<h4>Chapter 204: Refusing to Sign</h4>


    When Eric first met Jessica, she was extremely enthusiastic. The contract negotiations were almost unnecessary—she agreed to sign with barely any discussion. However, Jessica did have a few minor demands, so Eric promised to make some adjustments to the contract once he returned to Country S and to hold a signing event where the press could give Jessica the attention she wanted.


    Unfortunately, Jessicapletely misunderstood Eric’s intentions, thinking his kindness meant he was interested in her. This led her to believe it was appropriate to call him in such a familiar manner.


    But before Jessica even had the chance to meet Eric for a second time, she was swiftly dropped from LXL. She was given a return ticket and told to head back to Country H. Neither E nor Eric cared what Jessica did after that.


    "Feeling better now? No matter how much money she could have made for LXL, she’s not more important than my queen," Eric said with a lightugh, kissing E on the cheek.


    Even if E hadn’t been upset, Eric wouldn’t have signed Jessica. Knowing that she had developed feelings for him would only lead to futureplications. Misunderstandings would be inevitable, and that was something Eric wanted to avoid.


    Money was not something Eric cared about—he had plenty of it. But E? There was only one E in the world.


    E let out a soft huff, her eyes glinting with a mix of sweetness and mischief. "Actually, I wasn’t just upset because she had her eyes on you... I was more concerned about her character. Over time, her ws would be obvious to everyone. A woman who disrespects others like that could never be a legend."


    A knowing smile spread across Eric’s handsome face. "You’re right. When LXL was founded, I told the agents that they should consider character when signing artists. If you look at the legends, the stars who are respected even in their old age, they all had impable character. They were faithful in their rtionships, and they had no scandals. That’s why they’re still revered today."


    "Hmm, I need to get to school!" E said, forcing herself to get up. Eric quickly helped her by massaging her sore back, then scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face.


    E’s mood soared once again. Eric was so gentle and caring—wasn’t she lucky to have found such a man?


    She couldn’t help but smile to herself, but then her thoughts shifted, and her expression darkened slightly. As it turned out, Rachel had also been epted into Egerton University, the same school E would be attending.


    Rachel had chosen to study in the arts, while E had opted for finance.


    Over the past year, Rachel had kept a low profile, with no noticeable scheming. The people from Carter Group, while asionally trying to annoy E, hadn’t done anything particrly outrageous.


    However, the Carter family had been showing up more frequently in public, using the media to disy their "concern" and "affection" for E in a very calcted manner. Even though it was all an act, it won them plenty of sympathy from outsiders who couldn’t see through their false pretenses.


    E had been busy establishing her ownpany. She knew that after turning twenty-five, she could no longer rely on her knowledge of future stock trends. Without the ability to profit from the stock market, she needed to build something solid—something real.


    "Oh, by the way, I was thinking of throwing you a small birthday party next week," Eric said with a gentle smile after they finished brushing their teeth. "Just a few close friends to celebrate—what do you think?"


    E blinked as she squeezed some face wash onto her palm,thering it into bubbles. While washing her face, she replied, "A birthday party... uh... I’ll leave the nning to you!"


    In truth, she had been hoping for an intimate celebration with just the two of them. However, considering that they’d spent the past two years enjoying their private moments together, perhaps a change of pace wouldn’t be so bad.


    "Alright, where would you like to have it?" Eric leaned against the doorframe, the sunlight streaming through the window illuminating his face. The light seemed to wrap around him, making him look like the most radiant and warm presence in E’s world.


    E lowered her gaze to hide the admiration in her eyes. "Let’s have it here. You haven’t had your friends over yet, right? As long as they’re your close friends, I don’t mind."


    Over the past year, Eric hadn’t brought any friends over. It was only after E was epted into university that she moved in with him.


    "Sounds good," Eric agreed, then leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "Honey, have you considered... maybe having a baby while you’re still in school?"


    His voice was maic, filled with a teasing allure. "I remember when I was in college, several of my female ssmates were already pregnant and married. They even took their graduation photos as a family of three!"


    E shook her head quickly. "No way... I can’t even imagine that!"


    Besides, there were still plenty of people around who needed to be dealt with before she could even think about pregnancy and motherhood. Plus, LXL was just getting started, and she and Chloe were also nning to open a fashionpany.


    "Alright, I respect your choice," Eric said, still persistent as he took E’s towel, rinsed it, and gently began drying her face.


    "Stop, you might get it in my eyes," E protested as she tried to grab the towel back, but Eric’s careful actions made her relent.


    She wasn’t made of ss—there was no need for such caution!


    But Eric held her steady, using his other hand to cradle the back of her head as he delicately wiped the water from the corners of her eyes.


    "Honey, don’t you ever get tired of me doting on you like this every day?" E teased, her mood visibly brightening.


    "This isn’t doting, it’s affection. And if you want to repay me, then tonight..."


    "Stop right there! Give me a night off, OK?" E quickly wrapped her arms around Eric’s waist, pouting yfully. "My back’s already about to give out. If you keep going tonight, are you trying to kill me?"


    Eric’s smile grew even more devilishly charming. "Well, that just proves your man is very capable in that department... Isn’t that a blessing for you?"


    "Shut up! I’m going to get breakfast!" E quickly broke free from his grasp, fearing that in the next moment, he might turn into a wolf and devour her whole.


    These sweet and tender moments never got old, no matter how often they were repeated. Having experienced both life and death, and love lost and found, E understood that Eric’s actions were a testament to his unwavering love for her.


    Would he ever change? That was a question she couldn’t answer.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Jessica received a call from the head agent at LXL, and she was furious. Her voice shrilled as she shouted, "What did you say? You’re not signing me? What is the meaning of this? After all the effort to bring me back, you’re just going to leave me hanging? You LXL people sure have some nerve, treating Country H’s little diva like a ything!"