Hearts Remember What Minds Try To Forget by Rex Wilder 58

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When the taxi stopped in front of the villa, Carice froze slightly at the sight of the luxurious decorations on the doorplate. 

She had assumed the so–called address was just an ordinary residence, never expecting it to be a standalone villa. 

Not only was the environment serene, but it also had an exceptionally large balcony. 

Carice pushed the door open with her luggage, and sunlight streamed into the room. 

The room was clearly kept clean by someone, with not a speck of dust in sight. 

Carice quickly tidied up the bedroom and hung a few changes of clothes from her suitcase in the walk–in closet. 

As she lay down on the soft bed, her phone screen lit up with a message. 

Karen said she was free tomorrow to take her out for a meal. 

Carice immediately replied with an “OK” before finally putting her phone down. 

A pile of books was placed on the bedside shelf. She habitually picked up one by the bed, read for a while, and unknowingly drifted into sleep. When sunlight pierced through onto the pillow again, Carice was already awake. 

Staring at the unfamiliar decorations and layout of the room, she still felt a bit unaccustomed for a moment. 

It took Carice three minutes to slowly accept it. 

The bedside alarm clock showed 6:30, a full two hours earlier than when she was at the Sackhoff family. 

The reflection in the mirror still had faint dark circles under the eyes, but the spirit was much better. 

Carice followed local customs by taking a shower and then started making breakfast. 

Because she couldn’t get used to the bread here, Carice had bought some noodles in advance. 

She made herself a light bowl of egg 

noodles. 

By noon, as she was applying lipstick in front of the mirror, Karen’s message popped up:“I’m downstairs, let’s go eat!” 

Only then did Carice follow her downstairs. 

When the steaming heat from the hot pot restaurant hit her face, Carice froze. 

The spicy broth bubbled noisily, tripe and throat neatly arranged on an ice plate, forming a stark contrast to the bread and coffee on foreign 

streets. 

Along with the scattered Chinese customers in the shop, for a moment Carice even thought she had retu 

“I know 

can’t get you authentic flavor!” 

er home country. 

used to the raw and cold food here.” Karen picked up a slice of fatty beef and dipped it to the pot,“Try this, absolutely 

Carice bit into the tripe coated in sesame oil and garlic paste, the familiar spicy and numbing flavor stimulating her taste buds, her eyes suddenly feeling a bit warm. 

“Let’s get down to business.” Karen wiped the corner of her mouth. 

“Can you start today? There’s a big client the day after tomorrow who specifically requested a Chinese liaison. I’m really tied up, and I don’t 

with hotpot.” trust anyone else… So, I had to bribe 

Karen blinked at her as she spoke. 

you 

“Why me?” Carice put down her chopsticks. 

“Because you’re Carice!” 

Karen reached out and poked her forehead, “Back then, you could win over a difficult professor in just three days. Can’t you handle a client? The other party has always been in design and is quite eccentric, specifically requesting no foreigners. I thought it over, and you’re the only one who fits.” 

“And based on your personality, you wouldn’t even argue with him.” 

Karen spoke very earnestly. 

Carice looked at the not–free delicious meal in front of her and finally nodded. 

After staying in the Netherlands for several days, Carice gradually got used to the local climate. On the appointed day, she followed Karen around, shopping for work–appropriate clothes and accessories. She took out her phone to pay, but Karen stopped her: Working for me, how could I let you pay?” 

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Carice smiled slightly:“MS. Basso is so generous!” 

In the blink of an eye, it was evening, and the other party sent the address of a restaurant. The two then follo guidance to the agreed–upon place. 

Watching Carice go upstairs, Karen frantically gave her cheering gestures from below. 

Carice didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. 

The moment she pushed open the private dining room door, Carice‘ footsteps froze abruptly. 

This figure felt eerily familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before. 

But she had just returned from abroad–how could she have met anyone here? 

navigation’s voice 

The man standing against the light by the floor–to–ceiling window turned slowly, his eyes carrying the same gentle smile from their airport 

encounter. 

“It’s you. We meet again.” 

The man extended his hand: “I’m Eddie Sewell, CEO of Nova Group. Pleased to collaborate with you.” 

Carice shook his slightly calloused hand, the touch carrying an unreal warmth. 

Meanwhile, a knowing glint flashed in Eddie Sewell’s eyes, as if he had long anticipated this reunion. 

The lingering heat of the hotpot churned in her stomach as Carice took a deep breath. 

The receiver is always in a vulnerable position. 

She had to secure this deal today no matter what. 

After all, this was her first major order–a crucial step to establish herself. 

—- 

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