Love Began with the First Meeting

Dragon Empire Group planned to march into the cosmetic industry. They tried before but they didn't really invest much. But since the Group had the lion's share of the market, the only way they could go now is to uncharted territory and that included cosmetics.

Ding dong!

the doorbell rang. Eric frowned a bit with no idea who the visitor might be. He stood up, looked through the peephole, then opened the door. "Uncle Richie," he called.

"Umm," Richie stepped in. Eric closed the door and stared at Richie nervously. He was a bit afraid of him if he were being honest. Richie threw a look at him and Eric put on a robe out of embarrassment. "Uncle Richie, it's so late. What are you doing still up?" he said easily.

"I was dealing with some business," Richie said as he sat on the sofa.

Eric poured Richie a glass of wine, and sat in front of him, "And what brings you here?"

"How are things with the parliament?" Richie took a sip and said, "This year was different. Frank was supposed to step down, and you're the only one in the Long family who's in the National Congress. If you mess this up, the whole country's going to blow up into pieces."

"People against our family have been mobilizing for a while—it worked for a while but I still don't think they can turn things around," Eric said earnestly.

"It's good to be confident," Richie looked detached, his eyes sharp and twinkling, "But don't underestimate your opponents."

"I understand," Eric was certainly aware what would happen if the succession went wrong and he wasn't the next ruler. Even if the Long family didn't lose all control, it would still affect their power, and that would make things difficult for them. This was exactly why Brian, instead of going to Las Vegas, went to QY Island. After all, the market there was huge. If it was ever undermined, his company would suffer great losses.

Richie nodded. Now that Brian took over XK Intelligence Agency, he certainly wouldn't be coming back to Dragon Island. Besides, he was too free-loving to being bound by the National Congress, thus making Eric the only possible successor. Every party involved wanted to take a chance and overthrow the leadership.

"It's late. Get some rest," Richie put down the glass and stood up.

"Good night," Eric said.

relieved when Richie left. Even before his father, he didn't feel this stressed but Richie was too daunting. Every time

to overthink especially if you're alone.

said about

his entire night zoning in and out. After he got home to his villa, he collapsed on the chair in the garden—legs crossed, one arm nestled under one leg,

thought back to his past.

didn't you say that you weren't going to join

answered, "Well, I want to do it

"But why?"

murmured, "Not everything you do has to have a

silent. She lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers. After a while, she choked, "But,

made up my mind," the

night when the girl's little brother started crying did she go home. The boy gazed at her figure until it disappeared entirely. Then a hint of sadness crept onto

how she would react after she knew about Steven. He could no longer protect her. 'Molly, be strong. You will have a great

He left.

all he knew was it was over and he missed her the whole time he was away. But did that

" The voice was clear and strong.

looked. No other person could

"Why did you drink so much? Are you in a

look at her, then answered coldly, "A

Molly and Brian are already legally married in QY Island.

eyes darkened at her words as he replied, "But, you care, don't you?" He added, "Jennifer, do you enjoy seeing me like this? Do you like seeing me go crazy over Molly? Losing my mind over regret? While Molly may not be mine, that doesn't mean I'm

back into the house, "There's a meeting tomorrow and