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

have my parents’ seats—as long as your

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

more about Jaylene. I need to be

talented—she writes well, plays the piano, draws, she’s pretty much good at everything. But she’s also spoiled, dependent on her mom, and has never faced any real

“So, compared to her,

sharper, and more determined than she is. She

started yet. I have

can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all

Aaron returning to the car. “I could use

be there since she likes Keegan. Aaron will want to see her, so she’ll find a way to

door. Seeing

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

long. I was

gently said, “Let’s go,

and followed him out of

air was foggy. Just as Tatiana was about to use her bag

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

looked up at him and asked softly, “Aaron, are

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

hold of the umbrella and moved closer to him. Aaron stepped back again but was stopped by a car behind him. Tatiana cornered him between her and the car,

you should hold the

of his daze, took the

even if it doesn’t, I hope you won’t doubt yourself. You’re a good guy—smart, caring, and talented.

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