Lahat ng Kabanata ng Side Chick Era… Over: Kabanata 81 - Kabanata 90

One of the receptionists immediately softened. "Miss, I'm sorry. I spoke out of line. Please, can you not post the video online?"The other one, clearly just as anxious to keep her job, rushed to add her apology."We're sorry. Our attitude was unprofessional… According to company policy, we can't let you upstairs without an appointment, but you're welcome to wait in the lobby."Sharon hadn't come to make trouble. Seeing that they'd already apologized, she lowered her phone without another word.Time passed quietly. Outside, dusk crept in, darkening the glass panels of the lobby windows.She hadn't eaten all day, afraid that if she left for even a moment, Carter might appear just then and vanish again. She waited silently.She didn't know how long it had been when the sound of calm, steady footsteps began to echo across the marble floor.Sharon looked up and saw a familiar figure walking toward her.Nate saw her too. He paused at the entrance, taking in the sight of her sitting a

If Sharon hadn't come prepared, she never would have dared to face him alone, let alone try to strike a deal.Sharon stopped walking. Her face was unreadable as she looked at Carter's tall, imposing figure ahead. Her voice, when she spoke, was cool and detached."If you're willing to release Wendy, I'll give you the medicine your mother needs."Carter halted in his tracks.He turned sharply. His eyes, sharp and glacial, cut through the air like frost."So you really do have the medicine."Sharon didn't flinch at his tone. "You've always been a filial son. I can't imagine you'd just stand by and watch your mother suffer.""You've really learned how to negotiate."Sharon offered a faint smile. "When it's about feelings, there are rules for that. When it's about bargaining, well—those have their own rules. Didn't you make the same choice, Mr. Biggs? You didn't spare Wendy just because she's my friend, did you? I'm only returning the favor now—learning from your example. What's so

Sharon felt a jolt of energy surge through her.As long as Uriah was willing to help, everything was back on the table.Sharp-tongued as he was, he was a good man at heart. When he first heard that Theo had been born prematurely and wasn't in the best health, he'd taught her many ways to nurse Theo back to strength."Please go ahead, Mr. Malcolm," Sharon said.He glanced at her, then said, "Didn't you tell me before that you play the violin? I have quite a few elderly patients, folks who live alone. They get lonely. So, I've been thinking of organizing a small appreciation event for them. If you perform for them, I'll give you the medicine. What do you say?"Sharon didn't even need a second to consider. "Of course. I'd be glad to."She hesitated a moment, then added, "Mr. Malcolm, would it be alright if I invited a musician friend to perform with me?"Uriah narrowed his eyes, studying her face carefully, as if trying to discern whether she was being sincere."You'd really perfo

Just as she stepped into the living room, Sharon unexpectedly caught sight of Theo.Theo turned his head sharply away the moment her gaze met his, letting out a loud "hmph," his delicate little face set in a frosty scowl.Everything about him said: I'm not going to talk to you—better start begging for my attention.Sharon's eyes shifted calmly away.Madeline slammed her hand on the table. The teacups and pot on it clattered sharply, the porcelain ringing in protest.Her face was cold and unyielding. "Sharon, do you know what you've done wrong?"Sharon furrowed her brows but said nothing.Back then, she used to see the Biggs family through rose-colored glasses. She even believed Madeline's constant belittling. Over time, she began to doubt herself—began to think she truly wasn't good enough for them.She used to see Madeline as someone far above her, elegant and untouchable.Now that the illusion had shattered, the woman who once seemed so noble and refined looked… rather ordin

Carter's eyes went dark the second he saw Sharon's injuries.His voice dropped, low and tense. "Mom, that's enough."But Madeline only grew more enraged. "Carter, at a time like this, you're still taking her side? It's bad enough she threatened me—now Theo is being bullied because of her! Isn't her role supposed to be taking care of her husband and raising her kid? And now, she's failed at everything. What's the point of keeping her around?"Sensing the tension thickening in the room, Denise quickly stepped in, trying to smooth things over like a peacemaker. "Well… Sharon, don't blame Mom for being upset. This has to do with Theo. Whatever happens between us adults doesn't matter as much, but we can't let the child be wronged, right?"She shot Madeline a subtle look. "Mom, take it easy. Theo's right here. Let's not scare the kid. Just have Sharon apologize and be done with it. Right now, handling Theo's matter is what's important."Though still fuming, Madeline managed to force he