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.”

can have my parents’ seats—as long as your gift is

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

“Now, tell me more about Jaylene. I need to be

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

to her, my strengths aren’t

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

started yet. I

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

the car. “I could

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

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

her eyes, and said, “The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you waiting, Aaron. Why

wait long. I was about to

engine and gently said, “Let’s

her seatbelt and followed him

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

looked up at him and asked softly, “Aaron, are you

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

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

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

out of his daze, took the umbrella, and said,

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,

especially from someone other than family. Even Jaylene never praised him

gripped the umbrella tightly, suddenly feeling shy, and said awkwardly,