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.”

works out, I expect a seat at the head table at

“You can have my parents’ seats—as long as your gift is

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

me more about Jaylene. I need to

piano, draws, she’s pretty much good at

compared to her, my strengths

“They are. You’re tougher, sharper, and more determined than she is. She can’t compete with you in

eyes narrowed as she smirked, “Vermont, my marriage hasn’t even started yet. I have my sister-in-law’s

down to it, you can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all in, and our cousin will back you

as she noticed Aaron returning to the car. “I

Jaylene is likely to be there since she likes

the car door. Seeing she was

woke me up. Sorry to keep you waiting, Aaron. Why didn’t

I was about to call you

engine and gently said,

seatbelt and followed him out of

Just as Tatiana was about to use her bag to shield herself, Aaron came

sure the umbrella

softly, “Aaron, are you always this kind

stepped back. When he realized she got wet because of it, he quickly moved the umbrella back over her. He fumbled

moved closer to him. Aaron stepped back again but was stopped by a

“Aaron, you should hold the umbrella. I can’t reach, and

out of his daze, took the umbrella,

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

used to receiving compliments, especially from someone other than family.