Calls wasted no time on his way home. As soon as he finished his tasks, he hurried back. The house was unusually quiet, and the familiar figure he expected on the couch was nowhere to be seen
With furrowed brows, Caleb asked. “Where’s Maddie, Mrs. Ziegler?”
“Ms. Larson is resting upstairs.” Sarah replied.
“Has Eugene left!” Caleb asked.
Sarah shook her head. “He’s still upstairs.”
With a sharpened gaze, Caleb was about to head up when Eugene descended the staircase with a smile. “Caleb, you’re back? Perfect timing. Wanna go to the supermarket with me?”
Caleb had no interest in such a trivial task, especially not with Eugene. It was not in his plans. Besides, the idea of shopping with another man was particularly unappealing.
“Caleb, you’re not avoiding me his teasing tone.
because you’re worried Maddie might fall for me, are you?” Eugene smiled, his mischievous nature showing through
Eugene was handsome enough to stir trouble, with a mind full of schemes. For someone like you, who always wins, this seems… beneath you. Unless, of course.. you think you might lose to me?”
Caleb sneered, “Stop playing games. Let’s go.
Eugene followed, saying casually, “I need to buy some special detergent to wash out bloodstains. Since I’ll be the one doing the laundry, I don’t want Maddie to think I’m not thorough”
Caleb’s jaw clenched. You’re washing what?”
“You know.” Eugene smiled with feigned innocence. “Nowadays, boyfriends do their girlfriend’s laundry. It’s pretty normal, right? Especially someone like me–Im all about taking care of my wife”
Eugene paused, eyes twinkling as if he’d caught himself in a slip. “Oops, future wife. I mean. But it’s easier to just say ‘wife, isn’t i
On their way, Eugene talked endlessly, always saying things that could rile Caleb up. When they arrived at the mall, Eugene headed straight to the jewelry section. Caleb’s patience was hanging by a thread.
The sales associate, noticing Eugene’s striking looks, greeted him with a bright smile. “Hello, sir. Are you buying something for the lady at home?”
Td like to see some couple rings, the kind for lovers–nothing too flashy, but valuable enough.” Eugene stood tall his very presence enough to command attention
The sales associate quickly brought out diamond rings, and Eugene pointed at a pair. These. Let me try them. After trying them on, he raised his hand to show Caleb What do you think, Caleb?”
Caleb glanced dispassionately. “What do you think!” He was clearly uninterested,
“These will do, Eugene decided, then gave the sales associate the size for the other ring. “My wife’s size.”
Eventually, Calch couldn’t ignore it any longer. “How do you know Maddie’s ring size?”
“Caleb.” Eugene sighed dramatically, making sure everyone nearby could hear. “We’re brothers. How about letting Maddie go? It doesn’t look good for us brothers to be fighting over the same woman.”
“Especially since we’re already buying rings. Can’t you accept reality? With his usual charming but infuriating smile, Eugene seemed to revel in provoking Caleb,
Caleb sneered and threw a card onto the counter. “I’ll take everything in this case. Anyone who sells him a ring can kiss their bra anger was obvious, his words left no room for argument.
brand goodbye. His
“Ha..” Eugene shook his head helplessly, looking as though he was truly at a loss. “Money? It’s just numbers. He twirled the diamond ring in his fingers, lifting in toward the light with a mocking anik.
“But you’d better think is brough. You’ll have to shut down the store no matter
The sales avocate’s emotions were on a
er which one of us you offend today” Eugene added.
e on a wild rollercoaster–one moment she felt like she was in leaves, and the next she was plunged ins
Cupter 190
Seeing to wealthy men come to the jewelry counter at a supermarket seemed oddly down–to–earth. However, the situation quickly turned bizarre
The sales anciste glanced nervously between the two men, unsure of who was more dangerous to offend. When the manager arrived, he was equally bewildered.
“Gentlemen, let’s take a moment to talk this through,” the manager suggested carefully, eyeing both men. “Why don’t you each buy a ring of your choire and let the lady choose which to accept”
This was a last–ditch effort, but the manager had no other option. “How will the lady know your feelings if you don’t express them? You wouldn’t want to miss your chance, would you?”
Calch lowered his gaze and selected a simple, elegant pair of rings. Meanwhile, Eugene’s choice was more whimsical, clearly designed for a girl with a youthful heart.
After the two men paid for their purchases, they left one after the other.
The sales associate heaved a sigh of relief, clutching her chest. That was terrifying! But seriously, two brothers fighting over a woman! And the older one’s after the younger one’s girl Unbelievabler
This was bound to become the hot gossip at the counter. The manager frowned. “Didn’t you recognize them?”
“Huh!” The sales associate was puzzled.
“The brooding one, that was Caleb Simmons–the top–tier tycoon who’s been on TV. And the other one must be someone important too, just riot as famous,” the manager explained.
“A top–tier rycoon?” The sales associate gasped, covering her mouth in shock. What had started as a typical soap–opera–worthy drama had now escalated into something far more grand and elite.
“I wonder which woman is lucky enough to have two handsome, rich men fighting over her,” the sales associate added.
That very woman, the one now envied by many, was fast asleep under a cozy blanket
Night had fallen at the Larson residence. Thomas had returned home, looking utterly defeated.
Henry couldn’t bear to see Thomas in such a state, so despite his reluctance, he sold off part of his car dealership, managing to raise over 800 thousand dollars to cover Joel’s debts.
Though Henry didn’t want to help Joel, his heart softened in the end. At least the debt was settled now, However, this meant the Larson family’s fortune had crumbled.
After years of hard work, they were left with nothing. The only person who seemed to have something left was Lucas.
The Larson family–the five sons and the old couple gathered in Harley’s modest three–bedroom condominium. The meal before them was simple
Just three dishes and a soup
Joel stood up, unshaven and exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes. He looked utterly defeated. Thanks for paying off my debts. I’ve written everything down, and I’ll do my best to repay everyone
“It’s my fault for not listening and trusting the wrong people. It cost me dearly Joel’s words were filled with bitterness, though he had long since cried all his tears.
Harley snorted coldly. “You’d better,”
Henry sighed in resignation. “Do what you want. I’m staying up in th
the mountains anyway. It’s not like I have much to spend
money on.
Meanwhile, Jacob said nothing quietly sipping his water, still lost in thought, wondering how he could earn Madeline’s forgiveness.
“Relax. Don’t give yourself too much pressure. Things will get better, Lucas said absentmindedly as he messaged a new assistam from his company as they speculated on Madeline’s next movie project.
Joel swallowed hard, guilt flickering across his face. “I was heartless before, I really was. I’m sorry, I won’t be so silly again. Only familly–blood what truly matters.
Suddenly, the sharp rang of a phone cut through the air. Joel’s phone, resting on the table. lit up. His expression instantly shifted. It was
