"If she has other friends, then that's settled. That means she has plenty of connections to the world, so there's no need for her to rely solely on you, Lucas. And you don't have to exhaust yourself taking care of her."Listen to me, and arrange a few caregivers for her. In terms of material support, our family absolutely cannot be in debt to her. As for emotions, you don't need to get involved anymore. Exercise some discretion.""Grandma, I don't have any inappropriate feelings for her."Beatrice did not rush to refute Lucas. Instead, she asked him with great seriousness, "You say you don't have much feelings towards her, but what about her? Do you really think she only sees you as a friend? Who'd cling to a married friend like she does? Lucas, now that you have Melody, have you ever considered how she might feel?"At the mention of Melody, Lucas' expression darkened. He knew that since Thalia's return, his relationship with Melody had been rocky. Thalia's presence had indeed disr
"Miss Tasha, may I ask if you are the user with the ID 'tashaxoxo'?"Tasha Lynch was startled when she received this phone call. Who was this person? How could they accurately mention her online ID right off the bat?"Who are you? Is this some kind of tele-scam? Look, I don't have money for your scams! Go away, you scammer!"Before she could hang up, she heard a calm chuckle from the other end. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leo Burnes, the in-house lawyer for Rivera Group. I'm calling you now to confirm whether you're the same person as the user with the ID 'tashaxoxo'. If so, I may need your cooperation in providing some materials for further investigation."Tasha's heart skipped a beat. She indeed used that online ID, and the only person she had been associated with recently was the actress, Melody. She had made a few comments online, never expecting them to cause such a stir. Many famous influencers reposted her posts, making her quite popular online.From being an
'It seems this woman isn't as bold as she appears. She sounds like she's shaken up now. Good thing she still has some respect for the law. Those who are completely ignorant of the law and still brazenly defiant are the ones beyond redemption,' thought Leo."Miss Tasha, your current words are tantamount to a threat against us. I'll make sure Miss Melody takes note of this, and we'll proceed with the legal proceedings. If you continue spreading rumors online, I can guarantee you'll face severe legal consequences."There's no need for further discussion with me. You should address any concerns you have with your lawyer. By the way, Miss Tasha, let me remind you that any unverified facts, when exaggerated and spread online, can lead to defamation. You'll be violating the rights of our client."Leo had fulfilled his duty. Anyone with a bit of intelligence would clarify things online after this. They would highlight the parts where they exaggerated earlier and apologize to Melody. Unfortu
Leo's assistant collected information while expressing disbelief. "What's going on with Internet users these days? Look at the contradictions in this woman's words. How can anyone believe her?"What made them especially laugh was when they saw how Tasha's tone shifted from that of an ordinary worker to that of a high and mighty insider. Such naive remarks—why would so many people believe her?Leo shook his head. Whether Tasha was an insider or not did not matter. The crucial point was the nature of her statements. The things she posted precisely satisfy the curiosity of the people online.Even though Melody's crew had posted a clarifying statement about the previous bullying scandal, some people still found the clarification dubious. It was unfortunate that they did not consider how unlikely it was for a crew to fabricate a video since it was done with the cooperation of the police.It was during this time that a seed of doubt was planted in their minds. They probably thought there
"He says he's from the Rivera Group Legal Department, and you just believe him? Rivera Group is a huge conglomerate that deals with countless matters every day. How could they be concerned about what a no-name social media user has posted online? Just keep calm, and nothing will happen."Thalia's voice was firm, but Tasha was still uncertain. She could not shake off the feeling that Thalia was not entirely reliable."Are you sure? Because he sounded so convincing and even mentioned serving me with a subpoena. He told me to find a lawyer, just in case. What if it's true? What am I supposed to do then? Do I have to find a lawyer? I don't want to get involved in a lawsuit!"The more Tasha thought about it, the more frightened she became. She could not understand how she had been so naive as to accept a task from Thalia. Although her life had not been easy before, she had never gotten into trouble like this.'What if I end up in jail? What will I do then? My entire future will be ruine
Tasha assumed Thalia must have a decent background and experience in dealing with things, so the lawyer she would contact would surely be better than what she could find herself. Plus, she would not have to pay for the lawyer anymore, so she could save the remaining money for herself. After this whole thing was over, she could move to another city."Alright, that's all I wanted to hear. I feel better knowing you have my back. After all, you've come back from abroad, right? You must know a lot more than us."After hanging up the phone, Tasha breathed a sigh of relief. She then went back to her computer and checked the lively discussions under the posts she had made.[How can somebody with such low morals as Melody become an actress? It shows that the threshold nowadays is getting lower.]This comment received the most likes, and Tasha secretly liked it with another account of hers.'Yeah, nowadays anyone can become a celebrity. What's so great about Melody that so many people like
The more Thalia thought about it, the more she felt that Lucas already knew something. 'Otherwise, he wouldn't have kept quiet about it. Maybe he's waiting for me to admit my wrongdoing.'She bit her lower lip in frustration. She had thought that she had orchestrated the situation perfectly, but Lucas still noticed. Regardless, she was happy to learn that Melody's online reputation had reached a point where everyone was calling for her cancellation.It did not matter whether Lucas knew or not; Thalia had achieved her goal as long as she could make Melody lose her dignity. As for what Lucas would think of her, Thalia was not worried at all.In all the years they knew each other, whenever Thalia mentioned Claudia in front of him, he would always soften. After all, it was something Lucas owed her, was it not? She had already planned how to garner his sympathy all over again.However, Thalia received an unexpected message from Quinn, who was far away in Molomia. The message asked her t
Quinn turned her left cheek toward Thalia, revealing two red marks. However, that was not the main issue. What did it mean that the woman was the daughter of a big shot?"Are you saying you got involved with the local mob?" Thalia asked."How should I know?! If she had just slapped me and left it at that, it would've been one thing, but... She said she'd have her dad's guys deal with me. Thalia, what should I do? I'm terrified. What if you come back and I'm gone forever?" she sobs.Thalia, feeling even more irritated after Quinn's explanation, said, "Stop crying for a moment. Did that guy tell you he was single when you met him?"Quinn hesitated to answer, "I think he did. I was pretty drunk at the time. You know me; I don't pay attention to others once I'm inebriated."Thalia felt her temples pulsating. "I warned you countless times not to get drunk outside, but you never listened. Look what happened. You didn't even know if that guy was single or not, and you went out and messed
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