Sadie then added, "Can't you see that things are still awkward between them?""I didn't notice that at all. All I see is how much they like each other," Karen responded helplessly."You don't have to lie. I know they don't have feelings for each other. If Rita can do it, then why can't I?"Karen sighed. "You're my daughter. I believe that you deserve the best, but you should at least look at the situation. What you said at the dinner table was inappropriate. You were already asking Sherman to visit more often when your father hadn't even said anything yet! If anyone finds out, you'll have a hard time finding a husband!""But I already found the man I want to marry. I want Sherman! You've been living the easy life for far too long, Mom. You've forgotten all those struggles we had to go through. Marrying Sherman would put Rita beneath me forever, and you'll finally be able to vent out that pent-up frustration."Despite Karen's attempts to reason with her, Sadie remained fixated on S
"I don't approve of your father's actions, but I'm still thankful to him," said Sherman.Rita's ears perked up. "What for? I thought his attitude doesn't sit well with you."She did not understand what Sherman meant. If she were in his shoes, she would have been irritated if someone demanded money from her every day. Sherman, however, could still bring himself to smile in spite of all that. Perhaps such a quality was what made him a good company president."I'm grateful that he insisted on letting you marry me," Sherman replied.Rita fell silent. Her face turned red, and her heart was pounding. She did not dare to entertain the meaning behind Sherman's words, and she immediately looked away when she saw Sherman gazing at her."You... You need to stop saying things like that. I'll repay the money my father borrowed from you. You don't need to resort to your tricks...""What sort of tricks do you mean?" Sherman teased as he looked at Rita's flushed face and reddened ears."Like yo
"What's wrong? Don't you like this design? I can have the designer start over if you don't."Rita shook her head quickly. "It's not that I don't like it; it's just that this place is too good. I love every detail of the design, I really do, but...""But what?" Sherman asked anxiously. He had put his heart and soul into this, just to make sure Rita would be pleasantly surprised when she moved in. All this was so she could feel comfortable living there."I love it, but this isn't mine."Sherman could see the disappointment in Rita's gaze. She was clearly pretending to be strong by saying those words, and that baffled Sherman."We're husband and wife. This is our shared home, so why do you say this isn't yours?""It's yours, Sherman, not mine. I know you married me out of obligation, and once the dust settles, I'm willing to divorce you. You don't have to act a certain way when we're with my dad. This place will eventually welcome its true owner."Sherman's expression changed, whil
"So yea, I think this kind of girl is especially suitable for you—""But I don't like that kind of girl.""What? It's okay if you don't like her at first. You can take some time to nurture your feelings toward her. Just like when I first met you—""When you first me? You mean, you didn't like me at first?"Rita thought of how they had accidentally met and could not help but laugh. "You were like a block of ice. Who'd like that? Don't be too full of yourself.""Well, what about now? Do you like me now?" Sherman did not give Rita a chance to evade. He held her shoulder and pulled her closer.The two of them stared at each other, and Rita could not bear to look away. After all, she would not have the chance to be that close to him again after they parted ways."Tell me the truth, do you like me?"Rita tried to change the subject. What else was there to say between them? Did it matter whether she liked him or not? Apart from caring about herself, she cared even less about other peo
Why else would Sherman repeatedly bring Rita back to visit his family? His family was the most important thing in his life, and the public had no idea he was the scion of the Parr family. It was evident how much Sherman valued Rita whenever he brought her to attend family gatherings.Unfortunately, Rita was too deep in her confusion to see that. She assumed Sherman only did that to show his family a loving relationship, even if it was fake."You might just be caught up in the moment, which is why you think you like me, but it's not real. When you calm down, you won't feel that way about me anymore. After all, what is there to like about someone like me? I'll only bring you trouble. Sherman, please don't ask me such questions anymore. I can't give you an answer."Rita knew how hurtful her words were, but she had no choice. She could not ruin him with her selfishness. He was such a promising company president.Her? The difference between them was too vast."I refuse to believe you h
Sadie frowned at Esmond, who looked like a rough old man, with dissatisfaction. "You're my dad? You were the one who used to beat and scold my mom after I was born?" She smiled disdainfully.Esmond did not refute her accusation."My temper wasn't the greatest back then. I was young and didn't have a job, so I vented my frustrations on your mom. That was my fault. But I've changed, Sadie. Now, come and let me take a look at you. I haven't seen you since you were eight years old. Your mom has hidden you well all these years. She's really heartless to not even contact me once."Sadie felt deeply grateful to her mother. She would not have been able to live a peaceful life at the Russells' place all these years if her mother had not cut contact with her ex-husband. Nonetheless, she came to find Esmond that day because she needed her help."Couldn't you have found us instead? Though, it's understandable that you didn't come to find us. I've been living happily with my dad all these years
"And that Sherman, too! He came with her to cause trouble at my place. What's the company president of the prestigious Parr Group doing, coming here to make a scene?"Seeing Esmond's disdain for Rita and Sherman, Sadie nodded in satisfaction."Is this woman bullying you and your mother? Your mother wanted me to get rid of Rita too when she called last time, but I missed my chance because of Sherman."Sadie looked at Esmond resentfully. "How could you let her slip away when she's already in your territory? I really don't understand. You've been living the thug life for so many years, so you should have a lot of people under you, right?"Esmond scratched his head. "It's true that she was in my territory, but I also have to be wary of Sherman. You don't know how powerful he is now. He controls our economic lifeline. If something goes wrong, all the men working under me could lose everything. After all these years, I have to think about them too, right? But now, it would be much easier
'She pretends to be innocent and clueless in front of men, but behind their backs, she secretly plays dirty tricks,' thought Sadie.She hated Rita's pathetic expression the most, especially when men fell for her act.'Didn't you say you're a righteous reporter? Well then, I'll just have to get rid of you since you're so fond of trying to win men's hearts,' thought Sadie maliciously.The thought of Rita in a sorry state made her smile from the depths of her heart."Alright, don't contact me while you're getting ready to carry out the plan. Whenever you're ready, just find a random phone booth to call me. Do you understand?" Sadie ordered, ready to leave.Esmond followed behind her for a few steps. "Sadie, when can I see you again?"She clicked her tongue impatiently. "I said don't contact me unless it's urgent or unless I reach out to you first. You should know I'm still living in the Russell family's estate. If you don't want to cause trouble for me and Mom, you'd better behave a