Kimberly's Return and Gifts

Kimberly returned to the Jordan Estate for a visit. Victoria and Ronald were both there.

As soon as Kimberly entered, Victoria greeted her with a smile. “Kimberly, you’re back! We’re just about to sit down for lunch. Freshen up first?”

Kimberly had been hungover from the previous night and hadn’t woken until eleven that morning. She’d quickly showered, changed, and driven home, arriving just in time for lunch.

Lucy came running over in her little leather shoes and hugged Kimberly’s legs. “Kimberly!”

Kimberly smiled warmly as she pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift from her bag and handed it to Lucy. “Lucy, Happy New Year, darling.”

The little one accepted the gift with a sweet smile and planted a noisy kiss on Kimberly’s cheek.

Ronald handed her a gift bag. “Your New Year’s present. Open it and see.”

Kimberly took it, puzzled, and looked inside. It contained a key and property documents.

Ronald spoke matter-of-factly: “Kimberly, this flat is very close to Sinclair & Klein – convenient for work. I know you young people enjoy your New Year celebrations. This is my New Year’s gift to you. The car was Victoria’s choice – it’s in the garage. After lunch, you can go and have a look.”

Kimberly’s eyes warmed with emotion, a wave of gratitude washing over her. “Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Victoria.”

She accepted their thoughtful gift with genuine appreciation.

Drake's Persistent Messages

After lunch, Kimberly casually checked her phone and noticed a WhatsApp friend request. Her heart suddenly tightened.

She instinctively held her breath as she opened it, only for disappointment to flood through her. It wasn’t from Asher.

Drake , whom she had long since blocked and deleted, had created a new account to contact her. Kimberly might not have recognized who it was, but he had added a message:

“Have you broken up with Asher?”

“I told you all men are the same, but you wouldn’t believe me. Kimberly, come back to me.”

Reading these messages made her feel physically ill, as if she’d swallowed a fly. She declined the request and blocked all future messages from him.

A New Car and a Familiar Housekeeper

The car Ronald had given her was a white Rolls-Royce Phantom. Kimberly left the blue Bentley that Asher had given her gathering dust in the Jordan Estate garage and drove away in her new car.

The flat was in No. 1 Grosvenor Square in Mayfair – prime real estate in one of London’s most prestigious addresses. It was a spacious 2,000-square-foot luxury apartment, fully furnished with high-end appliances and decorated in the cream-colored palette she preferred.

Kimberly called Mary , the housekeeper from Pan Peninsula, asking her to throw away all her belongings from that place.

Upon receiving the call, Mary agreed verbally while her eyes darted nervously toward the man sitting on the sofa.

After hanging up, Mary cautiously spoke: “Mr. Blackwood, Miss Jordan has asked me to throw away all her things…”

The man’s voice was heavy with exhaustion. “Don’t throw anything away. Keep everything exactly as it is. Her room should be cleaned daily. She’ll come back eventually.”

“But I…” Mary hesitated, unsure how to continue. She had been hired by Asher specifically to cook for Kimberly. Now that Kimberly was gone, who would she be cooking for? Was she about to lose her job?

Asher was silent for a moment before speaking. “She’s moved to a new place. I wonder if the housekeeper there cooks to her taste.”

Fifteen minutes later, Kimberly received another call from Mary.

“Miss Jordan, Mr. Blackwood has dismissed me, and I’m now without work. Might you need a cook at your new place?”

Kimberly was momentarily startled before quickly understanding the situation. It made sense that Asher would dismiss Mary now that Kimberly had moved out, as she had been hired specifically to cook for her.

Every time Kimberly saw Mary, she was reminded of how Asher had once gone to great lengths to ensure she ate properly, even learning recipes from Mrs. Wilson and hiring Mary specifically to prepare meals that suited her tastes. The old Asher had truly cared for her so deeply.

Kimberly initially wanted to refuse, but the thought of Mary losing her livelihood made it impossible to say no. “Mary, I actually do need someone to cook for me. I’ll send you my address – come whenever it’s convenient for you. Just let me know before you arrive.”

Mary responded cheerfully: “I’m available right now, actually. Are you home? I could come straight away.”

“That would be fine. Come on over.”

After ending the call, Mary turned to Asher. “Mr. Blackwood, Miss Jordan has agreed.”

“Good. She often forgets to eat when she’s busy. The flat is close to her firm, so you’ll need to deliver lunch to Sinclair & Klein on workdays. I’ll continue paying your salary, but don’t refuse if she offers to pay you as well. And don’t tell her I sent you.”

When Mary realized she would be receiving double wages, her face lit up with delight. “Yes, of course, Mr. Blackwood. Don’t worry – I’ll take excellent care of Miss Jordan.”

Asher's Concerns and Sebastian's Mission

After New Year’s Day, Asher threw himself frantically into work at Blackwood Industries, keeping himself busy. He didn’t dare allow himself a moment’s pause – the instant he had even a second of free time, Kimberly’s face would inevitably appear in his mind.

In the CEO’s office, Asher sat at his computer, deeply engrossed in work.

Sebastian lounged on the sofa, regarding Asher with a complicated expression. “Mate, there’s something I’m not sure whether I should mention.”

Asher didn’t even look up, his tone indifferent. “Then don’t.”

Sebastian opened and closed his mouth several times. “It concerns Kimmy. Are you certain you don’t want to hear it?”

Asher’s typing hands faltered momentarily as he looked up from the computer screen. “What is it?”

Sebastian thought to himself: I knew it. Anything concerning Kimmy, and he can’t help but be interested.

But this particular piece of information wasn’t exactly going to brighten Asher’s mood.

“Ahem…” Sebastian cleared his throat strategically. “Victoria’s been banging on about setting Kimmy up with some uni lads…”

As he spoke, he glanced up to gauge Asher’s reaction. As expected, Asher’s expression darkened immediately.

Asher clenched his jaw, his face grim. “University students?”

“Yeah.” Sebastian swallowed nervously, trying to think of a more tactical way to phrase what came next.

Asher’s lips pressed into a thin line, his dark eyes glinting dangerously. “What sort of university students?”

“Several, actually. One’s 6’2” with an eight-pack, another’s a 6’3” athlete, then there are what Victoria calls ‘cute puppies’ and ‘wild wolves’ – all sorts of nonsense like that…”

Asher’s expression grew increasingly thunderous, and Sebastian didn’t dare continue.

Silence. A deathly, oppressive silence.

Sebastian fidgeted nervously, taking a sip of water. “You know what Victoria’s like – always getting caught up in these ridiculous schemes. I’ve already told her to sod off.”

Sebastian’s claim was a complete fabrication. In truth, when Victoria had started talking about university students and “cute puppies” and “wild wolves,” he had felt an inexplicable surge of irritation and had made some sarcastic remarks. Victoria, unamused, had pinched him hard in retaliation – the spot still hurt.

“How did Kimmy respond?” Asher asked coldly.

“Sorry, what?” Sebastian was momentarily confused.

“Your sister wants to introduce men to Kimmy. What did Kimmy say about it?”

Sebastian’s expression turned awkward. He hesitated before speaking: “Do you… do you really want to know?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist when I tell you.”

Sebastian replied cautiously: “According to Victoria, on New Year’s Eve, Kimmy… well, she agreed.”

“Agreed to what?”

Sebastian’s mouth worked faster than his brain, blurting out: “She agreed to meet other blokes.”

The moment the words left his mouth—

THUD!

The ceramic teacup on Asher’s desk crashed to the floor. Fortunately, the office was carpeted, so the cup didn’t shatter on impact.

Tea spilled from the cup, soaking into the carpet and leaving a wet stain.

Sebastian stared at the cup and clicked his tongue. “Mate, don’t worry. Kimberly’s not the sort to jump into anything like that.”

Asher seemed dazed. “She really agreed?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

Sebastian paused before answering, “Look, on New Year’s Eve, you know what happened. She saw you with Laurina , who suggested you two get a room together. If it were me, I’d be utterly gutted too. Kimberly probably only agreed to wind you up, or perhaps she was sloshed and talking rubbish. I wouldn’t read too much into it.”

“I didn’t…” Asher’s voice tightened, “I never said anything about getting a room.”

“Your cousin did. Same difference, innit?”

A moment of silence fell between them.

Asher composed himself and said, “I need you to do something for me.”

Sebastian's "Apology" and Gifts

Just as Kimberly was leaving Sinclair & Klein after work, she spotted a white McLaren parked nearby.

Sebastian was leaning against the car, looking at his phone, apparently waiting for someone. Given the time and location, he was likely waiting for her. Kimberly walked over, and Sebastian looked up, greeting her with a smile as he approached.

“Kimberly! Finished at last, have you?”

“Sebastian, were you looking for me?” Kimberly glanced behind him. “Where’s Victoria? Not with you today?”

Sebastian replied, “Nah, I’ve come on my own. Need to have a word with you about something.”

“What about?”

“Well, about New Year’s Eve. I was a proper muppet for inviting Asher, and it ruined everyone’s evening. I wanted to apologize properly. I’ve booked a table – fancy joining me for dinner?”

Kimberly frowned slightly. “That’s really not necessary, Sebastian. I understand – water under the bridge. I’ll pass on dinner, I’m afraid. I’ve got plans this evening.”

“What plans?” Sebastian couldn’t help asking.

“Um…” Kimberly had only made up an excuse to decline, and hadn’t expected Sebastian to probe further. After a moment’s hesitation, she improvised. “I’m meeting some friends.”

“Blokes or birds?”

Kimberly was bemused. Aren’t you being a bit nosy? This doesn’t really concern you, does it? Since they’d been friends for years, she didn’t want to be rude. Instead, she continued with her fabrication: “Both, actually.”

When Sebastian heard there were men involved, he immediately thought of Asher’s worried face. He felt obligated to get more details for his friend.

“Kimberly, apart from Mason and me, you have other male friends? You’ve never mentioned them before. What’s his name? What does he do? How old is he? How tall? Is he good-looking? Got a photo?”

Kimberly’s eye twitched. “Sebastian, what’s gotten into you? You’re acting rather oddly today.”

Sebastian laughed awkwardly. “Just looking out for you. We’re mates, aren’t we?”

Kimberly looked directly into Sebastian’s eyes, her expression cool. “Did he ask you to come?”

They both knew exactly who “he” was.

When Sebastian met Kimberly’s piercing gaze, he felt completely transparent, as if all his little schemes were exposed. He nervously averted his eyes. Barristers are bloody terrifying; those eyes seem to see right through everything.

“No… of course not. I came to apologize on my own. Nothing to do with anyone else.”

Kimberly didn’t respond.

Sebastian pulled out a key and handed it to her. “Kimberly, this is my apology gift. Just a small token – please take it.”

Kimberly lowered her eyes to the key, then looked at the white McLaren parked nearby. Her tone was measured. “Sebastian, if I’m not mistaken, the McLaren P1 starts at around £800,000. Surely that’s a bit excessive for an apology over a New Year’s Eve misunderstanding?”

Sebastian lied without hesitation: “Not at all! I upset you that night, and Victoria’s been doing my head in ever since – worse than a broken record. Eight hundred grand isn’t a big deal. I know you don’t need the money, but it’s just a small gesture. Please accept it – otherwise, Victoria will keep banging on about it. Consider it a favor to me, would you?”

Kimberly’s expression remained calm, her bright eyes glimmering as she looked steadily at Sebastian. “Sebastian, be honest with me. Did Asher buy this car? Go back and tell him I’m not interested. Since we’ve broken up, we should make a clean break. No point dragging things out.”

Sebastian felt a cold sweat break out. Barristers really are impossible to fool.

Fortunately, he’d already coordinated with Victoria. Victoria had been criticizing Asher quite a bit lately, so when Asher asked him to deliver the car, Sebastian immediately told Victoria about it, explaining that Asher felt guilty and had bought a car as breakup compensation.

Victoria had rolled her eyes and snapped, “A car and that’s it? Asher’s such a tight-fisted git.”

“It’s not just the car,” Sebastian had replied. “There are several limited- edition Hermès bags in the boot. Asher said one for you, one for Charlotte , and the rest for Kimberly. Of course, he needs your help – you’ll have to tell Kimberly the bags are from you and Charlotte, to comfort her broken heart. Don’t mention they’re from Asher.”

When Victoria heard about the limited-edition Hermès bags, her eyes lit up. “Bloody hell, I tried to get this white one and couldn’t find it anywhere! Trust the Blackwood heir to secure three of them! He’s got good taste. Charlotte and Kimberly love this style too. One for each of us – how thoughtful of Asher.”

Sebastian had then pulled out a black credit card. “Also, take this. Sinclair & Klein will be on holiday soon. Take Kimberly away somewhere nice to cheer her up. Asher will cover all expenses.”

Victoria had pinched the black card between her index and middle fingers, snorting, “That’s more like it. But don’t think that just because I’ve accepted his gifts, I’m on his side. As far as I’m concerned, Asher Blackwood will always be a heartless bastard!”

Sebastian had sighed, rubbing his forehead wearily. “Yes, yes, whatever you say. Just please, look after Kimberly with Charlotte during this time.”

He couldn’t tell Victoria the truth about Asher and Kimberly’s breakup. If being called a bastard is the price, then so be it, mate. You brought this on yourself. Surely you can handle a few insults?

Meanwhile, in Asher’s office.

“ACHOO!”

Asher frowned, pulling out a tissue to wipe his nose before going to the washroom to clean his hands. How strange. He wasn’t coming down with anything, yet he’d suddenly sneezed.

“Yeah, Kimberly, I absolutely told Sebastian to get this car as an apology to you,” Victoria’s voice came through the phone. “Just take it, would you? What’s £800,000 to him? If you don’t accept it, I’ll be giving him grief about it for weeks.”

Kimberly didn’t trust Sebastian, but she did trust her close friend Victoria.

Kimberly relented, “Alright then… it wasn’t such a big deal anyway. Don’t be too harsh on Sebastian – he’s just a bit thick and didn’t think it through. I know he didn’t mean any harm.”

Sebastian, waiting nearby, felt both touched and guilty hearing her words. Sorry, Kimberly. I didn’t mean to deceive you. This is a well-intentioned lie. I hope you won’t hold it against me when you eventually find out.

After ending the call, Kimberly handed Sebastian’s phone back to him. “Fine, Sebastian. I’ll accept the car. Thank you.”

Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. “Don’t mention it.”

Kimberly took the key and walked over to open the car door. When she saw the passenger seat piled high with Hermès bags, she paused in surprise and turned to ask Sebastian, “What are these?”

Sebastian improvised: “Oh, those are bags that Victoria and Charlotte bought for you. To cheer you up, they said.”

Kimberly took a photo and sent it to Victoria and Charlotte. Both had already coordinated their story, and their responses matched Sebastian’s explanation perfectly. Finally convinced, Kimberly felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She thanked her two friends and exchanged some heartfelt messages with them.

Seeing that everything was settled, Sebastian spoke up: “Well, Kimberly, since you’ve got plans tonight, I’ll get out of your hair. You can drive this car home.”

Kimberly asked, “Sebastian, if you came in this car, how will you get back after I take it? Would you like me to drop you somewhere?”

Sebastian waved his hands dismissively. “No need, no need. I’ll ring my driver to pick me up. I’ll next time…”

This excerpt details the aftermath of some significant events, showing Kimberly receiving lavish gifts from her adoptive family and Asher's subtle attempts to remain in her life despite their recent breakup. It highlights the complex web of relationships and hidden agendas at play.