The steak on the table is crispy and tender, fully cooked yet still chewy without any traces of blood. Monica Usher, while cutting her steak, advised her, "Barbara, when you’re feeling down, don’t drink alcohol. Just like you once advised me, your health is most important." "I don’t usually drink, so it’s okay. After all, I only just recently realized my feelings for him." So Barbara Sutton felt she was not as hurt as Monica. Her feelings spanned over two decades, already deep-rooted like marrow. Monica Usher thought of Justin Kingston, recalling those bits and pieces of past memories. Scenes gradually became clear in her mind... She still couldn’t bear the fact that they were once so close, yet now so distant. The unrequited love was truly agonizing. Until dinner ended, when Monica Usher drove Barbara Sutton home, she didn’t ask a single question about work. She merely invited Barbara Sutton out for dinner to comfort her. This made Barbara feel a bit guilty, realizing she had wronged Monica by suspecting her motives. Nighttime, Emerald Cove. Mia Lane walked out after her shower, standing by the master bedroom window with a hair towel on her head, using her phone to create a new group chat. As the design department members joined, her phone kept buzzing non-stop. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel★fire.net Justin Kingston came over with a hairdryer, "What are you up to? Still busy with work?" "Just creating a new group chat for the designers." She sat down on the sofa, "Would you like to help me dry my hair? Thank you." "You’re welcome, it’s my pleasure." As he helped dry her hair, he inhaled the light fragrance, his actions gentle and filled with affection. Mia Lane edited a message in the group, asking if everyone had decided on a destination. The designers started chatting away one by one. Ten minutes later, one location gained majority approval and was basically settled on — Aethel Falls. Some people had heard of it, while others hadn’t, so everyone started gathering information and pictures to share in the group for everyone to get an idea beforehand. Soon, a call came through to Mia Lane’s phone. Her hair was dry by then, and she answered, "Hello, Director Owen." "President Lane, I think Aethel Falls is a great choice, I visited once." The man’s voice came through excitedly, "It’s a perfect place for creativity, there are ten standalone cottages there. If we decide to go, I can contact the owner to pre-book the cottages." "Sure, that would be helpful." Mia Lane had just looked at some photos, indeed it seemed like a tranquil place. "Alright then, we’ll discuss the details in the group chat." After the call, Mia Lane said in the group chat, "Everyone needs to submit their works, at least two sets each. Whatever you feel you need to bring, feel free to discuss in the group. I’ll arrange for someone to compile a list to make it convenient for everyone." She considered every detail for this trip. "Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent, there are lots of mosquitoes in the mountains." Justin Kingston stood not far away, gazing at the woman who was sending voice messages, utterly fascinated, as if he couldn’t get enough of looking at her. Justin neither interrupted nor gave any opinions; he just had two words — agree. Until Mia Lane noticed him, their eyes met, and she was slightly startled, "You... you’re not in the study?" Only then did a slight smile spread across Justin’s lips as he walked toward her, "Why go to the study? You’re leaving soon; I want to spend more time with you." "..." Watching him, she beamed like a flower, pondering over his thoughts. Justin knelt down in front of her, flashed a mysterious smile, and asked, "When do you plan to go to bed?"