Chapter 10

Morgan's expression instantly darkened. "You weren't like this before. Is it really worth your time arguing with me over every little thing?"

In the past two years, Cherise had handled countless matters, big and small, without ever complaining or making a mistake. Even Heather, who had never liked Cherise, admitted that the latter gave her all when it came to doing anything for the Sterling family. She'd told Morgan not to push her too far.

Thinking of that night's dinner, Morgan pressed a hand to his forehead and suppressed his anger. "Eloise and I have been friends for years. We can't just cut ties because you're upset over nothing."

"It's none of my business what's going on between you two. All I ask is that you don't trouble me with anything that has to do with her," Cherise said coolly. She turned back to look in the mirror again, adjusting her dress.

She didn't really like it because of how tapered the waist was—she worried it would seem improper. However, when she looked at her reaction after slipping on her heels and doing her hair, she found the overall look was pretty nice.

Cherise didn't say a word from beginning to end, and she treated Morgan as if he were invisible as she adjusted her outfit.

Morgan's brows were furrowed as he watched her from where he stood. For some reason, he felt like she'd changed a lot. In hindsight, that failed trip to the airport seemed to have started it all.

Was this necessary? The trip had just been to collect some ashes. How could the dead be more important than those who were still alive?

He didn't think he'd done anything wrong by leaving Cherise to help Eloise.

"Cherise, I might have made a mistake first, but there's a limit to how long you can sulk." That sounded like a warning, which Morgan left behind as he walked out of the room to change.

After Philip had informed everyone of the family dinner, Heather had also called Morgan to tell him that this dinner was significant. She wanted him to be on his best behavior. If not for that, he wouldn't have come home to pick Cherise up.

…

Half an hour later, Morgan and Cherise got into the car.

She looked indifferent as she sat there, holding onto her clutch. She no longer had any desire to speak to him.

Halfway through the journey, the silence was shattered by the ringing of a phone. Cherise glanced at Morgan's phone to see the name "Eloise" flashing on the screen.

He seemed to feel a little awkward, and he pressed his lips together in a straight line. After a while, he still answered the call, keeping his voice down as he asked, "What's wrong?"

It was too quiet in the car, and Morgan and Cherise weren't seated far apart. Naturally, she heard the gentle voice on the other end of the line.

Eloise seemed to be saying that her dog wasn't too happy that day.

"I'm sorry, but I'll have to take a rain check on walking Jellybean today. I had a lot of fun last time, and I really like him."

Listening to Morgan say something like that made Cherise feel like it was jarringly out of place. He was always so busy, yet he had the time to walk someone else's dog. He even remembered the dog's name.

She didn't even notice that her lips had curved upward in a sneer.

As her thoughts drifted, she suddenly remembered something Philip had mentioned not too long ago. During an ordinary dinner, he'd lamented his old age and mentioned that he had many loose ends to tie up. He'd also said that he needed to start dealing with them in turn.

At the time, everyone had been quick to console him, and Cherise hadn't taken his words to heart.

But now that Morgan had made a trip home to pick her up so they could head to Sterling Manor together, she wondered whether…

She tightened her hold on her clutch, thinking about how shrewd and calculating Heather was. She couldn't think of any other reason for this act, aside from wanting to put on a show for Philip. A wave of disgust washed over her.

Then again, the thought of how she'd already left her divorce case in Lucien's hands made her feel vindicated. Days like these wouldn't last for much longer!

…

Upon arriving at Sterling Manor, Cherise got out of the car and headed straight toward the house. However, Morgan caught up with her and grabbed her hand. He gestured for her to put his arm in his.

She scoffed. "That's unnecessary. It won't be too late to put on an act once we're inside."

With that, she walked away without hesitation.

Morgan was taken aback. The odd feeling he'd gotten earlier surfaced again.

He thought about how she'd barely reacted when listening to him speak to Eloise on the phone earlier. Was she still the same Cherise he knew?

By the time he returned to his senses and followed Cherise in, Heather's shrill voice had already rang out in the living room. "You have no manners at all! Didn't you and Morgan come back together? How could you enter the house before him?"

"When have we ever had all these rules?" Cherise countered without batting an eye. "Next time, I'll wait for him to come in before I even set foot in here. How's that?"

Heather's face contorted in rage. "Cherise Rhode, you're being more obnoxious by the day!"

"What did I say wrong this time? What exactly do you mean, then?" Cherise couldn't be bothered to argue with her, but she also didn't want to have a falling out at this juncture. So, she played dumb.

In truth, she knew very well that Heather just wanted to snap at her to vent her frustrations over something that had upset her.

Morgan happened to hear what Cherise said as he approached. He frowned and snapped, "How dare you talk to Mom like that, Cherise!"

She'd been rude to Heather last time, and she'd even wanted to place her parents' ashes at home despite knowing it was bad luck.

Cherise backed away, putting distance between them and herself. She said, "Oh, I wouldn't dare."

Her response made Morgan feel like his attack had fallen flat. For some reason, it made him feel uncomfortable. He still remembered the aggrieved look she'd given him when he'd sided with Heather the last time they'd argued.

As his thoughts wandered, footsteps rang out in the distance.

Cherise looked up and hurried to Philip, putting her arm through his. "Philip."

He patted her arm, looking cheery as he smiled and said, "You're back so early, Cher."

He'd invited a bunch of people, and some had yet to arrive.

Before Cherise could say anything, Heather quickly said, "Philip, Morgan went home straight after work to pick Cherise up because he knew you'd called this family dinner. He wanted them to be here as early as possible."

Just like that, she'd helped Morgan take credit.

Cherise sneered inwardly. However, all she did was turn back to Philip and ask, "Would you like to have some tea, Philip? I brought you some nice ones…"

She helped him to the couch as she spoke.

Heather's eyes glinted before she shot Morgan a look. Cherise was already by Philip's side, so why wasn't Morgan joining them to flatter the old man?

Morgan was staring at his phone. Eloise had just sent him a few photos of herself and Jellybean.

"Morgan!" Heather hissed. She'd seen the photos on his screen after approaching him, and she sighed almost inaudibly. She lowered her voice and said, "I know you like Eloise. I want her as my daughter-in-law, too, but you need to get your priorities straight."

She nagged him a bit more, ultimately making him put his phone away, looking slightly displeased. "Got it. Don't worry—Grandpa may have high hopes for Cherise, but she's my wife. He won't be biased against me."

Despite his words, he couldn't deny that he felt uncertain deep down. Though the outside world thought he was the one who called the shots at Sterling Group, the truth was that Cherise contributed just as much. Philip was intelligent, so there was no way he'd missed that.

Morgan was worried.

Once all the guests had arrived, they took their seats at the dining table. No one dared to speak before Philip did.

Philip looked severe as he swept his gaze over everyone present. Then, he said, "The actual meal comes second tonight. As you're all aware, I have an important announcement to make. Tonight, I'll be dividing part of the family assets."