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.”

a seat

seats—as long as your

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

“Now, tell me more about

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

sighed, “So, compared to her, my strengths aren’t

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

my marriage hasn’t even started yet. I have

outmaneuver her. Go all in, and our cousin will back you up to

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

there since she likes Keegan. Aaron will

the car door. Seeing

rubbed her eyes, and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you waiting, Aaron. Why didn’t

I was about to

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

unbuckled her seatbelt and followed him out of

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

they didn’t know each other well, he made sure the umbrella covered her more, letting his shoulders get wet. “Stay close and watch out

softly, “Aaron,

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

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

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

of his daze, took the umbrella, and said,

“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

from someone other than family.