Karen stayed in the marriage and endured the abuse day in and day out for Sadie's sake. She did consider running away with her daughter, but she knew that once captured, she would be subjected to even harsher beatings. Thus, she lost the ability to fight back and no longer dared to escape.Karen never imagined Esmond's departure would be so abrupt at the time. It was as if he had an awakening and took all the cash from the house before leaving their world. At that time, Karen often wondered if Esmond had died somewhere. Otherwise, he would not have spared her and her daughter so easily.Then, she realized he was probably fighting for territory with other thugs on the streets.Karen felt contempt at the time. Esmond's life amounted to nothing more than earning money through force. She would never touch that kind of money. The last time she contacted him was because she could not think of any other way to deal with Rita, only for that brat to escape again.Esmond had called a few tim
After all, if Sherman and Rita were to have a baby, he would cherish them regardless of gender. He would spoil the baby like a princess if it were a girl, and if it were a son… Well, he would spoil him just the same.Sherman smiled wryly at the thought. As long as it was his and Rita's baby, he could not possibly not adore them.Rita, unaware of Sherman's thoughts about their future child's gender, was grumbling on her end. "I hate it here. If it weren't for getting evidence, I wouldn't have come back. I'm losing my appetite more and more in this house. Even Donna's cooking can't save it."Sherman naturally felt distressed to hear that. "Then why don't you hurry out? Do you want to sit at the dining table until the end of time?"Rita was surprised. "Are you saying you're here to pick me up already?"As she walked outside while holding her phone, she smiled when she saw the car parked at the door. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I wouldn't have stayed for lunch if you had told me
Sherman had memorized Rita's schedule. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Rita would visit her father. She persisted in visiting even though it was difficult to get more clues from Karen. Thus, Sherman chose to pick her up from her father's home to take her out for dinner or somewhere else, to cheer her up."Yes, I'm going back today. I'll text you after I finish eating," said Rita."Okay, but text me when you're about to finish eating. I'll come over immediately.""No. I'll be driving today, so just send me your location. I'll meet you there.""That works, too."They did not immediately hang up the phone after making their plans. Listening to each other's shallow breaths through the phone, Rita felt that she was one step closer to happiness. "I'm going to start driving now, so let's hang up, okay?"Sherman replied, "No, let's keep it this way. I won't bother you."Thus, Rita did not hang up the phone. While she was driving, they occasionally exchanged a few words. It was just
Sherman quickly scrolled through his phone and dialed Vince's number, which had been blocked.Vince was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper, which reported another world record broken by the Parr family. He was sour about it when Sherman suddenly called. He immediately sat up and answered the call happily."Hello, Sherman. To what do I owe this pleasure? Are you coming over with Rita to have dinner with us?"Sherman did not have time for pleasantries. "Rita is in trouble. Something happened on her way home!""What?" Vince exclaimed. "You must be joking, right? She's used this road countless times, so how could something happen? Maybe you just couldn't reach her because she had switched off her phone or it ran out of battery…"After the initial panic, Vince calmed down and sat back down on the sofa, trying to reassure both himself and Sherman on the phone. "Don't worry. We've traveled this road back and forth countless times, and there's also a security patrol, so I'm sure sh
Karen chuckled. "Sherman is probably joking. How could anything happen to Rita on her way home? Maybe she had an argument with him and didn't answer his calls, so he thought something happened."Vince, visibly impatient, replied, "Enough with the questions. Just wait at home. I told him the same thing when I called him, but he wouldn't believe me and even threatened me. I don't know if he even considers me as an elder!"Vince descended the stairs as he spoke, leaving Karen standing there with her arms crossed disdainfully.'Who in this family actually treats him as a real elder anyway? Doesn't he realize what an embarrassment he is by clinging to Sherman like a leech?'At times, Karen did not approve of Vince's behavior and would have scolded him already if it were not for the baby boy in her belly. However, it seemed like something bad really had happened since Sherman called Vince.Karen instinctively thought of Sadie. In case something unexpected happened, she needed her daught
'If he likes Rita that much, I might as well let her live. After all, we could benefit a lot from Sherman. But Sadie is right, too. She's alone now, so how could she even have the means to kidnap Rita? It seems I've been overthinking,' Karen comforted herself, hand on her chest.Meanwhile, Sadie's expression changed after hanging up the phone, and she briskly walked over to Esmond. "Mom called. You heard her, didn't you? She doesn't want anything to do with you. After you've settled the Rita problem, I'll find a way to arrange for you to meet with her, but for now, I have to go home."Esmond nodded. "I know I let you and your mom down before. Alright, sweetheart, you go home first. Daddy won't let you down with this matter, and I'll make sure it won't lead back to you."Sadie felt very unwilling when he referred to himself as her father, but she needed his help, so she had to bear with it for the time being.On the way back, Sadie's mood remained cheerful. She heard from Karen that
"Yes. So far, they haven't called or stated any ransom amount, but this is a very serious incident. My wife was taken on her way home, and I believe your officers understand what might happen next. Our only demand is to prevent the worst-case scenario. I want her back safe and sound, not a hair harmed."The lieutenant Sherman was talking to did not take the matter seriously, but upon realizing Sherman's identity, he immediately sat up straight. "I promise to ensure the safe return of your wife. We've mobilized a team to investigate and gather clues in the area."Sherman impatiently interrupted him, "Alright, handle it however you see fit. I just want her back safely."He hung up. Knowing he should not rely only on the police, he contacted the people who had some connection with the criminal world. He was not unfamiliar with unconventional methods, but some people were too arrogant, always thinking they could manipulate everything."Go find out if there's been any activity from Esmo
Vince had not expected to hear those words from Sherman's mouth. Genuinely incensed by his words, Vince spat in the direction Sherman had departed."Pah! Who does he think he is? How dare he speak to me like that! How could Rita have turned out so well if I had raised her like a stepdaughter? I provided her with everything she ever wanted ever since she was born. The fact that Sherman was able to marry her was all thanks to my pleading and insistence! And he still dares to say I don't care for her? What does he know about caring for her?"Vince paced angrily, his frustration mounting. 'Just who the heck did Sherman think he was? I'm his father-in-law, yet he looks down on me? If he's so high and mighty, then he might as well not marry my daughter! How can he accuse me of not worrying about Rita when she's in trouble? Of course I'm worried! He's making it sound like he's the only one who cares about Rita in the whole world. What's he playing at putting up such a loving act in front of
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