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 at the head table at

seats—as long as your gift is

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

tell me more about

saying, “Jaylene’s talented—she writes well, plays the piano, draws, she’s pretty much good at everything.

her, my

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

started yet. I

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

car. “I could use a

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

the car door. Seeing

“The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you waiting, Aaron. Why didn’t you

I was

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

her seatbelt and followed him out

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

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

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

she got wet because of it, he

took 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, raising the umbrella

at him and said softly, “Aaron, you should hold the umbrella.

snapped out of his daze, took the umbrella, and

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

was stunned. He wasn’t used to receiving compliments, especially from someone other than family. Even Jaylene never praised him