All Chapters of Side Chick Era… Over: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Carter's grip was fierce. A sharp, searing pain shot up Sharon's wrist, but she swallowed it down and raised her eyes to meet his. Her voice came out cold and even. "I heard you. So what?"Nate didn't catch her tone. He shouted, "So what? Of course it means you apologize to Kelly!"Julliard sighed quietly.If Sharon intended to apologize, she wouldn't have asked then what? She was making it perfectly clear—she heard Carter's demand but had no intention of complying.Carter's eyes locked on her face."This is the last time I'll say it. Apologize to Kelly."Sharon looked up at him. "Carter, do you realize the sentence you've said to me more than anything else is: 'Apologize to Kelly'? If you're not tired of it yet, I am. If you and Kelly like hearing apologies that much, should I just hire a few people to follow you around and apologize all day long?"Nate exploded. "Sharon, you screw up and still think you don't owe anyone anything? Have you no shame?"Sharon's tone didn't chan

As they waited, Sharon and the man who had taken her hostage began to talk—about family, about children, about marriage.He told her he used to have a good life. A gentle wife, a clever daughter. A home filled with warmth. He'd only wanted to give them something better. So he took a risk—invested in a project that promised a good return—and ended up losing everything. Swindled, broken, ruined."I know," he said miserably, "even if I pay the debt, I'll still end up behind bars. But I don't want my family to be chased by creditors. They deserve a quiet life."His words left a strange feeling in her heart.Outside, the police shouted, negotiators trying to keep things from slipping out of control. But the man, once on edge, was now calmer. His hands had stopped shaking."So, rich people's lives aren't so great either," he said with a bitter laugh. "If it hadn't been me today, you'd probably be dead by now. I lost money. You, on the other hand, might've lost your life."He glanced at

Meanwhile, in the private room, Nate was gesturing wildly as he rambled off to Julliard and Kelly."I knew it! She had time to sneak off with some random dude, but not enough to make the medicinal soup for you. Kelly, just wait—Carter's not going to let that housewife off easy."Kelly opened her mouth to respond, but the door creaked open before she could say a word.Carter stepped in, his face unreadable as always. He rarely showed his emotions—whether happy or angry, you could never tell just by looking at him. But for some reason, Kelly sensed something different today. Something colder than usual.Softly, she asked, "Carter, has Sharon calmed down? She must've gone back to take care of Theo, right?"Carter's lips pressed into a firm line. "No."Kelly's eyes widened. "She didn't even go back for Theo?"Biting her lower lip, she hesitated, then seemed to make up her mind. "Carter, maybe I should go and apologize to her? Theo's still so young. He needs his mother. No matter how

The man stepped into the room. He was tall and lean, his frame sharp like something carved from marble. His features were almost unnaturally handsome, sculpted with a precision that bordered on surreal. His eyes glinted with an almost hypnotic light, carrying a kind of dangerous charm. Even the tilt of his brow hinted at mischief, his whole presence exuding a quiet and irreverent arrogance."Matty Cooper," he said, voice low and magnetic. "You're being naughty again."At the sound of his voice, the boy flinched ever so slightly and instinctively leaned deeper into Sharon's arms.Sensing the unease, Sharon shifted subtly, placing herself between the boy and the man. Her tone was calm but firm. "Excuse me, who are you to this child?"Only then did the man seem to really look at her. One elegant brow arched."Who am I?" His lips curled into a languid, half-smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm his father, of course."Sharon studied him, not bothering to mask her doubt.

Xavier pulled his gaze back, his voice quiet. "No. I just didn't expect you to care so much about Matty."Sharon offered a faint smile. "I imagine if you offered anyone else a hundred and fifty thousand a month to take care of him, they'd put in the effort."Wendy chimed in from the side, her eyes gleaming. "Exactly. Forget a hundred and fifty thousand—if you offered me fifteen thousand, I'd treat Matty like royalty."Xavier let out a soft laugh, the corners of his eyes crinkling. His peach-blossom eyes shimmered with quiet amusement."All right then. I'll have someone send you all of Matty's information shortly. Before I go, there are a few things I'd like to tell him," he said, glancing at Matty.Catching the cue, Sharon nodded. "I'll wait downstairs with Wendy."She left the room with Wendy, gently pulling the door closed behind her.As soon as she was gone, Xavier raised an eyebrow. "You're sure it's her?"Gone was Matty's lethargy. He straightened up. "Yeah. It's her. I wan