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

parents’ seats—as long as your gift

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

more about Jaylene. I need

“Jaylene’s talented—she writes well, plays the piano, draws, she’s pretty much good at everything. But she’s also spoiled, dependent on her mom,

compared to her, my strengths

than she is. She can’t compete

even started yet. I have my sister-in-law’s WhatsApp. You might want to think before

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

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

likes

agreed just as Aaron opened the car door. Seeing she was on

call woke me up. Sorry to keep you

“I didn’t wait long. I was about to call

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

seatbelt and followed him out of

her bag to shield herself, Aaron came over with an

a gentleman. Even though they didn’t know each other well, he made sure the umbrella covered

at him and asked softly, “Aaron, are you always this kind

was taken aback and instinctively stepped back. When he realized she got wet because of it,

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

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

out of his daze, took the

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,

from someone other than