Lahat ng Kabanata ng Side Chick Era… Over: Kabanata 1221 - Kabanata 1230

Thomas liked dealing with intelligent people. With them, words didn't need to be spelled out.For some reason, Thomas thought of Kelly.Back then, when he'd offered to help her boost her votes and inflate her numbers, she'd been thrilled—believing he was doing it for her sake. In truth, he was digging a pit for her to fall into.He'd made the same suggestion to Sharon once, but she'd refused without a moment's hesitation. That, to him, said everything. She knew how to tell right from wrong.Thomas said, "The message Wendy passed along to us probably came from Lesley. I heard Jamie's been tearing through the manor lately, hunting for Wendy, but hasn't found a trace of her. Without Lesley's cover, she wouldn't have lasted this long."If Jamie hadn't seized power so suddenly, Lesley would have been next in line for family head. A man who could reach that position wasn't without his own cards to play.Sharon's expression grew complicated. "Wendy probably doesn't even realize she's be

With Liam's arrival, the heavy air in the room lifted almost immediately.Still, it was mostly Sharon and Liam doing the talking. Thomas said little, his head lowered over his phone, pretending disinterest in their conversation.Liam had been around Thomas long enough to notice when something was off. He could tell Thomas wasn't in a good mood. Quietly, he glanced at Sharon, but her expression remained composed—calm to the point of unreadability.The two chatted a little longer before Sharon's phone rang. She glanced at the screen, and her gaze sharpened slightly."Liam," she said, standing, "stay here and keep Thomas company for a bit. I need to take this call.""Of course," Liam said with an easy smile.Once outside the hospital room, Sharon answered the call."Sharon," came Xavier's deep, magnetic voice on the other end. "How have you been lately?"It had been some time since she'd last spoken to him. After moving his business to Marcentine, Xavier had focused on stabilizi

"But the rumors we released earlier," Sharon continued, "were only a smokescreen. Before long, they'll become the truth."Lesley had provided her with plenty of evidence—documents that clearly showed Jamie's history of backstabbing his allies. Once those were made public, even if Jamie wasn't guilty this time, no explanation would wash him clean. He'd have to swallow the blame in silence.Sharon was turning over her next steps when she suddenly realized Xavier was watching her with an unreadable expression.She blinked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"He smiled faintly. "You've changed a lot since I last saw you."It wasn't the first time she'd heard that."Do you think that's a good thing?" she asked.Xavier seemed to read her thoughts. "People change, Sharon. Whether for better or worse, it's still part of who you are. Don't get caught up in it. Once you've made your choice, don't look back. Just keep moving forward."Something in her chest eased, as if a gust of wind

As Xavier drove, they passed a small restaurant. Sharon suddenly said, "Xavier, could you wait a moment? I want to get a takeout meal."He pulled over without a word.Inside, Sharon placed her order, then told the waiter, "No chili, no onions, no cilantro. And please, pack the rice and dishes separately—don't pour the sauce over the rice."At that, Xavier's brows twitched slightly. He glanced up at the restaurant's sign. It was a place that specialized in rice bowls—everything mixed together.His eyes darkened.When she came back out with the takeout bag, he asked, "Sharon, is that dinner for Thomas?"She looked surprised. "Yes. How did you know?""You mentioned earlier that he's in the hospital," Xavier said. "And you love spicy food. I've never seen you turn down cilantro."She paused, realizing he was right. Earlier, because he hadn't asked about Jamie, she hadn't mentioned Thomas's injury at all."How's he doing now?" Xavier asked."Not too bad," she replied. "He'll proba

Left with no way to refuse, Sharon finally gave in and said, "Grandma."Naomi's face lit up with pleasure. "Good girl," she said warmly. "Xavier's been spoiled by us since he was a child. Doesn't know how to care for people properly. Don't you worry—once you come over, I'll make sure to teach him a proper lesson. "A husband who doesn't even know what his wife likes or dislikes to eat—honestly, that's just unacceptable. But it's all right. From now on, whatever you like to eat, I will remember."Her voice was gentle, threaded with kindness. "And if he ever bullies you, just tell me. I will take your side."Sharon smiled. "Thank you, Grandma."Naomi's tone softened further, filled with affection. "I saw your picture from Matty earlier. I still can't believe Xavier managed to find such a beautiful girlfriend. I already told him—he must never treat my granddaughter-in-law unfairly…"She went on, chatting endlessly with all the warmth of someone who hadn't spoken to family in a whi