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.”

I expect a seat at the

parents’ seats—as long as your

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

“Now, tell me more about Jaylene. I need to be

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

“So, compared to her, my

You’re tougher, sharper, and more determined than she is.

eyes narrowed as she smirked, “Vermont, my marriage hasn’t even started yet. I

it comes down to it, you can definitely outmaneuver

as she noticed Aaron returning to the car. “I could use a chance

friend Keegan’s sister is 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

just as Aaron opened the car door. Seeing

her eyes, and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep

replied, “I didn’t wait long. I was about to call you

and gently said,

and followed him out of

drizzling outside, and the air was foggy. Just as Tatiana was about to use her bag

he made sure the umbrella covered her more, letting

him and asked softly, “Aaron, are you always this

she got wet because of it, he quickly moved

but was stopped by a car behind him. Tatiana cornered him between

softly, “Aaron, you should hold the

of his daze, took the umbrella, and said, “Oh,

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 doesn’t see that, it’s her loss, not

stunned. He wasn’t used to receiving compliments, especially from someone other than family. Even