The impatient Annie walked up to Corinne and said, "Hey, Corinne, let's get you to change to your equestrian clothing!""Equestrian clothing?" Corinne raised an eyebrow. "I didn't bring any."Annie was surprised by this. "You didn't bring any? I brought a spare one with me, so you can wear mine! Though, I don't have an extra pair of boots.""I have a spare pair." Rosie smiled gently. "But I don't know if it fits her."Corinne said, "My shoe size is 5.5."Rosie said, "I'm wearing 7.5. It's slightly bigger, but you can give it a try."Corinne nodded. "Alright. Thank you."Rosie's smile brightened. "We're friends. You don't have to be so polite!"As such, the three girls headed to the changing room.In the changing room…Corinne put on the equestrian clothing Annie gave her. It was a red color suit, and the unique fitting of the equestrian clothing fully embraced her curvy figure.The shape of her face looked exquisite with her hair tied in a messy bun, giving her a cool yet cu
The scream startled everyone."What was that?""Did something happen in the changing room?""I think that's Rosie's voice!"Corinne and Annie heard it, too. They exchanged looks with each other in surprise and shook their heads, showing how baffled they both were. After all, they did not notice anything weird about Rosie when they left the changing room.Thus, all of them rushed to the changing room to check out what happened.In the room, Rosie looked in pain as she sat on the bench with sweat all over her forehead. She looked so hurt that she began to turn pale.Everyone saw how tormented she looked.Sunny approached and asked, "Rosie, what's wrong?"Zeke stood in front of her and asked softly, "Rosie, did something happen?"Rosie looked up and said in a trembling voice, "My…my leg…"What was wrong with her leg?As she said that, everyone looked over at her leg.She was only wearing one of the boots, and her free foot was outstretched as if she was enduring severe pain.
Sunny stared at the ear stud, and his anger disappeared immediately. Helplessly, he looked back at Rosie. "Rosie, I think you dropped your ear stud into the boot. You have to be more careful next time."Rosie looked at the ear stud on the doctor's hand and shook her head sheepishly. "No, this isn't my ear stud. I never wear this kind of ear stud…""Are you saying this ear stud isn't yours?" Suddenly, Sunny became alert. "Did someone put it into your boot? Is someone here trying to hurt you?"Everyone was surprised when they heard that. They had known each other since they were kids, and their families went way back. None of them would use this method to hurt their friends.Rosie was stunned when she heard that. After a while, she realized something and looked at Corinne, who was standing in between Jeremy and Annie, in disbelief."Corinne, I didn't do anything to you. Why did you do this to me?" she lamented.Everyone was dumbstruck by what they heard as they glanced at Corinne i
Obviously, Rosie was hoping Jeremy would take her side and aid her.Zeke and the others looked at Jeremy and wondered how he would handle the contradiction between his wife and a friend.No one could tell what he was feeling as he did not portray any obvious expression on his face. He said in a deep voice, "Yes. I know you'd never accuse anyone without any reason."With that being said, it showed Jeremy was on Rosie's side.Corinne felt disheartened hearing that. She looked down and stretched her mouth into a sarcastic smile. No one was on her side, and it would not be a surprise if no one here believed in her.Over the period she cooperated with Jeremy, they had been through a lot. Heck, they even slept together. It was just…disheartening when the man she sacrificed her body to save took the other person's side without thinking about it.Trust was the hardest thing to gain in this world.Everyone gazed at Corinne as if they had their own interpretation of the incident. Some of
Reeling in shock, Corinne blinked her bright eyes at Jeremy. 'He believes me?'Rosie's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "But Jeremy, didn't you say you believe that I wouldn't accuse Corinne without a reason? Why are you saying this now?"Jeremy's expression remained neutral. "Yes, I believe you wouldn't accuse her without a reason, so why don't you tell us why you do it anyway and accuse my wife?"As it turned out, Jeremy was not on her side after all despite saying otherwise. Moreover, he was certain Rosie did it to herself with his question.Rosie started to panic and played the victim's card. "Jeremy, we've known each other for so many years! You know me. How could you suspect me?"Jeremy did not react to this, however, as he said, "Time isn't the standard to test everything. Although I just know my wife, we trust each other, and we won't suspect each other just because someone tried to instigate our relationship."Rosie was stunned. Her eyes reddened as something bitter welle
Jeremy replied instantly, "She doesn't need to prove anything to you."Rosie felt incredulous hearing this. "Jeremy, what has gotten into you? You're not this kind of guy! It isn't too long since you two are married, and you're allowing her to blind you from the truth?"Jeremy ignored her and turned, intending to lead Corinne out.However, Corinne pulled her hand out from Jeremy's hand and turned to face Rosie. "If I can prove that ear stud isn't mine, are you going to apologize to me?"Rosie was stunned for a while before earnestly saying, "I will apologize to you if you can prove the ear stud isn't yours."Corinne raised her brow. "That's not enough. If I can prove it, you have to pay for everyone's expenses today. Surely an apology won't be enough after you tried to accuse someone without any reason."At first, Rosie thought Corinne was going to make her suffer. When she knew all she needed to do was pay for everyone's expenses for the day, she scorned Corinne mentally.This
Thus, Rosie smiled gently and said nicely, "I am truly sorry, Corinne. It's a misunderstanding. Why didn't you tell us earlier that you're allergic to silver? If you'd said it earlier, this wouldn't happen."Corinne raised her brow and replied, "Miss Rosie, do you know you nearly made me a criminal just because you misunderstood me? Are you trying to blame me for not proving my innocence earlier?"Rosie smiled sheepishly. "Uhh… Corinne, that's not what I mean…"Corinne chuckled. "Miss Rosie, I don't care what you're trying to say. Just don't forget that you're paying for all of our expenses today."Despite the bitterness she felt, Rosie could only nod 'understandingly'. "Yes. Don't worry, Corinne. It's my fault. I'm willing to accept the punishment. Everything is on me today. Think of it as my compensation to you."Just as Corinne wanted to say something, someone pulled her.Jeremy's face appeared right in front of her and gave her a fright.He leaned over to examine her ear and
For the next couple of minutes, Sunny told Rosie how Corinne saved him at Lunar Century Manor. Still, Rosie could not understand Sunny's new sentiment toward Corinne."So you're saying you're betraying me because Corinne won a game for you?"Sunny shook his head. "Of course I won't betray you. I just think Corinne isn't a bad person after all…""Sunny, you've disappointed me." Rosie stood up and limped her way out of the room.Sunny furrowed his eyebrows and remained rooted, his mind torn by the conflicted thoughts about the situation.…Under the parasol.Corinne was forced to sit on Jeremy's lap while he applied antiallergic cream to her skin. Meanwhile, the anxious-looking doctor stood by, his body slightly slouching with a bottle of medicine in his hand.Jeremy's slender, calloused fingers were holding a medical cotton swab. He dipped into the antiallergic cream and applied it on Corinne's purplish earlobe. After that, he grabbed her hand and applied the cream to the rashes
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