Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Felicity blushed, her hand poised to strike, but Vermont grabbed it and pulled her into his embrace. "You know, when you dashed off after that fib the other day and Corbin Steven asked me about you, I instantly knew you were pulling a fast one. I didn’t even recognize you. But back then, I just figured it was another ploy from some wannabe celebrity trying to grab my attention. With my looks and wealth, I attract quite the crowd."

Felicity made a face of disgust. "Such a narcissist!"

Vermont chuckled. "I've seen all sorts of tactics, but you're the first to greet me with a hug as if we've known each other for ages. I thought maybe it was because you were not exactly a heartthrob, so you had to resort to some unique methods to catch my eye."

Felicity bristled slightly at the "not exactly a heartthrob" remark but was intrigued by Vermont's initial impression of her. Her curiosity piqued.

"I was intrigued, though. I thought, 'Let's see what else she's got up her sleeve to win me over.' So, I scanned the crowd and found you patiently waiting in line for foie gras."

The foie gras, freshly seared by the chef, took time, especially with the bustling crowd. The head chef, somewhat renowned, was known for this delicacy, and Felicity had been craving it for ages. But she wasn't alone; there were seven or eight others ahead of her.

She waited patiently until she was almost next in line. Just as it was about to be her turn, the chef announced there was only enough for three more servings, and the rest should stop queuing.

Felicity happened to be the third person.

As she watched the chef prepare the foie gras, she struck up a conversation, asking for hers to be cooked a bit tender. But just before it

was ready, a child behind her expressed his desire for foie gras, prompting his mother to join the queue. The chef regretfully informed them it was sold out, and the mother pointed out that the last one was reserved for her.

The child remained composed, but when Felicity finally received her foie gras, he looked at her eagerly and asked, "Sister, can you tell me what it tastes like?"

Who could refuse under such circumstances?

Felicity handed the foie gras to the child and watched him devour it eagerly.

The child, showing remarkable consideration, shared half with her.

Felicity's eyes lit up, and they sat together in a corner, relishing the foie gras.

Moved by the scene, Vermont approached and tapped her on the shoulder. Felicity looked up, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Back then, I was thinking..."

Vermont didn't finish his sentence; he burst into laughter suddenly.

Felicity felt a pang of embarrassment at his laughter, unsure why. She glared at him. "What's so funny?"

Vermont played with her hand, gazing into her eyes gently. "I was just thinking, what kind of ill intentions could a food lover like you have?"

Felicity was stunned, feeling a warmth envelop her heart.

Suddenly, a childhood memory flooded back.

Back then, she lived in her father's hometown while her father prepared for exams in the capital, her mother worked out of town, and her grandparents cared for her. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Her grandparents didn't favor her, partly because they disapproved of their university-educated son marrying a high school dropout, but also because she was a girl, chubby, and greedy.

But she was too young then to grasp why the adults treated her differently.

Once, when her mother returned with some delicious snacks, her grandparents hid them away to give to her cousin's son after she left.

Felicity couldn't understand why; clearly, they were meant for her, so why did her grandmother favor her cousin?

She attempted to grab them from her cousin. If her cousin couldn't outwit her, he would go to her grandparents. She would then be scolded for her greed.