Sherman felt even more disgusted when he saw Rita's eyes widen as she continued to emphasize that he did not need to pay for the meal."Did you and your father plan this, with one playing good cop and the other playing bad cop? You can drop your act now. If it weren't for your tacit approval, how could he have made such a demand? I didn't want to come to this dinner, but after what your family did, I couldn't help but ask you about it. Or did you get close to me with impure intentions from the beginning?"Rita could no longer afford to keep her smile. She felt as if she were pinned to the spot by a pillar of shame. She did not even understand what Sherman was talking about, but she understood it had something to do with her family.Her only true family member was her father."If my family did something that you find unacceptable, I don't know what they did, but if that's the case, let me apologize to you first, okay? Can you please stop speaking so harshly to me?" Rita pleaded.Sh
After saying what he wanted to say, Sherman got up and left, leaving Rita alone in her seat."What the hell is he talking about? When did I ever say I wanted to marry him? What happened while I was still in the hospital?' thought Rita, feeling as if she had been frozen to the spot.Rita quickly summoned the waiter, settled the bill, and hurried home.She had thought things through.They had been through a lot together. They had shared hardships, and their relationship had progressed further. She never expected him to fall in love with her, but she liked him and hoped he would pay more attention to her.However, she never expected this outcome. Her family had already blocked her path before she even had the chance to make Sherman like her."Dad, tell me honestly, did you go to see Mister Sherman? What did you do?" asked Rita.Vince was caught off-guard by Rita's question. He stammered, "What do you mean, see Mister Sherman? Do you really think he's someone I can just go see whene
"When you say 'responsibility', what is it that you're referring to?" Sherman asked. "I recall explaining everything in vivid detail to you back then, and I left only after I ensured Rita's safety. Why are you now presenting this surveillance footage to me and demanding I shoulder some form of responsibility?"He shrugged and stared at Vince, unable to fathom his intentions. "Did you even seek Rita's consent before coming to my place today?""No, of course not," Vince retorted, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I purposely refrained from doing so because I know she'll try to stop me. I'm sure you're aware of how much damage gossip can inflict upon a young woman. That is precisely why I am asking you to take responsibility. I believe she'd be a suitable match for you."Sherman could not help but be entertained by Vince's audacity. He lounged on the sofa and glanced at the shameless middle-aged man before him. "And what makes you believe that?"Though Sherman never intended to dispar
Naturally, Vince knew that the pivotal weakness of Sherman before him lay not in the company, but in the familial network backing him. That alone provided a glimpse into a facet that was completely different from his assertive demeanor in the business world."I'll have no other choice if you are uncooperative. I'm quite curious to know what your parents and grandparents would think if they learned of this?" Vince's tone carried a veiled threat.Sherman's expression changed abruptly. While he could endure any personal affront, he could not stand the thought of his family being involved in it. He did not expect Vince to have a means of contacting his family members whom he had endeavored to shield from the public eye for so long. Few in the business realm were privy to Sherman's family, much less his strong familial support."I've underestimated you," Sherman admitted. A faint smile barely masked his smoldering anger.Vince was determined to see that things went his way, so he could
"The young master has returned!" the servants exclaimed in surprise, dispelling the tense atmosphere in the room.However, on Sherman's return, Chelsea immediately told everyone to leave the room. Being well-trained servants, they did not ask for an explanation and withdrew silently, leaving Sherman and his family alone."You're frowning, Grandma. Is something the matter? I've been coming back home more frequently, haven't I?" Sherman remarked casually and settled right next to Chelsea.Simona, Sherman's mother, frowned deeply at his nonchalance. "What's with the attitude?"Sherman adjusted his tie and felt the weight of the day's work bearing down on him. The only time he could relax was when he was home. "What do you mean? Why is everyone so on edge?""Why shouldn't we be on edge? Someone is claiming you're involved in some romantic entanglement with their daughter and is demanding you take responsibility for her. Care to explain?" Frank asked in an angry tone."You don't need
Simona felt a twinge of concern for Rita because she knew Sherman was the kind of person who would not commit such misdeeds."Okay, that's enough. Please stop worrying about this. I promise I'll have it resolved within two days. This is the time for you to enjoy your retirement. I've said time and again not to worry so much about me, especially when it comes to relationship matters," Sherman said to them.Chelsea grumbled, "We wouldn't be so worried if you had a girlfriend by now. Now you ended up being set up, and I can't imagine how indecent she must be to act this way."Sherman frowned and retorted instinctively, "That's out of character for her. She's nothing like her father, and I'm quite sure that she doesn't have a single clue about what her father has done."It was the first time Sherman had spoken up for someone else. The elders exchanged secretive glances, believing that there was a chance for Sherman to finally get a partner."If you truly have feelings for her, perhaps
"She didn't return the courtesy I showed to her," Sherman lamented. "I believed her because I knew her character through our interactions together, but I now doubt her because there were certain things that I told her and her alone. Please take good care of Grandpa and Grandma. You don't have to worry about the rest."As she listened to her son's icy tone, Simona realized that there was no turning back anymore. Whatever affection they might have shared before would have been nipped right in the bud. The Parrs had been waiting for ages to know what sort of partner Sherman would end up with, yet none of them could have anticipated that his marriage would be a rushed one.Simona sighed and could only wish the best for Sherman. As concerned as Sherman's elders were about him, it was not up to them to dictate what sort of life Sherman was supposed to live. He was already an adult, and he was capable of navigating his decisions and understanding their consequences. The sole issue that nigg
Karen had long known about Vince's callousness, but his words cut deeper than she expected. She felt as if she held no significance as a person, and all that mattered to him was the fetus in her womb."Don't you care about anything else other than your son? How could you be so selfish? Did you consider Rita's feelings when you visited Sherman on an impulse? They were friends, but your actions will only make the situation awkward for them. How could you expect her to face Sherman again?" Karen's retort was rooted in some logic.Vince fell silent for a moment before responding, "Everything I do is for the good of the family. Rita is older now, and I trust she'll be able to understand her father's decisions. Even if she disagrees with it on a personal level, she'd still be able to see the bigger picture and see it as a means of salvaging her reputation." Vince paused for a moment."What's done is done, and even the strength of our business won't be enough to silence the rumors. And do
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