Chapter 252

A ride on the Ferris Wheel. Who knew a gimmick used to punish children would work on theomnipotent Mr. Luther? Hah!

Artemis leaned feebly against the tree trunk after throwing up and sappily watched Bailey roar withlaughter with her head thrown back. His gaze became so soft it turned misty.

It must've been a long while since she laughed this hard. It is fortunate that I got her to lower her guardand become herself once more around me.

Subsequently, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.

Bailey's laughter stopped abruptly, and she began to struggle in his arms.

“Be good and stop moving,” Artemis whispered in her ear. “Snuggle against me, and let me hold you fora bit.”

Bailey noticed he sounded feeble, so she surrendered herself to his strong arms and eased into hisembrace.

“What time is it?” Artemis asked softly with a smile.

Bailey rolled her eyes. “Don't you have a watch?”

“I'm worried you'll make a run for it the moment I raise my hand.”

Annoyed, Bailey consulted her own watch. “It's five minutes to eight.”

“Any moment now,” Artemis muttered those words without thinking.

Bailey narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

What does he mean? Why must this man speak in riddles?

She understood what he meant five minutes later.

Fireworks exploded throughout the skies in a dazzling spectacle against the backdrop of night, instantlyilluminating the sky above the entire city.

“It's so beautiful!”

“Wow. I haven't seen fireworks in Hallsbay in a long time.”

Exclamations and laughter of delight and appreciation sounded all around them as the city's inhabitantsenjoyed the show.

Bailey raised her head slightly and stared at the array of fireworks ascending one after another beforeexploding in a jubilant extravaganza.

Under the illumination of the blinding light overhead, her eyes shone with joy.

“Is it pretty?” Artemis asked, leaning over to her ear.

Bailey sniffled and wrenched her nose. “I haven't seen fireworks in Hallsbay in years,” she choked.“Who do you think these are lit for?”

She knew who lit them, but she wanted him to say it.

Artemis chuckled and nibbled her earlobe. “I think some lovesick guy is lighting the fireworks for the girlhe loves,” he said tenderly. “He wants to tell her that she is the queen of the world and that everysecond of her life dazzles those around her like these fireworks.”

Bailey tilted her head. After a moment's silence, she smiled. “The city has banned fireworks. Thoughhis motives are sincere, he shouldn't be allowed to do whatever he wants.”

Artemis' smile widened as he spoke. “Perhaps he holds absolute power in this city and is not afraid ofdoing as he pleases. He would give everything for her.”

He then reached out to grasp her shoulder, turning her around to face him as he declared passionately,“Happy birthday, Bay. This fireworks show is a token of my love for you, and you must accept it as it'stoo late to call it off now. All of Hallsbay bear witness.”

Bailey was rendered speechless.

In the meantime, Zoey was snuggling in Waverly's embrace in their bedroom within the Shurmerresidence. “What do I do, Mom? If Artemis falls for Bailey, does that mean I no longer stand a chance?”she asked dejectedly.

Waverly caressed her daughter's head as she laughed. “Who was it who swore before me half a monthago to face whatever difficulties that may occur bravely and win over the man she loves through her

own abilities? It's only the beginning, and you're already forfeiting and giving up? I'm most disappointedin you if that's the case.”

Zoey pursed her lips. “I thought that the only person standing in my way was that pretty face, Rhonda.Now, however, I have to deal with Bailey, who had appeared out of nowhere. Though they are bothdaughters of the Jefferson family, there's a world of difference between their motives and means.Snowflake. Anonymous. These names have ascertained that Bailey is somebody formidable.”

“What are you afraid of? You are the heiress of the Shurmer family, and Bailey cannot compete with ournoble bloodline no matter how capable she is. Do what you need to do. I will support you,” Waverlysaid placidly as she pushed Zoey aside.

“You're wonderful, Mom.” Zoey burrowed her head in her mother's arms. “I have nothing to fear withyou having my back.”

Meanwhile, in a gazebo in the garden of the Chivers residence, Edmund was gazing at the specks offireworks in the distance from his seat.

His bodyguard had reported to him that the skies surrounding Disneyland were ignited with fireworks.

Artemis is the only one who is rich and influential enough to ignite fireworks in Hallsbay. Is Bailey thatimportant to you, Artemis? Is she so important to you that you are willing to break any rule for her? Ihave to admit that you are arrogant. There are so many other women in the world, and none of themcaught your eye except for Bailey, the bright and dazzling woman who, unfortunately for you, is also thegirl I love. I'm not giving you an inch this time.

The following day found four women lying in disarray on the bed dominating the master bedroom of

one of the units within Shelbert Condominium. The stale fumes of alcohol hung heavily in the air.

Victoria, Veronique, and Juliana had rushed over one after another at ten the night before to drowntheir sorrows in alcohol under the guise of celebrating Bailey's birthday. Unsurprisingly, all of thembecame very drunk.

The silent bedroom suddenly erupted with a shrill ringing that yanked the women out of their pleasantdreams.

“Pick up the phone, Vero.” Bailey reached out to poke the figure lying next to her.

Veronique's voice came from the end of the bed. “W-Why me?” she muttered.

“Because that's your phone. Someone's calling you,” Victoria answered impatiently. “I'm going to throwit out from the fifth floor if you're not going to pick it up to put an end to that racket.”

Only Juliana remained asleep like a log. Nothing seemed to rouse her.

Veronique's hands felt all over the bed before replaceing her phone. She instinctively swiped the screen toanswer it after locating it. “Hello? Who are you? What's wrong with you for calling so early in themorning?” she asked groggily.

After a moment's silence, Justin's deep voice came from the other end. “It's Justin. Are you drunk?Where are you now? Did you return home? Or did you spend the night at the bar?”

“What does that have to do with you?” Veronique answered evasively. “Pay attention to your fiancéeinstead, and stay out of my business.”

A sigh came from the other end. “The results are out for the bone marrow compatibility test betweenZephyr and me. Would you like to hear it? Maybe I should wait for you to sober up.”

Bone compatibility test.

Veronique leaped to her feet with a whoosh at the sound of those words. Her drowsiness dissipated inan instant.

“H-How did it go?” she asked in a shaking voice. “Are your bones a match with Zephyr's?”

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