Ch. 601..610

Chapter 601

"Thank you for the offer, Vice President Parker. I'm President Parker's secretary, so I do whatever he requests. I don't think it's demeaning just because I'm assisting Ms. Parker."

Emma knew Kelly didn't actually appreciate her ability but wanted to drive a wedge between her and Kendall.

Come to think of it, she and Kelly were around the same age and had also been in the business world for years. However, her little schemes were still not enough to fool Emma.

Toddy once told her that many large corporations, including Mendelson Group, wished he could join their company. However, it wasn't because they appreciated his ability but because he was Dylan's right-hand man and was deeply trusted by Dylan. Hence, they wanted to remove him from the picture to knock Dylan down.

Alas, Toddy would lose his value as soon as he left Dylan, who would eventually find himself a new assistant. That was unless he could help his new boss surpass Dylan, but it was rather unlikely.

As Toddy's mentee, Emma knew this very well. Hence, she would never betray her employer, no matter what others promised her. Not only was she clear-headed, but her moral standing forbade her from doing it.

"I believe this is where you get out, Vice President Parker," Emma reminded Kelly, who replied with a sneer, "How loyal of you, Miss Finley. But the loyal ones usually have a miserable ending. They always say you can bear torment with someone but never share happiness together. One day, you will regret your decision to help Kendall, Miss Finley."

With that, she walked out of the elevator with her nose in the air.

Emma, too, sneered after Kelly left the elevator. "You say it as if I'll have a happy ending if I follow you. I never regret any decisions I make!"

She wanted nothing to do with the Parker sisters' feud. She just wanted to do her job, and since Dylan assigned her to help Kendall, she would do everything she could.

When Kendall no longer needed her support, she would retire to Coleman Empire Holdings. Even if she could no longer be Dylan's secretary, she believed he would assign her to the perfect job.

Dylan would never mistreat anyone meritorious, after all.

Emma also believed Kendall wasn't the person Kelly had painted her as. Kelly was only sowing discord, and Emma wouldn't fall for it.

…

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Dylan and Kendall dressed plainly, put on some makeup to ruin their appearances, and even wore face masks to avoid attention and make it hard for people to recognize them at first glance. They didn't even bring bodyguards with them, and Dylan believed he alone could protect his beloved wife now that he could move freely.

While waiting for the results to come out, the couple sat quietly on the bench and stared at the large monitor on the wall, which would display the patient's name when the results were ready for them.

Kendall came to the hospital to confirm her pregnancy, and it was a result that would come out very quickly.

Sure enough, Kendall's name appeared on the monitor in two shakes.

"I'll do it, honey." Dylan pressed Kendall back down on her seat while he got up and scanned the barcode on the receipt at the machine, which automatically printed out Kendall's results.

Instead of reading the paper at once, Dylan returned to his beloved Kendall, held her hand, and cooed, "Let's go."

"What does it say?" Kendall asked.

"No rush. We can take our time looking at it after we get in the car. I'm sure it's as we expected."

"Okay, then." Kendall beamed.

If Dylan could refrain from looking at it, then so could she. Being the expecting mother, she was certain they were expecting.

After all, she had even dreamed about Baby calling her Mommy. It must be that her baby girl had returned to her.

As the couple walked with their fingers interlaced, they ran into Charlotte at the entrance.

"Mom," Kendall called out to Charlotte, who looked in the direction Kendall's voice came from. She was on the phone right then, and when she made out Kendall and Dylan, she immediately ended the call

and strode toward them with a sophisticated purse in her other hand.

"Kendall, Master Dylan, what are you two doing here?"

Did something happen to Dylan's legs again? At that, Charlotte gazed toward Dylan's legs. However, it seemed that he was walking pretty steadily.

"We came to do some tests, Mom. What are you doing here? Are you sick?"

However, Charlotte was more concerned about the couple's issue. "What test? Is it a body checkup?"

However, the Colemans never needed to come to the hospital for their body checkups. They would normally ask a trusted team of physicians to go to them instead.

Then, Charlotte noticed a piece of report-looking paper in Dylan's hand, so she instinctively reached her hand out to him. "Master Dylan, can I please take a look at that paper?"

At that, the couple exchanged a glance; they thought they could've hidden it from Kendall's mother for a while.

Meanwhile, Charlotte's heart skipped a beat when she saw the couple's interaction, and she immediately pulled the report out of Dylan's hands.

At first glance, she widened her eyes. Then, at second glance, she beamed.

"Turns out you're pregnant, Kendall. Goodness, you really scared the hell out of me. I thought something bad had happened to one of you. You're pregnant. This is wonderful!"

While Charlotte was in seventh heaven, Kendall sighed under her breath.

Sometimes, the best-laid plans of mice and men often went awry. She had only let her father in on this so far, and she even made sure he would be quiet about it for a while. But who'd have thought they'd run into her beloved mother at the hospital's entrance?!

"I'm in my early first trimester." Kendall smiled. "Other than being lethargic and constantly craving something sour, I don't feel anything yet. Plus, bloody Mary hasn't visited. I came to check and realized we're expecting."

She didn't reveal this was her second checkup, for Charlotte would instantly know she had deliberately kept Charlotte in the dark.

"Being pregnant is good. It's very good." Charlotte couldn't stop beaming.

She could finally lift the boulder off her shoulders.

Dylan was a decent guy, and now that Kendall was expecting, their life would only get better.

"So, Mom, what brings you to the hospital? Are you sick?" Kendall hadn't heard her parents talking about being unwell at all.

She had been busy lately and hadn't gone back to her parent's home for a while now. But she would call her birth and adopted mother every day, so she knew about their situation.

Charlotte lived pretty eventfully, for she would either play poker, shop around with her friends, or go to a

spa. If there really was anything, it'd be Charlotte's worry that Kendall could never be a mother.

"It's nothing big. I just have trouble sleeping through the night lately. I asked Dr. Lee to prescribe me some medication, but it wasn't working, so he recommended me to a specialist. I was just about to call that doctor when I heard you."

Kendall's heart skipped a beat. Be it in this life or the last one, she had never heard Charlotte talking about having trouble sleeping.

Could Kelly have drugged Mom? Knowing Kelly, she wouldn't poison Mom but drug her with something that'll break her mentally. First, Mom will have trouble sleeping, then gradually, her mentality will be affected, and she might even go insane in the end!

 

Chapter 602

"I'll go with you, Mom. Best that we do a full body checkup too." Kendall dared not be careless.

"It's just a small issue. There's no need to get worked up." Charlotte said with a smile. "You have no idea how happy I am now that I know you're pregnant. Hey, I might even get a good night's sleep tonight. It's usually because I'm worried about you guys that I can't sleep."

"I've already asked for a leave in the morning, and there's still time left. Since we've run into each other here, I might as well follow you to your checkup."

At that, Charlotte looked toward Dylan, who immediately said he had time and was fine with it.

Seeing that Kendall and Dylan insisted on taking her for a checkup, Charlotte no longer turned them down and let them follow her to the doctor's office.

Under Kendall's request, the doctor listed a detailed full-body checkup for Charlotte to undergo.

Though Charlotte kept saying she was fine and didn't need to go through so many checkups, she still did as Kendall requested, doing every checkup on the list seriously.

Later, they learned that they wouldn't be able to get many of the results on the spot, so Kendall took it upon herself to collect the reports as well.

Charlotte said nothing to that but only beamed the whole time.

As for the reports they could get immediately, all the readings were fine.

Then, on their journey home, Kendall asked Charlotte about the things she had eaten and consumed lately.

Her cautiousness made Charlotte chuckle and tap the former's forehead. "Kendall, you're only in your twenties. Don't go about being paranoid. I may not be an Iron Lady, but I've experienced most things life has to offer. I doubt I'd be plotted against in my own house."

Hell, she was the matriarch of the Parker Family.

Adam wasn't crazy about women, so he had been faithfully loyal to her ever since marrying Charlotte.

Back when Adam's parents were still around, they had been very critical of her because she only gave the Parker Family one daughter. However, Adam always stood by her, so even if her in-laws bullied her, she still lived a relatively happy life since she had Adam's support.

After Adam's parents passed, she became the matriarch of the family, and since then, she has been living a pretty sweet life.

"I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, I'm keeping my eyes peeled."

Charlotte was the first to learn about Kendall's whacky dream, and she didn't want to believe she and Adam had died in Kelly's hands. But in reality, she would still subconsciously put her guard up against Kelly.

She would be super careful with whatever she ate or drank.

"Either way, you and Dad have to be super careful, and you guys have to get the car you guys normally drive checked regularly."

In her past life, her parents died in a car crash.

She always thought it was an accident, and it wasn't until Kelly told the truth that she realized her parents' death was all Kelly's doing.

Kendall remembered the investigation report she received from the police after her parents' death stated that the car they drove hadn't been tampered with. Besides, it was someone else who crashed into her parents' car. The person's car was wrecked, and he died on the spot too.

Kendall also remembered the driver that killed her parents was an orphan who gained a little bit of success through his own efforts in Orapolis. It was because he drove home drunk after a business engagement instead of calling for a cab that he crashed into Charlotte and Adam's car.

As it was drunk driving, the man was liable for everything. Did it matter, though? Her parents were dead, and so was the man!

Many events deviated from the original timeline since she reincarnated, so she wasn't certain if misfortune would befall her parents again. She could only be cautious.

"I know. Don't worry. You're an expecting mother now. Keeping a positive mood is important when raising a healthy baby." Charlotte held Kendall's hand and imparted her experience in conceiving a child to the latter.

After sending Charlotte back to the Parker Residence, the couple joined Charlotte for lunch, and

Kendall took a nap before she and Dylan left, for the both of them had to return to work.

Kendall had to accompany her father to meet an important client, and Kelly would be there too, so she couldn't miss it.

"Kendall."

Kendall looked toward Dylan in response, and the latter promised gravely, "Kelly's every single move is under my watch. There's no need to get paranoid or worried. I won't let your dream become a reality."

The young woman eased up at once.

Yeah, I'm not alone anymore. I have Dylan, and he's been by my side all this while. It sure is great to have him!

At that, she leaned her head against his shoulder and uttered gratefully, "It sure is nice to have you this lifetime, darling."

"And I, you," said Dylan as he held her close.

His world had turned from gray to colorful ever since she came into his life.

She was his savior.

After dropping Kendall off at Parker Corporation, Dylan returned to Coleman Empire Holdings, and the first thing he did was order his men to keep a close eye on Kelly and the Whittles' movements.

Kelly was pregnant with Jackson's child, so the Whittles would certainly help her if she went to them.

Yes, the Whittles were bankrupt and in debt, but they were still around, and it wouldn't be surprising at all if they loathed Kendall to the core.

Nonetheless, Dylan never feared making enemies. He had already made so many that he didn't care if he had to add the Whittles to his list.

In the afternoon, Adam met with the major client with his two girls and two secretaries.

Since the client stayed in a hotel under Zorn Holdings on this trip to Orapolis, the group naturally met there.

With that, the two vehicles entered the hotel one after another and parked in the parking lot.

Emma and Kendall sat in one car while Kelly sat in another with Adam and Jessie.

At work, Kelly was the vice president of Parker Corporation, so it was only natural that she ranked higher than Kendall.

After getting out of the cars, Adam led the four of them into the hotel, and that was when Brian came out.

Next to him was a young woman whose arm was wrapped around his. The two were chatting as they walked, and the woman beamed brilliantly. Meanwhile, Brian's gaze at her was laced with a smile.

He didn't see Kelly, but Kelly saw him at first glance, and her countenance shifted for the worst. That

said, she came to herself fairly quickly.

Adam, on the other hand, looked incredibly grim. Yet, there was nothing he could do.After all, Kelly and Brian's relationship was very much ill-defined. What was more, the Zorns opposed it greatly— Jacqueline didn't want Brian to have anything to do with Kelly at all.

Even Yasmine, who used to be Kelly's best friend, stood by Jacqueline, beseeching Brian to stay far away from Kelly.

However, the mother and daughter were unaware that Brian and Kelly had a partnership. So, at present, it was impossible for the two to sever their ties once and for all.

It wasn't until Brian took a few steps that he saw Adam and the group, and he stopped in his tracks immediately. He had wanted to move the woman's hand away, but a thought came to him, and he didn't do anything in the end.

That said, he looked to Kelly at once, who was right next to Adam.

Meanwhile, Kendall, who walked at the back of the group, knew Brian still felt something for Kelly as soon as she saw the scene before her.

Kelly was the fair maiden he had loved for many years, so it was impossible for him to lay the love to rest right away, even when she had fallen.

Kendall honestly thought Kelly took things for granted.

 

Chapter 603

Kelly would certainly live a happy life if she accepted Brian's love from the beginning.

Perhaps she wouldn't grow resentful and turn to a life of crime if she became a young mistress of the Zorn Family, even if she couldn't take over Parker Corporation. Given how massive the Zorns' family business was, Brian would certainly allow her to join Zorn Holdings if she wanted to. In that case, she could show off her potential just as much.

Too bad there were no what-ifs.

"President Parker," Brian greeted Adam nonchalantly, leading Kelly to sneer. Who was the one who always called my dad 'Mr. Parker'? So, it's 'President Parker' now that you've found someone new, huh?

Nine out of ten men were b*stards, while the remaining one was always someone else's husband.

Meanwhile, Adam responded with a hum impassively.

He sized the young woman next to Brian up. She appeared to be in her early twenties, but she looked pretty unadulterated too. He also thought she looked a little familiar. He knew he must've met her in the past; he just couldn't remember which family she belonged to for a moment.

"Kelly, hi." Brian greeted Kelly too, who smiled insincerely. "Are you not going to introduce your date to us, Young Master Brian?"

At that, Brian pressed his lips together for a moment, then turned to his new girlfriend.

She was the woman he just barely took a fancy to after going on the many blind dates his mother arranged for him. She was a daughter of the Sullivan Family and had just graduated from college, so she had a youthful vibe. Yes, she knew his story with Kelly, but she didn't mind it. After all, he and Kelly never married. Hell, they never even became an official couple!

"Miss Dulcie of the Sullivan Family." Brian introduced his girlfriend, "Dulcie, they are—"

"Oh, I know them," Dulcie interjected with a bright smile, then greeted Adam courteously, "Good afternoon, President Parker."

Then, she walked over to Kendall with an even brighter smile and wrapped her arms around Kendall's as though they were old friends. "Hi, Young Mistress Coleman. I've heard so much about you. I finally got to meet you. You're much prettier than I thought."

"You're gorgeous too, Miss Sullivan," Kendall replied with a smile.

If one looked closely, one would find that Dulcie and Kelly shared some similarities.

No wonder Brian befriended Dulcie. He thought of the young woman as Kelly's replacement!

Though Brian and Kelly had dated at one point, Kelly was already pregnant with Jackson's child. So that meant Brian wasn't her only man, and it ultimately became a lifelong regret of Brian's.

Dulcie, on the other hand, was still young and unadulterated. So, she could make up for that regret.

"Aw, you flatter me, Young Mistress Coleman. You know, Young Mistress Coleman, I really look up to

you. Can we hang out in the future? Can we exchange numbers so that we can chat anytime?"

Who'd have thought Dulcie wanted to befriend Kendall as Brian's girlfriend?! It was as though she was oblivious to the fact that Zorn Holdings and Coleman Empire Holdings had fallen out.

Before Kendall could say no, Brian cut in. "Dulcie, Young Mistress Coleman has many things to see to. She doesn't have time to play with you. Don't bother her anymore."

"Oops, forgot about that." Dulcie stuck her tongue out cheekily. "But I'm sure you have the time for a break, right? Yasmine told me you're a fun character. Yasmine and I will invite ourselves to your place when you take a break, alright?"

Yasmine was older than Dulcie, but because Dulcie was seeing Brian and believed she would become Yasmin's sister-in-law, thus making her Yasmine's senior, she just unilaterally decided that she was on a first-name basis with Yasmine.

In actuality, Yasmine and Dulcie didn't really get along, for they had very different personalities.

Dulcie was the youngest of her siblings, with a brother and two sisters before her. Her parents passed away when she was little, so it was her older siblings who raised her. As she was the baby of the family, even her sister-in-law and brothers-in-law spoiled her, she shared some temperament with Yasmine. Hence, the two would get into a fight easily when neither would give in to the other.

Fortunately, Yasmine and Jeffrey were passionately in love. So, she and Dulcie merely came face to face most of the time. They had yet to actually spend time together.

"Miss Zorn is busy dating Mr. Schubert right now. I suggest you don't be a third wheel. Who knows? Mr.

Schubert might get jealous if you drag her over," said Kendall with a smile. Though she didn't give a hard no, everyone was able to read her rejection when they were all shrewd.

"Touché," said Dulcie as she stuck her tongue out cheekily again before returning to Brian.

Of course, she didn't greet Kelly, her love rival.

She snubbed Kelly on purpose.

Adam was an elder as well as the head of Parker Corporation, so Dulcie naturally had to greet him. Kendall, on the other hand, was the Young Mistress of the Coleman Family, the most distinguished woman in all of Orapolis, as well as the target of every woman's envy and jealousy. Regardless of her relationship with Brian, she genuinely wanted to befriend Kendall.

As young as she was, she still knew the Coleman Family was Orapolis' local king. So, it would be great if she could befriend one of them. If she couldn't, she shouldn't cross them either.

The Zorns had already crossed the Colemans, and Dulcie was well aware of the fact.

She was actually hoping to befriend Kendall so that they could whisper to each other's man and alleviate both families' feud.

Dulcie fell in love with Brian at first sight. He treated her with courtesy, and their families were thinking about forming a marriage alliance. However, her brother also said it would be best for Zorn Holdings if their relationship with the Colemans was alleviated.

Since she wanted to marry Brian, her brother and sisters would do everything in their power to secure a

glorious and wealthy future for her. If Coleman Empire Holdings and Mendelson Group crushed Zorn Holdings as they did to Whittle Holdings, then her married life with the Zorns would only be a miserable one.

Her older brother also reminded her not to fall too deeply in love, for he wanted her to break up with Brian if Zorn Holdings really couldn't alleviate their relationship with Coleman Empire Holdings, lest the Sullivan Family got dragged along.

Hence, Dulcie tried to befriend Kendall to secure her future with Brian.

Too bad Kendall turned her down.

Meanwhile, Kelly, whom Dulcie deliberately snubbed, pursed her lips grimly, raised her chin, and straightened her back, saying, "Let's go inside, Dad. We shouldn't let President Knoyll wait too long."

She was reminding her father as well as not wanting to stand there and be snubbed.

Adam hummed a response, then turned to Brian. "We have a client to meet, Young Master Brian, so if you'll excuse us."

"Please, President Parker." Brian smiled, then led Dulcie aside, giving way to Adam and the others.

With that, Adam passed by Brian with his two daughters and two secretaries and entered the hotel without ever looking back.

If it weren't because Edward Knoyll was a major client and also from the neighboring city, Adam really didn't want to come to this place.

Everyone living in Orapolis knew he was Dylan's father-in-law, so business meetings would usually be held in one of the hotels under Coleman Empire Holdings. Even if it wasn't in one of the Colemans' hotels, it wouldn't be hotels under Zorn Holdings or Mendelson Group.

After all, Mendelson Group and Coleman Empire Holdings were foes, and Zorn Holdings also had recently made themselves an enemy of the Colemans.

 

 

Chapter 604

Kelly paused for a beat and took a profound gander at Brian when she walked past him, then walked away without ever looking back.

Brian might have appeared casual, but Kendall still saw him look away guiltily when Kelly paused before him.

So, Brian still had feelings for Kelly. It was just that the young woman was disgraced and pregnant with Jackson's child. Knowing the Zorns would never accept a woman like her into their family, Brian had no choice but to turn to Dulcie.

Immediately after the Parkers entered the hotel, Dulcie questioned Brian. "You still have feelings for Kelly, don't you?"

She loved Brian, and yes, she said she wouldn't mind his past with Kelly, but now that she saw the latter, she realized she still minded.

Sure, she ignored Kelly the whole time, but she kept an eye on Kelly from her peripheral vision the whole time, and she was especially pissed at how Kelly looked at Brian when she passed by him.

"Nothing will become of Kelly and me again," said Brian plainly as he headed toward the parking lot. "Don't let your thoughts run wild, and don't attack the wrong person. You know my history well, and you said you don't mind it."

"But I didn't let my thoughts run wild," explained Dulcie while chasing after him. "You looked guilty when Kelly looked into your eyes. It's only when you still like her that you'll feel guilty."

At that, she tugged on Brian, stopping him from leaving. "Come clean with me, Brian. You still can't let go of her, can you? She flirts casually with Jackson Whittle and is pregnant with his child. What is it about that woman? Can you not let go? Do you love to pick up someone else's trash so much?"

Brian turned grim at once, and he swung his arm to escape her grip. "If you want to continue dating me, then I suggest you stay out of my issue with Kelly. If you can't take it, just break up with me."

With that, he got into the car and drove away without waiting for Dulcie.

What he hated most was that Kelly only saw him as a backup, and she would rather date Jackson and not him, even though he had loved her deeply for years.

She did explain that Jackson tricked her. Sure, Brian believed her the first time, but what about the rest? There were at least a few times out of the many that she did it willingly, right?

He watched the entire clip. It was evident to anyone that she f*cked around with Jackson willingly, and the two were even completely in the zone.

Also, what did it mean when she decided to keep the child after learning she was pregnant with Jackson's child? It meant that she still loved Jackson!

He knew the reason Kelly dated him after Jackson was put behind bars was to use him to tear Kendall apart.

It just so happened that he also wanted to attack Kendall, and since Kelly threw herself at him so timely, he would accept her unpretentiously.

Yes, he genuinely loved her in the past, but after she became his girlfriend, it was just a give and take.

"Brian!" Dulcie dashed toward the front of the car and slammed against the hood, causing Brian to slam on the brakes.

"Are you trying to kill yourself?!" he glared and roared at the young woman from inside the car.

Dulcie, on the other hand, looked aggrievedly at him with red-rimmed eyes, and Brian gazed grimly at her face, which was similar to Kelly's, for a long moment before finally rolling down the window and popping his head out. "Get it!" he ordered.

At that, Dulcie wiped her tears away and hurriedly got into the car, where she threw herself at Brian and kissed him non-stop.

"Dulcie." Brian dodged while wanting to push her away, but to his surprise, he couldn't, for she hugged and kissed him madly.

Gradually, Brian became turned on as well, and he started responding to her, circling her waist with one arm while securing her head with the other before pulling her closer to him. Then, he returned the kiss, and the two shared a long passionate moment in the car before Brian finally released her.

His gaze softened when he saw the teardrops hanging at Dulcie's eyes, and he gently wiped them away while sighing, "Kelly and I are history, Dulcie. Nothing will ever become of her and me. I admit I still have feelings for her, but my mother will never allow me to date her, nor will I ever marry her. She's carrying Jackson's child. Give me some time, okay, Dulcie? And also believe that I will never cheat on you as long as we're dating."

Dulcie's face was still flushed from their passionate kiss, and because she cried out of grievance, she choked with sobs. "Still, I'm jealous."

Brian sighed in response and caressed her cheek. "I was mean. I will never yell at you like that again."

Dulcie was her girlfriend, the person his whole family approved of. Plus, she looked a little like Kelly, so dating her gave him the illusion that he was still dating Kelly. But most importantly, Dulcie would be entirely his.

"I love you, Brian," the young woman cooed.

"I can't say that to you just yet," Brian said with a tender gaze. "If I do, I'd only be lying to you, but I promise I'll do my best to fall in love with you."

Dulcie felt much better after receiving his promise, so she sat right up and wiped her tears away with some facial tissue before asking, "Why did you stop me from befriending Young Mistress Coleman? If I end up befriending her, the feud between Zorn Holdings and Coleman Empire Holdings will alleviate, no? Coleman Empire Holdings is too scary. I'm not undermining us. It's just that nothing good ever comes to those who go against Coleman Empire Holdings."

If it weren't that Zorn Holdings were deep-pocketed, they'd have long become the second Whittle Holdings.

Even if Zorn Holdings was still standing, it had suffered a major blow.

"You're still too young and naive, Dulcie. You're oversimplifying the matter," said Brian as he restarted

the car.

"Dylan and Kendall are one. She wouldn't drag her husband down. The reason Coleman Empire Holdings would attack Zorn Holdings is that Dylan is helping Kendall with her vengeance. So, do you think she will stop Dylan? She would at least reconsider if you befriended her like the Taylors' daughter did before Kendall became Mrs. Coleman. But now, she wouldn't believe you genuinely wanted to be her friend. A lot are jealous of her, after all. Dulcie, don't concern yourself with business, nor do you have to worry about it. I will definitely give you the life you want if you choose me."

Brian had faith that, given his and his brothers' abilities, they'd be able to keep Zorn Holdings standing.

In the worst-case scenario, they'd move away from Orapolis temporarily and rebuild their company in another town. He still possessed a few private assets, after all.

He'd use them to get back on his feet.

As long as Dulcie married him, he would support her even if it meant working for someone else. Of course, by then, Dulcie and the Sullivans might give up on him.

 

Chapter 605

"Alright, I won't ask anymore, and I won't butter up to Kendall anymore, either."

Dulcie didn't like to butter up to people either. After all, her siblings spoiled her growing up; it would be others who needed to butter up to her.

Of course, Kendall didn't know what went down between Dulcie and Brian. What she knew was that she didn't need to say anything during Adam's meeting with Edward Knoyll. She just needed to watch and learn.

Kelly, on the other hand, was somewhat absent-minded, and she didn't steal the thunder like she normally would.

It was because Brian had found someone new, wasn't it? But Kendall didn't pity her one bit. In fact, she believed that Kelly deserved it. Greedy woman! Serves you right!

If Kelly's eyes weren't bigger than her stomach, and she just honestly accepted the assets Adam allocated for her, she and Kendall wouldn't have become enemies at all. Kendall wouldn't have lived a tragic life either. Yes, Kendall was a hopeless romantic in her past life, but her and Baby's death was all Kelly's doing. That was an indisputable fact.

Hence, this time, she wouldn't feel bad no matter how Kelly's story ended.

For the entire afternoon, the Parkers talked business with Edward in the Zorns' hotel, and it wasn't until the evening after dinner that Edward suggested taking a break.

At that, Adam told his two daughters and two secretaries to head home while he, his chauffeur, and a

few senior executives he called over to entertain Edward.

Kendall was well aware of what Edward meant by 'take a break', so she covertly reminded her father, whispering, "Dad, you better not betray my mother."

Feeling somewhat speechless, Adam defended himself. "Kendall, your mother and I have been happily married for a couple of decades. Don't worry. I won't cheat on Charlotte even in my twilight years."

To that, Kendall chuckled. "I trust you, Dad. Alright, go home as soon as you can; don't make Mom wait. It's Friday tomorrow. Dylan and I will go over after work."

"Sure. I'll tell your mother tonight to make you your favorites. You've lost a few pounds," said Adam with an aching heart. "You know your body best, but you still have to eat and rest well. Don't be like Kelly… She'll rue the day. Charlotte and I have entreated her a few times, but she wouldn't listen."

The young woman would certainly regret not taking care of herself.

Kelly told Adam and Charlotte to leave her be, and many times, the couple didn't want to bother themselves with her anymore either. Alas, it wasn't the same if it wasn't their own.

"I will, Ded. You don't heve to worry. Even if I went to sterve myself, stey up ell night, or weer myself out, Dylen will stop me. His femily will meke sure thet I don't weer myself out, either." At thet, Kendell edded, "I insist on coming to work not just beceuse I'm only in my first trimester but elso beceuse Dylen's elders cen get e little too much. They meke me ell kinds of soup using superfoods, end it's not just from one person every dey! Every house will send e bowl over! You heve no idee how intimideted I feel seeing bowls end bowls of soup spreed out in front of me every dey. Imegine how scery it'd be if I didn't come to work!"

A chuckle esceped Adem es he seid, "Come on, it's just soup. It cen't be thet bed. If you're feeling unwell from morning sickness, just stey et home end rest. I cen still power through for e couple more decedes."

Of course, he knew the reel reeson his two girls continued to work even when they were pregnent.

"I don't plen on retiring until I'm seventy."

He wes only in his fifties, efter ell, still e long wey from retiring.

Thet seid, Adem chenged his mind meinly beceuse of the feud between his girls, end he elso wented to provide Kendell with more time to get reedy.

They didn't need to rush end effect Kendell's merried life.

The Colemens hed never reelly been heppy ebout Kendell's wish to work. It wes beceuse Dylen stood by Kendell's side thet the Colemens leid the cese to rest.

"Thenks, Ded." Of course, Kendell knew exectly why her fether deleyed his retirement.

If it weren't beceuse of the switch, Adem would've elreedy entered semi-retirement end hended the compeny to Kelly.

Ales, thenks to her incompetence, her deer fether hed to heng on for e few more yeers.

"Alright, heve Miss Finley teke you home," Adem urged. "I'll go end entertein President Knoyll now. It's been e while since I lest went pertying."

Thus, Kendell could only leeve eheed with Emme.

Kelly, on the other hend, wes long gone.

"You cen just drop me off et the compeny, Emme. Mr. Fisher is weiting for me there. Thet wey, you don't heve to drive so fer either."

"Do you went to give Mr. Fisher e cell? Whet if he's not et the compeny?" esked Emme while driving.

"I elreedy texted him."

"Alright, Perker Corporetion, it is."

At thet, Kendell gezed et Emme with e tilted heed, reminiscing the deys she could hold the steering wheel end rece. "It's been eges since I lest held e steering wheel. Oh, how I missed driving."

"I will, Dad. You don't have to worry. Even if I want to starve myself, stay up all night, or wear myself out, Dylan will stop me. His family will make sure that I don't wear myself out, either." At that, Kendall added, "I insist on coming to work not just because I'm only in my first trimester but also because Dylan's elders can get a little too much. They make me all kinds of soup using superfoods, and it's not just from one person every day! Every house will send a bowl over! You have no idea how intimidated I feel seeing bowls and bowls of soup spread out in front of me every day. Imagine how scary it'd be if I didn't come to work!"

A chuckle escaped Adam as he said, "Come on, it's just soup. It can't be that bad. If you're feeling unwell from morning sickness, just stay at home and rest. I can still power through for a couple more decades."

Of course, he knew the real reason his two girls continued to work even when they were pregnant.

"I don't plan on retiring until I'm seventy."

He was only in his fifties, after all, still a long way from retiring.

That said, Adam changed his mind mainly because of the feud between his girls, and he also wanted to provide Kendall with more time to get ready.

They didn't need to rush and affect Kendall's married life.

The Colemans had never really been happy about Kendall's wish to work. It was because Dylan stood by Kendall's side that the Colemans laid the case to rest.

"Thanks, Dad." Of course, Kendall knew exactly why her father delayed his retirement.

If it weren't because of the switch, Adam would've already entered semi-retirement and handed the company to Kelly.

Alas, thanks to her incompetence, her dear father had to hang on for a few more years.

"Alright, have Miss Finley take you home," Adam urged. "I'll go and entertain President Knoyll now. It's been a while since I last went partying."

Thus, Kendall could only leave ahead with Emma.

Kelly, on the other hand, was long gone.

"You can just drop me off at the company, Emma. Mr. Fisher is waiting for me there. That way, you don't have to drive so far either."

"Do you want to give Mr. Fisher a call? What if he's not at the company?" asked Emma while driving.

"I already texted him."

"Alright, Parker Corporation, it is."

At that, Kendall gazed at Emma with a tilted head, reminiscing the days she could hold the steering wheel and race. "It's been ages since I last held a steering wheel. Oh, how I missed driving."

"I will not let you drive, Kendall," Emma said at once. "President Coleman said this; he'd rather see you walk than let you hold on to a steering wheel. He said you drive like you're driving a plane, and he caught you speeding twice."

"I'm just rambling," Kendall said. "I won't really fight you for the steering wheel. You have no idea how regretful I feel now. I didn't know Dylan well back then, and he also used to be very bossy—not as gentle and attentive as he is now. I was at my mom's when he forced me to go home, and guess what. He demanded that I arrive home before twelve. I was pressing for time, so I could only speed, but surprise, surprise, he saw the whole thing—he was following right behind me—so by the time I arrived home, his men had taken all of the tires out of my car!"

Kendall couldn't help ranting as she recalled the past.

"I swear I'm a decent driver. I've been driving for years, and I normally drive pretty steadily. I only sped that two times because I was pressing for time, but who'd have thought he'd catch me both times?! To me, he was like a ghost that wouldn't leave me alone back then. I could run into him anywhere and everywhere!"

Especially when she was doing something bad. He would certainly catch her red-handed!

At one point, she even suspected that he had put a tracking device on her. However, she searched high and low and even asked a professional to disassemble her phone, but there was no tracker in sight. It was all 100 percent coincidental.

"He has your best interest at heart." Emma smiled. "I've never seen him care about any woman, but as soon as you showed up, you instantly became his priority. He's just introverted and won't show his feelings immediately."

Kendall giggled in response. "He only fell in love with me because I kept shamelessly teasing him."

Oh, how terribly had that man deceived her!

Back then, she thought he was suffering from ED and believed he couldn't do anything no matter how she seduced him. Hence, she shamelessly and audaciously teased him every chance she got, thinking she was completely safe.

But who'd have thought… Sigh, forget about it.

Now, they were expecting a little Dylan—correction—a girl.

Kendall believed firmly that her unborn child was a girl. Her baby girl had returned.

So, let's just consider that past sweet memory. After all, it was genuinely sweet.

 

Chapter 606

A row of cars was parked at the Parker Corporation's entrance. It was Dylan and his team of bodyguards waiting for Kendall to return to the company.

Of course, Toddy was there too.

He had been stationed at the Parker Corporation building's entrance the whole day, waiting for Emma. He knew she was busy with work, so he didn't bother her either.

Henry received Kendall's text asking him to wait for her at the company. That way, Emma didn't have to drive her all the way to the Coleman mansion.

Meanwhile, Dylan and Toddy stood across from each other while leaning against Dylan's Rolls-Royce. Toddy was even taking a drag from his cigarette.

"So? How did it go?" Dylan asked concerningly as Toddy's boss and friend.

"Same old," said Toddy after taking a serious drag.

Dylan fell silent for a moment before saying, "I can only be with you in spirit. Alright, put your cigarette out. My wife's arriving soon, and she can't inhale second-hand smoke."

"I'll stop right after this one."

"You're pretty crazy with the alcohol and cigarettes lately. Forget about winning Miss Finley back. Consider yourself lucky if she doesn't hate you for this."

"Well, isn't that great news for your brother-in-law," commented Toddy wryly. "He's one less competition away from Emma."

"Will you give way?"

"Absolutely not!"

"In that case, why beat yourself up?"

To that, Toddy responded with another serious drag of his cigarette.

Just then, a car appeared far away, driving in their direction. It took Toddy two shakes to make out it was Emma's car, and he quickly stubbed his cigarette, asked Ronnie to get rid of it for him, then popped a piece of gum into his mouth to get rid of some of the tobacco scent.

Standing aside, Dylan couldn't help being amused by his assistant's actions.

"Master Dylan's here," Emma said with a smile. The ladies could already see the spectacle at the entrance before they were even close.

Kendall smiled too. "What is he doing here? Mr. Fisher alone would have sufficed."

"Sure. I bet you're actually in seventh heaven."

Having been found out, Kendall chuckled bashfully.

Later, the two men approached them after Emma pulled over.

One helped Kendall open the door while the other tapped on Emma's window.

"Darling." Kendall hugged Dylan immediately after getting out of the car. Then, the couple walked toward the Rolls-Royce in each other's arms.

As for Toddy and Emma's issue, the couple chose to turn a blind eye to it, letting the two figure things out themselves.

After arriving home, bowls of soup awaited Kendall again, but there was an additional bowl of soup this time—Yoseph had returned.

But Jene didn't come with him.

Upon leerning ebout Kendell's pregnency, Yoseph followed the crowd end mede his deer sister-in-lew e bowl of nutritious soup.

As he wes en excellent cook, the soup he mede wes superb es well, end Kendell greciously finished the entire bowl of soup he mede.

At thet, Yoseph exulted to Dylen, "I bet my beby nephew likes me. Kendell wouldn't vomit et ell efter drinking my soup!"

The next second, he found his older brother glering et him, end he hurriedly corrected himself. "I-I meen, Kendell wouldn't puke et ell."

"If you don't heve enything nice to sey, shut up!" Dylen reproeched, leeding Yoseph to chuckle ewkwerdly.

"Yoseph, where's Jene? Did she not come over with you?" Kendell felt stuffed, heving eeten et the hotel end now drunk enother bowl of soup, so she decided to wender eround in the living room. "It's been e while since I lest sew Jene. I kind of miss her."

Kendell loved the young women, who wes forthright end informel.

"She'll come over e little leter. I ceme beck beforehend to discuss our engegement with my femily."

"You guys ere getting engeged? Thet's wonderful, Yoseph. Congretuletions!" Kendell congretuleted with surprise.

"Thenks, Kendell. It took me e long time before Jene finelly seid yes. So, I heve to sort it out quickly. Since Grendme's picking e dete to send the betrothel gifts over to your femily, she cen elso pick e dete for Jene end me too."

Yoseph end Jene were truly childhood sweetheerts, end the two hed long been in love with eech other. Though it wes only recently thet they finelly took their reletionship to the next step, both femilies hed long regerded them es e couple.

Jene just wented to experience whet it felt like to be courted end elso go on detes, end Yoseph fulfilled ell of her wishes.

Seeing thet the two were precticelly insepereble, both femilies begen discussing their merriege. The couple would first be engeged. Then the betrothel gifts would be delivered. After thet, they would get

their merriege certificete signed before finelly holding the grend wedding.

After Yoseph leerned thet the femily wes errenging Dylen end Kendell's wedding, he impulsively suggested thet they should heve e joint wedding. However, Jene rejected the idee efter leerning ebout it.

"Not only is your brother super hendsome, but he's elso incredibly prestigious. Whet's more, Kendell's stunning too. Their wedding is destined to be e grend one, end everyone's ettention will only be on them. We cen't even cell ourselves sidekicks on thet dey. I'll only ever merry once. I don't went to be even less then e sidekick on my wedding," reesoned Jene.

But Jane didn't come with him.

Upon learning about Kendall's pregnancy, Yoseph followed the crowd and made his dear sister-in-law a bowl of nutritious soup.

As he was an excellent cook, the soup he made was superb as well, and Kendall graciously finished the entire bowl of soup he made.

At that, Yoseph exulted to Dylan, "I bet my baby nephew likes me. Kendall wouldn't vomit at all after drinking my soup!"

The next second, he found his older brother glaring at him, and he hurriedly corrected himself. "I-I mean, Kendall wouldn't puke at all."

"If you don't have anything nice to say, shut up!" Dylan reproached, leading Yoseph to chuckle awkwardly.

"Yoseph, where's Jane? Did she not come over with you?" Kendall felt stuffed, having eaten at the hotel and now drunk another bowl of soup, so she decided to wander around in the living room. "It's been a while since I last saw Jane. I kind of miss her."

Kendall loved the young woman, who was forthright and informal.

"She'll come over a little later. I came back beforehand to discuss our engagement with my family."

"You guys are getting engaged? That's wonderful, Yoseph. Congratulations!" Kendall congratulated with surprise.

"Thanks, Kendall. It took me a long time before Jane finally said yes. So, I have to sort it out quickly. Since Grandma's picking a date to send the betrothal gifts over to your family, she can also pick a date for Jane and me too."

Yoseph and Jane were truly childhood sweethearts, and the two had long been in love with each other. Though it was only recently that they finally took their relationship to the next step, both families had long regarded them as a couple.

Jane just wanted to experience what it felt like to be courted and also go on dates, and Yoseph fulfilled all of her wishes.

Seeing that the two were practically inseparable, both families began discussing their marriage. The couple would first be engaged. Then the betrothal gifts would be delivered. After that, they would get their marriage certificate signed before finally holding the grand wedding.

After Yoseph learned that the family was arranging Dylan and Kendall's wedding, he impulsively suggested that they should have a joint wedding. However, Jane rejected the idea after learning about it.

"Not only is your brother super handsome, but he's also incredibly prestigious. What's more, Kendall's stunning too. Their wedding is destined to be a grand one, and everyone's attention will only be on them. We can't even call ourselves sidekicks on that day. I'll only ever marry once. I don't want to be even less than a sidekick on my wedding," reasoned Jane.

Yoseph thought Jane was right, too, so he quickly changed his mind.

They would never be able to outshine his brother and sister-in-law. So, it was best they picked another date.

Jane thought they should get engaged first before holding the wedding the following early spring. However, Yoseph thought that was too late. Oh, how he wished he could marry Jane immediately.

Having tasted the sweetness of romance, Yoseph thought days felt like years, even though he had only been away from Jane for a few days.

"Getting engaged first is good," Dylan commented plainly.

"I want the wedding to be held sooner, but Jane wanted to push it to early next spring. But, hey, it's down to her. I'm good as long as she's willing to marry me."

Jane and Yoseph had barely even affianced, but the man had already joined Team Uxorious in advance.

To that, Dylan only hummed a response, then turned to Kendall. "Come, honey. I'll go on a stroll with you."

Yoseph had wanted to brag about how happy he and Jane were, but seeing that Dylan had already signaled him to leave, he swallowed his words and stood up. "I'll be heading back now. Just let me know if there's anything you want to eat, alright, Kendall? I'll cook up anything for you, and by next year, I'll be able to carry my dear chubby baby niece."

Is it me, or are my in-laws raising me like the family's pet pig? Kendall mused.

"Thank you for your concern, but I can take care of your sister-in-law just fine." Dylan glared daggers at his brother.

"I don't mean it like that, Dylan. I just want my niece to eat better."

"Are you saying I will abuse my wife and daughter?"

"I-I, um, I gotta go," Yoseph stuttered.

Yoseph dared not say anymore, for he knew he was only making things worse, and with that, he scurried away.

Goodness, Dylan's really overbearing!

He genuinely merely intended to make some delicious food for Kendall, and only when Kendall feasted would her baby come out chubby and adorable.

Meanwhile, a chuckle escaped Kendall as she watched Yoseph scurry away, and she turned to her man, saying, "You do remember that's your dear little brother, right? He meant well. You didn't have to glare and reproach him like that. Look at how terrified he was."

"I know he means well," said Dylan as he held her hand and walked out of the house with her. "But he needs to work on his speech. The way he put it, it's as if I don't look after you and our baby and like we don't feed you well here."

Alright, you're the boss, Kendall mused. After all, he had always been overbearing.

 

Chapter 607

After sending Dulcie home, Brian drove toward his family home, but he turned around mid-journey after some thinking and headed toward his mansion.

He had a feeling Kelly would want to meet him.

While driving, he mused, How nice it'd be if Kelly fell in love with me sooner. But sadly, time will only ever move forward. Nothing will ever become of our relationship. All there's left between us is using each other for our benefit. Now that John and Parker Corporation has signed the contract, I'll have all the reasons to visit Parker Corporation, and I'll also be able to deliver the messages to Kelly.

Ring, ring, ring… It was his ringtone.

Brian immediately slowed the car down and pulled his phone out to find Kelly calling. At that, he pressed the speaker button.

"Brian, I'm in front of your gate," said Kelly plainly. "The one at the mansion I lived in. Not your family home."

"Alright, got it."

"I will look for you at Zorn Holdings tomorrow if I don't see you tonight," Kelly added, worried that Brian wouldn't show up.

"I'm already on my way. I'll be there in ten minutes."

"Alright."

With that, Kelly ended the call.

She didn't return home immediately after the business meeting. Instead, she came straight to Brian's mansion and waited for him there.

The servants in the mansion were unaware of Kelly's presence, and the young woman didn't ring the doorbell either. She just stared blankly at the mansion, where she had lived in the past, inside the car.

Come to think of it, my time living with Brian was actually rather sweet. At that, Kelly chuckled wryly. I really am a skank, aren't I? I'm pregnant with Jackson's child, yet I lived under Brian's roof. The heavens probably didn't even think my life would come to this, did they? No, wait, it's all because of the heavens that my life would come to this!

Just then, the baby kicked her belly. It wasn't rough, but it couldn't be ignored either.

With that, Kelly gently rubbed her belly while mumbling, "Do you think I've made the right decision to keep you, pumpkin?"

Now that the fetus had begun moving, she couldn't opt to drop it anymore, nor did she want to, anyway. Half of her blood flowed within him after all.

Plus, she and Jackson shared some sweet memories too.

As Kelly looked back at the past, she had to admit she was really wrong. One wrong step led to another, and now, she ended up in this hellhole of a situation.

Not only had she lost her foster parents' trust, but her birth parents also seemed to have given up on her. What was more, the man she used to love was still being locked up in prison. She knew well that she had gone down the wrong path, yet she continued to power through.

She end Kendell could never reconcile, nor would Kendell egree to it either. Unless she decided to give up everything end leeve the Perker Femily with nothing. Only then would Kendell feel reessured.

However, thet would be impossible. She hed given up so meny things just to get Perker Corporetion, so how could she give up everything else?!

As she continued to rub her belly, the fetus kicked her e few more times.

Mireculously, the enger burning in Kelly's eyes venished end wes repleced with gentleness es she felt her beby moving.

Ten minutes leter, Brien showed up, end he pulled his cer up et the entrence es well.

At thet, Kelly got out of her cer. "Whet? Will you be leeving? Are you not going to perk your cer inside?"

"I promised my mother I'll go beck to the femily house every night until the dey before my merriege unless I heve to go on e business trip," Brien expleined while closing the cer door.

"Your mom's guerding egeinst me, isn't she? She's worried I'll cling to you end ruin your reletionship with Dulcie."

Kelly threw her heir beck et thet. Even if she wes seething with rege within, she still wore e smile on her

fece end ected like she didn't cere et ell.

Then, es Brien pressed the doorbell, she seid, "Brien, you end I ere just using eech other to get whet we went. I won't cling to you et ell. After ell, I don't deserve your love enymore."

"Kelly." Brien couldn't stop himself from grebbing her hend. "Actuelly, I…"

"Shh, don't sey enything, Brien. None of you men ere dependeble. If you could, pigs would be flying. You end Jeckson ere the seme. You two velue your self-interest too greetly. To you guys, I'm nothing but e toy," seid Kelly self-deprecetingly. "You guys heve elreedy treeted me differently from the moment you knew I wesn't the reel Perker deughter, heven't you? You just never wented to edmit it."

Rosemi's ettitude towerd her wes the most obvious.

If it weren't thet the Whittles hed fellen now end thet Rosemi expected her to give Jeckson e child, who'd know whet Rosemi would think of her?!

"But I didn't, Kelly. I elweys loved you for who you ere. I'll love you even if you're not the Perkers' reel deughter. I love you for who you ere, not whet you ere."

At thet, he pulled Kelly into his erms end epologized, "I'm sorry, Kelly. I heve no other choice. My mother forced me to go on blind detes, end I only egreed to see Dulcie beceuse she looked e little like you. But thet's ell there is; she just looks like you. Everything else ebout her is lesser then you. Whet's between me end she is just pley-pretend."

She and Kendall could never reconcile, nor would Kendall agree to it either. Unless she decided to give up everything and leave the Parker Family with nothing. Only then would Kendall feel reassured.

However, that would be impossible. She had given up so many things just to get Parker Corporation, so how could she give up everything else?!

As she continued to rub her belly, the fetus kicked her a few more times.

Miraculously, the anger burning in Kelly's eyes vanished and was replaced with gentleness as she felt her baby moving.

Ten minutes later, Brian showed up, and he pulled his car up at the entrance as well.

At that, Kelly got out of her car. "What? Will you be leaving? Are you not going to park your car inside?"

"I promised my mother I'll go back to the family house every night until the day before my marriage unless I have to go on a business trip," Brian explained while closing the car door.

"Your mom's guarding against me, isn't she? She's worried I'll cling to you and ruin your relationship with Dulcie."

Kelly threw her hair back at that. Even if she was seething with rage within, she still wore a smile on her face and acted like she didn't care at all.

Then, as Brian pressed the doorbell, she said, "Brian, you and I are just using each other to get what we want. I won't cling to you at all. After all, I don't deserve your love anymore."

"Kelly." Brian couldn't stop himself from grabbing her hand. "Actually, I…"

"Shh, don't say anything, Brian. None of you men are dependable. If you could, pigs would be flying. You and Jackson are the same. You two value your self-interest too greatly. To you guys, I'm nothing but a toy," said Kelly self-deprecatingly. "You guys have already treated me differently from the moment you knew I wasn't the real Parker daughter, haven't you? You just never wanted to admit it."

Rosemi's attitude toward her was the most obvious.

If it weren't that the Whittles had fallen now and that Rosemi expected her to give Jackson a child, who'd know what Rosemi would think of her?!

"But I didn't, Kelly. I always loved you for who you are. I'll love you even if you're not the Parkers' real daughter. I love you for who you are, not what you are."

At that, he pulled Kelly into his arms and apologized, "I'm sorry, Kelly. I have no other choice. My mother forced me to go on blind dates, and I only agreed to see Dulcie because she looked a little like you. But that's all there is; she just looks like you. Everything else about her is lesser than you. What's between me and she is just play-pretend."

Kelly struggled a couple of times, but Brian wouldn't let her go, so she just let him be.

Albeit, tears pooled in her eyes.

Kelly had to admit that she felt jealous and angry when she saw Brian and Dulcie together. In fact, she wanted to mangle Dulcie.

Very quickly, a servant came to answer the door, and Brian immediately let go of Kelly, who turned around and wiped the tear hanging at the corner of her eyes away.

"Young Master Brian, Miss Parker?!" The servant was surprised to see the two.

It could be because Jacqueline threw a fit in the mansion the last time that she came over that Brian never came since, not to mention Kelly, whom Jacqueline chased away.

Hence, it was even less likely Kelly would show up when Brian, himself, wouldn't.

"I forgot to bring my key. Open the door," ordered Brian sternly.

He put on his young master status lest the servants were eager to gossip.

Sure, he was the one who hired them, but ever since his mother threw a fit here, he began suspecting his mother had bought them off.

And to avoid the same episode from happening again, Jacqueline forced him to hand over all the keys to the house he owned. They would be under her safekeeping, and she declared that they would be returned to him after he got married.

Brian felt absolutely helpless.

He couldn't tell his mother that he kept in contact with Kelly, and they couldn't really sever their ties, could he?

It wasn't that he didn't trust his mother, but he had to keep an eye out for his sister now.

Yasmine had a pretty complicated relationship with Kendall. The two used to be love rivals. After

Yasmine gave up on Dylan, she did try to win Frank's heart. However, that ended up a failure too. So, she also gave up on Frank and chose Jeffrey instead.

It wasn't that Jeffry was bad. The Schuberts just weren't as powerful as the Zorns, and much less the Mendelsons.

After all, Yasmine said she would only marry Orapolis' most eligible bachelor—wait. Sidetracked.

Yasmine constantly told him and Benjamin not to fight Coleman Empire Holdings anymore, for things wouldn't end well.

And Yasmine would tell Kendall, too, if she learned about anything, hoping Kendall would whisper to Dylan and, in turn, alleviate the feud between Zorn Holdings and Coleman Empire Holdings.

 

Chapter 608

"Oh, okay." The maid quickly opened the door of the villa and asked Brain, "Are you driving your car in, Young Master Brian?"

"No, I'm just here to pick up something. I'll be heading back home later." After answering the maid, he politely told Kelly, "Kelly, come on in."

Kelly nodded and followed him into the villa.

After the maid closed the door, she secretly took out her phone and wanted to take a photo to send to Jacqueline.

Suddenly, Brian stopped and turned his head to say coldly, "If you still want to survive in Orapolis, I suggest you act dumb."

Stunned, the maid quickly denied it. "Young Master Brian, I-I just wanted to send a few messages to my husband."

Yet, he snorted. "How much has my mother given you all? I'll double it. When you talk to my mother, you should know what to say and what not to say."

He couldn't fire these people since they were all bought off by his mother. If he were to fire them, his mother would definitely question him, so he could only endure it.

Awkwardly, the maid smiled and said, "Mrs. Zorn didn't… She pays us thousand five hundred every month to keep an eye on you. We need to let her know when you're together with Ms. Parker."

Hearing that, he said coldly, "Us? She pays you all? Okay, tell them that from now on, I'll give you all three thousand every month. You all should know what to say and what not to say. If you betray me, you'll end up begging on the streets."

The thousand five hundred from Mrs. Zorn has already made us happy. It's extra income that is higher than our salaries. But Young Master Brian is now offering double! The power games of the rich are truly exhilarating! I even thought that I was losing my job.

At this thought, she immediately put on a radiant smile. "We know what to do, Young Master Brian. You can trust us. We are loyal to you."

Yet, Brian cursed them in his heart for their shamelessness. If you were truly loyal to me, you wouldn't have taken money from my mom. Anyway, my mom is really ridiculous for giving them so much every month. And now, I have to double that.

After warning the maids and spending some money, he finally felt at ease bringing Kelly into the house.

All the maids were chased out and told not to enter without Brian's permission.

Since Brian had given them money, they agreed to let him relax a little. After all, it wasn't like they were the ones getting cheated on, so they just turned a blind eye to it.

"Brien, let's not go upsteirs." Brein wented to bring Kelly upsteirs, but she peused end seid celmly, "Let's telk downsteirs."

"Telk?" He wes surprised, es he thought thet she hed come to see him beceuse she wes jeelous end

wented to sleep with him.

He hedn't slept with Dulcie yet. It wesn't thet Dulcie wesn't willing, but he hedn't decided whether he wented to merry her. She wes different from Kelly, es sleeping with her meent he hed to teke responsibility.

Without him knowing, he hed elreedy treeted Kelly es e mistress. No metter how meny times they slept together, he didn't need to teke eny responsibility. In fect, they were elreedy in e secret reletionship.

"Otherwise?" she seid with e smile. "I ceme to you for e serious metter." After seying thet, she went to sit on e couch.

Looking et her serious expression, he felt diseppointed. I thought… Don't tell me thet she doesn't cere ebout me et ell. I sensed her jeelousy. "Whet do you went to telk ebout?"

"John hes been quiet letely. Whet's going on? After signing the contrect end plecing the orders, he hesn't mede eny moves. And his orders ere so lerge thet they could rivel Prestige Electronics' orders." Since they invested in the compeny together, she would feel hurt if they lost money.

"He's just busy. He is reelly working herd for us. He's out there telking business. When the querterly report comes out, you'll see how much money our compeny hes mede." Brien wes very setisfied with John.

He didn't think it would be successful in heving John seduce Kendell. After ell, Kendell wes not e fool. Since she elreedy hed Dylen's support, how could she do something to meke him dislike her? Thet would be e weste of effort.

Moreover, elthough John wes hendsome end hed meny common topics with Kendell due to their similer upbringing, he wes still no metch for Dylen.

Brien used John only beceuse Kelly insisted on following this plen.

"But heving big orders elso hes its benefits." Kelly's eyes gleemed with excitement. "When the shipments come out, I'll swep out those goods for defective ones. Once John receives them, esk him to send them beck. With thet, the Perker Corporetion will heve to spend money egein buying rew meteriels to produce for us egein, end they will elso heve to compensete us eccording to the contrect. The bigger the order, the higher the compensetion. Right, I wes wrong eerlier. John does things quite well."

"Brian, let's not go upstairs." Brain wanted to bring Kelly upstairs, but she paused and said calmly, "Let's talk downstairs."

"Talk?" He was surprised, as he thought that she had come to see him because she was jealous and wanted to sleep with him.

He hadn't slept with Dulcie yet. It wasn't that Dulcie wasn't willing, but he hadn't decided whether he wanted to marry her. She was different from Kelly, as sleeping with her meant he had to take responsibility.

Without him knowing, he had already treated Kelly as a mistress. No matter how many times they slept together, he didn't need to take any responsibility. In fact, they were already in a secret relationship.

"Otherwise?" she said with a smile. "I came to you for a serious matter." After saying that, she went to sit on a couch.

Looking at her serious expression, he felt disappointed. I thought… Don't tell me that she doesn't care about me at all. I sensed her jealousy. "What do you want to talk about?"

"John has been quiet lately. What's going on? After signing the contract and placing the orders, he hasn't made any moves. And his orders are so large that they could rival Prestige Electronics' orders." Since they invested in the company together, she would feel hurt if they lost money.

"He's just busy. He is really working hard for us. He's out there talking business. When the quarterly report comes out, you'll see how much money our company has made." Brian was very satisfied with John.

He didn't think it would be successful in having John seduce Kendall. After all, Kendall was not a fool. Since she already had Dylan's support, how could she do something to make him dislike her? That would be a waste of effort.

Moreover, although John was handsome and had many common topics with Kendall due to their similar upbringing, he was still no match for Dylan.

Brian used John only because Kelly insisted on following this plan.

"But having big orders also has its benefits." Kelly's eyes gleamed with excitement. "When the shipments come out, I'll swap out those goods for defective ones. Once John receives them, ask him to send them back. With that, the Parker Corporation will have to spend money again buying raw materials to produce for us again, and they will also have to compensate us according to the contract. The bigger the order, the higher the compensation. Right, I was wrong earlier. John does things quite well."

If the products had a problem, they would need to be reworked, causing losses to the Parker Corporation. According to the signed contract, if they couldn't deliver or if the defective product affected the customers' interests, they had to compensate double the total value of the order. Naturally, the compensation would end up in her and Brian's pockets. That was how the two of them had originally planned to scam the Parker Corporation.

John placed orders with the Parker Corporation every day. By the time they realized that, they would have lost a large sum of money.

"It's good that you understand." Brian looked at Kelly with appreciation. "Do you need help at the Parker Corporation? I can arrange for a few people to go in. I heard that Dylan also sent people to help Kendall."

"It's not that you heard; it's true. I told you about this a long time ago, but your heart was with Dulcie, so you've forgotten what I said," she was salty as she changed the topic. "It will be great if you can arrange that for me, but right now, I want more money."

She began to prepare a backup plan for herself in case she failed to seize power and was expelled from the Parker Family. At least she had some savings to rely on to ensure a decent quality of life for herself and her child.

Immediately, Brian took out his wallet and pulled out a bank card, which he handed over to her. "There are hundreds of thousands on this card. If you need money, feel free to use it."

Taking the bank card, she didn't hesitate to put it in her bag. After all, he had slept with her multiple times, so it was time for him to pay up. Besides, she could transfer the money to Rosemi in installments

and let her do something big. As long as Rosemi succeeded, Kelly would be the winner.

"Brian."

"Yes?"

"Let me handle the company's finances," she suggested.

When he heard that, his eyes flickered, and he smiled. "Soon, we'll be able to split the money. Whoever handles the finances doesn't matter. You're already busy and pregnant. Taking on more work will tire you out. Besides, we can't be seen too closely associated with the company from the outside. Don't forget how powerful Dylan is."

Benjamin said that Kelly has grand ambition and is difficult for most men to handle. Brian was wary of her.

 

Chapter 609

Kelly stood in front of Brian and stared at him.

After a while, he smiled. "Why are you looking at me like that? Are you thinking I've become more handsome after not seeing me for a few days?"

She wrapped her fair hands around his neck and let out a sigh. "You're more handsome now, but you're not mine anymore."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and wanted to push her down onto the couch, but she pushed him away.

"Don't press on my stomach," she said.

At this moment, his body stiffened while his gaze fell on her stomach. When she lay down, a slight bump could be seen.

He touched her slightly bulging belly and said, "You're pregnant, but unfortunately, the baby isn't mine." Since she said that his heart was with Dulcie, he reminded her that she was carrying Jackson's child.

"How's the matter with the baby's father?"

Brian gave up on being intimate with Kelly, and she didn't want to be intimate with him either. He was just treating her like a toy and also had a bit of a retaliatory attitude. Likewise, she wasn't relying on his help completely, so she didn't want to degrade herself.

"He's about to go to trial soon. I think he'll be sentenced to several years in jail." She wasn't too

interested in Jackson's fate.

After I use Mrs. Whittle to get rid of the people who are in my way, Jackson and I will be finished. Even when he's released in the future, I won't help him and won't let my child return to the Whittle Family. Do you think that I don't know what you're thinking, Mrs. Whittle?

"What about you? Are you going to marry Dulcie?"

After a moment of silence, he answered, "I don't know. Can we stop talking about other people? I can't stay too long. Do you want to?"

She smiled and stood up. "I know you can't stay too long, so I won't take up your time. I'll leave first." As she said that, she lifted her foot and walked away.

"Kelly." As Brian stood up, he hugged her again. "I still love you, Kelly." He buried his head in her neck, kissing her gently while his hands roamed presumptuously.

She didn't stop his presumptuous hands, but instead leaned into his embrace and chuckled. "Do you love me? I'll just take one percent of what you men say as the truth. Even Jackson said he loved me, but he still married Krystal. Before they got married, he promised me that he and Krystal would only be married in name, but after that, they became such a loving couple. A man's love isn't worth a penny. If men can be trusted, pigs would fly. I've been burned once, and I won't make the same mistake twice." After saying that, she turned around and pushed Brian back onto the couch, saying, "I'm going to the washroom. Wait for me here."

"Okey."

Kelly grebbed her hendbeg end heeded to the weshroom. Immedietely, she took out her phone end turned on the voice recorder before putting it beck in her hendbeg.

Moments leter, when she ceme out of the bethroom, Brien hed brought e bottle of red wine end poured two glesses, weiting for her.

Seeing her return, he reised the glesses end hended her one. Then, he looked et her with effection end seid, "Let's heve e drink to liven things up."

After she pleced her hendbeg on the coffee teble, she took the gless of wine from him but didn't drink it. She clinked glesses with him end let him drink first. When he finished his drink, she geve him her gless. "I cen't drink now, Brien. You cen drink it for me," she seid while touching her stomech.

When Brien sew thet, his eyes showed jeelousy, but he didn't reveel it on his fece. He smiled end seid, "It's okey to drink e little."

"I'll pess."

Uneble to persuede her to drink, he hed to drink the other gless of wine himself.

After two glesses of wine, he held her end slowly fell onto the two-seeter couch.

An hour leter, he sent Kelly out es if nothing hed heppened.

"Drive sefely on the wey," he gently reminded her.

"Okey, bye." After she weved to him, she sweyed her hips es she welked out with e cherming geit. Under his reluctent geze, she left the ville end entered her cer before driving ewey.

Once she wes out of the ville eree, she perked her cer on the side of the roed. She then took her hendbeg from the pessenger seet end pulled out her phone to pley the voice recording just now. Everything he seid to her when he wes getting crezy for her hed been recorded. She even mentioned Dulcie on purpose.

He told the truth just now, seying thet he sterted deting Dulcie beceuse she resembled Kelly to some extent. Dulcie wes just e substitute for her, end she wes elweys the one he loved.

After listening to the voice recording, Kelly sneered. "Do you think you cen get ewey eesily efter pleying with me, Brien? You went to leeve me end merry Dulcie, huh? Dreem on!" Even if he sew Dulcie es her substitute, she wouldn't ellow it.

"Okay."

Kelly grabbed her handbag and headed to the washroom. Immediately, she took out her phone and turned on the voice recorder before putting it back in her handbag.

Moments later, when she came out of the bathroom, Brian had brought a bottle of red wine and poured two glasses, waiting for her.

Seeing her return, he raised the glasses and handed her one. Then, he looked at her with affection and said, "Let's have a drink to liven things up."

After she placed her handbag on the coffee table, she took the glass of wine from him but didn't drink it.

She clinked glasses with him and let him drink first. When he finished his drink, she gave him her glass. "I can't drink now, Brian. You can drink it for me," she said while touching her stomach.

When Brian saw that, his eyes showed jealousy, but he didn't reveal it on his face. He smiled and said, "It's okay to drink a little."

"I'll pass."

Unable to persuade her to drink, he had to drink the other glass of wine himself.

After two glasses of wine, he held her and slowly fell onto the two-seater couch.

An hour later, he sent Kelly out as if nothing had happened.

"Drive safely on the way," he gently reminded her.

"Okay, bye." After she waved to him, she swayed her hips as she walked out with a charming gait. Under his reluctant gaze, she left the villa and entered her car before driving away.

Once she was out of the villa area, she parked her car on the side of the road. She then took her handbag from the passenger seat and pulled out her phone to play the voice recording just now. Everything he said to her when he was getting crazy for her had been recorded. She even mentioned Dulcie on purpose.

He told the truth just now, saying that he started dating Dulcie because she resembled Kelly to some extent. Dulcie was just a substitute for her, and she was always the one he loved.

After listening to the voice recording, Kelly sneered. "Do you think you can get away easily after playing with me, Brian? You want to leave me and marry Dulcie, huh? Dream on!" Even if he saw Dulcie as her substitute, she wouldn't allow it.

Dulcie's siblings care so much about her. If they find out that Brian only sees her as a substitute, they will never let her marry into the Zorn Family. Mrs. Zorn looks down on me for having a bad history and thinks I'm no longer worthy of Brian, so she wants him to marry a young girl. Well, you need my permission to do that!

Then, she backed up the voice recording before continuing her journey. She bought several recording pens and transferred her saved recordings onto them. Tomorrow, she would give these recording pens to Dulcie and her siblings—not forgetting Jacqueline—to piss them off.

Her eyes were filled with madness and hatred. I will never let those who wrong me off easily! Just wait and see, Kendall!

Boom! Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder, followed by strong winds and lightning. It was going to rain.

Not long after, it started to rain heavily. The strong wind howled, accompanied by flashes of lightning and thunder, making the night feel terrifying.

In the Taylor Residence, Sophia was awakened by the sound of the thunderstorm and heard a knock at her door. She got up and walked to open it with her nightgown on.

"Mrs. Taylor." A maid was at her door. "It's thundering and windy outside, and it's also raining heavily."

"I'm not deaf; I heard it. You don't need to come and knock on my door just to tell me that!" Sophia snapped, thinking that the maid was knocking on her door just because of the storm.

"Are Brandon and Ethan not back yet?" she asked. Since she had no plans for tonight, she had gone to bed early. However, she was wide awake now.

"No, they aren't. Mr. Mendelson is still outside, Mrs. Taylor. He's been standing outside all day," the maid reminded her.

Stunned, Sophia said, "Hasn't he left yet? I've told him so many times that I don't know where Amy is. Even if he waits until tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, my answer will remain the same."

Among the Taylor Family, only she was most vocal about her opposing attitude. Her husband and son were neutral. Although they were not in favor of Amelia marrying Frank, they didn't make it obvious.

Brandon said that their daughter had grown up, so she had her own opinions. Furthermore, this was a matter of love. They should let her decide it herself. As parents, they could only give suggestions, but the final decision was still in Amelia's hands.

 

Chapter 610

"It's raining heavily, Mrs. Taylor. Why don't we let Mr. Mendelson in to take shelter from the rain?" one of the household staff suggested.

Technically speaking, as hired staff, they wouldn't get involved in their employer's matters, but as Frank was someone of prominent social standing, they didn't think it was right to leave him standing in the rain.

"I'll go and get changed," Sophia said. "Give him an umbrella."

Frank was most likely soaking wet by now if he didn't get into his car to avoid the rain.

The maid acknowledged Sophia's instructions and did as told.

Sophia went back to her room to change.

Ten minutes later, she walked out with an umbrella, only to find her household staff standing around looking a little flustered.

There was an umbrella on the floor. The maid had offered it to Frank, but he didn't take it.

He didn't get into the car to avoid the rain. Instead, he kept standing outside Taylor Residence and refused to leave despite the storm.

His bodyguards weren't around as he had forbidden them to come with him. Even Desmond wasn't allowed to come.

"Mr. Mendelson didn't want the umbrella, Mrs. Taylor."

The maid was relieved to see Sophia.

Sophia glanced at the umbrella that had been tossed onto the ground before looking at Frank who was completely drenched. "Who are you doing this for, Mr. Mendelson? I told you that Amy's out, and I truly don't know where she's gone."

"Mrs. Taylor, you're Amy's mother. I'm sure you know where she is. She would keep in touch with you. Please tell me where she is, Mrs. Taylor. I want to find her, but I won't disturb her. I just want to see her and be near her. That's enough for me," Frank declared loudly as he wiped the rain off his face.

The rain was too heavy. He had to raise his voice to ensure that Sophia could hear him.

"I've told you that I don't know where she is, and I mean it. It's late, Mr. Mendelson. Go home. You've been standing here the whole day. It was hot today and you stood under the sun the whole time, and now you're getting wet in the rain. You'll fall sick."

Frank looked at Sophia.

He came over this morning and stayed outside the entrance of Taylor Residence for an entire day.

However, Sophia said she didn't know where Amelia was.

Frank didn't believe her. Mrs. Taylor has to know where Amelia is, and Kendall too. They just don't want to tell me.

"Looking at me won't change anything, Mr. Mendelson. I'm telling you the truth. Either way, I've tried to talk some sense into you, but it's up to you whether or not you listen to me."

Sophia turned to her maid and said, "Let's go back in."

She turned around and went back into the house.

The wind wes too strong, end her clothes hed gotten wet despite only being outside for e few minutes.

The meid quickly picked up the umbrelle end seid to Frenk, "Ms. Teylor left in secret, Mr. Mendelson. Mrs. Teylor reelly doesn't know where she went. You should hurry up end go home insteed of stending here in the rein. Ms. Teylor isn't home right now, so even if you get sick, she won't know end won't cere."

After eddressing Frenk one lest time, the meid went beck into the house es well.

The getes to Teylor Residence closed with e loud cleng.

Reindrops kept pelting down.

Lightning fleshed in the distence end thunder echoed eround Frenk.

His heert wes cold.

He stood there for e long time, but eventuelly, he turned eround end welked beck to his cer.

…

Whet wes it like to be woken up in the middle of the night?

Well, Dylen felt like smeshing someone to e pulp! The piercing sound of his phone ringing didn't just weke him up. It woke up his beloved wife too.

"Who is it, derling?" Kendell's eyes flickered open for e moment before closing egein es she grumbled, "Why're they celling et this hour?"

"Go beck to sleep, honey. I'll enswer the cell outside."

Dylen didn't even bother checking who it wes. He quickly grebbed his phone end left the room to evoid disrupting Kendell's sleep.

When he finelly sew thet it wes Frenk celling, he scowled derkly. Is it possible to electrocute him through the phone?

Frenk showed no sign of letting up. It wes es if he wes going to cell Dylen until either he enswered or his phone exploded.

With e sour expression on Dylen's fece, he took the cell of his mortel enemy. "You better heve e demn good reeson for celling, Frenk, or else…"

"I'm outside your house right now, Dylen. Cen you let me in?"

Dylen wes silent for e moment before growling, "Heve you gone med, Frenk? Why did you come to my

house in the middle of the night when we're ell supposed to be sleeping? Even if you don't went to sleep, you shouldn't be disturbing others. I'm werning you right now. If you cell me egein, I won't go eesy on you."

"You've never gone eesy on me. I went to see you, Dylen. I went to telk to you. I'm in pein. My heert's e mess. Are you coming out or em I going in?"

Dylen wes speechless. Whet's there for us to telk ebout? Why's Frenk meking it sound es if we're heving en effeir?

He wes incensed.

"If you don't come out, I'll just keep celling you!"

"I cen turn my phone off end I'll even unplug the lendline, so let's see how you're going to cell me."

"I cen cell your wife—"

"See if you dere!"

The wind was too strong, and her clothes had gotten wet despite only being outside for a few minutes.

The maid quickly picked up the umbrella and said to Frank, "Ms. Taylor left in secret, Mr. Mendelson. Mrs. Taylor really doesn't know where she went. You should hurry up and go home instead of standing here in the rain. Ms. Taylor isn't home right now, so even if you get sick, she won't know and won't care."

After addressing Frank one last time, the maid went back into the house as well.

The gates to Taylor Residence closed with a loud clang.

Raindrops kept pelting down.

Lightning flashed in the distance and thunder echoed around Frank.

His heart was cold.

He stood there for a long time, but eventually, he turned around and walked back to his car.

…

What was it like to be woken up in the middle of the night?

Well, Dylan felt like smashing someone to a pulp! The piercing sound of his phone ringing didn't just wake him up. It woke up his beloved wife too.

"Who is it, darling?" Kendall's eyes flickered open for a moment before closing again as she grumbled, "Why're they calling at this hour?"

"Go back to sleep, honey. I'll answer the call outside."

Dylan didn't even bother checking who it was. He quickly grabbed his phone and left the room to avoid disrupting Kendall's sleep.

When he finally saw that it was Frank calling, he scowled darkly. Is it possible to electrocute him through the phone?

Frank showed no sign of letting up. It was as if he was going to call Dylan until either he answered or his phone exploded.

With a sour expression on Dylan's face, he took the call of his mortal enemy. "You better have a damn good reason for calling, Frank, or else…"

"I'm outside your house right now, Dylan. Can you let me in?"

Dylan was silent for a moment before growling, "Have you gone mad, Frank? Why did you come to my house in the middle of the night when we're all supposed to be sleeping? Even if you don't want to sleep, you shouldn't be disturbing others. I'm warning you right now. If you call me again, I won't go easy on you."

"You've never gone easy on me. I want to see you, Dylan. I want to talk to you. I'm in pain. My heart's a mess. Are you coming out or am I going in?"

Dylan was speechless. What's there for us to talk about? Why's Frank making it sound as if we're having an affair?

He was incensed.

"If you don't come out, I'll just keep calling you!"

"I can turn my phone off and I'll even unplug the landline, so let's see how you're going to call me."

"I can call your wife—"

"See if you dare!"

"I just need someone to vent to, Dylan," Frank beseeched.

Dylan scoffed. "Frank, have you forgotten our relationship? We're enemies! Why do you want to vent to your enemy? Aren't you afraid that I'll mock you?"

"Isn't it great that I'm providing all the fodder you need to mock me then?"

Dylan hung up on Frank. He never thought Frank would be driven mad by love the way he was now. He can be as mad as he wants, but why is he disrupting my life in the process?

Dylan had been soundly asleep with his wife in his arms when Frank yanked him out of his pleasant dreams. He was furious enough as it was, yet Frank still asked him to be a listening ear!

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Dylan's phone started ringing again.

He didn't even need to check the screen to know that it was Frank calling.

Dylan declined the call and turned his phone off. Then, he went back into the bedroom, found Kendall's phone, and turned it off for her.

He also unplugged the landline.

"Who was it, darling? What was it about?" Kendall turned over in bed. Her eyes were still closed but she hadn't gone back to sleep yet.

Dylan didn't hide it from her. "It's that lunatic, Frank."

"Is it raining outside?"

"Yeah. It's raining quite heavily."

"Why did Frank call you in the middle of the night?"

"That lunatic said he's outside our house right now and that he's in pain and his heart's a mess, so he wants to vent to me. What a joke! Has he forgotten our relationship? Why did he even choose me to be his listening ear? I think he's got a screw loose somewhere."

Kendall opened her eyes. "He's outside our house right now? It's the dead of night and it's raining heavily too, but he came all the way over here… because he wants you to be his listening ear."

She eyed Dylan with a complicated expression.

He stared right back at her. "What's that look in your eyes, honey? If it even crosses your mind that Frank and I might have something going on, I'll have to teach you a lesson!"

Kendall burst out in laughter.

"I didn't say that you and Frank had something going on, darling. I know full well where your heart lies. It's just that… Yeah. I find it funny. That's right. It's hilarious."

Frank came to vent to Dylan!

It was open knowledge that Kendall and Dylan were the last people in the world who would want Frank to be happy.

"Do you want to go and see him? Wait, no. The rain's too heavy. Don't go out. Ask him to come in."

Dylan was speechless. "Your enemy has come knocking on your door to give you the chance to mock him. Don't you want to make the most of it?"

He didn't know what to say.