Sherly’s days went by, and it became more hectic than before. With school projects left and right, she didn’t know what subject she should do first. However, she manages to hang out and do so much in a few days. She stops going to the club for a moment, which leads her to receive a lot of messages from her club friends asking when she’ll come. Of course, she said she would come but did not tell them when.
The university’s hallway sure is nice and noisy. It was always abuzz with different kinds of activities as the students hurriedly went to their own respective classrooms. However, right now, it’s different. As Sherly walks by in the hallway, with her confident walks that make everyone look at her and envy her, as she moves through the crowd, she notices the gaze of everyone. As part of the underworld society, she knows what it means. She knows each and every glance everyone throws at her, and having those eyes isn’t new to her. In fact, it was a common occurrence in the underworld. Thus, it gave her nothing to feel about.The curious glances of the people around her while she was walking and their hushed whispers have nothing to do with her. Thus, she did not react to it. However, she was sure that something had happened to make them act like this. She doesn't care, but that does not mean that she wasn’t curious. It would take her only a minute to know what’s going on. After all, she had a friend who lingered with everyone.As Sherly walked, her eyes followed her, as did the movement of their mouths, giving rippled whispers to the person beside them. Some exchanged knowing glances, which were very familiar to Sherly since she and her best friend, Solace, always did it. Whatever happened that made them act like this is surely related to her. Sherly was sure of that.Unfazed, Sherly continued to walk towards her classroom and maintained her composure. It wasn’t that bad anyway, so why would she lose her composure? After all, she didn't encounter a situation that made her lose her composure.When she pushed the door open, leaving the chatter noise in the hallway, everyone in the room was quiet. The room momentarily went silent as her classmates looked at her. Yet, for Sherly, she paid no mind to the hushed whispers that echoed in her ears. Even though the thing they are talking about is bad, it does not matter. However, once it was about her family, she wouldn't take a second thought and would go to confront the person who did this. Since they are all looking at her and no one talks to her, they are one hundred and one percent sure that it was all because of her.She took a seat with her calm demeanor and graceful movement and opened her textbook. She has no idea what’s happening, but once her friend comes to this room, she’ll know it. It would only take her a few minutes of waiting.Not long after Sherly focused herself on her textbook, the door flung open, and a woman ran towards Sherly. She put her two hands on Sherly’s table and then started to throw questions that made the other people inside the classroom perk their ears to listen.“What the heck is that rumor about, Sher?” Alice asked.Alice is a normal college student. She isn’t that smart, but she isn’t stupid either. She isn’t rich, but she is not poor either. In short, she’s an average person. However, when it comes to gossip, no one could match her.“Hmm?”Alice rolled her eyes. “They are all looking at you, and you don’t even care? Hell! You won't believe the rumors I just heard about you just now!” Alice exclaimed. If she does not restrain herself, she’ll expose her enthusiasm so much.Alice may not have a good family background, but she knows Sherly. Even though she’s not always by her side, she knows her family and her habits. Thus, when she heard about the rumors, she almost died holding her laughter.Sherly stared at her friend and raised an eyebrow as she responded, “Rumors?” she asked innocently. “What kind of rumors are we talking about, Alice? There’s a lot, right?”Alice nodded her head many times, as quickly as she could. “Yes,” she answered. Alice leaned in, and her eyes were sparkling with anticipation as she said, “You now, the kind that everyone talks to. The juicy scandalous stuff.”Sherly, being unaware of the real deal of the rumor, feigned her ignorance and played along with her friend. “Scandalous stuff? Do tell, Alice. I’m all ears. I want to know what kind of rumors they told about me again. I will surely go to slap them tenfold with the truth.”As Alice finished her recounting of the person who told her about the rumor, she looked at Sherly, eager for a reaction. After all, the person in front of her is the person involved in the gossip. “Well, Sher, apparently, this wild story is about you being spotted at a hotel with some mysterious, good-looking man. Can you believe it?” Alice said, obviously teasing Sherly.Sherly did not miss anything and burst into laughter, which made everyone look at her. “A hotel? Me? Are they serious? What’s next? Am I secretly running a prostitution business? Oh goodness, what kind of news is this? Don’t they think of something else? Like me getting pregnant or something?”Alice's eyes widened. “Are you?”Sherly stared at her friend in disbelief. “Don’t tell me you really took it to your heart?” Then when Alice did not speak, Sherly’s jaw dropped. “It’s a lie. If I am pregnant, then I won't be here. My brothers and my father will surely kill that man.”Alice nodded her head and joined in the laughter. “Right? I don’t know who comes up with this stuff, but I wanted to give that person a round of applause. It’s quite a little different from before.”“Well, if they wanted to create rumors about me, they are very welcome. However, this kind of rumor isn’t new at all. Didn't they do something similar when we were in freshman year? ”Alice pondered for a moment and then slowly nodded her head. “Oh, right. I remember that. It was that third year who hated you for being the crush of her crush. Isn’t that rediculuse?”Sherly only shrugged her shoulders and did not speak anymore. Instead, she read the textbook and started to memorize some of it.Out of curiosity, Alice asked, “Are you not bothered by it? I mean, they are trying to ruin your reputation. Isn’t reputation as important as study? ”Sherly slowly looked up and stared into Alice’s eyes, and then she saw Sherly's sly smile, which made her feel a chill run down her spine. “And why would I care? "She asked, looking like an innocent woman who did nothing but was not innocent as well. She shrugged her shoulders. “Alice, you know better than, right? ”Alice nodded her head, grinning mischievously. “True, true. But, where’s the fun? You really are no fun at all. You know I’m your best source for all things scandalous. So, won't you humor me? "She teased.Sherly shook her head and chuckled. She really did not know how they became friends. Besides Solace, this person is much harder than anyone else to deal with. “You do have a point, Alice. I’ll give you that. But let’s not get too wrapped up in those hoaxes, alright? ," she said, letting everybody hear it. “We’ve got more important things to focus on,” she continued.Of course, Alice knows what Sherly is talking about. Thus, she did not tease her anymore. The rumor about her is half truth and half lie. Well, Sherly does indeed go to a hotel with a different man every time. However, she doesn’t go to those who are famous for being easily sighted. Mostly, she’ll go to the hotel where there's high security. Thus, it was partly not real at all.With Sherly and Alice's laughter echoing in every corner of the classroom, the people around them seem infected by their laughter. They wanted to ask Sherly but had no guts to do so because they knew Sherly was a cunning woman. They witness her being cunning and witty not only once or twice but more than ten times. She could humiliate you without spouting nonsense or being direct. Thus, they are kind of afraid to ask her.When they heard the conversation between Sherly and Alice, their curiosity finally wore off. They all shared the common thought that this was all a hoax, seemingly and purposefully made to ruin Sherly in their eyes. They know Sherly, and even though they didn’t know that she did those kinds of things, Sherly isn’t the type of person who wants everyone to see her acting like that. Then they let go of the absurb rumor.On the other hand, Elisia, who was watching the things happening inside Sherly’s classroom, clenched her fist. She doesn’t want her to be able to raise her head again, but her face is much thicker than she imagined. She didn’t even waver from the rumors.When Elisia was about to go, she caught Sherly’s eyes. Then a chill ran down her back when she saw her smirking.What does that mean? Why is she smiling like that toward her? Did she know it was she who spread those rumors and who tried to ruin her reputation? However, it was impossible for Sherly to know about it. After all, she posted it to their forum on an unknown account.That’s right, she couldn’t.Elisia brainwashed herself into thinking that Sherly did not know anything about it, so she quietly went out of that area and went home.When Elisia Lim walked into her family’s home, her father, Mr. Lim, a prominent businessman in the country, summoned her to his office. This isn’t the first time she was summoned, which made the other illegitimate children look at her in envy, but she knows herself that calling in her father’s office isn’t a good thing.Those bastards wanted to get a call in her father’s office, but they don’t have any idea what kind of hell that place is. Funny.Upon entering her father’s office, Elisia found her father reading a paper. A stern and strict expression is on her father’s face. Ever since her father’s business bloomed, she rarely saw her father smile, unlike before.“Elisia, sit down.” Her father did not even look at her.Elisia did what her father told him; she took a seat. The feeling of uneasiness and anxiety in her heart grew even stronger. “What’s the matter, Dad?” she asked, trying to be as calm and cautious as possible.She doesn’t want to trigger her father’s bad mood. Thus, she needed to behave as well as possible.Her father looked at her for a moment and narrowed his eyes. “I asked you to befriend Sherly Montenegro, right? Have you done what I requested? Did you become her friend already?”With those questions, Elisia started to sweat in her hands. She hesitated for a moment before responding to her father’s question, “Well, Dad, I did talk to her. We’re not exactly close, but we’ve had some conversation. I could say we’re acquaintances already at this moment.”Mr. Lim’s face darkened. After he knew that her daughter was in the same university, course, and year level as Sherly, she told Elisia to befriend her. Also, when he investigated her reputation at the university, it wasn’t low. All the professors looked at her with high regard for her ability to memorize and analyze. Thus, this made Mr. Lim more eager to let her daughter take a chance to become Sherly’s friend.Sherly hasn’t been mentioned in public yet. However, everyone in the country knew about Hideous having a daughter. Only a few people know about Sherly, and he is one of those few people, which made him feel a little special. Not only that, both Kyle and Keisley like her and pamper her so much. They always look at her with soft eyes, which is different when they are talking to other people. Keisley being next to his father, even though he is a playful person, he knows who to be friends with and who is not. Lastly, Kyle, the chairman of M Group, one of the fastest companies to reach the top, As a businessman himself, Mr. Lim knew how much power Kyle had.“Elisia,” he called her name with disappointment, which made her stiffen. “Didn’t I tell you how important this operation is to our family? To me? It’s also befriending her, not just exchanging pleasantries. This is important to our family business, do you understand? You have to be her friend, not just an acquaintance. If you can't do it, I’ll let Josephine do that work for you.”Elisia bit her lower lip and tried to explain herself. “Dad, it isn’t easy to do. Yes, she may look like an easy-going person, but, Dad, she’s not the easiest person to befriend. She feels... different.”Because of her words, Mr. Lim’s face flared up as he retorted, “Elisia, you know how crucial it is to our family. We can't afford to not do everything when an opportunity is right in front of us, alright? I expect you to establish a relationship with Sherly as soon as possible. Do you understand? I want that kind of relationship wherein we can use it for our own gain.”Feeling the weight of her father’s expectations of her, she only nodded her head in response. “I understand, Dad. I’ll try harder.”Still displeased, Mr. Lim let his daughter go.Indeed, Montenegro isn’t easy to deal with. From their father up until the youngest child, it isn’t easy. They all know how to read people.Thinking about it, Mr. Lim put all his hope in his daughter. If Elisia did not succeed, she could use his other daughter, who studied at the same university as Elisia. It was Josephine. Although that daughter does not care about wealth and money, she is still going to listen to his order.With plan B, Mr. Lim finally calmed down and started to do his work once again.When the news broke that a certain businessman would visit the university, a lot of people looked forward to it. After all, this is one of their chances to gain something for themselves. Those who needed donations to their studies, those who needed scholarships, and more, planted hope in their hearts.At the grand entrance of K University, everyone welcomed Mr. Lim, a figure of influence in the business community. He accomplished everything that made people think that he was only second to Kyle Montenegro. As Mr. Lim arrived for a visit, he dressed formally. With the air that was excluded from his body and the authority he had when everyone looked at him, no one could deny that he was part of the upper class.The professors, deans, and even the students are aware of it. The professors and dean immediately extended their hands to welcome him and greet him. They ushered him with praise, which made Mr. Lim think that it was a good thing that he donated even a little for this university.
In the luxury living room of the Lim family’s mansion, Jude Lim, Elisia’s father, sat down on the sofa. Elisia could tell that her father wasn’t in a good mood, and she could also tell that she wouldn't get away with this. Jude Lim looked at his daughter and felt dissatisfied with the progress of his daughter getting close to Sherly. His frustration isn’t masked by a smile, but he is glaring at his daughter.“Elisia,” he called. His voice made Elisia shiver.“Yes, Dad? ”Jude Lim didn’t speak. He stared at his daughter and then started scolding her. “Didn’t I ask you to get closer to her? To establish a connection to Sherly Montenegro? What the hell are you doing, huh? Why is there no progress at all? I thought you two were already acquaintances when I asked you. However, from what I’ve seen, she doesn’t even look at you. What the hell have you been doing this time, huh? I am giving you a chance, but you always push it away! ”The disappointment in Jude Lim’s voice when he questioned
When George and Sherly decided to hook up for the night, they became intense as soon as they entered the hotel room. As excitement and lust conquered the two of them, they couldn’t help but get drowned by each other’s scent. Sherly Montenegro and George Riley were too engaged in their own passionate encounter as their desire for each other’s bodies danced in intimacy.As the connection between the two of them deepens and they become more and more excited about what will happen to them, suddenly Sherly's cell phone rings, causing the atmosphere between the two of them to be broken.Irritated by the intrusion, Sherly reluctantly reached for her phone. He didn't want to answer it, but he couldn't. After all, he didn't know who was calling, and he didn't know if it was important or not. If he sees that it's just pointless, he won't answer it.Sherly looked to see who was calling, and since George was lying next to Sherly, she also saw the caller ID. Sherly raised her eyebrows, and to her
Sherly is standing in the elegant garden of her father's villa. She feels the nervousness in her chest, but that is not what Sherly sees in the face of her stepmother, Lilia Montenegro. He really doesn't understand why she doesn't want him.Sherly saw that Lilia was wearing a smirk on her face that spoke of her arrogance. The disdain in Lilia's eyes while looking at her did not escape Sherly's eyes either. Sherly feels strongly that Lilia does not welcome her in the villa.He doesn't need his stepmother's welcome.Unfazed, Sherly met Lilia's gaze head-on. He had no intention of defeating the woman in front of him, and he had no intention of affecting her animosity towards him.Lila, however, couldn't resist the opportunity to make Sherly feel inferior."Wow, you really came home, huh?" Lilia sneered. "This is a family gathering, a family. Remember? You're not a member, after all."Sherly, ever quick-witted, smirked and retorted, "The last time I checked, I am part of this family. Mayb
When Hideous, Mario, and Sherly entered the villa, they were immediately noticed by Keisley and Kyle, Sherly's brothers, who were engaged in conversation in their living room.When Keisley turned around, he immediately smiled mischievously. With his playful smirk, he called out, "Hey, Grandpa, why don't we get the same VIP treatment too? Is it only reserved for Sherly?”Hideous, Mario, and Sherly turned to Kyle and Keisley. When Kyle heard what his younger brother said, he couldn't help but shake his head. Meanwhile, a light chuckle escaped from Sherly's lips. He was not offended because he knew that Keisley was just joking.Mario, known for his strict demeanor, is different from when he is with his grandchildren. Mario then played along with Keisley's jest.Mario raised his eyebrow and retorted. “Well, Keisley, my grandson, if you were a woman..." Mario paused, nodding his head. “Um, if you were a woman, maybe I'd consider treating you like this. But for now, Sherly is the only lady
When Sherly woke up, there was no one in the villa. He found out from the maids that his grandfather left this morning, and his father took him. Kyle and Keisley didn't see their grandfather either because he didn't let them know he was leaving. The truth is, Mario didn't really let it be known that he was leaving right away, and only Hideous knew about it."Grandfather is so cheeky," Sherly said softly to herself while shaking her head.The maid only smiled when she heard Sherly's whisper. It was normal for Mario's grandchildren to say that to him, which is why the maids knew about it. Also, even if it's not, they don't care because it's none of their business.When the maid saw Lilia coming, she hurriedly said goodbye to Sherly. At first, he couldn't understand why the maid was in such a hurry, but when he saw Lilia, he knew it."Oh, mother," greeted Sherly with mockery in her voice. "I didn't see you last night at dinner. Why aren't you there?” he added, teasing in his voice.Lilia
Sherly hasn't been seated for a long time on the university’s common ground when someone approaches her.“Um, excuse me, Ms. Montenegro? ”Sherly raised her head, looked at the woman calling her by her surname, and smiled. “Yes? "She looked reluctant and wanted to tell her something. “Go on. Do you have something you want to tell me? "Sherly added, trying to relax the person in front of her.This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. After all, the students knew her as someone they couldn’t approach easily. There are a lot of students who find her hard to approach. There are also a few of them who are afraid to talk to her.Does she look like someone who would eat a person?“The dean is looking for you,” the woman immediately answered. She then scratched her head. “I don’t know the whole story of why they’re looking for you, but what I guess is that it was because of what happened last time. You know, when you revealed those sensitive photos of Elisia,” she added, try
Sherly faced the two professors and the dean calmly as she looked at them like a fool. It was because of the unexpected summons and the recent turmoil surrounding her.He can't be blamed for why he did that. After all, that woman, Elisa, only provoked her. So, what's the point of calling her here? To scold her? That was too funny. That was what Sherly thinks. She knows why these people are trying to piss her off.The Dean, Professor Jun, and Professor Li wore the same expression of sternness and disapproval. Sherly doesn't know why they behave this way towards her, but she already has a vague idea why.The dean addressed Sherly with a disapproving voice. "Ms. Montenegro, can you explain why you took it upon yourself to expose private matters without addressing the issue directly with Ms. Lim? Weren't you informed that you need to talk to her before you do that?"Sherly did not speak immediately. He first watched the reactions of the three people in front of him. Somehow, she felt that
"Do you know this woman?" Hideous asked as he placed a picture flat in front of her.As Sherly confirmed her recognition of the woman, a tense silence enveloped the room. Hideous's brows furrowed deeply, his gaze piercing as he absorbed the implications of Elisia's involvement. Kyle's expression mirrored his father's, a mixture of concern and growing anger evident in his features. Keisley's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides as a surge of frustration coursed through him."It's her," Sherly affirmed, nodding her head, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. "The same woman who tried to force me out of the university."Hideous's jaw tightened at the revelation, his mind swiftly connecting the dots between Elisia's vendetta against Sherly and the allegations now leveled against Keisley. At first, that woman only wanted to get close to Sherly so that she could get an advantage, but Sherly did not let her be close to her. Now, she saw Keisley and took a fancy on him, and
As Sherly scanned through the article on her phone, her classmates crowded around, their voices a cacophony of curiosity. She really had no idea about this. Maybe because it was just posted and she has no idea about it. It was because she hadn't been opening her phone. "Is it true, Sherly? Your parents are really getting divorced?" one of them asked, eyes wide with disbelief.Though she doesn't know about it happening right now, that does not mean that she wasn't aware of it. Sherly nodded, her throat tight. "Yeah, it's happening.""Wow, that's intense," another chimed in. "What caused it?" he asked again.Sherly hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. She doesn't want them to know because her father hasn't given a statement about the reason yet. "Um, just... differences, I guess. They've been drifting apart for a while. I don't really know about that. Besides, I don't interfere with the adult's decision," she explains.The questions kept coming, each one digging deeper into Sherly
After indicating everything that she needed to send to her father, she smiled, and she did not hesitate to send it to her father's email. Of course, she used her own underworld email. After all, it was more secure, and besides, she doesn't want to pose any danger to her father.Sherly's phone rang, and she saw her father's name on the caller's ID. Answering with a smile, she listened as he questioned how she obtained the information. Wow, how fast was her father contacting her? Maybe her father is waiting for her email. With a playful tone, Sherly replied, "Dad, a magician never reveals her secrets."Her teasing is different, so all that her father could do was chuckle, but his curiosity lingered. Sherly relented, explaining that it was a trade secret and leaving it at that. However, she quickly shifted the conversation to her strategy. Excitedly, she outlined her plan to set a trap for Joseph Santos.She explained everything to her father after she read that information. "All those
As Hideous struggled to contain the storm of emotions raging within him, his mind raced with the weight of Marie's revelations. He and his whole family had always been waiting to have a girl in their family. When his surrogacy managed to make a girl, he was so happy. Now, this woman, who was the surrogate mother of his daughter, is telling him that all of the suffering that his daughter has been through is all because of his wife? All because of that woman? The thought of Lilia's callous betrayal filled him with a seething rage that threatened to consume him whole.This won't do. He won't let this happen and won't let her get away from it. Now that he has a very strong reason to divorce her, it won't be that hard. Even if it becomes public, he won't get hurt since everything he did was for his own daughter's sake."Make sure she's kept safe," Hideous growled, his voice low and dangerous as he addressed the police officers gathered around him. There is no room for mistakes. He won't le
Mr. Park's face sent a shiver down the spines of the other secretaries in the secretarial department. They have not yet seen Mr. Park in that dark face, and they know that something might have happened, and this is most likely related to the Montenegro family. That's right, whenever Mr. Park deals with other business, no matter how bad it is, he still has this calm and warm face. However, right now, he has a scary face that makes them shiver. "I'll get going," Mr. Park said to the other secretary in charge and left without waiting for their reply.Everyone inside the secretary department exchanged glances, and they could only sigh and wish that they wouldn't be implicated in it.As Mr. Park entered Hideous's office with a sense of urgency, his expression was grave as he approached his boss's desk. He wanted to confirm it first, but of course, he still has to tell his boss. "Sir, there's been a development," he began, his voice low and serious.Hearing those words, Hideous glanced up
The man sighed as he received the call from Lilia. How long has it been since he has been working for her? It's been so long. Now, the contract is finally done. This is her last work for him. However, this is kind of too much for him. Killing a woman who posts no threats to her is too much. As the hired man approached Marie Arnold, his footsteps echoing softly in the dimly lit alleyway, he felt a familiar surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He had always been killing, and this is the same feeling he always feels whenever he is about to kill someone. He knew what he had been tasked to do, but as he drew closer to his target, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling of doubt that gnawed at the edges of his conscience.Marie Arnold stood before him, her eyes wide with fear, her trembling form illuminated by the faint glow of the streetlights above. Sensing his hesitation, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please," she pleaded, her words trembling with desperation. "
Sherly slept deeply after George tucked her to sleep. George saw how tired she was staying by his side, and even though he is happy for it, he still has no heart to let her suffer like that. Not only that, that woman even tried to ruin their day. He took his phone and dialed Sherly's father's number. He didn't want Sherly to stay in that mood, so it was better for her father to deal with it sooner. In the middle of the night, someone posted a video. It has only been an hour, but it has gone viral in no time. The video of Sherly and her surrogate, Marie, arguing in the hospital quickly went viral, garnering overwhelming support for Sherly. Who wouldn't? When they saw the caption, they thought it was Sherly, who is shamless, but who would have thought that it would be completely different? The ones who are shameless aren't the young ones, but the older ones! Viewers empathized with Sherly's plight and condemned Marie's behavior. Sherly's courage and dignity in the face of adversity
Liam leaned forward, his expression serious. "George, I have something to tell you," he said, making George raise an eyebrow. "What is it?""Do you know that that woman is Senator Montenegro's one and only daughter, right?" George nodded his head. "Did you meet them already?" he asked again.George nodded his head. "Yeah, I met them last night. What's with it?" George asked with suspiscion in his eyes. Liam sighed and said, "Senator Montenegro wants Ace. He wants him for what he did to his daughter."George nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Of course, he knows that this will happen. Just based on his and Sherly's family conversation last night, this would happen. "I see. Ace has brought a lot of trouble to many people." He sighed, knowing that their friendship wouldn't be able to go back to what it used to be.Liam's eyes narrowed. "So, what's your take on this? Should we hand him over?" He doesn't know what he and Sherly's family talk about, but he could guess wh
Without any words, as Sherly was on top of him, she bent closer and kissed him. She couldn't care more. The drug inside her finally kicked in and totally made her unable to think of anything. All she wanted was to get fucked by the person she loved. If it were the other people, she wouldn't let them get their way on her. She would do her best to get away from them. However, the person in front of her is the one she accepted, the one with whom she wanted to spend this night. George flinched when Sherly immediately inserted his rod inside her. This made George think that the drug inside Sherly was much more potent than the normal drug. He knows what it was, but he couldn't care about it right now. He wanted to make her feel at ease as soon as possible.George grabbed Sherly's hand and started to make her move much rougher than normal. He knows what they might end up doing while doing this, but he doesn't care. All he cares about is making her feel good. George couldn't lead the sex b