Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Tatiana smiled and said, “Then let’s go eat noodles together.”

Aaron drove off with Tatiana. Maybe because things were going well, Aaron talked more with her. He was surprised to find how much they had in common—similar tastes and interests. She could discuss anything with him without just agreeing for the sake of it.

As they chatted more, they both felt like they had met too late. Aaron remarked, “If we’d met a few years earlier, we could have been great friends.”

Tatiana smiled, “It’s not too late now.”

Aaron wanted to continue, but seeing her yawn, he said, “You should rest. It’ll be a while before we get there. I’ll wake you up when we arrive.”

Tatiana murmured “Okay” and closed her eyes.

When they reached their destination, Tatiana was still asleep. Aaron noticed how peacefully she was sleeping and hesitated before deciding not to wake her. He quietly got out of the car, leaving the engine and air conditioner running, and went to order food.

As soon as he left, Tatiana’s eyes snapped open, clear and alert. She grabbed her phone and messaged Vermont, “Everything’s going well. We’re ready for the next step.”

Vermont quickly replied, “So soon?”

Tatiana responded, “I thought it would be more challenging, but he caved as soon as he saw my photo.”

Vermont sent an “awesome” emoji and asked, “Where are you now?”

Tatiana: “Having dinner with my future husband, bonding.”

Vermont: “Confident, huh?”

Tatiana: “Honestly, aside from his poor taste in women, he meets all my standards. He’s rich, kind, looks good, and while he’s a bit chubby, he’s not off-putting. It’s like he’s made for me.”

this works out, I expect a seat at the

have my parents’ seats—as

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

me more about

plays the piano, draws, she’s pretty much good at everything. But she’s also spoiled,

sighed, “So, compared to her, my strengths

and more determined than she is. She can’t compete with you in

hasn’t even started yet.

reassured her, “Anyway, if it comes down to it, you can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all in, and our cousin will back you

car. “I could use a chance to

getting engaged, and Jaylene is likely to be there since she likes Keegan. Aaron will want to see her, so she’ll find a way to attend. I’ll set it up so you

door. Seeing she was on the phone, he

the call, rubbed her eyes, and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you waiting, Aaron. Why didn’t you wake

wait long. I was about to call you when

and gently

unbuckled her seatbelt and followed him out

was about to use her bag to shield herself, Aaron came over

each other well, he made sure the umbrella covered her more, letting his shoulders get wet. “Stay close and watch out for

softly, “Aaron,

he realized she got wet because of it, he quickly moved the umbrella back over her. He fumbled to apologize, “I’m

but was stopped by a car behind him. Tatiana cornered him between her and the car, raising the umbrella to cover them

should hold the

took the umbrella,

to help you. I don’t know if it will work, but even if it doesn’t, I hope you won’t doubt yourself. You’re a good guy—smart, caring, and talented. If she

used to receiving compliments, especially from someone other than family. Even Jaylene never praised