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 Richie talked to him, Eric was

to overthink

said about both Eric and

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, and another on the chair back. He looked

to his

say that you weren't going to join the army?" the little girl

the girl, then answered, "Well, I want to do

"But why?"

murmured, "Not everything you

silent. She lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers. After a while, she choked, "But, I don't want

my mind," the

She was quiet for a long time. They just sat on the bench in their silence. It wasn't until late that night when the girl's little brother started crying did she go home.

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

He left.

he left or not - all he knew was it was over and he missed her the whole time

The voice was

it was Jennifer even if he hadn't looked. No other person could enter his house just like that—without him knowing

Edgar, nestled against the chair and said, "Why did you drink so much?

threw a look at her, then answered coldly, "A

that answer. She froze a bit, then laughed and said, "Edgar, Molly and Brian are already legally married in QY Island. You don't stand a chance now. No

"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

her and walked back into the house, "There's a meeting tomorrow and it's your