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.”

out, I expect a seat at

“You can have my parents’ seats—as

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

“Now, tell me more about Jaylene. I need

at everything. But she’s also spoiled, dependent on her mom, and has never faced any real

her, my strengths aren’t

sharper, and more determined than she is. She can’t

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

reassured her, “Anyway, if it comes down to it, you can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all in, and our cousin will back you up

the car. “I could use a chance to meet

My 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 it

car door. Seeing she was on the phone, he asked

ended the call, rubbed her eyes, and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry

“I didn’t wait long. I was about to

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

unbuckled her seatbelt and followed him out

to use her bag to shield herself, Aaron came

made sure the umbrella covered her more, letting his shoulders get

at him and asked softly, “Aaron,

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

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,

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

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

from someone other than family. Even