Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted by Eleven Jewell

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.”

Vermont: “If this works out, I expect a seat at the head table at your wedding.”

my parents’ seats—as long as your

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

about Jaylene. I need to be

she’s pretty much good at everything. But

compared to her, my strengths aren’t as

tougher, sharper, and more determined than she is. She can’t compete with you in those

yet. I have my sister-in-law’s

her, “Anyway, if it comes down to it, you can definitely outmaneuver her. Go all in, and

Aaron returning to the car. “I could

said, “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 will want to see her, so she’ll find a way to attend. I’ll set it up so you both

Seeing she

her eyes, and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep

I was about to call you when you

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

and followed

use her

Even though 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 for puddles,”

asked softly, “Aaron, are you always this kind

wet because of it, he quickly moved

of the umbrella and moved closer to him. Aaron stepped back again but was stopped by a car behind him.

“Aaron, you should hold the umbrella.

out of his daze, took the

know if it will work, but even if it doesn’t, I hope you won’t doubt yourself. You’re a

compliments, especially from someone other

umbrella tightly, suddenly feeling shy, and said awkwardly, “Let’s go eat