Sherman picked up the remote control and turned off the TV. He was watching the live broadcast of the Golden Feather Awards ceremony and saw Melody win the Best Newcomer Actress award, which made him happy for her.However, seeing Lucas beside her made him feel a sense of regret and disappointment. Quickly, that regret and disappointment transformed into a restless feeling. He turned off the TV, believing that out of sight, out of mind.He admitted to himself that he really liked Melody because she perfectly matched his criteria for a partner in terms of both looks and personality. Most importantly, Melody bore a resemblance to the girl he had harbored feelings for many years, Claire Bourne.Sometimes, thoughts really could become reality.Sherman had just opened a bottle of red wine, intending to drown his sorrows alone when his assistant's call came through.After answering the phone, he said in a subdued tone, "Whatever the matter is, let's talk about it tomorrow."He was abou
"But I—I…" Rita stuttered. She was so angry that her mind went blank. "Clearly, it was you who lacked manners first by taking my seat and then blaming me! If I lacked manners, why would I buy front-row tickets? I did my research before coming here, okay? Unlike you, who thinks yourself civilized just because you're wearing those glasses. You're no better than a brute!"As the lights dimmed throughout the venue, Sherman knew it was entering the countdown phase. He no longer wanted to resume bickering with the annoying woman beside him."Miss, I don't know how you came to believe this was your seat, but maybe you should check your ticket again," said Sherman.There was no way it was his mistake since Claire had reserved that seat for him."Why you! I've double-checked multiple times. It's you who made the mistake. You're sitting in 008, right?"The number held a special significance between Sherman and Claire, and the repeated mention of it by this woman made him furious.He stood
As Rita observed Sherman's focused expression, she could not help but wonder if his interest was genuine. The fact that this man claimed the seat was reserved for him by Claire raised some doubts in her mind.'Are they in a romantic relationship?'The thought surprised Rita. It was not entirely implausible. The fact that he was able to get Claire to reserve a seat for him hinted at his significance. What luck, she had stumbled upon such a big story!Her colleagues would surely be in awe of her if she were to bring this news back. It was totally a headline-worthy scoop!With a plan forming in her mind, Rita decided to start with this man beside her. Perhaps he could serve as a breakthrough point.As the music started, Claire gracefully glided onto the stage from the left side like a graceful swan. Even Rita could not resist holding her breath, overwhelmed by the visual impact Claire's performance had on her, which surpassed anything she had seen in online videos."Oh, my..." she e
Sherman was seated next to Rita, so she noticed that he had left after the curtain call. When the lights came back on, Rita once again confirmed the seat number on her ticket and compared it to the one Sherman had occupied."Hmph, and he had the gall to say I got the wrong seat. Ooh, I'm going to catch him, or my name isn't Rita Russell! Now I have both eyewitness and physical evidence. Let's see how he tries to argue his way out of this."After gathering her evidence, she followed him.Rita found the staff she had asked to convey a message earlier and looked at him expectantly.The pressure was on for him. He did not want to disappoint such a beautiful reporter, but Claire had a temper and was unwilling to accept interviews from anyone, whether it was from New Capital Times or elsewhere."Sorry, Rita. Miss Claire doesn't really like doing interviews, so...""Could you please help me arrange a meeting with her? I represent New Capital Times! Just one meeting, and maybe after that
"These photos are indeed impressive. Might I know if you're looking for another job? If you do, why not come work for our studio? Our studio could use a photographer like you who understands both photography and dance," said Serena.Rita gave a faint smile. Serena sure knew what she was doing. She did not give a definite answer about letting Rita interview Claire but instead offered her a photographer position at their studio.'Do they really see me as just another reporter from those gossip magazines?' wondered Rita."Sorry, but I've signed a long-term contract with New Capital Times. Miss Serena, you should be aware of the weight our newspaper carries. An interview with Claire would be a win-win situation. It would not only elevate her reputation domestically but also help the public understand her better. Why wouldn't you seize such an opportunity? You should also know that our newspaper doesn't interview just anyone."Reporters from New Capital Times all had a sense of pride, a
Rita was sure her colleagues would prefer her to return in defeat. In fact, it would be better if they were to never see her face again. Those old fogies were probably hoping for her to embarrass herself!As Rita approached Claire's dressing room, she could hear voices from inside. Claire's sweet voice sounded so different from her crisp movements on stage. However, it was understandable she would act so adorably around her boyfriend."Rita, please wait here for a moment while I go in and inform Miss Claire," Serena said.Rita nodded, her arms crossed confidently, piquing Serena's interest.After all, if Claire was difficult to deal with even for her as an agent, how was somebody as young as Rita going to persuade her otherwise?However, since Rita only requested to meet Claire, Serena decided to play along. At least this way, it would be impossible for New Capital Times to criticize them."Miss Claire, a reporter from New Capital Times would like to have a quick word with you. I
"Stop talking nonsense! You were clearly in the wrong for stealing my seat! Sir, do you think you have the right to slander me like this just because you're friends with Miss Claire? I'm sure she'll be very shocked once she knows just what kind of person you really are!"As they continued to argue, Serena quickly closed the door."What happened? It's best to clear up any misunderstanding as soon as possible," she said.Seeing the two of them acting like sworn enemies, Claire became even more displeased with the pushy Rita."Miss Rita, I think I've made it quite clear to you through the staff that I won't accept any interviews from any newspaper, not even from you. And especially not when there's a conflict between you and my friend!""Do you really not want to become famous, Miss Claire? After returning home from your studies, you shouldn't confine yourself to the stage of this theater. You belong on a larger stage, and your audience isn't just these mere two thousand people. If y
"Miss Rita, you've misunderstood me. I didn't mean to imply you intentionally bought scalped tickets. Perhaps your friend was unintentionally deceived by scalpers, too? As for the interview you mentioned, I'll reconsider it and give you a response within twenty-four hours. If there's nothing else, please leave my dressing room. I need to rest," said Claire.Rita was thus escorted out of the dressing room. Even as she was pushed out of the door, she still wore a bewildered expression."What? I didn't even get a chance to explain myself, but they just assumed it was all my fault!"Rita stomped in frustration. What rotten luck! She had spent a fortune buying the ticket, only to be accused of purchasing a scalped one by those two. What was even more frustrating was that she did not even get the chance to defend herself. Claire just pushed her out of the dressing room, leaving her feeling utterly aggrieved.As Rita left the room, Sherman's gaze remained fixed on her.Claire only notice
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