Chapter 114 Lily or Red Rose?
I learned my lesson, and I started testing men myself.
Ethan was more genuine than I expected.
As we were about to part, he quietly asked, “Can I give you a ride home?”
It was already past nine, so I shook my head and said, “Not tonight. I’ll take a cab,”
“Okay,” he replied, not insisting.
I hailed a cab, and Ethan came over to pay. He gave the driver an extra 200, making the guy grin from ear to ear.
I looked at Ethan, and he met my eyes, saying in a low voice, “Get home safe.”
The driver eagerly promised he’d drive carefully.
I smiled, and when Ethan saw it, he smiled too and gently closed the door.
By the time I got home, it was already late. I took a quick shower and went straight to bed.
Finished
The next morning, I went to check on the hotels. Progress was moving faster than I’d expected. I’d chosen distinct styles for the two hotels–one with a modern luxury feel, the other inspired by ancient dynasty aesthetics wi
a refined classic touch. With the styles set. I brought in top–tier designers who specialized in each.
From the elegance of modern luxury style to the subtle beauty of ancient style, I insisted on perfection in every detail.
Around 3 p.m., Shawn showed up out of nowhere. I was wearing a mask, deep in a work discussion at the time.
He strolled in casually, glancing around at the latest updates. I could tell he was a bit surprised.
I walked over and asked, “When did you get here?”
“Just now,” he said. “Was in the area and thought I’d stop by. Looks pretty unique.”
“It’s all just the result of pouring in money. What do you think, Mr. Hartwell?” I asked with a polite, almost businesslike smile.
Shawn gave me a complicated look before saying, “It’s much better than I expected. You’ve actually got some talent.”
I took the compliment calmly. “Thanks.”
“Come have some tea with me. I’m a bit thirsty,” he said, already turning toward the office.
I followed him in. Shawn sat down on the couch and looked up at me. Maybe it was the mask that made me seem a little unfamiliar–his gaze lingered on me for a moment. “Really buried yourself into work, huh?”
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but I nodded. “Yeah, why?”
“You know how it is with work and family–focusing on one means neglecting the other, Shawn reminded.
I smiled, took off my mask, and tossed my long hair over my shoulder. “Don’t be so greedy. Wanting both the lily and the red rose. Aren’t you exhausted?”
Shawn’s tea–pouring movement froze abruptly. He looked at me and asked, “So which one are you–lily or red rose?
I leaned back in my chair with a lazy smile. “Neither. At most, I’m the mosquito blood smear on your wall, or a smear of ketchup on your shirt”
Chapter 114 Lily or Red Rose?
the other person’s power play starts to lose its grip.
Finished
But right now, it felt like I’d stepped into the game. Every word he said made me feel like I had to respond, to defend myself.
I lowered my head, frustrated, and sipped my tea while Shawn sat there, calm and composed, watching me
Just then, a message popped up on my phone–a bank notification. One of my accounts had just been credited with one
million
I glanced down at the message, and then looked up at Shawn. He actually kept his word.
He seemed to guess what the text was about and joked, “Want to double–check how many zeros there are?”
I set my phone down right away, refusing to play into his game. Keeping my cool, I said calmly, “I trust you”
Shawn looked a bit bored and then stood up. “Dinner at my mom’s tonight. Want me to come pick you up?”
“No need. I’ll go on my own,” I said quickly, shaking my head.
He pressed his lips into a thin line and didn’t say anything else. After finishing his tea, he l
That evening, when I drove over, Yuna was nowhere to be seen. Of course, I didn’t ask where she was.
It was Susanna who spoke up, saying, “Hazel took Yuna out. Said they’re going to a concert.”
I nodded. As long as someone was keeping Yuna occupied and she wasn’t picking a fight with me, that was good. Maybe being away from a failed mother like me would give her a different kind of upbringing
My father–in–law joined us for dinner. He mainly came to talk to Shawn about his investment. Susanna kept making a few sarcastic remarks, but my father–in–law had a good temper and just chuckled and brushed them off.
