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.”

expect a seat at the head table at

my parents’ seats—as long as your gift

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

me more about

draws, she’s pretty much good at everything. But

to her, my strengths aren’t

and more determined than she is. She can’t

yet. I have my

“Anyway, if it comes down to it, you can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all in, and

Aaron returning to the car. “I

soon. My friend Keegan’s sister is getting engaged, and Jaylene is likely to be there since she likes

Seeing she was on the phone, he asked softly, “Are you

said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you

“I didn’t wait long. I was about to

engine and gently said, “Let’s go, it’s time

followed him out of the

was about to use her bag to shield herself, Aaron came over with an umbrella and held it

he made sure the umbrella covered her more, letting his shoulders get wet. “Stay close and

and asked softly, “Aaron,

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

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

up at him and said softly, “Aaron, you should hold the umbrella. I can’t reach, and it’s hurting

took the

closer, “Aaron, I’ll do my best 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

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