Simona felt a twinge of concern for Rita because she knew Sherman was the kind of person who would not commit such misdeeds."Okay, that's enough. Please stop worrying about this. I promise I'll have it resolved within two days. This is the time for you to enjoy your retirement. I've said time and again not to worry so much about me, especially when it comes to relationship matters," Sherman said to them.Chelsea grumbled, "We wouldn't be so worried if you had a girlfriend by now. Now you ended up being set up, and I can't imagine how indecent she must be to act this way."Sherman frowned and retorted instinctively, "That's out of character for her. She's nothing like her father, and I'm quite sure that she doesn't have a single clue about what her father has done."It was the first time Sherman had spoken up for someone else. The elders exchanged secretive glances, believing that there was a chance for Sherman to finally get a partner."If you truly have feelings for her, perhaps
"She didn't return the courtesy I showed to her," Sherman lamented. "I believed her because I knew her character through our interactions together, but I now doubt her because there were certain things that I told her and her alone. Please take good care of Grandpa and Grandma. You don't have to worry about the rest."As she listened to her son's icy tone, Simona realized that there was no turning back anymore. Whatever affection they might have shared before would have been nipped right in the bud. The Parrs had been waiting for ages to know what sort of partner Sherman would end up with, yet none of them could have anticipated that his marriage would be a rushed one.Simona sighed and could only wish the best for Sherman. As concerned as Sherman's elders were about him, it was not up to them to dictate what sort of life Sherman was supposed to live. He was already an adult, and he was capable of navigating his decisions and understanding their consequences. The sole issue that nigg
Karen had long known about Vince's callousness, but his words cut deeper than she expected. She felt as if she held no significance as a person, and all that mattered to him was the fetus in her womb."Don't you care about anything else other than your son? How could you be so selfish? Did you consider Rita's feelings when you visited Sherman on an impulse? They were friends, but your actions will only make the situation awkward for them. How could you expect her to face Sherman again?" Karen's retort was rooted in some logic.Vince fell silent for a moment before responding, "Everything I do is for the good of the family. Rita is older now, and I trust she'll be able to understand her father's decisions. Even if she disagrees with it on a personal level, she'd still be able to see the bigger picture and see it as a means of salvaging her reputation." Vince paused for a moment."What's done is done, and even the strength of our business won't be enough to silence the rumors. And do
Karen's impatience did not sit well with Sadie."Do you think the people in our circle are stupid? They know that I'm not his daughter, and he's not even my real father! I don't even know who my real father is," Sadie retorted sarcastically, leaving Karen feeling awkward."You're getting bolder as you grow older. This is no way to talk to your mother! Do you think it was easy for me to marry Vince? You say you like Sherman and you insist on marrying him, but have you ever considered that you never even had the Russell surname before this? What do you have that will make you a good fit for them?"I've given my all to help you, but what have you done? Have you made any effort? All you do is blame me, and you never even consider the challenges I face. Rita is only marrying him because of some unfortunate circumstance—""Some unfortunate circumstance? That's a nice way to put it. That was nothing more than Vince blackmailing Sherman! What a disgrace!" Sadie interrupted.Karen's frustr
Karen added, "And another thing—don't mention that I'm your mother if you end up in any trouble. You will face the consequences yourself."Sadie then slammed the door in anger as she left.Karen settled onto the sofa and patted her chest to calm her emotions. Never had they exchanged such harsh words despite quarreling numerous times over the years. Hearing Sadie berate her for being unable to offer anything left her feeling genuinely disheartened.Karen was aware that she had a disadvantaged background, but she did not let that put her down and strived relentlessly to elevate their status. Having the Russell surname was proof of her unyielding effort, and she regretted that Sadie was so blinded by love that the sacrifices Karen made over the years went unacknowledged simply because Sherman was all she could think of. Sadie seemed to have focused on what Karen had failed to provide, rather than what Karen had succeeded in securing for her.Rita had not yet returned home, but Sadie
"Watch your words. Who are you calling a mistress' daughter? My mother brought me into this marriage after your mom died!" Sadie retorted sharply.Rita could never stand it when Sadie mentioned her mother's death so frivolously. It was a topic too painful to be treated lightly. Her expression hardened quickly, and she said, "You of all people should know what sort of character your mother has. Mine passed away due to illness, but yours isn't as upright as you think. Just because I was young when you two came into my life doesn't mean I'm clueless about what's happening. I know much more than you think, so stop trying to put on an act."She then said, trailing off, "You know, Sadie…"Rita began to approach Sadie, prompting Sadie to instinctively retreat a couple of steps. The contrast in their heights became more pronounced as they drew nearer. Rita inherited her mother's height and graceful figure, but Sadie took after her father's shorter stature which she compensated by paying mor
"I will strip Rita of everything I hold dear. Then she'll finally wipe that smug, condescending smirk off her face for good!" Sadie vowed silently as she left Rita's residence.Instead of heading home, Sadie made a beeline for the Parrs' residence with her face still bearing the marks of Rita's slap. She wanted to talk to Sherman.Meanwhile, Sherman had yet to return home after informing his parents of his decision. Simona was troubled by her son's decision and had come to the company to talk to him. They were already together in his office."I've been thinking, and I realize I've been too harsh on you. Perhaps we should discuss this with the family..." Simona began, feeling uneasy about the situation. Marriage was a serious matter, and she did not want her son to rush into it. Pushing the girl seemed like a rather unnecessary decision.However, Sherman remained indifferent. "If their family is so eager to marry into ours, then go ahead and let them do so. Whatever happens after th
"Oh, dear..." Simona exclaimed, noticing the slap mark on Sadie's face. "What happened to you? Did someone slap you? Why haven't you tended to yourself?"Simona hated seeing someone else injured, and it was in her instinct to reach out and check Sadie's face. Sadie, however, was unaware of Simona's true identity and recoiled impatiently."Don't touch me," Sadie snapped.Sherman then stopped Simona and said, "You should head home and rest, Mom. Don't worry so much over this whole thing."Upon learning of Simona's identity, Sadie's demeanor changed, and her eyes lit up. She greeted her amiably. "Hi there, Auntie. I'm glad I came here while you're still around. There are some things I wish to discuss with Sherman today."Simona became curious. "And what might that be?" The sense of familiarity that Sadie seemed to show toward Sherman surprised her, as she had no idea her son had such a close acquaintance.Meanwhile, Sherman felt uneasy with how casually Sadie addressed him by his na