Semua Bab Side Chick Era… Over: Bab 521 - Bab 530

Damien's eyes flickered with surprise at what he heard.It seemed Grandfather had no intention of holding Sharon accountable for smashing a bottle over Cole's head. And after Richard spoke, Uriah's attitude became even more intriguing.If this was truly Sharon's wish, was Grandfather seriously planning to make Cole take responsibility?But Damien had heard some rumors that Sharon had not only been married, she even had a five-year-old child.Cole had never even been in a relationship.It was true he wasn't worthy of someone like Victoria, but marrying Sharon? Had Grandfather really been bewitched by Sharon?Just then, Sharon spoke up again, "I don't need him to take responsibility."Uriah responded kindly, "Sharon, marrying Cole might seem like a compromise to you, but for you two to share such a connection is no small fate. If you're willing to marry into the Malcolm family, I'll be more than happy to offer you…"He paused, then added, "How does five percent of the Malcolm Gro

"It's just a little spat between the children, Uriah, you needn't take it to heart," Richard said with a light chuckle. Then he turned to Sharon. "Sharon, there's something I'd like to speak to you about in private."Sharon hadn't intended to speak with Richard, but since she still needed the Kalen family to provide documentation regarding her academic credentials, she nodded in agreement.Just as they were about to leave, Kenneth spoke up."Sharon, I'd like a word with you as well later, if you have a moment?"Seeing Kenneth, Sharon could guess that this had something to do with John."Of course," she replied politely.A graduate from a prestigious university and so well-mannered—Kenneth smiled with quiet approval. Excellent.After bidding farewell to Uriah, Sharon left the room with Richard and Rick. Only Victoria remained behind, standing quietly in the room.Uriah glanced at her inconspicuously and asked, "Victoria, aren't you going with them?"Victoria smiled and shook he

John shook his head. "What Abby's mother did has nothing to do with her. I don't resent Abby for that. It's just… I've grown used to the life I have now, and I don't want to change it so easily. I've already achieved financial freedom. I don't want to go back and be bound by restrictions. And…"He looked at Sharon. "If I return, the violin will likely become just a hobby. I'd be letting down your mom's years of guidance. Besides, with Carter and Nate pressing you so hard, I… I can't stop worrying about you."Sharon had long guessed the reasons behind his inner conflict. "John, Mom nurtured your talent not only because you had potential, but because she hoped you'd acquire a skill that could lead to a better life. You know as well as I do, Mom would never want her care and support to tie you down. She only wanted you to live well."Shayla had sponsored John for years, treating him like her own son. And John knew this deeply."But if I return to the Westin family," he said, "it won't

"Kenneth, please rest assured. What you're worried about will never happen," Sharon said.Without John's funding and connections, there was no way she could have pulled together the studio and organized the concert in such a short time. She had just gone through a divorce, with no money and no resources to her name. Hosting a concert required far more than just cash. It involved securing a venue, equipment, and staff. Every detail had to be perfect, and nothing could be overlooked.As Kenneth looked at the young woman before him, a wave of shame washed over him.He had his reasons for wanting to adopt Sharon—selfish ones. He feared John might never return home. He feared John would marry her. And he feared… that she might use gratitude as leverage.Yet she asked for nothing in return.All she wanted was for John to live well.And he, blinded by his own narrow calculations, had tried to measure her by the standards of a petty man.In that moment, Kenneth finally understood why

Sharon listened quietly, smiling faintly, saying nothing.Back in the main hall, Abby immediately spotted Victoria.It was hard not to. Victoria was dazzling—strikingly beautiful, effortlessly elegant. Even in a room filled with socialites and heiresses, she stood out without trying.Surrounding her was a group of young women, all from elite families. Abby scanned the crowd, quickly recognizing familiar faces. Every one of them was a daughter of a powerful house.Victoria was chatting and laughing with a girl her age, whose features were delicate and refined."See the one across from Victoria?" Abby asked. "That's Lisa Ferrero, one of Victoria's closest friends, and the eldest daughter of the Ferrero family.""The Ferrero family?" Sharon echoed.Abby nodded. "The Kalens, Blakelys, Ferreros, Waltons, Malcolms, and us—the Westins. We're the six biggest names in high society."She was specifically talking about families of their heritage, whether from Zachemaine or the wider diasp