up to the nearest mercenary and snatched his gun. Then, she aimed at


    Paul. Paul¡¯s life shed before his eyes as Aliona shot three bullets into his chest.


    Looking at the deranged Aliona, Elliot knew Paul could not be his shield any longer. When everyone was


    still stunned by the turn of events, Elliot let go of Paul and rushed to the high wall under the moonlight, as


    if the injury didn¡¯t affect his speed.


    Aliona looked at Elliot, who had climbed over the wall and escaped. Then, she shouted, ¡°Get him back!


    Now!¡±


    It was only then that the mercenaries finally returned to their senses and hurriedly jumped over the wall.


    Behind this private house was a dense forest hillside. Meanwhile, Aliona followed one subordinate and


    drove a car from the front yard to chase Elliot.


    Under the night sky, the forest stretched to the far end of the mountain. Aliona purposely chose this


    covert location to carry out the childbirth n.


    However, she didn¡¯t expect Elliot to flee.


    ¡°Chase him! Elliot shouldn¡¯t be able to walk far with his injured leg.¡± Aliona took the cell phone and


    conveyed the message to everyone.


    Back at the hotel, after Anastasia put her son to sleep, she found that Rey and his team had turned off


    the monitoring equipment and were resting. It was as if they had stopped the rescue n for Elliot.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Rey? Are you giving up on Elliot?¡± Anastasia asked anxiously.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, please be rest assured. Another group of people will save President Presgrave, and they


    are more capable than us,¡± Reyforted her.


    ¡°Who are you referring to?¡± Anastasia asked in surprise.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478


    Rey took Anastasia to another lounge. After sitting down, he told her something.


    ¡°President Presgrave has two close friends. Both of them are powerful and capable. Now, they are


    rescuing him. We just need to wait for the good news.¡±


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Anastasia asked because she was worried.


    ¡°Theirst names are Lloyd and Weiss. I don¡¯t know their background, but President Presgrave once told


    me that Old Madam Presgrave sent him to a secret training camp when he was an eight-year-old until he


    was sixteen. During the training, he met the young masters of the other two families and they trained for


    eight years together. They are close like brothers. If one of them is in danger, the other two will lend a


    hand.¡±


    Anastasia was shocked. She didn¡¯t really understand Elliot¡¯s background.


    ¡°Moreover, they have their own tracking systems with urate positioning. As long as they arrive at


    Dansbury, they will be able to quickly find President Presgrave and save him.¡± Rey believed they would


    definitely rescue Elliot if he didn¡¯t die before they got to him.


    Hearing this, Anastasia felt a little relieved.


    A private nended smoothly at an airport in Dansbury. Three ck armored SUVs appeared at the


    rear of the aircraft. The vehicles drove out of the airport and headed in one direction.


    Less than twenty minutes after the group left, another private ne arrived. The dark color sucked up the


    lights near the airport. From the rear, another two cars rushed into the dark.


    Meanwhile, Aliona had no idea who she had offended. She ordered her subordinates to search the depth


    of the jungle for Elliot.


    ¡°Find him now! Don¡¯t let him escape.¡± Aliona didn¡¯t want the n to fail as she spent a lot of money on it.


    She would never have had the chance toplete the n if she had failed today.


    ¡°Miss Dora, this jungle is simply too big.¡± Her subordinates felt that the task was arduous.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care how you do it, but you have to find him. Go!¡± Aliona sat in the car and ordered. Then, she


    left the car and took a shlight to search in a direction.


    Where can Elliot go? He was stabbed in the leg and must be bleeding badly, and it will consume hisText ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    strength. He can¡¯t go too far with the injury.


    In fact, Elliot was nearby. He was lying under a big tree at the moment. He tore off his shirt and tied a


    knot on his leg to stop the bleeding. He felt his strength was ebbing away, but the group would never


    catch him.


    If my calctions are correct, the two of them will arrive soon. I just need to stay in a safe ce and wait


    for them to rescue me.


    To find someone in the middle of the night was a nuisance. Aliona¡¯s dozen subordinates had been


    searching for a long time but to no avail.


    So, they returned and tried to follow Elliot¡¯s trail. They started from where Elliot had jumped over the wall,


    followed by the blood stains he had left. Following the blood stains, Aliona thought he bled too much and


    could have fainted on a field due to blood loss.


    A subordinate immediately reported, ¡°There are pieces of cloth here. He must have torn off the clothes to


    stop the bleeding. There is a lot of blood, though, so he couldn¡¯t have gotten far.¡±


    Aliona¡¯s eyes shed with joy. ¡°Come on, get him back to me! The doctors are here.¡±


    At this moment, they heard the sound of a helicoptering to them. The sound of the spiral was very


    loud.


    Aliona¡¯s expression became dark. Her subordinates also had a bad hunch. Why is there a helicopter


    coming here in the middle of the night?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Continue to find him.¡± Aliona hoped that the helicopter was not here to rescue


    Elliot.


    A few minutester, the helicopter circled over their heads and parked on a field near them.

 Chapter 479

    Chapter 479


    Four people stepped out from under the ne. One of them was a young man dressed in ck. He


    stood there like a strong boulder, eluding an awe-inspiring aura.


    He held the iPad in his hand and then pointed in a precise direction. ¡°Go find him over there.¡±


    Then, the man stepped forward with his long legs and stepped onto the grass. The lush grass squeaked


    under his feet. He put his strength in the legs akin to that of a soldier.


    ¡°Sir, a group of people ising over,¡± his subordinate said.


    ¡°Deal with it,¡± the man answered in a low voice and continued to walk.


    His three subordinates immediately went in the opposite direction.


    The man finally walked to a big tree and sighed. ¡°Are you still alive?¡±


    Elliot leaned against the tree trunk. Opening his eyes, he answered the man humorously, ¡°Never better.¡±


    The man walked to Elliot and squatted down before him. A ray of light emitted from the iPad and


    scanned Elliot¡¯s body until it met his bleeding thigh. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take care of it for you.¡±


    After speaking, the man wrapped his long arms around Elliot and helped him stand up. Both of them had


    simr heights and build. Then, they slowly walked in the direction of the helicopter.


    Aliona¡¯s men were running to the helicopter when they were attacked by a mysterious group of people.


    Her men were not ordinary citizens, but she still lost half of the men after a surprise attack from the


    enemy. Aliona squealed as she saw a dark figure appear before her. Her both arms were then


    restrained, and the pain made her cry out. ¡°It hurts. Let me go!¡±


    At the same time, Elliot was sitting in the helicopter cabin while wearing a ck coat. The man was


    standing beside him as he skillfully treated the wound.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Richard,¡± Elliot greeted.


    ¡°Almost two years.¡± Richard Lloyd raised his head, his young face having angr features.


    The two looked at each other and smiled as they bumped their fists together. Their brotherhood never


    faded with time, as revealed in their eyes.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Elliot asked. Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°He should be here soon,¡± Richard said while checking his watch.


    Sure enough, they soon heard the engine noise from the road next to them. As the car was speeding,


    the brakes sounded unbearably sharp.


    Under the cold moonlight, everything around it was filled with a dreaded presence. Surrounded by a few


    men in ck, a man in a white high cor with a gray trench coat came over. The car light illuminated his


    surroundings. The man was filled with pure aura, like a prince who stepped out from an ancient and


    mysterious world.


    He saw the two men in the helicopter, and his sensual lips curled up into azy smile.


    ¡°I never thought we would meet again under these circumstances. Such fun.¡± At that, he heard the fight


    on the other side, so he signaled his subordinates. ¡°Assist them.¡±


    In an instant, his subordinates ran into the dense forest.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Arthur Weiss, who had just arrived, looked at Elliot¡¯s leg with concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Elliot was stubborn and tried to act tough in front of his friends.


    ¡°Elliot, it¡¯s your fault I dirtied my shoes, so you must buy me a new pair.¡± Arthur raised his legs arrogantly


    and showed them the soles stained with mud.


    ¡°Sure, it¡¯s on me.¡± Elliot and Richard looked at each other.


    ¡°You¡¯re still a clean freak after all these years. It is a miracle that you can survive after all the training


    under the mud and rain,¡± Richard joked.


    ¡°Never speak of it anymore. It was a nightmare.¡± Arthur gave a stretch and raised his head. ¡°It¡¯s been a


    while since we returned, and I want to visit some ces.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I also want to visit a few elders.¡±


    Soon, Aliona and her subordinates were detained. When she looked at the three men standing next to


    the helicopter, her face turned pale in shock.


    Why are there another two equally prestigious gentlemen standing next to Elliot?

 Chapter 480

    Chapter 480


    Who are they? Are they powerful? Why did they arrive here at the same time? How can they urately


    find the injured Elliot?


    ¡°Elliot, how could you let this nobody corner you?¡± Arthur asked as he stared at Aliona.


    Under the gaze of the men, she suddenly felt that she was as insignificant as the de of grass under


    their feet. Her n failed, and what awaited her would be a miserable ending.


    ¡°Arrest the group. I¡¯ll deal with itter,¡± Elliot said in a deep voice.


    Back in the home country, Anastasia sat before her son¡¯s bed with red eyes while waiting for the news


    that Elliot was safe.


    Suddenly, her cell phone rang. Although there was an unknown number on the screen, she was still


    excited and quickly picked it up. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me. I¡¯m on my way home, and I¡¯ll be there in seven hours.¡± A deep, familiar voice came from the


    other end of the phone.


    She finally burst into tears after hours of worrying. She covered her mouth and walked to the balcony.


    ¡°Okay,e back soon!¡±


    ¡°How is Jared doing?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still sleeping.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t slept all night?¡± Elliot asked as he heard her hoarse voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can handle it.¡±


    ¡°You must get some sleep while I¡¯ming back,¡± the man ordered in a stern voice.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do that,¡± Anastasia agreed willingly.


    ¡°See you back home.¡± With that, Elliot hung up.


    Anastasia held her phone and sighed with relief. She rxed and sat on the balcony sofa, thereafter


    closing her eyes. Although only a day had passed, it seemed like a century for her.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Riley¡¯s release procedure had just beenpleted in the police station. He then cracked and loosened


    his muscles. He had been detained in the station for a long time, and he missed the outside world. His


    goddaughter finally bailed him out.


    Even though I don¡¯t think her n is good.


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave, you can leave after you sign this document.¡± The police officer came over with a release


    note for him to sign.


    Riley took the pen the police handed over. Before he could sign the paper, someone stopped him by


    pulling his arm away.


    He turned to look at the police officer and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 481

    Chapter 481


    Captain Anderson came over and said with a sullen face. ¡°Riley Presgrave, I just received a call from


    Young Master Presgrave. You are suspected of being the mastermind of a kidnapping case. In addition,


    your old case will be subjected to retrial. Get back to your cell!¡±


    Riley visibly panicked, and it was unlike his usual calm demeanor. Did my goddaughter actually fail


    again?


    ¡°Take him back. The procedure is voided,¡± Captain Anderson ordered.


    Riley¡¯s hands were cuffed once again and he was taken back to his cell. He looked back at the outside


    world that was far beyond his reach, and he knew that he would never be able to escape his cell from


    now on.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    It turned out that he had underestimated Elliot.


    Rey sent Anastasia back to Elliot¡¯s vi. Although she was still a few hours away from seeing Elliot, she


    couldn¡¯t sleep anymore.


    Besides a cup of coffee to keep herself awake, she never ate anything. Rey ordered the chef to cook her


    a meal, but she only stared at the time on the phone.


    ¡°Miss Tillman, please eat something. President Presgrave will be so distraught if he sees you


    malnourished!¡± Rey tried to persuade her.


    Anastasia served herself a bowl of porridge. After taking a few spoonfuls, she asked, ¡°When will he


    arrive?¡±


    Rey shook his head in response.¡±I¡¯m not sure, but it should be around 3.00 PM.¡±


    Two private jetsnded at the international airport. Fifteen minutester, four eye-catching ck SUVs


    were driving on the road.


    They went straight to Elliot¡¯s vi.


    An hourter, the vi¡¯s gate opened as the cars drove in.


    Rey said excitedly, ¡°Miss Tillman, President Presgrave is back.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Presgrave!¡± Jared ran out like a rabbit, and Anastasia followed suit.


    She held his hand while waiting in the parking slot. Looking at the SUV which was simr to an armored


    car, she waited for Elliot to alight.

 Chapter 482

    Chapter 482


    From the second car, a young man jumped out of the passenger seat first, then opened the back seat


    door. He helped Elliot, who had an injury on his leg, to get down from the car.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart clenched tightly and all she had eyes for was Elliot.


    When she saw that he was injured, her breath stopped for a second and her heart was in her mouth.


    He¡¯s injured. Is it bad?


    ¡°Let me go, Richard.¡± Suddenly, Elliot pushed aside the friend who was supporting him.


    As Elliot spoke, Richard, who was holding him, stiffened. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be all strong right now,¡± he


    said.


    ¡°I promised her that I will walk to her.¡± Again, Elliot reached out and pushed Richard away. I must keep


    my promise to her.


    After letting Elliot go, Arthur walked to Richard¡¯s side, thereafter crossing his arms and saying


    iprehensibly, ¡°Women sure are troublesome.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Richard nodded in agreement.


    Therefore, the fact that the two of them were still single was not without reason.


    When Anastasia realized that Elliot insisted on walking toward her, she ran over. She hugged him tightly


    and then stretched out her arms to support him. Her tears were streaming down her face as she sniffled,


    ¡°Your leg is hurt. Stop walking.¡±


    ¡°You said you would marry me as soon as I walk back, so does that count?¡± Elliot stared at her with a


    serious look, indicating that he had done it.


    Anastasia nodded and replied, ¡°I always mean what I say, but your injury¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. It will get better in a few days,¡± heforted her. Then, he turned around and said,


    ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you to my two best friends, Arthur Weiss and Richard Lloyd. They are two of my closest


    friends that I haven¡¯t seen in years, and it is thanks to them foring to help this time,¡± he exined.


    The two men, who were always high up, stood two meters away and suddenly became unable to


    socialize. One scratched his head, and the other waved his hand. Both looked at Anastasia and said in


    unison, ¡°Hello, sister-inw!¡± Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Hearing that, Anastasia was thunderstruck. ¡°Hello!¡± she squeaked, her cheeks crimson.


    The three of them were about the same age, but Elliot was one year older than Richard and Arthur.


    Hence, the title of sister-inw.


    However, when the two of them noticed Jared, who stood next to Elliot and Anastasia, they immediately


    exchanged a shocked nce. On the way back, they already heard about how Elliot pursued Anastasia


    and were aware that she had a child.


    However, they suddenly thought of something at this moment. Why does Anastasia¡¯s son look identical


    to Elliot?


    Right then, Elliot turned around and beckoned at them. ¡°Come in and have a rest before you go,¡± he


    said.


    When Richard was about to take a step forward, Arthur tugged at his arm and stopped him. ¡°We have


    got stuff to do today. We wille again tomorrow,¡± Arthur stated.


    After speaking, he pulled Richard into the car, and the four armored vehicles turned around and left.


    Elliot didn¡¯t urge them to stay. They purposefully allowed room for him and Anastasia to get together,


    which was also a tacit understanding between the buddies.


    Eyes reddened, a guilty Jared asked as he hugged Elliot¡¯s other uninjured leg, ¡°How is your leg, Mr.


    Presgrave?¡±


    To him, Elliot¡¯s ident was all because of saving him.


    Elliot¡¯s big palm gently caressed Jared¡¯s head. Looking at Jared¡¯s tears made his heart tighten. Jared¡¯s


    sorrow could instantly pass on to him, and it was as if there was a blood bond between them.


    ¡°Jared, stop crying. Let¡¯s get him into the house first,¡± Anastasiaforted the boy. After this incident, it


    seemed that her son had grown up and became more sensible now.


    Soon after, Elliot¡¯s personal doctor, Benedict Palmer, arrived, and that was when it dawned on Anastasia


    that she didn¡¯t actually know the people around him.


    Benedict was not quite thirty years old, but his medical skills were already at the highest level. He was


    also the leader of the Presgrave Group¡¯s private hospital.


    As one of Elliot¡¯s closest people, Benedict was in charge of Elliot¡¯s health.


    While cleaning the wound, Benedict asked about the previous incident with Harriet. At the time, he


    couldn¡¯t rush back after the incident because he had gone abroad to study.


    Anastasia, who was sitting off to one side, could feel the tingling sensation on her scalp as she looked at


    the wound on Elliot¡¯s leg. The wound was neither deep nor shallow, but it was definitely not a minor


    injury.

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    ¡°It almost went deep into the bone, but luckily it didn¡¯t,¡± Benedict remarked as he took a look at the


    medical scanner.


    ¡°Who did this to you?¡± Anastasia clenched her teeth in rage. First, Aliona kidnapped her son and then,


    she hurt Elliot. If Aliona was in front of her, Anastasia would kill her on the spot.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I just need to get some rest.¡± Elliot reached out and took Anastasia¡¯s hand in his, his eyes filled


    with constion.


    He is the one who got hurt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Tillman. President Presgrave is not as fragile as you think. He is someone who has


    traveled into the hintend of the rainforest and returned alive.¡± Benedict quickly chimed in. Then, he


    added, ¡°It seems that the electronic chip that was imnted in your body is truly top-notch, as it


    remained intact after so many years.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s heart tightened at that moment. Elliot has been imnted with an electronic chip?


    When she turned to look at him, Elliot rolled up his sleeve and showed her the practically invisible scar


    on his forearm. ¡°When Richard, Arthur, and I parted ten years ago, we all had a chip inserted. The other


    two will not stand by while one individual is in peril,¡± he exined.


    After he finished speaking, Elliot said helplessly, ¡°Rey made a big deal out of it. Actually, there was no


    need to get them here.¡±


    In contrast, Anastasia felt that if Rey hadn¡¯t called for help, she would have been the first to copse at


    that moment.


    ¡°I might not be able to see you now if it weren¡¯t for them.¡± She was really grateful to Elliot¡¯s two buddies.


    ¡°So, you were extremely worried about me this time?¡± Elliot¡¯s eyes were filled with an affectionate smile,


    as if he had finally tested her feelings for him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me worry so much in the future, or I¡¯ll leave you directly, so I don¡¯t have to be on tenterhooks,¡±


    Anastasia warned him gently.


    This time was because he tried to save her son, so she forgave him.


    ¡°Okay.¡± After that, Elliot bowed his head and looked at Benedict, who was still securing the gauze. Why


    isn¡¯t he done yet?


    At this point, even Benedict was eager to finish the treatment, as he had had enough of the couple being


    lovey-dovey. Finally, he got up after securing the gauze and instructed, ¡°Elliot, I¡¯m leaving now. I¡¯ll return


    in three days to rece the dressing. Don¡¯t let the wounde into contact with water, and rest for a


    week. As for the next ten days¡­ it¡¯s better to avoid any vigorous activity.¡±


    After saying so, Benedict cast a thoughtful nce towards Anastasia and the following second, he


    received a displeased warning from Elliot. ¡°For the previous research funding, I think you should


    shoulder it by yourself,¡± Elliot threatened.


    However, Benedict did not shy away from Elliot¡¯s threat. ¡°This is what a doctor should do,¡± he retorted. ¡°If


    you still want your leg to function, take my advice.¡±


    After that, Benedict picked up his medicine box and left.


    Anastasia pursed her lips, attempting to suppress a smile.


    All right! Elliot is not allowed to mess around with me for the next ten days, which is fine by me.


    Although Elliot could not really move his leg, his hands could. When he noticed Anastasia was giggling,


    he stretched out his long arm and in the next second, she was in his embrace. As she raised her head,


    Elliot held her chin with one hand and wrapped his arms around her waist. Then, he bowed his head and


    kissed her.


    Anastasia¡¯s cheek turned fiery red in response to Elliot¡¯s abrupt domineering moves.


    His kiss was not overpowering, yet there was an aggressiveness between his lips and tongue that made


    her heart flutter.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the injury, she felt that he would surely gobble her up.


    Therefore, Dr. Palmer¡¯s warning actually served as a form of protection for me!


    ¡°When will you marry me?¡± Elliot¡¯s kiss fell on the corner of her mouth as he asked in a low and hoarse


    voice.


    ¡°At the very least, you must wait till your leg gets better. Could it be that you want to get married in a


    wheelchair?¡± Anastasia replied as she raised her brows.


    ¡°Then we will get engaged first.¡± Elliot didn¡¯t want her to change her mind in the spur of the moment. Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    He wanted to let the whole world know that she belonged to him, and then wisely choose a good day to


    marry her.


    Anastasia was stunned for a few seconds. ¡°Do we need to get engaged in such a hurry?¡± she asked in


    confusion.


    At that moment, Elliot bowed his head and gazed at her. Her petite face was gentle and charming under


    the light, and there was an inexplicable magical power that moved his heart, which made him want to


    dere ownership immediately.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered with a deep and firm voice.

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    Suddenly, Anastasia had the feeling that she was under Elliot¡¯s control and could no longer escape.


    ¡°Okay. But we¡¯ll still have to wait until your leg gets better,¡± she said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let someone set up the venue first, and we will get engaged in two weeks. During this period, you can


    choose whatever clothes and jewelry you like.¡± Elliot knew that women liked to arrange these things.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Anastasia hummed in agreement. Elliot is a good choice. I don¡¯t think there is any need to be


    fussy anymore.


    As Dad said, it is already a blessing for me to be able to marry although I have a child. If it¡¯s a good man,


    I should just go ahead and get married.


    Elliot finally exhaled a sigh of relief after seeing how quickly she epted his proposal, and he felt the


    joy of finally having caught his prey.


    Therefore, he reckoned that the injury to his leg was worth it in exchange for a wife.


    When Rey came in to report a work matter, Anastasia left the room and headed to Jared¡¯s room. ¡°When


    will Mr. Presgrave¡¯s leg get better, Mommy?¡± Jared ran to her and asked when she entered the room.


    ¡°The doctor said it will heal in ten days. Don¡¯t worry,¡± she consoled.


    Suddenly, Jared wrapped his arms around Anastasia¡¯s neck. ¡°Mommy, can Mr. Presgrave be my


    Daddy?¡± he asked pleadingly in her ear.


    Anastasia felt pity for Jared as she listened to his plea, but she also felt like grinning. ¡°Why?¡± she


    inquired.


    ¡°I really like him, Mommy. I feel like he is my Daddy,¡± the child eximed.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart sank when she heard that. But Elliot can never be Jared¡¯s biological father.


    ¡°Aright. Your mommy has decided to marry him. We will live together in the future, and he will be your


    Daddy, okay?¡± she promised him.


    ¡°Really? Yay! I have a father now!¡± Jared jumped up and down happily.


    Anastasia¡¯s fearful emotions fromst night slowly eased away and her mood lifted as she looked at her


    child¡¯s cheerful appearance.


    Meanwhile, in Elliot¡¯s master bedroom, Rey was reporting on the handling of Aliona and her aplice.


    ¡°President Presgrave, Aliona¡¯s real name is Aliona Presgrave, and she was adopted by Riley Presgrave


    when she was young. Riley controlled Lucas¡¯ son abroad, and that¡¯s why Lucas has been helping him to


    hide Aliona¡¯s identity, allowing her to approach you.¡±


    As for Aliona¡¯s purpose for approaching him, Elliot was well aware that she wanted his heir to be


    Riley¡¯s puppet to control the Presgrave Group in the future.


    ¡°Let thewyers do their jobs properly. I want these people to pay a heavy price.¡± He clenched his fists,


    and his joints gave a crack.


    ¡°Yes. They have collected all the information and will never let them escape any charge,¡± Rey


    responded.


    ¡°Get me a wedding nner tomorrow. I¡¯m going to arrange an engagement dinner,¡± Elliot ordered in a


    low voice.


    Rey¡¯s expression lit up instantly. ¡°Congrattions, President Presgrave, on Miss Tillman¡¯s and your


    engagement!¡±


    President Presgrave has been pursuing Miss Tillman for more than half a year, and it is finally paying off.


    And to think I used to get so anxious about their rtionship!


    ¡°Rey, if you meet the right person, tell me. Don¡¯t dy your marriage because of work.¡± Elliot felt the


    happiness of having a lover, and he wanted to arrange a good marriage for Rey as well.


    Rey immediately thanked the boss for his consideration, but he shook his head and said, ¡°Thank you for


    caring about my marriage, President Presgrave. But I don¡¯t have ¨¤ partner yet.¡±


    ¡°After the first half of the year, I will give you a long vacation in the second half,¡± Elliot said.


    ¡°Thank you, President Presgrave.¡± Rey was grateful to have met such a good boss.


    In the evening, Jared apanied Elliot, and they yed with the Rubik¡¯s cube. Finally, Elliot had time


    to spend with Jared and he was very patient.


    The main reason Anastasia would fall in love with Elliot was that she saw his love and


    concern for Jared. Only a man who loved her son could unlock her heart.


    When she thought about getting engaged to Elliot after Christmas, she still felt a little nervous. I should


    talk to Dad in the next two days.


    In the evening, Jared went to bed early. Anastasia had been staying upte, so she wanted to sleep


    immediately after putting her son to bed.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 485


    At this very moment, Anastasia received a text message on her cell phone. Reaching for her phone and


    ncing at it, she noticed that it was from Elliot, who was currently in the master bedroom.


    ¡®Come to my room.


    When she strode toward his room and pushed open the door, Elliot was leaning against the headboard.


    ¡°Sleep with me tonight,¡± he said as he patted the empty space next to him.


    Anastasia pursed her lips and shook her head with a smile. ¡°No,¡± she refused.


    His eyes narrowed after hearing her refusal, and there was a warning looking from them. ¡°I can¡¯t


    sleep without you by my side,¡± he continued.


    She really didn¡¯t know what to do with him. Just because he is hurt, doesn¡¯t mean he can use it against


    me.


    Alright, alright. He is allowed to do so tonight. Dr. Palmer already said that he can¡¯t mess around anyway.


    With that in mind, Anastasia walked to the other end of the bed, thereafter lifting the quilt and lying down.


    At that instant, Elliot began to loathe his huge bed after seeing Anastasia sleep so far away from him. His


    leg was already making it difficult for him to move around, yet she still slept so far away on purpose.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Come here,¡± he demanded in a deep voice.


    She turned sideways and looked at him with her beautiful ck and bright eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sleeping on your


    bed. What more do you want?¡± she asked with a slightly coquettish tone.


    Elliot could feel that she did it on purpose. When he was about to move his injured leg, however, she


    immediately stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    Heplied, but then he raised his head and ordered, ¡°Come here then. Otherwise, I¡¯ll move to your


    side.¡±


    Without a choice, Anastasia could only move to his side a little more and stop a few


    inches away from him. However, it wasn¡¯t close enough for Elliot, so he stretched out his long arms and


    drew her closer as he murmured, ¡°Sleep next to me.¡±


    In the end, she slept next to him. She shifted on her side and Elliot tugged her arm to wrap around his


    waist so she could hug him and sleep on the side of his uninjured leg.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sleepy.¡± Anastasia¡¯s sleepiness deepened when she felt his body temperature.


    ¡°Sleep, then.¡± Elliot patted her shoulder as if he was coaxing a child. In truth, she did feel coaxed.


    Before long, she closed her eyes and fell asleep in his arms, as did Elliot.


    The night air was wet with heavy dew, but both their hearts were filled with warmth by being close


    together.


    On the same night, Erica took the initiative to go over Alex¡¯s house. When Alex saw hering to his


    door and offering herself readily, he was unreserved and slept with her. But, once finished, he made up


    an excuse and left. In fact, Heyley had summoned him to apany her.


    Despite the fact that Hayley was aware Erica was staying at Alex¡¯s house for the night, the former tried to


    prove her charm and snatch him from her side.


    Moreover, Alex also preferred to stay with Haley. She had an Anastasia-like face and was willing to


    swallow her pride in front of him. In contrast, Erica would periodically throw tantrums like a child, which


    irritated him.


    It was Christmas Eve the next day. Elliot met with the vice president of a wedding nner, and the


    company took over the engagement dinner extremely seriously and did not dare to be inattentive with the


    arrangements.


    At around 3 PM, both parties finally reached an agreement, and the details would be carried out after


    Christmas.


    As Anastasia stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor watching the personnel


    from the weddingpany leave, she took a deep breath and took out her phone to contact her father.


    Before she said anything, Francis asked her, ¡°Hello, Anastasia. Will you bring Jared home for Christmas


    tomorrow?¡±


    On this day of reunion, every parent looked forward to their children returning


    home to be with them.


    ¡°Dad. I¡¯ll spend Christmas with Elliot¡¯s family tomorrow. Also, I have something to inform you,¡± she said.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Francis inquired.


    ¡°Me and Elliot are getting engaged two weeks after Christmas,¡± she stated.


    Francis was seemingly surprised at the other end. ¡°Really? You are getting engaged? Well, that¡¯s great!¡±


    he bubbled.


    ¡°Dad, when the timees, could you please notify our rtives?¡± she requested.


    ¡°Sure, I will inform them, but I won¡¯t invite too many people. We are not too close with distant rtives,


    so I will only invite some close rtives to attend,¡± Francis said excitedly.


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Anastasia agreed.


    When Naomi went upstairs to the study after Francis hung up the phone, he couldn¡¯t help but announce,


    ¡°There is one piece of good news, Naomi. Anastasia is getting engaged!¡±


    ¡°What? Who is she engaged to?¡± For a moment, Naomi did not know how to react.

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    Chapter 486


    ¡°Who else could it be? Of course it¡¯s Elliot! They will be engaged two weeks after Christmas, and my


    daughter will finally marry.¡± Francis¡¯ happiness was uncontroble, especially now that he had such a


    wonderful son-inw. Hispany would certainly expand further when it was handed over to Anastasia


    in the future.


    A trace of jealousy shed in Naomi¡¯s eyes, but she couldn¡¯t show it on the surface. So, she smiled


    pretentiously and said, ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! Anastasia is so lucky.¡±


    ¡°I think so too.¡± Francis nodded in agreement.


    What he didn¡¯t realize was that when his wife turned around, her face turned frosty and anger shed in


    her eyes. Francis loves Anastasia even more now because he can count on her for anything.


    In his eyes, there is no Erica and me anymore!


    Since Naomi and Francis got married, they had never been at one with each other. His heart was


    dedicated to home, and she only cared about herself and her daughter.


    When Naomi went downstairs and headed out for a stroll, she couldn¡¯t help but call her daughter. At that


    time, Erica was out shopping with Hayley.


    Erica had no idea that the person who had kept her alone at Alex¡¯s ce the night before was her bestie


    currently standing next to her. Aside from that, the card that Hayley was holding in her hand was under


    Alex¡¯s name.


    Unknowingly, Eria had shared a man with Hayley, yet she was still showing off how much Alex loved her


    and how generous he was to her in front of Hayley.


    On the other hand, Hayley only smiled and said nothing. Erica didn¡¯t know that she was acting like a


    clown in front of her.


    Upon hearing her phone ring, Erica took out her phone and picked up the call. ¡°Hello, Mom. What¡¯s the


    matter?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Erica, Anastasia is getting engaged to Elliot,¡± Naomi disclosed.


    ¡°What?¡± Erica¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Anastasia is getting engaged? With Elliot?¡± she asked in


    disbelief.


    Although it was only a matter of time, hearing this news still drove Erica insane with jealousy.


    On the other hand, Hayley tightened her grip around the coffee cup as she stared at Erica. Those words


    were like a knife piercing through her heart.


    After all, Anastasia is bing Elliot¡¯s wife. It is as if God has given her the best of everything, and it is


    so unfair.


    ¡°Mom, are you sure?¡± Erica asked again.


    ¡°Anastasia was the one who called and told your father. How can I not be certain? I¡¯m hoping it¡¯s a scam


    as well!¡± Naomi replied angrily at the other end.


    After Erica hung up the call, she turned and noticed Hayley¡¯s ghastly expression. ¡°Are you alright,


    Hayley? Anastasia is getting engaged to Elliot!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. She knew how to use tricks and schemes to seduce Elliot, but I¡¯m not capable of any of that,¡±


    Hayley said.


    ¡°What exactly did she meanst time? Why would she say that you are being swept out by the


    Presgrave Family,¡± However, Erica couldn¡¯t finish the sentence.


    An icy look shed across Hayley¡¯s gaze. ¡°Anastasia framed me. She convinced everyone that I was


    nning to murder Old Madam Presgrave and everyone believed it, so I was misjudged by Elliot.


    Anastasia has taken everything that the Presgraves have given me. I hate her and I wish she was dead!¡±


    Hayley borated.


    After hearing her side of the story, Erica was shocked and resentful. ¡°What? Anastasia set you up that


    way? She really will go to any lengths to get Elliot, huh?¡± she chastised.


    In Erica¡¯s heart, Anastasia was a vicious person, so she bought Hayley¡¯s story straight away.


    ¡°Therefore, you and your mother should be careful. Don¡¯t let her plot against you two,¡± Hayley advised.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even mention that. Anastasia took over my father¡¯spany as her own and even drafted his will.


    My mother and I have no share of thepany at all. Thepany solely belongs to her!¡± Erica


    sneered as she gritted her teeth in anger.


    ¡°Anastasia is truly showing no mercy to you and your mother. She is not even giving a fraction of theText ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.<ppany¡¯s property,¡± Hayley stated, feigning sympathy for Erica.


    At that point, Erica became angrier. ¡°She can¡¯t wait to kill my mother and I!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Hayley began to instil terror in the other woman. ¡°Erica, she is Mrs. Presgrave now. If


    she finds an opportunity in the future, she will not let us go.¡±


    As expected, Hayley¡¯sments had frightened Erica and thetter¡¯s expression shifted. As such, she


    turned to look at Hayley and asked, ¡°What should we do? Are we going to be trampled under her feet for


    the rest of our lives?¡±

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    Chapter 487


    A scheming expression shed across Hayley¡¯s eyes as she said, ¡°It¡¯s best to keep Anastasia and Elliot


    from getting engaged.¡±


    ¡°What idea do you have, Hayley?¡± Erica¡¯s mind was nk at the moment.


    After having lost all her money, Hayley did not have much means left, but she couldn¡¯t just watch


    Anastasia and Elliot getting engaged either.


    ¡°Erica, let¡¯s head home first. Let me think of a way,¡± Hayley stated.


    ¡°Okay, as long as you think of a way, I will definitely help you,¡± Erica said innocently without knowing she


    was going to be taken advantage of by Hayley.


    Hayley patted her in response and remarked, ¡°Erica, Anastasia is ourmon enemy and we will deal


    with her together.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Erica nodded vigorously.


    Hayley¡¯s cell phone rang at that moment, and she stretched out with her hand to take a look at her


    phone. ¡°Let me take this call,¡± she said.


    After that, she walked to the side and picked up the call. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Where are you? Let¡¯s have dinner together. I have reserved a restaurant for tonight.¡± Alex¡¯s voice


    sounded from the other end of the line.


    ¡°Okay. Give me the address and I¡¯lle over,¡± she agreed readily.


    ¡°Who are you with?¡± he asked.


    ¡°With friends,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Are you with Erica?¡± Alex sounded a little anxious at that.


    Hayleyforted him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she won¡¯t find out about our rtionship.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell her about us, Hayley. I have mentioned that she is the one who can assist me in iming


    Tillman Constructions,¡± Alex reminded her calmly.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Hayley hummed in response. She realized that as long as she firmly held Alex¡¯s heart,


    she would also be able to enjoy the future equity of the Tillman


    Constructions that he would hold.


    This could also be regarded as an indirect revenge against Anastasia.


    ¡°Your boyfriend?¡± Erica asked curiously as she looked at Hayley, who just hung up the phone.


    ¡°Just a friend,¡± Hayley replied vaguely. ¡°Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s do more shopping!¡±


    He was hosting two honored guests, Richard and Arthur that night in Elliot¡¯s vi.


    The two of them arrived with some toys for Jared. Knowing that they were Elliot¡¯s good friends, Jared


    adored the duo very much.


    When Arthur and Richard nced at Jared, they couldn¡¯t decide whether or not to tell Elliot because they


    were afraid he would be unhappy if they addressed it.


    If they didn¡¯t say it aloud, they would feel ufortable suppressing it.


    Jared is surely Elliot¡¯s biological son! The two of them had met Elliot when he was eight years old and


    had stayed together as friends and trained with him until he was sixteen. Elliot¡¯s childhood appearance


    was therefore vividly imprinted in their minds. That was why when they saw Jared, they felt as if they


    were looking at Elliot as a child.


    Both of them look exactly the same!


    However, on their way home, Arthur and Richard had learned that Anastasia¡¯s son had nothing to do with


    Elliot. Hence, it could only be said that the father and son were predestined to look alike.


    ¡°Jared, will you pay a visit to my house in the future?¡± Arthur asked with a smile.


    ¡°What do you do for a living, Mr. Weiss and Mr. Lloyd?¡± Jared inquired curiously as the two of them gave


    completely different feelings to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m an idler. Him, on the other hand¡­¡± Arthur pointed at Richard and continued, ¡°If anyone bullies you in


    the future, you can look for Mr. Lloyd. He likes punishing bad people the most.¡±


    Richard nodded seriously and concurred, ¡°Yes, I can beat up bad guys.¡±


    ¡°Okay. In the future, if there are bad guys that Mr. Presgrave can¡¯t deal with, I¡¯ll ask for your help,¡± Jared


    said with a nod.


    Arthur and Richard exchange a joyful nce after they heard Jared. It feels great to know that I am


    needed.


    As soon as Jared left, Arthur immediately turned to face Richard. ¡°Do they look alike?¡± he asked


    ¡°Almost identical.¡± Richard nodded in agreement.


    Following their brief conversation, the two of them chased after Jared from behind as their affections for


    him grew even stronger.


    ¡°I¡¯m wondering whether our child will be as handsome as Jared if and when the two of us have children


    in the future,¡± Arthur pondered as he crossed his arms.


    ¡°That will be a few yearster and I won¡¯t necessarily want to have children,¡± Richard replied with


    certainty.


    Arthur curled his lips and smiled. ¡°Alright, then. Let¡¯s see who gets marriedter,¡± he suggested.


    ¡°Are there any rewards?¡± Richard was showing interest.


    ¡°Yes. Whoever gets marriedte will give the other one million,¡± Arthur responded.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t have any money!¡± Richard stated stingily.Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 488


    Arthur was rendered speechless. The man who had the best equipment in the world had the nerve to


    constantlyin about being poor. It was obvious that he had finances that could never run out all his


    life, and yet Richard refused to buy him even one mealst night.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he finally said. ¡°Ten thousand. That is the lowest I can go.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡±


    The two adult men sat on the sofa as they made their very childish bet.


    Elliot went downstairs in casual wear after a while. In order to make his walking easier, Benedict had


    gotten him a crutch out of nowhere. Elliot was extremely reluctant to use it at first, but he had no choice


    but to use it for the time being.


    ¡°Elliot, we have decided to leave only after your engagement party,¡± Arthur dered.


    Elliot sat down beside them. ¡°None of you are allowed to leave until the engagement party is over.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Arthur asked with a curious expression on his face, ¡°Elliot, how exactly does it feel


    like to fall in love with a woman? Why is it that I have met so many of them, but none seemed to have


    ever made my heart throb?¡±


    ¡°It is hard to put into words. You will know when you meet the one.¡± Elliot wasn¡¯t good at exining


    something like this as well.


    All he knew was that there was no escaping when fate finally came. He himself was a prime example of


    it. He used to be repulsed when his grandmother tried to arrange his marriage for him, but now, marrying


    the person he had pursued with all his heart felt like a wonderful dream.


    Arthur noticed how Richard was sitting with his back as straight as a soldier, so he reached out and gave


    the man a pat on the back. ¡°You can be at ease with us.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a habit,¡± Richard threw out before he leaned into the sofa.


    After seeing him rx, Arthur turned to Elliot and told him, ¡°Richard and I made a bet earlier. The one


    who gets married first will have to give the other person ten thousand.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a limited budget? How about I sponsor ten million dors?¡± Elliot thought that their gambleProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    was too small for someone of their status.


    ¡°It is alright. It is only a small gamble!¡± Arthur said. ¡°It is mainly because Richard is used to living so


    frugally that I am afraid he won¡¯t be able to take it.¡±


    ¡°His money is usually spent on his swords and knives.¡±


    Arthur was slightly worried for his stoic friend then. ¡°I wonder what is going to happen when he finds a


    woman he likes but continues to be such a stingy guy. Thedy might not be able to take it.¡±


    Despite being teased, Richard remained calm and only peered at Arthur as he simply uttered, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t


    want to trouble you to worry about me.¡±


    The trio seemed to have returned to the old days. Somewhere deep in their memories, they would never


    forget the time when they supported and took care of each other as they navigated their way through the


    dangerous rainforest. Those experiences were enough to make them appreciate the value of true


    friendship.


    As Arthur and Richard left Elliot¡¯s vi around 9 PM, Arthur was suddenly in a good mood and he


    decided to take his friend to a ce he had in mind. He proceeded to make the arrangements on the


    way..


    ¡°Richard!¡± he called out solemnly. ¡°There is a ce I want you toe with me. I need your help with


    something.¡±


    The stoic man didn¡¯t even need to think a second longer. ¡°Okay,¡± Richard said.


    He wouldn¡¯t sit idly by when it was matters concerning his good friend.


    Arthur then told his bodyguard to drive to the ce where he stayedst night. He wasn¡¯t specific with


    his words, but the bodyguard immediately understood and began to drive in the direction of Starryfield,


    the bustling part of the city center. It was a ce where the air even smelled like it had been perfumed.


    This was the city that never slept. It was a ce where all the high-end bars from around the world were


    located.


    When Richard got out of the car and looked up to see that they had stopped at a bar, he frowned. ¡°Why


    did you bring me here?¡± ;


    ¡°Someone bullied me while I was here yesterday, so I made an appointment for a fight with them. I


    nned to bring you here to even the score,¡± Arthur obediently


    answered him.


    Richard only looked at him with suspicious eyes. Arthur had always been the prankster and idealist


    among them ever since they were children.


    ¡°Look, are you going to help me or not?¡± Arthur lightly pped him. ¡°Are we not brothers?¡±


    Atst, Richard nodded and he chose to believe Arthur. Him standing so straight made him look out of


    ce as they stood under the red and green lights of the bar.


    The two of them then walked into the lively hall of the bar. They could see that the nightlife had already


    started. The lighting in the bar gave the ce an oddly sensual atmosphere now that it was around 10.30


    PM. There were many girls dressed in fashionable clothes as they chatted amongst themselves in the


    dim room. The instant they noticed the two men walking in, their eyes glinted greedily like they were


    hunters looking at their prey.


    The men weren¡¯t just any prey. They were quality, high-level ones. From the cold,plex aura they


    exuded, they were definitely at the top of the food chain.

 Chapter 489

    Chapter 489


    Chapter 489


    ¡°Hey sexy! That¡¯s my booth over there. Do you want to go over and have a seat?¡± A girl came over and


    boldly invited them.


    When she wrapped her snake-like hand around Richard¡¯s arm, he immediately threw a cold and warning


    look at her, making her shrink back and shiver involuntarily.


    The man had a terrifying re.


    Arthur couldn¡¯t help but tug at Richard when he saw that. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. You will scare them off.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and finish what you came here for. We are leaving after that.¡± Richard felt very ufortable


    being in a ce with an ambience he didn¡¯t like at all.


    ¡°Okay, fine. Let¡¯s go, then!¡±


    After he finished his words, Arthur took him to the VIP room on the second floor. He then pointed to the


    private room at the end of the corridor and said, ¡°The person who bullied me is in there. Hurry up and


    settle it for me.¡±


    Without saying a word, Richard took-long strides in the direction Arthur had told him. He would only need


    a few minutes for him to win a fight against less than ten people.


    He had just stepped into the private room when he saw a row of people sitting on the sofa.


    However, instead of fighters, they were a bunch of scantily-d women.


    It took him less than a second to realize that he had been fooled again.


    The door behind him was closed from the outside right at this moment. He heard Arthur¡¯s voiceing


    from the other side of the door the second it was closed. ¡°Have fun, Richard! You don¡¯t have to thank


    me.¡±


    ¡°Arthur Weiss, you better open the d*mn door!¡± Richard¡¯s distressed voice rang out.


    Richard was the one who had arranged for the ten exquisitely beautiful women toe.


    Their eyes widened in shock when they saw Richard standing there. What a


    handsome and stylish man!


    The women couldn¡¯t help but be deeply attracted to the rugged, abstinent man. He was the type that they


    had never encountered before.


    ¡°Hey sexy!¡± One of them started sticking closer to him. ¡°How about the few of us have a drink with you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer!¡± Richard warned in a low voice. The air thick with perfume was already making


    him ufortable as it was. The women just had to wear clothes that had him instinctively look away


    from.


    Richard¡¯s head was now filled with the sole purpose of catching Arthur and letting him have his fill of


    Richard¡¯s fists.


    Arthur actually locked him in even though he knew how much Richard hated ces like this.


    Richard went and checked the doorknob, only to realize that it was a sturdy one. It might be difficult to


    get out if the door wasn¡¯t opened from the outside. He then noticed a big window facing the hall that was


    open. It looked like the perfect ce to watch the performances outside.


    ¡°Baby boy, are you not satisfied with us?¡± A woman sweetly asked.


    It had been a blow to their confidence when the man had not taken a good look at them ever since he


    came into the room.


    Not only that, he looked like he couldn¡¯t wait to run out of the ce as he nced around the room and


    examined the doorknob.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, handsome. We have received money to provide you with our service. You can do


    whatever you want to us!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! We won¡¯t disappoint you.¡±


    Richard was currently standing beside the window. He couldn¡¯t hear a word the women behind him were


    chattering about when he was focused on finding out how he could escape from the window.


    The distance from the window to the first floor was approximately three meters. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem


    for him if he were to jump out just like that, but he didn¡¯t want to injure other patrons of the bar. He could


    hang on to the wallmp to slow down his descent.


    Arthur was sitting at a booth in the hall when he lifted his gaze to find Richard¡¯s silhouette by the window


    on the second floor. His heart immediately thumped in fright. What is wrong with him?! Is he really goingCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    to jump?


    Just as his thought drifted through Arthur¡¯s head, Richard tossed himself out the window and it only took


    him a few seconds before he smoothlynded on the first floor.


    Someone had seen Richard¡¯s little stunt, but they couldn¡¯t get it past their head that there was someone


    who had really jumped from the window. All they saw then was a young man dressed in ck from head


    to toe dusting off his palms before he walked away, his demeanor nonchnce.


    Arthur was truly speechless as he looked on. He quickly stood up and called out to his friend, who was


    ready to leave any second now.


    ¡°Are you going to waste the 100 thousand I spent on this?¡± He let out a disapproving noise.

 Chapter 490

    Chapter 490


    Chapter 490


    Richard turned to Arthur and rolled his eyes at him before he gave a grave warning, ¡°Don¡¯t y a joke


    like this anymore.¡±


    Arthur no longer felt yful when his friend said that. All he wanted to do was make life more fun for his


    friend. He hadn¡¯t at all expected Richard to be as unbreakable and stubborn as an iceberg.


    ¡°I am only doing this for your own good. You should appreciate my effort. You are a 27-year-old man who


    has never even held a woman¡¯s hand! I am just worried about you. Look at Elliot. He is already


    engaged.¡± Arthur had a concerned expression on his face as he lectured Richard, who then suddenly


    grabbed him by his hand.


    ¡°You¡¯d better leave with me. Stop hanging around ces like this every day. There is nothing you can get


    out of doing this.¡±


    Just like that, Arthur was then dragged away by Richard. A few women behind them let out a motherly


    smile at that instant. So all the high-quality men have boyfriends! And not only that, the boyfriend is the


    domineering, possessive type! The women began to muse at the sudden revtion.


    Arthur would probably have broken down right there and then if he had known the thoughts running


    through the women¡¯s heads when he was pulled away by Richard.


    After they got to the carpark, Richard said to Arthur¡¯s bodyguards, ¡°Watch your young master properly


    from now on. Try not toe with him to ces like his.¡±


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Understood, Young Master Lloyd,¡± they respectfully answered him.


    Arthur dumbly blinked his eyes at that. It seemed like it was Richard¡¯s turn to nag him this time around.


    Richard¡¯s subordinates soon drove a ck SUV to pick him up, and after the vehicle speedily left, Arthur


    pursed his thin lips before he instructed his bodyguards, ¡°Let¡¯s head back to the hotel.¡±


    His car was parked in front of the bar entrance. Right after his bodyguards had safely escorted him into


    the car, a woman with heavy makeup suddenly sprinted out of the bar and frantically looked left and


    right. this novel¡±My Baby¡¯s Daddy¡± daily newtest chapters provide .infobagh plzz bookmark.


    Her eyes finallynded on the car whose door had just been opened and like a startled rabbit, she


    hopped right into the vehicle.


    The bodyguards couldn¡¯t even react when the woman abruptly squeezed herself between Arthur¡¯s


    thighs. He had just sat down then. The woman proceeded to hug his thigh and plead, ¡°Sir, sir, I need


    your help. Can you please let me hide in your car for a short while? Someone is trying to kill me!¡±


    Out of duty to take care of Arthur, the bodyguardpletely disregarded the fact that he was going to


    manhandle a woman as he reached out his long arm and grabbed her by the front of her shirt. He started


    to drag her out, but the woman, refusing to leave, instantly wrapped her arms around Arthur¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Just let me hide here for two minutes! ¨ª beg of you, I will only take a while.¡±


    Not only was his neck forcefully clung onto the arms that were around his neck were as thin as they were


    powerful. It almost felt like she was trying to murder him instead of ask for his help. Arthur then started


    pushing her away from him too.


    However, the woman seemed to have the strength of a lioness as she grabbed onto him even tighter.


    She even started yelling at this point. ¡°I will only hide for a little while! Please! I beg of you!¡±


    Seeing her nearly choking Arthur, the bodyguard immediately let go of his hold on her. ¡°Who the hell are


    you? You better get out right this instant,¡± he growled in a threatening tone.


    Arthur wasn¡¯t breathing smoothly because of the woman¡¯s hold on him, but it only got worse when he


    identally breathed in her thick perfume.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder just what kind of taste the woman had to be wearing such a cheap-smelling


    perfume.


    However, he couldn¡¯t tell what her face looked like underneath all that makeup. All he knew was how


    dramatic a person she was.


    The woman took a peek outside, and when she saw a few men running past the car, she finally heaved a


    sigh of relief as she let go of Arthur. She even looked apologetic as she sputtered, ¡°I am sorry! I am so,


    so sorry! Are you alright, sir?!¡±


    Instead of replying to her, the man only harshly told her off. He didn¡¯t want to see her a second longer if


    he could.


    She was frozen for a few seconds upon hearing his voice. As she looked at him under the dim lights, she


    caught sight of the cold yet extremely beautiful face of the man. He looked like an artwork that hade


    to life.


    She was in the middle of her daydreaming when the strong grip of the bodyguard held her by the back of


    the neck. ¡°Ah!¡± she yelped as shended heavily on the ground after she was thrown out of the car.


    The woman felt as though something was ripping her hair out. It was so painful that it wouldn¡¯t surprise


    her if her scalp had torn apart and started bleeding at some point. Arthur¡¯s bodyguard then took the


    chance to drive the sedan away.


    ¡°Ouch! It hurts,¡± she mumbled to herself as she rubbed at the sore spot. She brushed her fingers through


    her thick and wavy hair, and when she reached out to see what was in her hand, she noticed something


    dangling by the end of her hair that had been fixed in ce by an insane amount of hairspray.


    She could tell that it was a round gemstone under the dim light. The stone, which was as long as the little


    finger, had a bundle of golden thread shaped into a dragon embedded around it. It looked like it had


    been meticulously handcrafted.


    ¡°Hey! You dropped something! Hey¡ª¡± She immediately got back on her feet and chased after the ck


    sedan that was getting further by the second. However, despite her running after the vehicle for about


    100 meters, the sedan still got away and it showed no signs of stopping.

 Chapter 491

    Chapter 491


    Chapter 491


    The woman panted, her long hair a mess. ¡°D*mn it! Why are they so fast?¡±


    Right at this moment, six men came from behind and surrounded her. Her eyelids were thick with


    eyeshadow, but her pair of eyes that were as clear as water showed a hint of resignation.


    She was finally caught again.


    ¡°Young Miss, the Old Master said that he will freeze all your credit cards if you were to spend money


    here at the bar again.¡±


    ¡°I got it, Uncle G,¡± she muttered as she bit her lip. She was holding herself back from saying more.


    ¡°It is dangerous for you toe out alone, Young Miss.¡±


    Upon hearing that, she started toin, ¡°I can¡¯t even experience life for a moment?¡±


    Her driver didn¡¯t reply to her tantrum, and he only continued nagging, ¡°The Old Master also wanted you


    to get ready for your engagement to Young Master York. The engagement cannot be dragged on any


    longer.¡±


    The girl puffed out her cheeks. At the instant, a sudden gust of wind blew and her long locks started


    waving in the direction the wind was blowing in. Even though she had heavy makeup on, it was


    impossible to hide the delicate features on her small face.


    A ck limousine then came to a stop in front of her. this novel¡±My Baby¡¯s Daddy¡± daily newtest


    chapters provide .infobagh plzz bookmark. As she got in the car, she could still feel the pain in


    the back of her neck. She turned on the dome light above her head and carefully looked at the round


    gemstone in her hand. Upon closer inspection, she realized that it was a big and rare diamond. She


    couldn¡¯t help but think that the natural and perfectly round diamond probably had a staggering price.


    Hmm¡­ How am I supposed to give it back to that man? She propped her chin in her hand as she had an


    internal debate.


    She suddenly received a text message on her phone at this moment. ¡®Young Miss, all your documents


    have been taken out. Go to the cafe at the airport. Your flight is at 12 AM. You have to hurry to the


    airport!¡¯


    The corners of the woman¡¯s red lips curled upward after she read the message. She then said to the


    driver sitting in front. ¡°Uncle G, can you go with me to the airport to pick up a friend?¡±


    ¡°Young Miss¡­ Stop it with your tricks.¡±


    ¡°I am not ying any tricks. I really do have a friend who is waiting for me to pick her up at the airport. I


    am begging you, Uncle G. She is here to attend my engagement party,¡± the woman pleaded sweetly.


    The middle-aged man driving the car let out a long sigh as he conceded and asked the bodyguard to


    drive to the airport.


    On the other hand, Arthur, who had just returned to his hotel room, had a haunting feeling like something


    was missing from his neck. When he reached out to fiddle the ne around his neck, he could feel


    that the usual heavy ne had suddenly strangely be lighter. He pulled at the cor of his top,


    and it was only when he looked down that he realized his family heirloom was gone.


    His bright eyes narrowed, and the girl hanging onto his neck in the car suddenly popped into his mind.


    He then came to the conclusion that she was not running away from anyone at all.


    She was a thief!


    st!


    She is just digging her own hole by stealing something of mine, he fumed.


    The six bodyguards standing in front of Arthur were also shocked when they looked at the ne their


    young master had removed from his neck.


    Did the Young Master lose his priceless family heirloom? they all wondered at the same time.


    People wouldn¡¯t usually wear their family heirloom, but Arthur was no typical young master.


    Not only was Arthur angry for losing his family heirloom, he was also hit by deep shame at the moment.


    It would be such an embarrassment if word were to get that the woman had stolen his thing under his


    nose.


    ¡°Find her!¡± he growled through gritted teeth.


    From the way his rage seemed to overflow from his gaze, it was easy to imagine just what kind of tragic


    ending awaited the thief.


    The bodyguards responded immediately, ¡°Understood. We will go right this instant.¡±


    A woman carrying a bag had made her escape from scrutinizing eyes using another door of the airport


    cafe, which was why her bodyguards guarding at the entrance didn¡¯t notice her disappearance. Ten


    minutester, the girl arrived at the ne she was going to board, and she sat in a first ss seat. After


    she took a deep breath, she sent a text message on her phone. ¡®Dad, I don¡¯t want to get engaged. I am


    leaving now. Please forgive me for being unfilial.


    She turned off her phone after she sent the message, and the whole world seemed to fall silent then. Her


    face under the light was a beautiful one, as she did not have any heavy makeup on. The woman who


    looked like she was in her twenties had skin so fair and tender that it looked like it might bruise at the


    slightest touch.


    The ne had taken off into the night sky after it went down the runway Unbeknownst to the woman, she


    had in her hand another man¡¯s family heirloom.


    As much as she wanted to give it back to him, she couldn¡¯t make the time to find him as she was in a


    rush to go abroad. She could only hope they would someday meet again.


    In an apartment in the city center, Hayley was sitting on the sofa waiting for Alex toe back. Her head


    was filled with thoughts about Anastasia¡¯s marriage to Elliot.


    She kept thinking of a way to stop their engagement. Their engagement was a crucial benchmark in their


    rtionship. It would be near impossible to prevent it from happening, not unless something big were to


    happen.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 492

    Chapter 492


    Hayley suddenly thought of Francis. She doubted Anastasia and Elliot would proceed with the


    engagement if Francis were to get into an ident.


    But what could she do to create an ¡®ident? Naomi and Erica would definitely not do it. After all,


    Francis was their cash cow. It seemed like Alex was the only one who could do it.


    Hayley also knew that Alex was anxious. Francis had been training Anastasia to take over Tillman


    Constructions and as soon as she learned to manage thepany, it was only a matter of time before


    thepany ultimately belonged to her.


    Now that Anastasia and Elliot were getting engaged, and she had Elliot the business genius to back her


    up, Alex served no purpose being by Anastasia¡¯s side.


    There was still half a month before the engagement, which meant there was enough time for Hayley to


    arrange what she needed to. As she thought about this, a cruel glint appeared in her eyes.


    Alex was slightly tired when he finally came back during the wee hours. As there were some problems


    with thepany¡¯s financial inventory, he had to stay behind until the issue was resolved before he


    could leave.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Alex, you¡¯re home.¡± Hayley immediately went over and hugged him. She then stood on her tiptoes to


    kiss him. ¡°I have warmed up some noodles for you. Come have some.¡±


    Instead, the man went to sit on the sofa. ¡°Bring me a ss of beer,¡± he told her.


    And so, Hayley immediately went and opened a can of beer for him. She then sat next to him and looked


    at him. ¡°Alex, are you tired from work?¡± she asked with a worried expression on her face. ¡°Erica told me


    that Anastasia is getting engaged to Elliot. I reckon Anastasia might be able to take over her father¡¯s


    company at any time.¡±


    Alex abruptly raised his head in shock. ¡°When was this?¡±


    ¡°On Christmas Eve.¡±


    He started to feel anxious then. The current situation was bing more and more unfavorable for his


    ns against Tillman Constructions.


    ¡°Alex, Elliot will be Francis¡¯ son-inw if he were to get engaged to Anastasia. There is a possibility that


    Francis may hand thepany over to Elliot. Do you think you can continue to keep your position as the


    financial manager when the timees?¡± Hayley was instilling fear into Alex at that point.


    Alex knew full well how much Elliot hated him because of how he used to cling to Anastasia without


    knowing his ce. This could be the sole reason Elliot would sack him from thepany if Tillman


    Constructions ever fell into Elliot¡¯s hands.


    Hayley then continued rather agitatedly, ¡°It is about time I got in contact with Naomi for her to start with


    the n.¡±


    Confused, Alex lifted his chin to look at her. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked.


    ¡°We have to stop Anastasia and Elliot from getting engaged, and the only way to do that is for Francis to


    get into an ident serious enough to prevent him from attending the engagement party. Anastasia


    would surely be too disheartened to carry on with the engagement. When that happens, you can alter


    Francis¡¯ will and split


    Tillman Constructions into two. Anastasia can have half of the ownership, but Naomi and her daughter


    must have the other half. They will have to rely on you when they want to secure half of the


    shareholders¡¯ rights. this novel¡±My Baby¡¯s Daddy¡± daily newtest chapters provide .infobagh


    plzz bookmark. You can negotiate with them and tell them that you want one-third, or more, of the


    shares.¡± Hayley¡¯s gaze wasser focused as she exined the n she had carefully thought out.


    s, her ultimate goal was to stop the engagement between Elliot and Anastasia from happening


    This was Hayley¡¯s revenge toward Anastasia. There was no way she would allow Anastasia to have


    peaceful days.


    Hayley knew just how she could use Erica and Naomi toplete her n. She would only have to give


    them a light push, and the mother-daughter duo would automaticallye up with their way to deal with


    Francis.


    Sure enough, Hayley¡¯s words nted a seed in Alex¡¯s heart, and he was fueled by greed to seize part of


    the Tillman Constructions¡¯ equity.


    If something were to happen to Francis, and Naomi revised the will so that she and her daughter had half


    of thepany¡¯s shares, they surely would know nothing about the handling of thepany. And when


    that happened, they would definitely entrust Alex to take care of what they had in hand. He would be


    able to make a proper request to have a part of it when the time came.


    Just one-third of the mother-daughter¡¯s equity would be worth more than 100


    million. It was a sum that he could never earn, no matter how hard he worked his whole life.


    ¡°Alex, I will support you. I will support you no matter what you do. I don¡¯t want anything else. I just want


    to stay by your side,¡± Hayley eximed, effectively melting his heart with her tenderness.


    Upon hearing that, Alex put his arms around her. ¡°You are so clever, Hayley. You came up with such a


    good solution.¡±


    ¡°Everything I do is for us.¡± She looked at him with endearing eyes as she murmured, ¡°It is all because I


    love you.¡± Alex immediately felt deeply satisfied at that.


    After they spent the whole night being tangled in each other¡¯s arms under the sheets, Hayley was sure


    that her n had been acknowledged by Alex, and it would soon be carried out.

 Chapter 493

    Chapter 493


    Early morning the next day, Alex secretly made an appointment with Naomi and Erica. After they had all


    arrived in the private room of the appointed restaurant, he began to tell them in detail about the n


    Hayley had told himst night. Erica was fairly startled as she listened to his words, but Naomi was


    surprisingly calm as she sat there.


    ¡°Alex, do you have the confidence to do this?¡±


    ¡°Of course, the two of you will have to lend a hand in this.¡± He didn¡¯t want to be the only one who was


    responsible for it.


    Erica, however, was still too timid to do something that would harm her father. She muttered in a small


    voice, ¡°Mom¡­ Dad~¡±


    Naomi immediately cut her off as she threw a nce at her daughter. ¡°You call him your Dad, but has he


    ever thought of you as his daughter?¡±


    Alex chimed in too, ¡°Erica, your mother is right. President Tillman only has eyes for Anastasia. The will


    shall take effect immediately if you don¡¯t act now. It is still not toote to alter the will. You won¡¯t be


    getting anything otherwise.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Erica was instantly filled with resentment for Francis. She clenched her jaw before


    she finally said, ¡°Okay. I agree with your n.¡±


    Naomi and Alex continued chatting into the afternoon before he finally left. They decided to first have


    Francis killed, then secretly change his will. They would be bribingwyers along the way and have the


    company divided into three equal parts, Naomi and Erica would each hold one part of it, whereas


    Anastasia would have the other one. This would make the mother and daughter own more than 60% of


    thepany¡¯s equity, which meant that they would have absolute right of execution over thepany.


    Naomi and Erica continued to stay at the restaurant after Alex left. Erica¡¯s hands were shaking ever-so-


    slightly, as she felt uneasy about the n.


    Naomi suddenly took her daughter¡¯s hand and stared at her calmly. ¡°Erica, are you afraid?¡±


    ¡°Mom, does Dad really¡­have to die?¡± There was fear written all over Erica¡¯s face at that point.


    Naomi felt that it was time to tell her something, or else her daughter would not be able to carry on with


    the n calmly.


    ¡°Erica, Mom has something to tell you. You won¡¯t be scared anymore after this,¡± Naomi reassured her.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°It is about your birth. Francis is not your biological father. You are the child born to me and another


    man.¡± Naomi felt no need to continue hiding her secret.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Erica¡¯s head immediately went nk as she heard the shocking news. ¡°What?! Mom, how can I not be


    Dad¡¯s daughter? Didn¡¯t Dad have a DNA test when you brought me to the house? Did he not doubt me


    at all?¡±


    ¡°Of course Francis did. I drew blood from you in front of him to do the DNA test, but I exchanged a


    container of Anastasia¡¯s blood with yours. That is why Francis has had no doubts for so many years.¡±


    Erica clutched her chest after hearing her mother¡¯s confession. This secret was too shocking even to her.


    ¡°Who is my biological father then?¡± she couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to care about who he is. He¡¯s just a piece of trash who is still rolling in poverty!¡± Naomi


    spat contemptuously. ¡°We must do this if we want to live a good life for the rest of our lives.¡±


    As Naomi had expected, Anastasia started feeling a lot better after that. It turned out that the man she


    had called ¡°Dad¡± for over 20 years was not her biological father.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just call him Dad for so many years for nothing. We must get the share we deserve.¡± Naomi¡¯s


    eyes were filled with determination to win.


    Erica was also afraid of losing status and wealth during the remainder of her life. She was just like her


    mother at this very moment she wanted a share of Francis¡¯ property. Francis might very well chase her


    out of the Tillmans¡¯ if he were to find out her identity one day.


    Instead of letting something like that happen, Erica would rather Alex join hands with her mother and


    make Francis leave the world unknowingly.


    Francis was currently ying card games with a few of his good friends during the festive season. He


    had no idea that his wife and daughter hade together with his


    most trusted man in a plot to harm him.


    It was finally New Year¡¯s Eve after the people spent weeks anticipating it.


    Elliot and Anastasia had already arrived at the Presgrave Residence around 10 AM.


    Elliot was naturally not keen on telling the truth behind Jared¡¯s injury when Harriet noticed Jared¡¯s injured


    leg. He even made up a reason, which didn¡¯t go unnoticed by the older woman¡¯s hawk-like eyes.


    However, she didn¡¯t press on to know the truth. All that was important to her was that her grandson was


    safe.


    Immediately afterward, she got good news from Jared that Elliot and Anastasia were getting engaged


    The news made Harriet so worked up that her eyes were wet with tears. This truly was something that


    made her happy. It was also something she had been looking


    forward to for so many years!

 Chapter 494

    Chapter 494


    Anastasia was walking toward the study room from outside when she heard Harriet¡¯s voiceing from


    the opened door of the room.


    ¡°Wonderful! This is great, Elliot. You have to treat both Anastasia and Jared well after she bes your


    wife.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia came to a halt before she heard Harriet¡¯s voice rang out again. ¡°Thank God


    my wish for the Tillmans and the Presgraves to be a family has been fulfilled. I will make sure to


    give my gratitude to Officer Amelia if I were to die someday.¡±


    Anastasia¡¯s chest seemed to clench at that. She could tell that Harriet was truly grateful to her mother for


    saving one of the Presgraves.


    ¡°Grandma, I promise to treat them well for the rest of my life,¡± Elliot reassured Harriet. At that, thetter


    said in an earnest tone, ¡°You must not force Anastasia if she is unwilling to give birth again in the future.


    You can always train Jared to be your sessor.¡±


    ¡°It is all up to her to decide. She can have another child if she wants, but I won¡¯t pressure her into


    anything if she doesn¡¯t. To me, Jared is my son.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I like him very much as well. He is exactly the same as you were when you were young. This is all


    God¡¯s will.¡±Harriet sighed at that.


    Anastasia was hit by a myriad of emotions when she heard the conversation. Even she wasn¡¯t sure if she


    wanted to have a child with Elliot.


    In fact, she should give birth to a Presgrave if she loved him.


    At that point, Anastasia decided to stop trying to make sense of the mess in her head and heart for now.


    It only confused her more without solving anything.


    Instead of going in and interrupting the chat between the grandparent and her grandson, Anastasia went


    to the garden, where her son had been having fun by himself. Harriet even spent money to build him an


    outdoor yground that was equipped with an air conditioner. The young boy continued to y in that


    cozy space.


    This was a very thoughtful gesture on Harriet¡¯s part. Anastasia deeply felt that she and her son were


    being pampered by the Presgrave Family.


    The tide at a faraway beach was starting toe in when evening came and as night fell, the lights of


    the city seemed to illuminate the whole ce as though it was still morning.


    The Presgraves had a feast for their dinner. As Elliot sat beside Jared, he made sure to spoon more food


    onto the young boy¡¯s te.


    Harriet was secretly happy when she saw what was going on. Anastasia, too, quietly saved this scene of


    Elliot showing his love into her memory.


    ¡°Young Master Tillman, I will add some rice to your te,¡± one of the servants standing aside respectfully


    said to Jared.


    She even seemed like she was treating him like a precious young master of the Presgraves.


    Anastasia¡¯s heart skipped a beat at that, but the little boy proceeded to announce out loud politely, ¡°I can


    do it myself, Madam.¡±


    His one sentence was enough to show how well he had been educated at home to be so polite. He was


    a child that everyone, the servants included, would easily fall in love with.


    After they were done with the meal, Anastasia brought Jared to the second floor for a video call with


    Francis. The man was waving a present in his hand as he said to the boy, ¡°Jared, your grandpa prepared


    a present for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Grandpa!¡±


    The man then turned to his daughter. ¡°Anastasia, are you bringing Jared home for lunch tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she briefly replied with a nod. It was normal to pay visits to rtives after Christmas.


    She hung up the call after their conversation ended. As she turned around, she was greeted by the sight


    of Elliot walking toward her. He gave off a homely vibe in his gray sweater and a pair of dark-colored


    cks.


    He, too, had four presents in his hands. Looking at Jared, he walked over and gave him two of them.


    ¡°These are for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Presgrave.¡± The child was ecstatic as he took the presents from Elliot. He then waved at


    the adults. ¡°Mommy, I will be going back to my room now!¡±


    Anastasia couldn¡¯t help but lift her gaze at the man. ¡°Oh-you didn¡¯t have to give him two. Just one is


    more than enough.¡±


    ¡°Those were from Grandma and I respectively,¡± Elliot replied in a low voice. He swiftly reached out to


    pass Anastasia the other two. ¡°And these are also from Grandma and I to you.¡±


    ¡°For me?¡± She nkly blinked at him. She wasn¡¯t even a child who needed a present!


    Elliot quickly came up with an excuse to give the presents to her then. ¡°This is our family¡¯s tradition. We


    always give out presents to guests whoe to visit during Christmas.¡±


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    And so, Anastasia had no other choice but to take them. The man, however, continued to encourage her


    to open up her presents. ¡°Open them and have a look.¡±


    She shook it around a few times. The contents were so light it didn¡¯t seem like there would be much in it.


    She was starting to get curious when she noticed the mirth in his gaze. She finally tore the present


    wrapping open, only for a piece of ck credit card to slide right out.

 Chapter 495

    Chapter 495


    ¡°This one is from me,¡± Elliot told her with a smile on his face as he rested his chin on his arm.


    Anastasia was slightly startled holding the card in one hand. ¡°You are giving me a card?¡±


    ¡°It is a card that does not have a limit. You can use it as you like.¡± His sharp eyebrows raised slightly, his


    eyes full of love for her.


    These were probably the words any woman loved hearing the most. Anastasia, too, couldn¡¯t hide the


    smile on her face as she moved on to the next present. ¡°Is this one from Grandma?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Open it and see.¡±


    Elliot was curious as to what Harriet prepared as well. The elderly woman hadn¡¯t told her a thing, after


    all.


    Anastasia opened the present, and when she poured the contents of the present, a strange card that


    looked like an ess card fell out.


    ¡°What is this?¡± she asked.


    Elliot nced at it before he replied with a smile, ¡°The ess card to Cloud Residence No. 1¡¯s top floor


    loft unit.¡±


    She was startled again after hearing his words. If her memory served her correctly, she had somehow


    come across the insane price of a unit at Cloud Residence No. 1. She also saw how the price of the big


    loft had been raised to about 100 million.


    And the ess card to such a ce was in her hand right this moment.


    ¡°I-I can¡¯t ept it!¡± Anastasia wouldn¡¯t reject the ck card from her future husband, but Harriet¡¯s


    present was too expensive for her to ept.


    ¡°Why not? Everything the Presgraves have will belong to you in the future.¡± Elliot then added, ¡°I


    remember telling you before about a top private kindergarten in the area. The security measures are top-


    notch, and their education system is also the best internationally. Grandma cares about both your safety


    and Jared¡¯s education.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia could feel a gush of warmth in her chest. The loft might


    be expensive, but what was more valuable and heartwarming to her was Harriet¡¯s kindness and sincerity


    toward Anastasia and her son.


    Hence, Anastasia had no choice but to ept it as well. She then took the ck card again and took a


    look, and her red lips curled into a smile. ¡°I am finally a richdy.¡± she cheered.


    The man instantly corrected her, ¡°You mean you are mydy.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Anastasia bashfully chewed on her red lip. ¡°Not yet!¡±


    The man hade to sit beside her at some point. He wrapped his long arms around her as he


    muttered, ¡°It will be soon.¡± After saying that, he pressed his thin lips to her forehead. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to


    announce this.¡±


    She started to count the days then. It appeared there were only 15 days left before she was officially his


    fianc¨¦e.


    It all still felt like a dream to her.


    Anastasia had only returned to the country with Jared then to live a quiet life where she would steadily


    earn money to raise the child. She had only nned to keep her focus on her career and her child.


    However, she somehow managed to gain a husband within a year ofing back here.


    Come to think of it, she and Elliot had only been together for only about a year.


    Back at the Tillman Residence, Erica started treating Francis like he was a stranger after she found out


    the truth of her birth.


    She would try her best to not call him ¡®Dad¡¯. Her eyes when she looked at him were those of an


    outsider¡¯s.


    Francis was sitting on the sofa when he noticed Erica all dressed up and ready to leave. Out of concern,


    he asked, ¡°Erica, where are you going sote at night.¡±


    ¡°¡­ I am heading out.¡±


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote. It is not safe for a girl like you to go out by yourself. Why don¡¯t you just stay at home and


    take a rest?¡±


    ¡°I have an appointment with a friend,¡± she muttered with her head low before she left.


    This daughter of ours is getting more and more stubborn!¡± Francis sighed as he shook his head. When


    Naomi heard that, she smoothly hugged him around his neck from behind and said, ¡°Don¡¯t bother with


    her, my dear. She is an adult now. You can¡¯t make her decisions for her.¡±


    He turned and threw a nce at his wife briefly before she sat down with him. ¡°Francis,¡± she started.


    ¡°Anastasia is getting engaged soon. What do you think we should give her as a present?¡±


    Francis had given a proper thought about what dowry he could give before. After thinking about it for a


    moment, he told Naomi, ¡°I am not sure what she doesn¡¯t have. Let me ask her. We will give her anything


    she doesn¡¯t already have!¡±


    Naomi¡¯s face turned sour then. She was starting to magnify all the good ways Francis was treating


    Anastasia. It even seemed to her as though Francis couldn¡¯t wait to give out all the money he had if he


    could.


    ¡°Would you give her thepany as a dowry if she wanted it?¡±


    He momentarily froze at her words. ¡°Anastasia is the one who will take over mypany anyway!¡±


    ¡°How about Erica, then? Are you going to give her thepany too if that is what she wants?¡± Naomi


    tried probing.


    ¡°But Erica doesn¡¯t have a spouse yet!¡±


    She was getting madder by the second. She eventually stood up and as she was walking away, she


    turned to look at Francis for a short second, the murderous intent evident on her face.


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