Part 9

9

Chelsea arched one corner of her lips, observing her appearance this afternoon. Extremely beautiful and captivating, she was ready to embrace any plans Margareth had in store for her. She would also prepare to pretend to be a good daughter, devoted to her mother, in order to seize Carlos's wealth.

Little did Margareth know that Chelsea would become a thorn in her side, slowly unraveling her.

"You're so beautiful," praised Margareth as she saw Chelsea emerge from her room. The girl looked truly stunning, dressed very differently from her usual style.

Today, they were going to meet Carlos, so Margareth had bought a dress that perfectly suited Chelsea's body. This was to ensure that Carlos would later accept Chelsea as a potential daughter-in-law.

When someone is as beautiful as this, no man could resist Chelsea's charm.

"Of course, beautiful, just like my mother," Chelsea complimented, seemingly completely on Margareth's side.

In reality, she harbored intense resentment for the middle-aged woman who was currently helping her perfect her appearance.

"When you're this beautiful, I'm confident my boyfriend won't be able to resist making you his daughter-in-law. You'll become both my child and his spouse, and surely his wealth won't escape us, except into our hands. I can't wait for that moment to come.

Come on, let's get ready now so he doesn't have to wait for us for too long!" urged Margareth, gripping Chelsea's hand.

This time, she was truly happy to have found a partner to conquer Carlos's wealth. Margareth couldn't wait to become as wealthy as she was when Thomas was at the peak of his success. After this, Margareth promised not to interfere with her husband's business affairs again to avoid repeating the same mistake a second time. Honestly, until this moment, Margareth still loved Thomas deeply, but unfortunately, the poverty he brought upon her caused her to disregard all the love she had.

"Oh, by the way, Mom, can I ask you something?" Chelsea inquired as the taxi began taking them to a hotel where Carlos had arranged their meeting.

"Feel free to ask anything you want. I'll surely provide an answer that satisfies you."

Chelsea chuckled softly. "You're quite the character, Mom." Adjusting her seating position to face her mother. "Here's my question: why doesn't Mom just get pregnant so that his son can give his permission, and then you two can get married?"

"That's what I'd like, Chelsea, but unfortunately, my boyfriend isn't willing to do that before we're married."

Margareth's facial expression immediately turned sour when discussing this matter.

All this time, she had tried desperately, seducing, coaxing, even almost appearing nude in front of Carlos. However, he consistently refused, giving her nothing more than a hug.

"Ah, so Mom wants to do that...

Um, I mean, not to sound like I'm considering Mom cheap or anything. But if Mom were to do it, let's think about ways for you two to make that happen. If Mom were to get pregnant, the plan would go even smoother. I could also have an adorable little sibling, because I'm sure Mom's boyfriend is handsome. Mom herself is very beautiful."

Margareth patted Chelsea's head. "You truly understand my situation. Thank you," she said, before gripping Chelsea's hand. "Let's meet him and help me explain so that we can live with him."

"Of course, Mom." Chelsea nodded, sharing the same hope for the plan they had devised together. By being close to Carlos and Margareth, she would have the opportunity to exact her revenge.

While waiting to arrive at the hotel, Chelsea prompted, "Mom, instead of getting bored, why don't you tell me about your boyfriend? That way, I can prepare myself when I meet him," Chelsea said, trying to coax Margareth into describing Carlos's personality.

From Margareth's description, Chelsea would later gauge the depth and nature of her love for Carlos. This would help Chelsea determine what kind of revenge she needed to exact for her mother.

With enthusiasm, Margareth recounted the physical traits of Carlos. A handsome man with a tall stature, a broad chest, and a strong build.

Margareth mentioned that Carlos often went to the gym every weekend, so there was no fat beneath his skin. He was all hard muscle, but still comfortable to hold. In Margareth's eyes, Carlos was gentle and romantic, without a single flaw.

Listening to Margareth's detailed descriptions, Chelsea began to visualize Carlos's image. It couldn't be denied that the man did match what Margareth was saying.

However, the man was already older, so Chelsea had no intention of getting serious about this endeavor. She also promised herself not to fall in love with him.

Judging from the way Margareth spoke, Chelsea was certain that Carlos meant a great deal to her mother. He was merely a tool for Margareth to exact revenge for all the pain her father had caused.

"We've arrived." Margareth lightly tapped Chelsea's thigh to snap her out of her reverie. Whatever Chelsea was thinking, Margareth didn't know, but after explaining Carlos's personality and appearance, Chelsea seemed lost in thought.

Chelsea nodded, following Margareth's lead as they exited the taxi. She glanced around, taking in the sight of the five-star hotel where Margareth had arranged the meeting with Carlos.

In her heart, Chelsea cursed Carlos for choosing a cheap inn for their rendezvous, while Margareth had opted for a luxurious location.

"That old fool, doesn't know how to appreciate a sealed girl like me!" she muttered to herself as she and Margareth entered the hotel lobby.

As if they had done this check-in routine many times, Margareth was calm and knew exactly how to meet without arousing suspicion. It was well-coordinated and seamless. Without Chelsea's knowledge, Carlos was now waiting in room eighty-six.

Entering the elevator, Margareth took Chelsea to the room where Carlos was staying.

"Hi, sweetheart, how are you?" Margareth enthusiastically hugged Carlos as he opened the hotel room door. Instead of answering, Carlos was taken aback, staring at the girl who had come with Margareth.

Who else but Chelsea, who was now smiling as if she had never met him before.

"And who is this, Margareth?" Carlos asked as he released Margareth from the hug.

"Oh, this is my daughter, let me introduce her. Her name is..." Margareth shifted her gaze to Chelsea. "She's Chelsea. Chelsea, meet Carlos, Mom's boyfriend."

"If it's Uncle," Chelsea said, extending her hand to shake hands with Carlos. Seeing Chelsea's reaction, Carlos knew that she wanted to act as if they didn't know each other.

So, Carlos introduced himself as if it were their first meeting.

"Brother, I have some good news. That's why I came with Chelsea."

"Good news for what?" Carlos raised both eyebrows.

"For our marriage plan. I'm sure this time everything will go smoothly, and it won't take long for Vano to approve of our relationship."

"By what means?" Carlos inquired.

"I will arrange a match between Chelsea and Vano. My daughter is beautiful and kind. I'm sure Vano will easily fall for her. After they're married, we'll also get married."

Carlos nodded in agreement, as that was the plan he intended to carry out as well. However, he never once imagined that the girl he paid to get close to Vano was actually his lover's daughter.

"So, the plan is still the same as before?" Carlos reminded Margareth that if Chelsea and Vano were to be married, it would naturally take time for feelings to develop between them. "That doesn't sound like good news because we're still in the waiting phase, and it won't be easy to win over my son's heart. As you know, Vano is stubborn."

Margareth nodded. "I'm aware of that, Carlos. That's why I came here to present some plans I've devised."

"What plans?"

"Chelsea and I will live with you."

"Live with me?" Carlos was certainly taken aback by Margareth's statement, amazed that she could suggest living together.

And that also meant living with Vano, as they would share the same roof. Although Vano didn't come home every day since he had his own apartment, there would still be times when he saw Margareth living with Carlos. If that happened, it wouldn't be approval they would receive, but rather deeper resentment.

"You do realize the consequences if Vano finds out we're living under the same roof, right? Plus, you still have a husband, and of course..."

"My husband has passed away." Margareth interjected, cutting off Carlos's words.

Carlos bit his lower lip. He had just remembered that Chelsea mentioned her father's passing. That meant Margareth's husband had also passed away.

"My husband recently passed away. He suffered because of his actions. His affairs caught up to him, and he had a heart attack and died," Margareth continued casually, considering all the illnesses Thomas suffered to be karma for his infidelity.

Carlos furrowed his brow, looking between Margareth and Chelsea. Mother and daughter weren't on the same page when it came to explaining the cause of their household head's death. Margareth claimed that Thomas was a scoundrel who received karma for his actions, while Chelsea said that her father's illness was a result of her mother's behavior.

Carlos had also overheard whispers from neighbors when he attended Thomas's funeral yesterday. Most of them were cursing Margareth, blaming her for Thomas's troubles and illnesses. If Chelsea's mother was Margareth, that meant the woman who was cursed by the neighbors was his lover.

Carlos couldn't believe it, Margareth, who had been so kind and sweet, could do something so terrible. Now he didn't know who to believe, as Margareth's confessions and accounts contradicted the facts he had heard while attending Chelsea's home.

Setting aside that matter for now, Carlos returned to discussing Margareth's desire to live with him.

"I do truly love you, Margareth, but my love for Vano is greater than my love for you."

"I know that, Carlos. That's why I want to live with you. Believe me, I can handle Vano. You don't need to think of too many reasons. Just tell him that we're married, and let Chelsea take care of him."

"Are you asking me to lie to Vano?"

Margareth nodded quickly. "Yes, Carlos, to facilitate our plans. And please trust me, I won't cross the line you set for me."

"But Margareth..."

"I'm begging you to comply! If you truly love me, or it might be better for us to end everything? Let's stop here, and I hope you find a better woman than me." Margareth threatened back, cautioning Carlos about the decision he was making.

Afraid of losing Margareth, Carlos reluctantly agreed to his lover's wishes.

"So, how am I supposed to tell Vano that you and your daughter will be living in my house?" Carlos massaged his temples. Margareth's stubbornness was just as strong as his own, but the love he had for her had overridden everything.

So, Carlos also gave in to his fiancée's desire. "Don't worry, Uncle. I'll be the one to talk to Vano about it."

"Are you sure?" Carlos turned to Chelsea.

Chelsea nodded her head. "I'm very sure because conquering men is my hobby," Chelsea said with confidence, even though she herself was fearful of meeting Vano.

After careful consideration, Carlos agreed that Chelsea and Margareth could live with him in his house.

Of course, before they brought their belongings to the house, Carlos spoke to Chelsea first. Before that, he asked Margareth to go shopping for their needs for the upcoming week.

Carlos explained that the housekeeper hadn't done the shopping yet, so it would be convenient for Margareth to help while passing by the store. Thus, at the supermarket, Chelsea and Carlos conversed. Hidden behind a shelf of cereal boxes, they whispered about their plan to convince Vano not to get angry.

"Now tell me your plan before I take you home," Carlos said, rearranging the cereal boxes to avoid raising suspicions from other customers.

Chelsea rubbed her neck, truthfully, she hadn't thought of anything yet. She also didn't expect Carlos to ask about it so quickly.