The unconscious Rita, on the other hand, was unaware of what her father had done, which left her unable to face Sherman for quite some time.Meanwhile, Sherman, who had left the hotel but was still concerned about Rita, had no idea that Vince—whom he had no regard for—would try to match him with Rita. Without Vince's interference, Sherman might have developed feelings for Rita.With Vince's involvement, their relationship did not even have a chance to begin normally. He detested being trapped in a marriage controlled by others and despised being manipulated like this.Rita woke up bewildered, not knowing where she was but aware that something had happened. As she moved her fingers slightly, Vince, who had been by her side all along, woke up as well. Although he temporarily trusted Karen, he still insisted on staying by Rita's bedside. He told Sadie to take Karen home."Rita, you're finally awake. You nearly scared me to death," said Vince, wiping his face and immediately ringing th

Vince smiled and ruffled Rita's hair. "It's nothing. I used to stay up for several nights in a row when I was young. Tonight, I must stay by your side."When Rita was younger, her father and mother would always be there for her when she was sick. Over the years, Vince had maintained this habit. Whenever she felt unwell, he would stay by Rita's side.Rita could not help but tear up at the thought of these memories, and she feebly called out, "Dad…"Even though she was safe, she was still scared. The only reason she tried to convince him to go back was because she cared for him. Deep down, she wanted him to stay. The sense of security her father brought was something no one else could provide.Vince simply tucked Rita's messy hair behind her ear. "You're alright, my dear. I'll always be by your side."As Vince expected, Rita woke up startled in the middle of the night. She subconsciously called out for her father, prompting him to rush in from the next room as if he had stayed awake

Vince helped Rita sit up. "Donna knows what you like to eat the best. She would've rushed over here in tears if I hadn't told her you need some quiet to recover."At the mention of Donna, Rita smiled. "Please tell her that I'm feeling better. I don't want her to worry."At that moment, Karen tactfully suggested that Rita move back home.Rita quietly nibbled on the pastry, appreciating the familiar taste of Donna's cooking.Vince did not immediately speak up, so Karen continued, "Rita has been through so much, and her body is still weak. How can she take care of herself? It's better for her to move back home where we can all take care of her. Plus, she'll recover faster if she gets to eat what she likes. Right, Vince?"Vince nodded but did not decide for Rita. "Sweetheart, would you like to move back home? If you don't want to, I can have Donna bring a few people to take care of you at your place for a while."Rita looked at Karen, who was definitely scheming something. Suddenly,

"Huh, you sound like you're doing much better."Sherman's exhaustion disappeared completely as soon as he heard Rita's voice. He leaned back into his office chair. Even though he knew Rita would be safe with her father, Sherman had been on edge until he heard her voice.At that moment, his heart felt much lighter."Yeah, I'm much better now but still a bit weak. The doctor wants me to stay in the hospital for a few more days. I'll be moving back home after I get discharged," Rita reported casually as if chatting with an old friend.Sherman's eyes suddenly snapped wide open. "Back home? To that home? Are you going to live with Karen and Sadie?" he asked.As soon as Rita heard his reaction, she knew that the events of that day were likely connected to that mother-daughter duo."So, this incident had something to do with Karen?" asked Rita.Sherman became puzzled. "Didn't your father tell you about it? I told him everything and reminded him to tell you when you wake up.""Huh." Ri

Sherman felt even more disgusted when he saw Rita's eyes widen as she continued to emphasize that he did not need to pay for the meal."Did you and your father plan this, with one playing good cop and the other playing bad cop? You can drop your act now. If it weren't for your tacit approval, how could he have made such a demand? I didn't want to come to this dinner, but after what your family did, I couldn't help but ask you about it. Or did you get close to me with impure intentions from the beginning?"Rita could no longer afford to keep her smile. She felt as if she were pinned to the spot by a pillar of shame. She did not even understand what Sherman was talking about, but she understood it had something to do with her family.Her only true family member was her father."If my family did something that you find unacceptable, I don't know what they did, but if that's the case, let me apologize to you first, okay? Can you please stop speaking so harshly to me?" Rita pleaded.Sh