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 your

seats—as long as your gift is

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

tell me more about Jaylene. I

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

her, my strengths aren’t

replied, “They are. You’re tougher, sharper, and more determined than she

hasn’t even started yet. I have

outmaneuver her. Go

Aaron returning to the car. “I could use a chance to meet

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

just as Aaron opened the car door. Seeing she

rubbed her eyes, and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you waiting, Aaron. Why

was about

turned off the engine and gently said, “Let’s go, it’s time to

unbuckled her seatbelt and followed

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

Even though they didn’t know each other well, he made sure the umbrella covered her more,

asked softly, “Aaron, are you

was taken aback and instinctively stepped back. When he realized she got wet because of it, he quickly moved the umbrella back over her.

again but was stopped by a car behind him. Tatiana cornered him between her and the car, raising the

“Aaron, you should hold the umbrella. I can’t reach, and it’s hurting my

his daze, took the umbrella,

will work, but even if it doesn’t,

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