"How would I know when she debuted? Dad, I just feel like she's been plotting against me all along. She refuses to leave us alone! She'll only get more out of hand in the future if you don't put her in her place this time!"Wendy was furious. Her eyes were red, and anyone unaware might think she had truly suffered a great injustice. "Dad, I have a way to deal with her, but I don't know if you're willing to help me."Ethan looked at her doubtfully. "What's your plan?""It's..." Wendy approached Ethan and shared her plan with him.After a moment, Ethan nodded and permitted her to carry out the plan....Melody was dining with Sherman at a restaurant near their old high school. They reflected on the old days, so the mealtime was very enjoyable. Melody felt less reserved than before, too.After the meal, Sherman offered to drive Melody home. However, she declined again."Sorry, Sherman. I know you mean well, but Lucas doesn't like me getting too close to other guys. It might lead t
The room fell into a heavy silence. A few seconds later, Lucas scoffed and coldly retorted, "Didn't you promise to keep your distance from other men? Who gave you the right to do an ad for his company?"That immediately silenced Melody. She could clarify that nothing happened between her and Sherman, but she could not justify meeting him after promising Lucas otherwise."Sorry. I should've told you beforehand, but I was afraid you'd be angry..."Melody knew that no matter how she explained, she could not change the fact that she had lied. The best she could do was admit her mistake.Her grip on Lucas slowly loosened. She then sighed heavily and said, "Lucas, I shouldn't have lied to you, but I hope you can give me a chance to explain."Lucas hated being lied to, yet Melody already lied to him two times. Thus, it was difficult for him to trust her again.Initially, Lucas had no intention of offering Melody another chance. However, her heartfelt apology softened his resolve.Altho
As expected, Beatrice saw the rumors even though Lucas had buried those stories."Grandma, I'm sorry for troubling the family again," Melody apologized.Beatrice smiled and took a sip from her tea cup. "Silly girl, I’m not here to blame you. You're family now, so your problems are our problems. It's just that I don't know how to respond to those who ask me about this."Melody did not expect Beatrice to embrace her as a part of the family. In fact, she had expected Beatrice to give her a harsh scolding. Thus, she was immensely touched, and her guilt intensified at the same time.Beatrice was so kind to her, yet she dragged them into this mess."Grandma, things are not as they're portrayed online. Those photos were taken out of context, and the man in the photos was my senior in high school. We're nothing more than friends," Melody explained.She knew her explanation sounded feeble, but it was the best she could do. She just hoped Beatrice would believe her."Grandma, I have a way
Melody was thrilled by the answer. She knew that since those were all Parr Group's territories, they should be under surveillance. As long as there was surveillance, she would be able to get her hands on yesterday's footage.Melody and Edmund walked into Sherman's office.Sherman knew Edmund and was aware that his presence was likely at Lucas' behest. He nodded in greeting to them.Melody anxiously got to the point as soon as she entered the office. "Sherman, I need to ask you something. Can we see the surveillance footage at the shooting location yesterday?"Sherman and Melody were on the same page. He turned his laptop toward her and said, "I've got the surveillance footage ready. We can clear things up whenever you want."The laptop screen displayed yesterday's surveillance footage. Luckily, the outdoor filming location was equipped with multiple surveillance cameras strategically placed to avoid unnecessary complications.The numerous surveillance cameras recorded every move
"Now do you believe I'm innocent?" asked Melody.Lucas took another glance at the surveillance footage on his computer and felt an inexplicable annoyance rising in his chest. He adjusted his tie and asked, "Is there anything else you're calling me about?"Even though Melody had shown him the evidence, Lucas' tone remained distant.'What's wrong with him?' Melody wondered.She sighed. "I need another favor. As you've noticed, someone took that photo to stir up trouble. Can you find out who's behind this?"Lucas had already assigned Edmund to look into this matter before Melody's call, but he simply responded coldly, "Okay."The culprit did not really pay much attention to being discreet, and Edmund's brief investigation quickly led him to Wendy...."Ma'am, it was Wendy who took the photos," reported Edmund.Melody's face darkened with anger. She was so sure that the three million dollars would be enough to cut ties with the Sanders once and for all. Little did she expect Wendy
Sensing Wendy's hesitation, Melody decided to use a bit of reverse psychology. "Honestly speaking, while we might not be the biggest production, we've got a decent investment. I can look for another actress if you're not interested."Melody was about to hang up, and Wendy must have sensed it as she quickly stopped her."Wait! It's not what you think. I just haven't had a look at your script, you know? I'm not sure if the role suits me.""If you're interested, you can swing by for an audition. We believe you'll be perfect for this character."After facing numerous rejections from other production companies, Wendy felt a surge of joy at someone acknowledging her talent."Sure, I'll give it a shot!" she replied."I'll send you the details for the audition. See you then," said Melody before hanging up.Melody then made her way to the study. She mentally prepared herself at the door before knocking on the door."Come in."With the permission granted, Melody pushed the door open and
Lucas watched Melody walk out of the room with a thoughtful look in his eyes.Edmund's efficiency was remarkable. The studio was soon ready, and he contacted some extras for Melody to pick from as well.Melody selected the most suitable extras according to the 'script' she prepared. Everything was ready after they rehearsed....On the agreed audition day, Wendy took extra care to dress herself up. This audition was a hard-earned opportunity, and she was determined to secure the role!The first impression was very important, so she had to be at her best to impress the casting director with her beauty and acting skills.After getting ready, Wendy looked at herself in the mirror with great satisfaction, then walked down the stairs in her high heels."Wendy, you look stunning today!" Helen complimented her brightly.Wendy was overjoyed with the compliment. "I have an audition today, so I need to look my best.""Oh, I see! I'm sure the audition will go well. You're very beautiful
"No way!" Wendy closed the script disdainfully. "Cathy is only a side character, and a homewrecker at that. She's not likable at all! How could I play such a role? I'll be criticized if this airs!"The assistant pointed to a nearby room and said, "Miss Wendy, I know that the character isn't the most likable, but she has a significant amount of screen time! Don't you know that villainy is a test of acting skills? If you perform this character well, you might even win an award! Look, there's a lot of other actresses lined up in that room waiting for the director. They're competing fiercely for a role. Others would gladly step in if you decided not to pursue this role."Wendy was still somewhat hesitant as she did not want to play the villain.At that moment, Melody stepped out of the room. She rushed up to the assistant and grabbed her arm. "I'll play the character Cathy if she doesn't want to. She has so much screen time, and I believe in the potential of Cathy's character. This coul
Sherman could not help but feel fearful when he recalled the incident.Rita gently smoothed his furrowed brow. "I knew you'd come to rescue me, just like all the times you did. I love you, Sherman."Previously, Rita confessed her love to him when she was groggy. At this moment, however, she was clearly awake, even sporting a faint smile on her face as she confessed.Sherman immediately blushed. "I love you, too."Rita did not stay long in the hospital; she quickly returned to the Parr family's mansion. Just as Sherman's grandparents had said, Rita did not have any major injuries, so there was no need for her to stay in the hospital that long. In fact, she might even recover faster emotionally under the care at home.Not once did Sherman bring up Rita's job, but she surprisingly resigned from New Capital Times on her own accord. It would be difficult for her to investigate cases with her current condition; not to mention Sherman had handed over the evidence to the police. The polic
"Sherman, I like you. I love you," Rita finally confessed.Sherman, deeply pained, pulled Rita into his arms. "This is all my fault. I should've looked for you quicker. I've never blamed you. All I want is to see you smile. It's enough for me as long as you're willing to let me stay by your side."You don't have to confess to me. I know it's hard for you to do that because of your family. I've seen the way they've treated you, and…"The bodyguards who had barged in with Sherman felt a bit awkward to see their company president in tears. However, the priority was to get Rita to the hospital for a check-up. Being tied up for hours could cause circulation issues, and it could be dangerous if her limbs did not regain feelings soon.In the end, they got the bravest among them to convince Sherman to let them take Rita to the hospital. Instead of letting them do it, Sherman wiped away his tears and, with ease, lifted Rita as if she was as light as a feather.Fortunately, after the hospit
With that, Karen left without looking back. She was carrying Vince's baby in her womb, so how could she pin all her hopes on Sadie? Since Sadie was obviously unruly, she would have to rely on her son.'Sadie can spend the rest of her life with Esmond since she likes him so much. God knows it had been exhausting enough to raise her. Plus, it's only fair for Esmond to take care of her since I've done my part taking care of her until now,' thought Karen.Meanwhile, the only consolation for Sherman was that Esmond did not try to put up a fight. It seemed that he still cared about his daughter Sadie.Sherman led his men to a dilapidated house. Esmond had been cautious enough to choose a rundown house situated at the end of a village.When Sherman barged in, he found Rita lying on the floor while Esmond's men ignored her. Esmond's men had followed his orders, and since he did not instruct them to do anything to Rita, they left her well alone.Before the men could react, they were surrou
Karen cried and silently knelt by Sadie's side without trying to defend herself. Sadie, on the other hand, feebly tried to explain herself. Alas. Vince refused to listen.There had been many occasions before when he had chosen to believe Karen and Sadie, but at this moment, he realized he had been terribly wrong to do that.Rita used to be so kind, understanding, and well-behaved. However, ever since Karen and Sadie moved in, Vince felt like his daughter had become manipulative, always trying to compete for attention, and stirring up jealousy in front of him.Unfortunately, it took Rita's disappearance to make Vince realize that Rita was not trying to compete for attention. All Rita wanted from him was to treat her the same as Sadie.Vince used to think that Rita should give in to Sadie more since Sadie was younger, too."Why don't you go live with your biological father since you prefer him so much? I never want to see you show your face around here anymore! As for your mother, s
Sadie was so anxious that she wanted to jump out. "Mom, don't tell me you fell for it! Why did you call Esmond? Now they all know where Rita is. You've ruined everything, again! What were you thinking?"Karen could not care less. She cried and slapped Sadie. "You nearly scared me to death! What would I do if something happened to you? I didn't raise you just to watch you die. I told you not to meet up with Esmond, so why did you secretly meet up with him? How can you ask him to get rid of Rita?"Are you out of your mind? All I want is for us to live out the rest of our lives peacefully, so why didn't you listen to me?!"Sadie was furious. Karen had stopped trying to get rid of Rita ever since she got pregnant, so how could Sadie not be angry? Rita was like a thorn in her side, and Sadie would never be happy unless Rita was dead."Don't you know I like Sherman? How could you ask me to do nothing when Rita has stolen him from me?! I was the one who liked him first. It's either Rita g
Karen wanted so badly to slap Esmond through the phone.'What good are his pompous words now? We wouldn't be in this mess now if he hadn't hit me back then! What's more, he's saying he's doing this for Sadie. But has he ever thought of what would happen to me and Sadie if he got rid of Rita? Rita's the heiress of the Russell family. Not to mention, she's married to Sherman, so that makes her owner of Parr Group too! What makes Esmond think he can get rid of Rita so easily?'Karen's breath was ragged as she said, "If you don't believe me, just listen to your daughter's screams. I can't save her now; you will literally decide her fate! Plus, I'm pregnant with Vince's baby, so even if I lose Sadie, I still have a kid—which is more than what I can say about you!"Sherman could not help but be impressed by Karen a little. Even in this dire situation, she did not forget to express her heartfelt feelings to Vince, letting him know that she was always on his side. It was certainly not an ea
"Sherman raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, I'm sure it's just a minor injury, maybe just a finger. There shouldn't be any major issues. A sprained joint takes only a hundred days to heal, and it might take her even less time to heal if you take very good care of her while she's recuperating."Karen's heart ached upon hearing that. She lunged toward Sherman, wanting to hit him, but the bodyguards stopped her before she could get close.Vince, still worried, held Karen tightly beside him. "Calm down. I'm sure Sadie will come out unharmed if Rita's kidnapping has nothing to do with her. But if it does, then you should know very well that…"Vince's voice dropped an octave. He could not believe his daughter's disappearance had anything to do with his stepdaughter. However, he was not utterly naive.He continued, "How could a girl like her take Rita away? Even the car window was smashed. Others must've been involved. Does her biological father have anything to do with it?"Sherman nodded
"Yes, it's true I met up with my biological father, but it was just a one-time thing. I don't want to go back to him at all! Otherwise, I would've done it ages ago. Dad, I'm really grateful to you for taking me in and looking after me all these years. That's why I feel like you're my real father, even more real than those who share the same blood."How could you unjustly accuse me and Mom like that? Sherman is the one spouting nonsense here. He's trying to push all the blame onto us. Dad, you have to wake up and see the truth!"Karen nodded along, but her heart was racing. 'When did Sadie meet Esmond? How did Sherman know when I don't even know? Seems like Sadie does have something to do with Rita's kidnapping. I have to settle things and get Sherman out of here.'Karen never had the thought of rekindling her relationship with Esmond. The only thing she wanted then was to peacefully give birth to her son. Everything in the Russell family would eventually go to her son, and she would
Sherman detested people pointing their fingers at him when they spoke. He stood up slowly, towering over Vince instantly."You claim to be Rita's father, yet if I were you, I'd choose to shut up and stand aside. I can't believe you're scolding me for threatening Sadie when she's not even your real daughter!"Look at her guilty expression; it's clear she's involved. If you don't believe me, use your brain a little. No wonder Russell Group is declining under your leadership. It's only a matter of time before the company goes completely bankrupt!"Sherman showed no mercy, causing Vince to retreat with every word. Vince clutched his chest, struggling for breath.Karen, despite her weakness, stepped forward to support him. "How could you speak to your father-in-law like this? What has Sadie done to offend you? She has nothing but admiration for you. Plus, she's just a child. How could you treat her like this?"She went on and on, but Sherman stood his ground. Meanwhile, the burly bodyg