Chapter 5

Eric was stunned. He did not expect Sylvia to show up, let alone give Jasmine a slap across the cheek, which was utterly gratifying.

Jasmine was dumbfounded.

Her head buzzed, and her cheek burned intensely from the blow. Sylvia might appear delicate, but she was surprisingly strong.

"H-How dare you hit me!?" Jasmine trembled uncontrollably after regaining her senses.

She raised her hand to return the favor, but Eric blocked her.

Jasmine nearly lost her footing as Eric gently pushed her away.

Sylvia remained silent as she glanced at Eric's back.

"Eric Johnson!" Jasmine burst into rage. "How dare you lay your hands on me!?"

She never expected Eric to make a move against her for another woman.

"Why not?" Eric stared indifferently at Jasmine. "Enough with your shenanigans. Get lost, or I'll expose your dirty secret to the public. I believe they'd be thrilled to hear such an exciting story."

Sylvia's sudden appearance gave Eric time to recollect himself. He could still turn the tables before the crowd came to their senses. After all, Jasmine was being unreasonable simply because she was exploiting the crowd's sympathy. However, Eric would not let her have it her way.

Indeed, Jasmine hesitated upon hearing Eric's words. She would be at a disadvantage if Eric spilled the beans to the crowd.

Jasmine glared menacingly at Eric and barked, "This is not over yet, Eric! Wait and see!"

Jasmine gestured at the two men holding the red banner and left the scene.

At the same time, Sylvia's chauffeur appeared to disperse the crowd. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, the show is over! Everyone, back to business!"

After the crowd dispersed, the chauffeur discreetly distanced himself. In his opinion, Sylvia must have a reason to assist Eric.

Eric turned around and said, "Thank you, Sylvia."

Although they were former classmates and were legally married now, there was no emotional connection between them.

Sylvia nodded and said, "Did you borrow money from me for the sake of your family?"

Eric nodded and remained silent. The agreement clearly stated they would live separate lives and never interfere with each other's lives.

Sylvia added, "If she shows up again tomorrow, tell her to go to the Williams Corporation Tower. $13,000 is nothing. Let her have it, or solve it yourself quickly. I don't want this to drag on any longer. Apart from that, do you still owe anyone money? How much? I'll help you repay your debts all at once. I can't clean up after you every few days."

Eric chuckled. Not because he had found himself a wealthy woman but because of how domineering Sylvia was.

"Are you filthy rich?" asked Eric.

Sylvia ignored Eric's question and said, "I'm a very possessive person. You're mine now that we're married, so nobody can lay a finger on you!"

Sylvia turned around and left after saying that, leaving Eric stunned on the spot.

Her actions earlier obviously exhibited her domineering nature. It might seem Sylvia was helping Eric, but he speculated she was just asserting her dominance. Their marriage was out of convenience rather than love or emotional connection. However, Eric was relieved that the issue with Jasmine was solved, at least for now.

At one of the corners of the hospital building, the chauffeur quickly caught up with Sylvia. She suddenly stopped dead in her tracks and pondered. A moment later, she said, "His name is Eric Johnson. Go to the director of the hospital and find out which of his family members is hospitalized, and report back to me at once. Also, prompt the hospital to transfer his family member to a private ward immediately."

"Yes, Ms. Sylvia." The chauffeur quickly obliged.

Little did Eric know that the cold and aloof Sylvia had a warm and tender heart. He did not connect Sylvia with the renowned Williams Corp. in Salt City. He had only heard of his classmates mentioning Sylvia came from a well-off family during high school and assumed her family was only slightly above average.

Elly asked anxiously as soon as Eric returned. "Eric, that woman…"

She had witnessed how everything had unfolded, which was so satisfying.

Eric smiled wryly and replied, "Elly, she's my former classmate in high school."

"Alright." Elly asked again, "Is the issue with Jasmine completely settled? I hope she doesn't show up again."

Eric shook his head. He knew Jasmine would never back down and would leverage David to get back at him. After nearly a decade of being together, he clearly understood Jasmine's character and had finally seen her true colors.

Elly let out a sigh and remained silent. She could do nothing to help Eric when she was also struggling with her own family issues. Elly left the hospital after having a short conversation with their mother. She was a full-time housewife with two kids to take care of. As such, the only free time she had was when the kids were in school during the day.

Mr. Johnson was still unconscious as the sky darkened. Eric finished the two boxed meals he had ordered from DoorDash and returned to his mother to make sure she would take her pills.

"Eric, go home and rest. The doctor said your father won't wake up soon. I'll be here to keep him company, so focus on your work tomorrow." Mrs. Johnson swallowed her pills and added, "Remember to repay the $15,000 as soon as possible."

After Mr. Johnson's successful surgery, Mrs. Johnson was worried about Eric's debt. $15,000 was enough for Eric to settle down and start a family.

Tears welled up in Eric's eyes as he glanced back at his elderly mother, her hair turning gray. He strode off quietly as tears began to roll down his cheeks.

According to the marriage agreement, he had to return to the house at the Rosewood Estate every night. Eric's parents always had a strong bond and deep affection for each other. As such, Mrs. Johnson was not only reluctant to spend money staying in a hotel but also because she wanted to be by her husband's side.

Meanwhile, the chauffeur approached Sylvia immediately when she emerged from a building.

"Ms. Sylvia, I have the information you want," he said.

"Tell me," Sylvia replied nonchalantly.

"Eric's father, Blake Johnson, is hospitalized. He was severely injured in a car accident. The surgery was successful, but he is still unconscious. I've informed the hospital to transfer Blake Johnson to a private ward. Everything will be done by tomorrow," said the chauffeur.

"Alright. Take me to the Rosewood Estate," said Sylvia.

-

At the Rosewood Estate.

A man with a slicked-back hairstyle was peering intently at Sylvia's house through a pair of binoculars. He was none other than Sylvia's second elder brother, Brook Williams.

Sylvia had acquired a property in the Rosewood Estate recently for her marriage. Brook knew Sylvia would spend the night at her property after her marriage. He furrowed his brow as he saw her show up at the house alone.

'Why is Sylvia alone? Where is her husband?'

Shortly after, Eric pulled up and entered the mansion.

Brook pulled out his phone and sent a voice message to his brothers in a new WhatsApp group.

"Sylvester, Connor! The eagle has entered the nest!"