Gabriella sat in the living room, eating nuts and watching television.When she caught the fragrant smell of food, she found herself drawn toward the kitchen as she went inside to take a look.She watched as Samantha busied herself in front of a stove while wearing an apron. She looked like such a virtuous homemaker. Gabriella kept thinking about how her home would be filled with warmth if Matthew married Samantha. Lucy was nothing like that.Matthew had argued with Gabriella quite a number of times over Lucy. She did not like Lucy at all and wanted her to cut ties with the Leons.Lucy’s existence was nothing but a burden while the Shelbys were a family that was able to solidify Leon Corporation as the top company for a long time. No one would ever dare challenge their position at the top.“It’s been hard on you, Samantha.”This could be just a casual remark from Gabriella, but to Samantha, it sounded like she was completely on Samantha’s side.There were two pieces of hot steak
It was a relief that Lucy was nowhere seen in the office.Gabriella was planning to use an indirect tactic. After all, Matthew was her only son. She did not want him to suffer too much and make him do anything he did not like. All she could do was coerce him step by step.“It’s already past 12, Matthew. Aren’t you going for lunch?”Matthew did not even look up when he knew both of them were there. He buried himself in work and refused to be disturbed.Gabriella kept on talking until Matthew was forced to look away from his documents and at his mother.He knew what his mother was planning by bringing Samantha with her. However, he had no idea what to say when he saw the aggrieved look on Samantha’s face.This woman was from an influential family. She looked elegant and bright on the outside, so why was she always underhanded in her ways? She was always snitching behind his back and talking badly about Lucy to his mother. It was difficult for him as he did not want to hurt his moth
Matthew was clearly annoyed with them. Gabriella and Samantha both threw him looks of disdain over this.Why was Matthew so happy when that woman arrived? When it came to them, he looked at them like they were bad luck and could not wait to get them out of there.Gabriella blocked Matthew’s way. “What are you doing, Matthew?”Matthew frowned subtly. “I’m going to open the door, Mom. Lulu is here.”“You’re not allowed to do that!”Gabriella’s voice was loud and clear. Almost the entire office could hear her. Lucy was about to turn the handle when she heard the argument inside and paused her action.Even Kent, who was about to open the door, stopped moving. He looked awkwardly at Lucy and said, “Mrs. Leon… I think Mr. Leon’s mother is here. They must be discussing something inside. Why don't you wait for Mr. Leon in my office?”Lucy looked troubled about this. She stood in front of the office door for quite a while. She heard another bout of arguments and berating.“Just look at
Matthew had made his choice.Lucy was the only person he wanted to grow old with and live the rest of his life with.When Gabriella and Samantha refused to leave, Matthew decided to calm down and explain to them seriously, “You should understand better than I do why I decided to stay back in Charleston.”Gabriella knew the reason very well. Matthew had moved part of Leon Corporation’s headquarters over to Charleston in order to avoid her.It was his demonstration to her and to stop Gabriella from doing anything that crossed the line. If he continued this line of tactics, he might eventually move the entire company to Charleston to prevent Gabriella from restricting his actions.Gabriella knew that her son refused to listen to anything she had to say, so she directed her attack to Lucy.“How could you allow something like this to happen? Matthew is my son, but he’s siding with you instead.”Since Lucy’s appearance, Gabriella had never liked her. Gabriella had never been fond of L
Samantha and Gabriella left in great embarrassment. Lucy could not help feeling a little remorse. It was not because of what she said to Gabriella and Samantha but because of Matthew.Lucy wanted to grow old with Matthew, but at the same time, she did not want Matthew to destroy his relationship with his family and constantly argue with them over her.If there were any problems between them, it was best to resolve them immediately. Otherwise, the problem would only grow bigger and bigger. In the end, nothing they did could salvage it because it would be too much to deal with by then.Matthew had no idea what Lucy was thinking about. All he knew was that he was feeling very happy over what Lucy said. It was no wonder that he fell in love with her at first sight.“What are you smiling about?”Matthew smiled and said nothing.Lucy had already eaten before she came over. She rejected Matthew’s invitation to have lunch together.Matthew did not feel upset about it. He grabbed the cut
Lucy's insecurities disappeared after Matthew made the promise to her.It was not because she did not trust Matthew; it was because she knew that there would always be challenges in a relationship. Even if two people were very in love with each other, they would need courage and patience to face everything that came at them.As long as Matthew did not give up, Lucy would never let go of his hand either.Matthew’s promise to her was also Lucy’s promise to him.Lucy decided to return to Charleston and visit the palace. It had been a long time since she had gone home. She had separated from her loved ones for so many years and her parents’ love was something she always desired. Even though someone would always stir trouble for her whenever she returned, it did not deter her at all.The Charleston palace was just as grand as ever. Even though it was slightly less grand than the buildings owned by Leon Corporation, the expensive materials and European architecture as well as its vari
Lucy almost threw up the water she was drinking.Theodore had always been authoritative and stern in public, but whenever he faced Lucy, there was a child-like side to him. Lucy often did not know how to react when he was that way.“Don’t worry, Theodore. I’ll make sure to keep my promise. I’ll make sure to visit often. This is my home, after all! All my loved ones are here.”The atmosphere between them was warm and loving, and the maids could not bear to interrupt them.However, someone dropped by to spoil that atmosphere.Charlotte appeared in front of them while holding on to her heavy skirt.She had been having a good time eating and playing around upstairs in the palace when she found out from her maid that Lucy was back and spending a nice time with Theodore. Charlotte could not take it and she decided to see Lucy as well.Charlotte felt pressured even when Lucy was not around.Her parents would always mention her during conversation and even Theodore was the same.This
Every time Lucy came back, she acted like she owned the place. Even the maids treated her like royalty, which really annoyed Charlotte. Lucy knew Charlotte was just looking for trouble, so she tried to get Theodore out of the way. She did not want her brother caught up in their fight."Theodore, could you go upstairs for a bit? I'll come look for you in a little while, okay?"Lucy's voice was so soft and kind. It made Theodore's worries melt away. With a smile, Theodore headed upstairs without a backward glance. Charlotte's hand, which was hidden in her sleeve, clenched into a fist. Lucy somehow had everyone in the palace eating out of her hand. If Charlotte did not put her in her place soon, things were going to get even tougher for her.Right then, Lucy said, "Charlotte, you look really nice today."She meant it. She was telling Charlotte that her outfit was fancy and elegant. The dress looked expensive, and Charlotte would have been the star of any fancy dance wearing it.