The next day, Talia slowly opened her eyes. The hangover made her head feel like it was splitting. Looking down at the pajamas she was wearing, Talia felt a momentary confusion. How did she get back last night? Who changed her clothes? She only remembered going out drinking last night, Yvonne Coleman pulling her to hire male models. She couldn’t hold her liquor, got drunk after a few drinks. She vaguely remembers seeing Adrian Jennings. Was it just an illusion? Reaching under the pillow for her phone, Talia called Yvonne Coleman. The phone rang twice before being picked up. "Ryan Quinn? Why is it you? Where’s Yvonne?" Hearing Talia Rhodes’ voice, Ryan quickly snapped awake. He had been hugging Yvonne Coleman, sleeping deeply, when suddenly he heard a phone ringing, thinking it was his own, he sleepily picked it up. The call indeed startled him. Ryan’s brain worked quickly, immediately making up an excuse, "Yvonne came back yesterday and left her phone in the downstairs living room. She’s sleeping in her room upstairs now and hasn’t woken up yet. Do you need to talk to her?" He can’t let Talia Rhodes know about his relationship with Yvonne Coleman yet. He’s not afraid of rumors. If such a thing gets out, for men, others would merely label him as amorous, but for women, it’s different. Others would gossip behind their backs, saying the woman is shameless, involved with her brother, talking about incest, an unclean private life, with rumors pushing the woman to the forefront of scrutiny, where the whispers could drown her. Talia didn’t doubt him, just said, "Oh, oh, when she wakes up, could you ask her to call me back?" Ryan breathed a sigh of relief, "Sure." After hanging up the phone, Ryan looked down at Yvonne Coleman beside him, "Awake?" Yvonne Coleman still wore a sleepy expression, her eyes half-open, half-closed, and murmured a soft "Mm." From just waking up, Yvonne Coleman’s voice was so soft and sweet, setting Ryan’s passion ablaze. He leaned down to plant a kiss on Yvonne’s lips, "Baby, one more time?" Upon hearing this, Yvonne instantly became alert, pulled the blanket up to cover herself, eyes wary, "Go away!" Ryan’s eyes were gentle like water, a pampering smile curving his lips, "Baby, do you know how alluring you look right now?" Yvonne gripped the blanket tightly, stammering nervously, "Ryan... Ryan... don’t be reckless. Last night... we both drank too much. We’re both adults, I can just pretend nothing happened. In the future... let’s continue being siblings as before." Ryan laughed angrily, raising an eyebrow, "I wasn’t drunk last night, I was sober." Yvonne’s eyes widened in shock. Ryan spoke slowly, "Baby, I was very clear-headed. I knew what I was doing. Actually, I realized my feelings for you long ago, but kept them under control. Last night, you hired male models and leaned into that man’s arms; I just couldn’t hold back anymore." Yvonne couldn’t believe it, "You, you... you liked me all along?" Ryan murmured an "Mm." "I’m not sure the exact day; maybe the affection grew over time." Yvonne bit her lip, "But I... I’m not ready yet." Ryan gently stroked her face, softly asked, "Baby, do you like me? In the way between a man and a woman?" "No!" Yvonne denied vehemently. Ryan chuckled softly, leaned down to kiss again, "That’s okay; our feelings can grow over time." On a certain word, Ryan enunciated deliberately. Yvonne’s face flushed red to her ears. The richness of Chinese culture is truly profound! Another round of indulgence followed. Days passed quickly in Oakhaven’s winter snowfall, now it’s mid-January. Today, Talia received a call from the head of the law firm. "Ms. Rhodes, I heard you can play golf?" Talia wondered who mentioned it, then suddenly recalled filling out an application form when she first joined, where she personally wrote her hobby was playing golf. Talia replied, "Yes, Director, what’s up?" The Director laughed heartily, "I have a major client here, Mr. Li from The Tenward Group. He loves playing golf. I’ve arranged to meet him at the Sutherlyn Royal Golf Club on the 18th. Come with me." Talia thought it should be fine to go with the firm’s director, so she agreed, "Okay, Director." "Mr. Li has several cases that could be signed with us. If successful, you’ll get a 20% commission, Ms. Rhodes. I know your family’s well-off and you don’t care about this small amount, but as lawyers, we need to gain experience, honing our negotiation skills." The fact that Talia is a Rhodes family heiress has already spread through the firm, and the Director is, of course, aware. "I understand, Director." "Alright then, prepare yourself, I’ll have my assistant book your flight ticket." After ending the call, Talia looked at the calendar on her desk. It’s been thirteen days since New Year’s Eve. She and Adrian Jennings haven’t seen each other for almost half a month now. During this time, she’s been working hard, trying not to let herself be idle, because whenever she has downtime, she can’t stop thinking about Adrian Jennings, feeling terribly pained. Entertainment news about Adrian Jennings and Lana Larsen’s scandals are everywhere. Talia hasn’t deliberately followed them, but often hears coworkers chatting and gossiping about them. "Did you check the trending topics? Lana Larsen and the Jennings Family’s Crown Prince went on a holiday to a tropical island. They’re such a perfect match, handsome guy and beautiful girl look great together! Ah, I’m so invested!" "My idol’s beauty is unmatched. She’s undoubtedly the top female star in domestic entertainment! Besides her, no one is worthy of the Jennings Family’s Crown Prince." "Hey, isn’t Lawyer Rhodes from the Rhodes Family? Do you know she almost got engaged to the Jennings Family guy?" "Yeah, yeah, I know about it; it’s true. Previously, the Jennings Family’s Crown Prince was Lawyer Rhodes’ boyfriend. I even saw him at the law firm entrance, he’s incredibly handsome in person!" "What? Really? Lawyer Rhodes had a history with the Jennings Family’s Crown Prince?" "Shh... Speak quietly, don’t get overheard by Lawyer Rhodes..." Talia stood holding a water cup at the tea room entrance, hearing the conversation inside, she paused, sighed helplessly, and left without saying a word. Sometimes, when she sees Lana Larsen’s large posters on the LED screens in malls, Talia can’t help but stop, feeling a mix of emotions. It turns out he likes this type of girl. Bold and flamboyant in beauty, smiling with such allure, charming and seductive. Quickly, it’s the day for the business trip. Talia boarded the flight to Sutherlyn with the law firm’s Director. Passing by first class, unexpectedly, she glimpsed the face she’s been longing for. She froze abruptly, a crack appearing in her stoic expression. Adrian Jennings, in a black coat, appeared aloof and noble, sitting and looking at his laptop. Beside him, Lana Larsen smiled radiantly. Sensing the heated gaze, Adrian Jennings looked up from the screen, met Talia’s gaze, and momentarily froze. The atmosphere was subtle. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel(ꜰ)ire.net The air was filled with a vague hint of jealousy, carrying a thread of bitterness. Lana Larsen smiled brightly, greeted Talia, "Miss Rhodes, we meet again."