Declan Pierce chuckled silently, not exposing her stubbornness. "I’m hungry, come with me to grab something to eat." As he spoke, he had already turned the steering wheel, and the car glided into the night. Tanya Sinclair wanted to stop him but it was too late, so she quietly tightened her seatbelt. Declan Pierce drove fast and steady, passing through a leafy road Tanya Sinclair had never been to before. "Where are we going?" She looked at the unfamiliar streetscape outside the window and couldn’t help but ask. Declan Pierce simply replied, "You’ll find out soon enough." Driving through the leafy road, the scenery outside the window became increasingly familiar. When the car stopped, Tanya Sinclair recognized the bustling street food area not far away. This was the street food spot right outside Northwood University’s back gate. The students called this place the "Street of Indulgence." She didn’t expect Declan Pierce to come here to eat, and couldn’t help but look up at him. As Declan Pierce was unbuckling his seatbelt, he met Tanya Sinclair’s gaze directly. He raised an eyebrow, "What kind of expression is that?" Tanya Sinclair had always been honest. She honestly answered, "I thought with your current status, at the very least, you would have something like a high-end private restaurant chef from a TV show working overtime just for your custom order." Declan Pierce narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at her without blinking. With such a charming face, staring at anyone was enough to have a strong impact. Tanya Sinclair couldn’t help but shrink back into her seat. "Tanya Sinclair." Declan Pierce called her slowly, For some reason, her serious name always sounded a bit unserious when it came out of his mouth. "Private custom chef services are reserved for my girlfriend," he lowered his gaze to her, fingers tapping the steering wheel, with a half-smile, "What, you want to give it a try?" Tanya Sinclair quickly shook her head like a rattle, "... I’m perfectly fine with street food." Declan Pierce’s expression softened a bit, and without saying anything, he got out of the car. Tanya Sinclair wanted to follow, but the man didn’t even look back and tossed a sentence. "Stay put, or you’ll be fired tomorrow." Tanya Sinclair: "..." She almost forgot that this guy is now her main client. Besides, her leg hurt, so it wasn’t suitable to get out of the car and walk for too long. Tanya Sinclair stayed in the car, watching Declan Pierce’s back. He was tall, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. Even his back stood out in a crowd, just like in university, wherever Declan Pierce went, his excessively superior appearance seemed to carry a spotlight, dimming everything around him. This Declan Pierce, was he really the illegitimate child of The Pierce Family? Tanya Sinclair furrowed her brows slightly, recalling that during university, Declan Pierce’s personal information stated—Orphan. So, that’s why he referred to himself as an orphan. But what was the reason that made The Pierce Family, after ignoring him for twenty years, suddenly decide to accept him as an illegitimate child? This kind of high-society secret was beyond Tanya Sinclair’s comprehension, nor was she interested in pondering deeply. What right did she have, or what position, to pity Declan Pierce? The current Declan Pierce, in the eyes of the world, was already gazing down on everyone from atop a ladder ascending to the heavens. "Professor, come try it with us, that restaurant’s late-night snacks are unbeatable!" A familiar, ingratiating voice rang out unexpectedly. Tanya Sinclair caught sight of Professor Truman through the rearview mirror, surrounded by a few senior students, with the most unruly second senior, Harrison Langdon, lifting Professor Truman’s arm. She immediately rolled up the car window. Through the rearview mirror, she watched Professor Truman’s dignified and scholarly face wrinkle as he scolded, "You all are the future pillars of the pharmaceutical industry. Set an example and promote good eating habits. What are you doing eating barbecue late at night? It’s unhealthy!" "Oh come on, just give it a try!" Harrison Langdon persisted, clinging to Professor Truman’s arm. The familiar scene made Tanya Sinclair unable to hold back her laughter. Even though she was the youngest in the team back then, when it came to being coquettish, it had to be the second senior, Harrison Langdon. Senior Celine Nash and Senior Cameron Wenworth were used to it. In the end, Professor Truman, blowing his beard and glaring, helplessly laughed and scolded, "You little rascal, getting me to eat barbecue is just a front, it’s the end of the month and you’re out of money, wanting me to foot the bill, eh?" "Hehe." Harrison Langdon chuckled, achieving his trick, "Professor, you’re so clever, a true pillar of Northwood!" "Spare me the flattery." The group passed by the car, talking and laughing. Tanya Sinclair hid inside, and at that closest moment, the corner of Professor Truman’s coat brushed past the car door. She didn’t have the courage to meet the teacher, nor did she want to go out and dampen their spirits... Declan Pierce came back with a bag of food. On the way, he actually saw Professor Truman’s group entering the barbecue shop from a distance. He got back in the car, and as expected, found Tanya Sinclair curled up in the seat, looking downcast. Declan Pierce faintly furrowed his brow but said nothing, simply handing the bag of food over to Tanya Sinclair. When she took a look, her eyes brightened twice over; the bag was full of the things she loved to eat during university! Declan Pierce unscrewed a water bottle and took a sip, nonchalantly saying, "Just bought some random things, make do with it." "That’s perfect, all the random things you bought, I love them all." Tanya Sinclair chewed on a roasted gluten skewer, her eyes curving in happiness as if she had tasted some earthly delicacy. Declan Pierce glanced at her without a comment, a faint smile spreading in his eyes. "I’m not unhappy," she denied outright, unwilling to show her emotions in front of him. Declan Pierce didn’t push, leisurely sipping his water. He had waited for her for so many years, he could afford to wait a bit longer. Once Tanya Sinclair had eaten enough, a bottle of water was handed to her, she took it and said, "Thank you," to Declan Pierce. When she twisted the cap, it was already opened in advance. "Where shall I take you?" Declan Pierce asked. Tanya Sinclair: "Just drop me off across from the Westgard Pharmaceuticals Tower." Upon hearing this, Declan Pierce glanced at her, fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel, feigning curiosity, "Not going back to find Vincent Hawthorne?" Tanya Sinclair pressed her lips together, "... Not finding." Declan Pierce slightly narrowed his deep eyes, inquiring further, "Not finding tonight, or not planning to find him ever again?" Tanya Sinclair took a deep breath, turned to Declan Pierce, and said seriously, "President Pierce, I’ll tell you the truth. Vincent Hawthorne and I are getting a divorce. But don’t worry, I definitely won’t let the divorce affect my work!" She raised three fingers in assurance, almost like swearing an oath. Declan Pierce turned his gaze aside, suppressing the upward curve of his lips, "Then I’ll be watching." The car got on the road. Tonight, Declan Pierce seemed to be in a good mood, casually turning on the music, humming along lightly to a French song. Tanya Sinclair understood. The gist of the lyrics was "Long live singlehood." The car was filled only with the lingering song, no one spoke, and a faint but palpable awkwardness fermented in the narrow, quiet space. The key issue was that Tanya didn’t even have her phone with her, leaving her without a way to ease the awkwardness. Her gaze inadvertently fell on Declan Pierce’s hand on the steering wheel, hesitating slightly. At the moment, Declan was wearing just a gray shirt, with the sleeves neatly rolled up, revealing a forearm with noticeable yet not exaggerated muscles, clean and powerful. The clearly defined wrist lines extended downwards to a man’s broad hand, with long fingers, the thin flesh close to the bone, every inch exquisite. A scene from the past flashed through Tanya’s mind. She belatedly realized that she had seen his hand before she reunited with Declan. —These hands, beautiful as if they were a work of art. It’s just that the elevator doors closed too quickly that day, she didn’t have time to clearly see his face. Tanya quietly leaned back on the seat, suddenly feeling that fate was truly a capricious playwright. Seven years ago, she passed by Declan at the airport, and thought she would never meet him again. Unexpectedly, now he had become her client... Which meant, from now on, there would be plenty of days where they couldn’t avoid running into each other. Tanya felt a bit of a headache just thinking about it. Back in college, she had offended Declan in countless ways... She even slapped him, twice, actually. As the car was about to arrive at the community gate, Tanya decided to break the silence first, "President Pierce." Hearing this address, Declan’s eyebrows subtly twitched. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs NoveIＦire.net He didn’t interrupt her, waiting for her to continue. "I know in college, I did many things that offended you. Can we let bygones be bygones? Starting tomorrow, I’ll focus on my work, making money for the company and for you, dutifully being a good subordinate!" Tanya breathed out as she finished, nervously glancing at Declan’s expression. She was afraid he would retaliate later and make her life difficult at work. Declan almost found it amusing. The car stopped by the roadside outside her community. Declan turned his face to her. "Tanya, what kind of person do you think I am?" Tanya thought seriously, and replied very sincerely and cautiously, "A college classmate who had some misunderstandings with me in the past but was young and promising!" Declan: "...Get out." He felt a slight twinge in his heart. Tanya opened the door and got out of the car, just as she was about to politely bid farewell to Declan, he didn’t give her a chance; as soon as the car door closed, he hit the gas, driving off. Leaving Tanya somewhat bewildered in the wind. Only then did she notice she was still wearing Declan’s coat. It already carried her perfume scent from today, so Declan probably wouldn’t want it back. Better to wash it clean before finding an opportunity to return it. Thinking this, Tanya turned and hobbled into the community. "Baby Tanya!" Daisy Bell immediately spotted Tanya as soon as she got out of the car, rushing over to check on her thoroughly, "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Why did it take you so long to get back?" She noticed Tanya was wearing a men’s suit jacket, feeling the material, it was clearly not cheap. Daisy’s eyes immediately lit up with gossip interest. "Honey, is there something going on? Tell me, when did you meet the man?" Tanya found Daisy’s excitement a bit amusing. If Daisy knew the coat belonged to Declan, she’d probably be startled. "Bonnie, let’s talk at home first. My leg hurts." Daisy glanced at Tanya’s ankle, and without joking anymore, carefully supported her as they headed into the community. She spent the whole way cursing Vincent Hawthorne’s ancestors. "Shameless jerk, he looks like a bar regular, even the owner knows him. It was your first time there, just dancing with a friend, and he went crazy!" Tanya listened quietly, her expression calm. She opened the door and poured Daisy a glass of water. Daisy, tired from cursing, looked around and felt somewhat satisfied with the room. Tanya sat next to Daisy, "I don’t have much stuff. When Caden and Joy move in, I’ll redecorate the house." Daisy held her hand, patting it: "Sweetheart, if there’s anything I can help with, just let me know. Don’t bear it alone. Those Hawthorne folks, not one easy to deal with, I fear you’ll suffer." Tanya smiled: "Daisy, if I don’t want to, no one can make me suffer." In the past, she loved Vincent deeply and blindly, accommodating herself within the Hawthorne Family, hoping one day to be accepted and genuinely have a home. But now, she realized how foolish and naive she had been. Looking at Daisy beside her, Tanya knew she already had friends who were like family. Now, she also had two children carrying her blood. She didn’t need to rest her happiness on someone unworthy anymore! Daisy sat for a while longer, before receiving an urgent call from her manager. She had to attend an event tomorrow and needed to return to the hotel early for some rest; her makeup would take hours the next day. Tanya urged her: "Go back to the hotel and sleep early. I’ll wait to see your stunning photos tomorrow." Reluctantly, Daisy put on her hat and mask as she headed out, suddenly remembering something at the door. "By the way, Honey. Julian Poole asked for your WeChat, I didn’t know if you’d be okay with that, so I didn’t agree. But I added him, I’ll push his contact to you, then you can decide." Though Daisy and Tanya were also college friends, Daisy spent her vacations auditioning, constantly busy; she didn’t know about Tanya’s project with Julian. Even if she had run into Julian on campus before, he was much different then compared to now, and being the looks-focused person she was, Daisy likely wouldn’t remember him. Tanya’s leg still hurt, so she saw Daisy off only to the elevator, not downstairs. Returning to her room, she planned to apply some heat to her leg and then acupuncture. At that moment, her phone rang incessantly. Glancing at it, she saw it was Aunt Tawny calling. Worried that something was up with the kids, she answered. "Aunt Tawny, what..." She didn’t get to finish her question, when a man’s icy, angry voice, suppressing fury, came across the line. "...Where are you? Are you still with that wild man?" It was Vincent Hawthorne’s voice.