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."

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

Tatiana: "You can have my parents' seats-as long as your gift is generous."NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

Vermont was momentarily stunned.

Tatiana: "Now, tell me more about Jaylene. I need to be prepared."

Vermont called her, saying, "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, and has never faced any real hardships." Tatiana sighed, "So, compared to her, my strengths aren't as obvious."

Vermont replied, "They are. You're tougher, sharper, and more determined than she is. She can't compete with you in those areas."

Tatiana's eyes narrowed as she smirked, "Vermont, my marriage hasn't even started yet. I have my sister-in-law's WhatsApp. You might want to think before you speak."

Vermont coughed and reassured 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 over Aaron."

Tatiana smiled as she noticed Aaron returning to the car. "I could use a chance to meet her now."

Vermont 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 can go."

"Perfect," Tatiana agreed just as Aaron opened the car door. Seeing she was on the phone, he asked softly, "Are you awake?"

Tatiana ended the call, rubbed her eyes, and said, "The call woke me up. Sorry to keep you waiting, Aaron. Why didn't you wake me?"

Aaron replied, "I didn't wait long. I was about to call you when you woke up."

He turned off the engine and gently said, "Let's go, it's time to eat."

Tatiana unbuckled her seatbelt and followed him out of the car.

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

Aaron was truly a gentleman. 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," he said. Tatiana looked up at him and asked softly, "Aaron, are you always this kind to girls?"

Aaron was taken aback and instinctively stepped back. When he realized she got wet because of it, he quickly moved the umbrella back over her. He fumbled to apologize, "I'm sorry..."

Tatiana 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 to cover them both. She looked up at him and said softly, "Aaron, you should hold the umbrella. I can't reach, and it's hurting my hand."

Aaron snapped out of his daze, took the umbrella, and said, "Oh, right."

Tatiana smiled and moved even closer, "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 her loss, not yours."

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

He gripped the umbrella tightly, suddenly feeling shy, and said awkwardly, "Let's go eat first."

Tatiana noticed his red ears and smiled, "Okay."

Meanwhile, Keegan was reading a story to Stella's belly.

Stella picked off the stem of a strawberry, took a bite, and found it too sweet. She handed the rest to Keegan.

After he ate it, he said, "You eat yours, don't worry about me. I'm not done yet."

Stella rested her cheek on her hand. "Are you sure they can understand?"

Keegan replied, "I don't know if they understand, but they're definitely listening." "How do you know?"

Keegan pulled her closer, placed her hands on her belly, and whispered, "Baby, do you want to hear Daddy tell you a story?"

It was quiet for about a minute. Just as Stella was about to laugh, there was a sudden movement under her hand.

Her eyes widened in surprise, "It moved?!"

Keegan looked proud, "I told you they could hear it."

Stella quickly said, "Baby, baby, Mommy will tell you a story too."

But three minutes later, there was no movement at all.

Keegan grinned, "See? My storytelling

is paying off. Even

en though they're in

your belly, they're more familiar with me."