Wife my

Chapter 321

Sydney couldn’t explain why, either. She simply felt that Theodore liked Rosalie very much. Yet, his actions and decisions were so confusing. She also didn’t want to give Rosalie empty hope. If she were mistaken, it would only lead to disappointments for Rosalie.

They were already divorced, anyway. It no longer mattered what Theodore really felt.

“Yes, I have no idea what’s blinding him. I can’t figure out what’s so good about Cynthia Zeller. At least the woman Wesley fell in love with back then was a true talent.”

Rosalie smiled. “Maybe Theo just found his soulmate. No matter who she is, she’s bound to make him fall in love with her.”

Love sometimes didn’t make sense. Yet, sometimes it was all that mattered-even if others find it illogical and foolish.

“What about you? Do you like Theo?” Sydney asked.

Rosalie’s heart raced.

Sydney stared at her. “What’s the matter?”

“Mom, we’re already divorced. None of this matters anymore.” Rosalie’s voice was hoarse, as if a blade was stuck in her throat and hurt her badly. “Let’s eat. The food’s getting cold.”

Sydney didn’t pursue the matter further, and simply nodded. “Okay.”

They finished dinner in silence.

After they were done, Rosalie returned to the study in less than an hour to continue pouring through the documents. Sydney reminded her not to stay up too late, and to rest early.

Rosalie promised her profusely, but when the clock was about to strike eleven, Sydney realized that her home office was still brightly lit.

Sydney saw how serious Rosalie looked, and didn’t interrupt her. She stepped out of the study, thinking that Rosalie might go to bed once she felt tired.

Sydney returned to her room, about to drift off to sleep when her phone buzzed with an incoming text. It was Theodore.

His text read, ‘Why was Rose with you today?’

He found it strange that Rose went looking for his mother, given their sparse interactions with each other.

Sydney suddenly felt nervous, having received a text from her son. It was rare of him to text her, and it was about his wife.

She smiled helplessly as she replied, ‘She came to visit me.’

Theodore texted back, ‘Why did she visit you? Are you sick?’

Sydney’s brow arched. Was her son showing her concern?

‘Will you come visit me if I tell you that I’m ill?’

Theodore texted, ‘Seems like you’re not ill. So why did she visit you?’

Sydney replied, ‘I’m her

et

mother-in-law. Is it that strange for Rose to visit her mother-in-law? Although you two are divorced, she still calls me Mom.’

She waited for a long time before receiving Theodore’s reply.

‘Don’t hurt her, and don’t behave the way you did the last time. She isn’t the kind of person you claim her to be.’

Sydney replied, ‘Look how protective you are of her! People might think she’s still your wife. Oh, I suddenly remember that while she calls me Mom, she doesn’t call you her husband anymore. Tsk, tsk. Content © copyrighted by NôvelDrama.Org.

She felt great taking a jab at her son.

Theodore texted back, ‘It doesn’t

matter whether she calls me her husband or not. Even if we’re divorced, she’s still part of the Spencer family. I see her as my sister.’

His fury was clear even through text.

Sydney typed, ‘Since you see her as your sister, that makes her my daughter. Why are you so worried about me hanging out with my daughter?’ Theodore replied, ‘Mom, don’t make things difficult for her. I’m being serious.’

‘I’m being serious, too. Don’t worry about me spending time with my daughter. I’m going to bed.’

‘Is Rose asleep?’

‘Not yet. She’s still busy.’

Theodore asked, ‘What is she busy with at such an hour? Did you make her do something?’

Sydney texted, ‘What’s it got to do with you? Even if you treat her as your sister, you have no right to poke your nose in her private matters.’ Theodore asked, ‘What’s wrong with me asking about it?’

‘I don’t want to tell you. If you want to know, ask her about it yourself. I’m going to bed, bye,’ Sydney texted.

She waited for a while to make sure that Theodore didn’t reply before putting her phone down. She put her hands on her belly, and sighed. She finally had a normal conversation with her son!

Although he was slightly fierce to her, she felt good about it nheless.

Chapter 322

Rosalie was still busy in the study. Sydney had given her a new notebook, which she had filled up.

She was halfway through the box of documents; she didn’t bother counting, and simply read the documents page by page.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Rosalie remained unperturbed, and continued jotting down notes until her phone buzzed again. She furrowed her brows, and grabbed her phone. Glancing at the incoming text, she saw found it was from Theodore.

The first text read, ‘Are you asleep?’

The second text read, ‘??’

Rosalie typed on her phone, ‘I’m not asleep yet.’

But before she sent it out, something came to mind.

If she told him that she wasn’t asleep yet, he was bound to ask her what she was doing. It was going to take her time to reply to him. She didn’t want to chat with Theodore right now. She was long past the time when she felt excited whenever he contacted her. Time was of the essence, and she had to read through all the documents.

As such, she deleted her original message and typed, ‘I’m very tired, so I’m going to bed. Goodnight.’

After replying to Theodore, she switched her phone to silent mode, put it aside, and went back to work.

On the other end, Theodore stared at his phone screen in a daze.

‘Didn’t Mom say that Rose was busy? Why did Rose say she was going to bed?’ he thought.

Theodore texted Sydney again. ‘Mom, is Rose asleep or not?’

Yet, he received no response from Sydney.

From his conversation with her, it seemed as though Rose was staying the night at her place. They were both probably asleep right now.

Theodore wanted to call Rosalie, but thought that he might interrupt her rest.

‘Damn it,’ he thought. ‘What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel anxious and inferior? Why am I afraid that she might detest me?’

He was acting like a neglected and frustrated wife.

Theodore furrowed his brows, and flung his phone aside. He laid on his side and shut his eyes, like a sulking child.

After a while, he opened his eyes again and grabbed his phone. Meekly and cautiously, he replied to Rosalie with a text. ‘Goodnight.’

The next day, Sydney was awoken by an alarm. She opened her eyes blearily silenced the alarm, and got out of bed. She felt grumpy, like a teenager who got rudely awoken from her beauty sleep. NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

After washing up, she got changed and walked to Rosalie’s room.

Yet, when she opened the door, she found the room empty. The sheets were still neatly folded, left in the same state as they were last night. Feeling suspicious, she headed to the home office. She saw Rosalie still pouring through the documents, the entire box almost empty.

Even a student wouldn’t study so hard for her finals.

Sydney was about to step in and question Rosalie if she slept at all last night, but a thought suddenly came to mind.

She pulled her phone out, then snapped a photo of Rosalie’s tired face and heavy eye bags, and sent it to Theodore.

She typed Your ex-wife didn’t sleep the entire night, her eye bags are so heavy and she looks so haggard Tsk, tsk! How heart-wrenching. No matter how hard I tried to persuade her, it was no use.’

Sydney sat on the couch, and silently counted down.

Three, two, one…

Just then, her phone started to buzz crazily.

Sydney leisurely bit into an apple she grabbed from the coffee table, swallowing it before answering the call. In a tone that sounded like that of a customer service officer, she said, “Hello, good day. How can I help you?”

The man on the other end of the line was stunned into silence for a few seconds, before finally remembering what he was calling for.

Chapter 324

“No,” Theodore said in a panic. “I won’t interrupt you. Go ahead and read your documents, but don’t hang up.”

He wanted to help her with her work.

Rosalie’s eyes flashed with doubt. “Why?”

“No particular reason. Just don’t hang up and continue with your work.”

“Fine.” Rosalie didn’t know what Theodore was up to. She pushed her phone away, and continued reading.

When she was finally done reading through every single document, she felt overwhelmed with fatigue. Eye bags hung heavily below her eyes.

She stumbled to the hall, and saw Sydney preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

Upon hearing footsteps, Sydney turned around. “You’re done?”

Rosalie nodded. “Yes.”

“You were up the whole night. I thought you’d at least sleep a little last night.”

Rosalie smiled and sat at the table, still in a daze. She slumped on the table and said, “I felt a burst of energy, and wanted to read through everything in one go. Before I knew it, the sun was rising.”

She placed her phone on the table.

Sydney served up breakfast on the table, and realized that she was still on a call with Theodore.

Sydney smiled. “My dear child, you’re so hardworking. Theo thought that I was bullying you, and told me off.”

Rosalie sat up straight.

“Is that so? Theo, did you do that?” she demanded unceremoniously.

“I didn’t! Rose, don’t listen to her. I didn’t tell her off.”

Theodore didn’t dare to admit, for fear Rosalie might explode on him.

Sydney rolled her eyes. “Deny it, won’t you?”

“How can I admit to something I never did?” Theodore said stubbornly.

From time immemorial,

mothers-in-law have always told on their daughters-in-law to their sons Yet now, the Spencer family was witnessing a case of the

ve

mother-in-law telling on her son to her daughter-in-law. Content

belongs to

“Forget it. I won’t count it against you, since you’re my son. Anyway, Rose would certainly trust me.”

Sydney was very confident that her daughter-in-law would stand on her side.

“Rose,” Theodore asked, “you trust me, don’t you?”

“Not at all,” Rosalie said irritably.

Theodore felt upset. “I was just

хой

concerned for you. You told me you

were going to bed last night, but

then you stayed up the entire night.

What exactly were you busine

“I was reading through information about a company,” Rosalie said truthfully.

“Which company?” Theodore pressed.

“Why are you asking so many questions?” Sydney yelled at the phone. “I’m having breakfast with Rose, goodbye.”

“Wait! Rose, go to sleep immediately after breakfast. Do you hear me?”Content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Rosalie yawned and rubbed her nose. “Why should I listen to you? You’re not my husband.”

“I’m your brother.”

That seemed to be Theodore’s final stubborn attempt.

“You’re not my brother,” Rosalie said as she slumped weakly on the table. “I don’t want you as my brother.”

Perhaps because her brain cells were all dead from last night, her mind was buzzing. She was so exhausted, she didn’t bother thinking through what she was saying.

She didn’t want to acknowledge Theodore as her brother. She didn’t have a brother, and she didn’t want him as one.

“What did you say? Why not?” Theodore said, on the verge of flaring up.

“Please! We used to be married and are not divorced. What is this talk about being my brother? Quit fooling around.” “Rose, even though we’re divorced…”

“Alright, alright. I know. Goodbye.”

Rosalie knew what he was going to

say, which was all he had been

saying recently. She hung up and buried her head in her arms.

She was so tired.

hapter 325

After a few seconds, Rosalie looked up and said, “Mom, I’ll go take a nap.”

She was just too tired.

“Sleep after breakfast,” Sydney said as she served up the last plate of food. “It’ll just take a few minutes. You might not be hungry, but your baby certainly is.”

Rosalie nodded.

“All right then,” she acquiesced.

She looked down, and rubbed her belly. “I’m sorry, baby. I stayed up last night, and I’m sure you didn’t rest well, too. I’ll rest later, okay?”

9

Sydney saw the bleary look on Rosalie’s face, and found it rather adorable.

From the sound of their conversation just now, Rosalie and Theodore looked just like a married couple having a tiff. Despite the heated words, their relationship looked great. No one would have guessed that they were divorced.

Had they known, they would surely be confused as to why they would be divorced despite their great relationship.

It felt strange, however. They were already divorced, but Theodore seemed to be bugging Rosalie incessantly.

His father was a scumbag, and so was he. Like father, like son, indeed.

Sydney smiled helplessly..

This father and son pair had to feel the pain before admitting their

mistake.

After breakfast, Rosalie headed straight to her room, collapsed on the bed, and fell into a deep sleep.

She was worried she might oversleep and end up not being able to sleep at night, so she set an alarm that would go off in three and a half hours‘ time.

After cleaning up the kitchen, Sydney headed to her home office and saw that the documents were already neatly packed into the box. The thick notebook was filled with notes Rosalie had scribbled.

She flipped through the notebook as shock registered in her eyes. She mumbled to herself, “She’s so patient and detailed, she managed to identify the problem.”

Sydney grabbed her phone, and dialed a number.

“Hello. Regent Co.’s loan application will not be approved.”

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang.

Sydney saw Theodore’s face, dark with displeasure, through the surveillance camera footage.

She thought they would only meet a few days later. She didn’t expect to see him today.

Ding, dong!

He seemed irritated.

Sydney straightened out her shirt and hair.

Damn it, why was she feeling so nervous? She was going to see her son, not a potential suitor!

She coughed dryly and stood up, opening the door while keeping her face carefully expressionless. “Why, if it isn’t Mr. Spencer. What are

you doing here?”

Theodore’s brows furrowed. “I’m here to see Rose. Where is she?”

“She’s resting. What do you want from her?”

“I’m here to see her.”

Theodore stared cautiously at Sydney, behaving as though here to seek revenge for Rosalie.

а шае

Sydney scoffed as she stepped aside, pointing to a room inside.

Theodore walked toward the direction Sydney pointed in, his face cold

as ice.

“She’s asleep,” Sydney said to his back, “be quiet.”

Theodore ignored her and walked straight to the door and opened it carefully. She saw Rosalie lying on the bed, snoring. She didn’t even pull the covers over herself.

Theodore shook his head helplessly as he tiptoed to the bedside.

Rosalie was lying atop the sheets.

He pulled Rosalie into his arms, then grabbed the sheets out from under her before placing her back down on the bed. He moved very gently and carefully.

Rosalie was so tired and in such deep sleep, she didn’t notice a thing.

Theodore leaned in so close to her, he could feel her breath on his cheeks. Her breath was warm.

He stared at her face, inches from his, and swallowed hard.

His lips rubbed the tip of her nose, but he wasn’t sure if it was an accident or a deliberate move on his part.

Rosalie’s lips moved as she pouted, her brows furrowing slightly as

she turned around and continued sleeping on her side.

Theodore’s lips gently caressed her cheeks. He felt a surge of electricity coursing through his veins.

Rosalie felt something in her dreams, but her eyelids were so she couldn’t open them.

heavy,

Theodore continued holding Rosalie in his arms, his elbows on both her sides. He was so close to her that their breaths mingled.

Despite his back injury, he felt as though all his discomfort vanished at that moment.

Theodore reluctantly straightened himself up, and tucked her into the sheets. He swept her bangs away from her face, and stood up to stare at her by her bedside for a long time.

He did so all the way until Sydney walked over and stood behind him, and both of them stared at the woman in deep sleep on the bed. They felt like guardian angels watching over her.

After a while, Sydney turned her back to glance at Theodore.

His eyes looked so serious that even Sydney, as his mother, found it mesmerizing.

Why in the world did they get divorced? Was Theodore out of his mind?

Sydney lifted a hand, and waved it in front of Theodore.

Theodore grabbed her hand, and pulled it down. He glanced at his mother in silence, worried that any noise might wake Rosalie up.

Sydney said in hushed tones, “You’re spacing out.”

Theodore turned to leave the room without a word.

Sydney followed behind him.

After shutting the door to Rosalie’s room, the two of them walked to

the hall.

Theodore was the first to break the silence. “What exactly did you make her do last night? Why didn’t she sleep at all?”

“What, trying to interrogate me?” Sydney crossed her arms before her chest. “Why do you keep thinking that I’m bullying her?”

“What do you mean, I keep thinking? You picked on her for no

apparent reason the last time,” Theodore argued.

“Since I picked on her the last time, I’ll keep picking on her forever. Is that it?”

“You know best you answer to that.

“That’s right, I do.”

Sydney was getting upset that her well–meaning intentions were getting twisted and misunderstood. Her fool of a son was so

protective over his wife!

“Why don’t I wake–Rosalie up right now so you can ask her yourself if she was the one who came rushing over here and asked to be bullied? She loves getting bullied, doesn’t she?”

Sydney was about to walk to Rosalie’s room when Theodore stopped her. “Don’t disturb her from her rest.

“What do you want from me, then?” Sydney’s arms slumped to her

#

sides. “Do you want to give me a huge scolding, like you did the last time?”

Sydney sounded calm and her face betrayed no emotions, but it didn’t mean that what happened last time didn’t affect her. The words he uttered then were a knife that pierced through her heart.

Her mention of what happened last time stunned Theodore. He stood rooted to the spot, silent.

After a long time, he said, “I’m not trying to blame anyone. I just want to know what exactly she did last night. What documents did you give to her?”

“I’ve already said that she wants to read them herself. Why else would I bother doing this? What can I gain from this?”

Sydney was slightly annoyed at her son’s accusations. She wasn’t angry at Rosalie, but more so at Theodore, and even more so at herself.

Why shouldn’t she, especially given the terrible state that her relationship with her own son was in?

The rage in his mother’s eyes made Theodore realize he had overstepped his boundaries.

He forced himself to keep calm, and asked, “What documents was she reading?”

“They’re over there,” Sydney said as she pointed in a direction. “Go check them out yourself if you want.”

Theodore walked into the study and saw many documents on the table. He randomly pulled out one and flipped through it, and noticed the notes Rosalie scribbled in the notebook. a

The notebook was filled with her scribbles. There were so many documents and so many notes she scribbled down. It must have. taken her a lot of time, and exhausted her thoroughly.

Sydney walked in.

“Your ex–wife is pretty impressive. She managed to read all these documents in one go.”

Theodore put Rosalie’s notebook down.

It seemed she was trying to identify the problem with this company, and she really managed to find it amidst the seemingly flawless data.

Even a professional auditor may not be able to identify the problem through these documents.

Regent Co.

5

Theodore suddenly recalled something. He immediately pulled out hist phone, and dialed a gumber.

“Hello. Are we having a meeting with Regent Co. later this afternoon? Tell Mr. Landon not to agree to the negotiation during the meeting. We’ll update them on our decision after the meeting.”

After Theodore hung up, Sydney smiled. “Seems like Rose

accidentally helped you out, big time.”

Theodore shut down his laptop and put it aside. “Did she ask for these documents of her own accord? Why?”

“How would I know?” Sydney said. “Perhaps because she studied finance and wants to learn more.

Π

“Even if she wanted to learn more, why did she sacrifice an entire

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night’s sleep? What’s more, the notes she took down clearly shows that she wants to find out the issue with this company. She must have a reason for doing this.”

“Yes, so as her ex–husband, do you know her reasons?” Sydney asked.

“I don’t know. Do you?”

Sydney shrugged. “Why would I know if even you don’t know? Rose didn’t tell me. I asked her, but she clearly didn’t want to talk about it.”

“She didn’t want to talk about it?” Theodore found it strange.

Both of them fell silent.

What exactly

was

Rose trying to do? She stayed up the entire night to look through these documents, calculating formulas, analyzing the results and finally identifying the problem. Why did she do all that?

Suddenly, the two of them looked up at each other.

They seemed to have realized something.

Sydney spoke first. “Your instructions for Mr. Landon were not to agree to the negotiation with Regent Co. during the meeting, because you saw the problem with the company.”

She waved Rosalie’s notebook before Theodore.

“Isn’t this the goal? Does Rose know that SK Enterprise was thinking of cooperating with Regent Co.?”

Theodore pondered the question.

“She studied finance, and often took the initiative to understand company affairs or ask me about some things. I’d always tell her more and share with her information. She’s part of the Spencers, so I won’t keep the company’s affairs from her. It’s not strange that she knows about it.”

Realization dawned on Sydney.

“I got it! She must have known that SK Enterprise was thinking of cooperating with Regent Co. Coupled with her overhearing me

rejecting the loan to Regent Co., she grew suspicious of the company and wanted to investigate things. She did it for you.”

Theodore’s tense body suddenly relaxed, as if he was hit by

something warm and tender.

He sat in the chair, his arms resting on the table as he stared at the notebook. He flipped it open once more, a warm smile on his face as he looked at the elegant handwriting inside.

He couldn’t believe Rosalie did something like that for him, and didn’t even tell him about it. If he hadn’t found out about it himself, it would have been a silent sacrifice on her part for him.

After realizing what Rosalie did, Theodore didn’t blame her for

speaking so fiercely to him earlier today.

She wasn’t annoyed with him–she was just concerned about him and wanted to finish up her investigations quickly.

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What’s more, she had stayed up the entire night and kept him in the dark about it. It was natural that she was hot–tempered and flared up at him.

As for why she didn’t tell him about it, he reasoned that it must be because they were divorced and she was keeping her distance, but couldn’t stop herself from caring for him.

Theodore drew the link in his own mind.

Sydney noticed the tender look in Theodore’s eyes. “Seems like your ex–wife still treats you very well, and is so considerate toward you.”

The mention of his ‘ex–wife‘ made Theodore’s eyes go dim. He felt slightly uncomfortable, and stood up.

“Whatever it is, you should have advised her not to stay up the entire night. Her body is still in such a weak condition. What if something bad happened?”

“I told her to sleep early, but she refused to listen. She’s not a child. Could I have forced her to go to sleep? Even if it’s not for herself, I thought she would go to bed early for the b…”

Sydney’s mind buzzed as she froze.

‘Oh no,‘ she thought. She almost let the cat out of the bag!

Theodore’s eyes narrowed, and he looked suspiciously at Sydney. ” For the what?”

Sydney forced a smile, and said, “Even if it’s not for herself, I thought. she’d go to bed early to prevent Grandma from worrying about her.”

Sydney’s tone was stiff, but her words made sense as she tried to

make up an excuse. She had wanted to say that it was for the baby in

her womb.

In fact, Sydney was very curious as to how Theodore would respond upon finding out about Rosalie’s pregnancy.

However, she promised Rosalie that she wouldn’t expose her secret. She couldn’t tell Theodore about it without her permission. If she messed things up and make the situation even more of a tragedy than it already was, it would be terrible.

Theodore still looked suspicious. He could sense that Sydney was making up an excuse to hide what she originally wanted to say.

But from how she looked, he couldn’t tell what it was.

He was about to ask further, when Sydney said, “Rose treats you so well, but you don’t treasure her and insist on marrying Cynthia. Will that woman sacrifice her beauty sleep to do something like this for you?”

Theodore’s brows furrowed. “Don’t talk about her. She’s so ill right, now, so don’t talk bad about her behind her back.”

“I’m not talking bad about her. I’m talking bad about you, and I’m doing that in your face. I think you must be blind to abandon such an amazing wife and get entangled with another woman. You’re an idiot, like your father is.”

“My father is an idiot, I’ll admit that.” Theodore’s face turned cold, his voice tinged with frustration. “I know you once loved him, but things are different between Rose and me.

“How is it different?” Sydney asked.

“Rose is…”

Theodore suddenly felt pain pierce through his heart.

They were already divorced. What’s the point of saying all these? Sydney wouldn’t understand.

Rose didn’t love him. How could he tie her down?

She even told him that she wasn’t happy with him, and had had

enough of the marriage.

Her words were like a thorn in his chest, and the mere thought of it pained him.

As Theodore’s eyes dimmed, Sydney seemed to sense something.” Did you ever talk things through with Rose?”

Why did she suddenly think that the ones who needed a good chat were not her and Theodore, but him and Rose?

There seemed to be many heartfelt words that they never shared with

each other.

Theodore sighed. “We’ve said everything there is to say. Things are fine, now that we’re divorced. We don’t need to keep fighting like we,

did before.”

Each time she cried, he felt as though he had committed a heinous

crime.

Theodore’s fingers caressed the notebook on the table, his eyes growing darker and deeper.

“Mom, I’m heading back. Don’t tell Rose that I was here today, and don’t tell her that I know about the documents.”

“Why not?” Sydney asked.

“Since she doesn’t want to tell me about it, I’ll pretend that I don’t

know about it. Let her have a good sleep. Please take good care of

her.”

124

Rosalie woke up at the sound of the alarm at noon, just in time for lunch.

She was still feeling woozy and very tired.

When she looked at the time, she knew she couldn’t go on sleeping. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to sleep at night and end up having her day and night reserved. That would be terrible.

It would be fine if she weren’t pregnant, but she was. She had to think for the baby.

After climbing out of bed, Rosalie walked into the bathroom, washed up, bathed, and changed into a clean set of clothes.

After leaving the bathroom, she felt a lot better and not so tired

anymore.

Rosalie walked into the study and took out her notebook. Just then, Sydney returned home from the market.

Rosalie walked out of the study with her notebook in hand. When she saw Sydney, she walked over to her and said, “Mom, I found many issues last night. Look, these are Regent Co.’s data from the previous

quarter…”

“I read them,” Sydney cut her off as she put her groceries on the table. “I read through your notes while you were asleep. Coupled with the information, I know what you found. There are indeed problems with Regent Co. It looks glorious on the outside, but is in fact riddled with problems.”

“Mom, with such a high leverage ratio and clear signs of falsifying data, how in the world did they bypass the regulators and get listed?”

Sydney smiled, but didn’t say anything. She simply looked straight into Rosalie’s eyes for a few seconds.

Rosalie immediately understood what she meant.

It was none other than a bribe. Such a thing wasn’t uncommon.

“Regent Co. once tried to bribe me to get a loan, but I didn’t take it. Had 1 taken it and loaned money to that company, the consequences would have been dire. As the president of the bank, I’m responsible for my depositors.”

“It’s rare to have someone like you with a conscience in the finance. industry,” Rosalie said admiringly.

“Don’t be so sure. I’m not as good as you described me. I just know what’s good for me, and that’s something you must learn.”

“I hear you.”

Just then, Rosalie’s phone rang in her room.

“Mom, I’ll go take the call.”

She returned to her room with her notebook in hand. After a while, she

ran out of the room with her phone and notebook.

“Mom, I’m sorry. Something urgent came up, and I need to leave right

now.”

“What happened?”

“Something happened to my friend. I need to go help out.”

“Is it very bad? Do you need my help?”

“Well…” A thought suddenly came to Rosalie’s mind. “I might need your help after all. I’ll call you when I get a chance to, but right now, I need to go.”

“Aren’t you having lunch?”

“I can’t, I don’t have time. I need to leave right away.”

“Shall I send you there?” Sydney chased after her.

“No need, Mom. I can drive there myself.”

“Be careful on the road, and don’t drive so fast. Take it slow and don’t beat the red light. Don’t panic.”

“Got it, Mom.”

Rosalie slammed the door shut and ran off. Sydney ran to the door,

and sighed.

“That girl is so anxious…seriously.”

Suddenly, Sydney was stunned.

What was going on with her?

She was behaving just like Rosalie’s real mom, grumbling about and nagging at her daughter.

Rosalie got into the car and called Yvonne.

“Vonnie, what’s the status right now?”

“It’s bad! My brother will probably get hit today. My dad is super fierce, and he goes all out in his beatings. He’s been very strict with me and my brother since we were young,” Yvonne said with a trembling voice.

She feared her dad from the depths of her heart.

“Can’t you drag things out?” Rosalie asked.

“I’ve tried my best to do that. Rose, you said just now that you have a

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way to help Sebastian. Is that true?”

“Yes, yes. I’m rushing over right now. The address you sent me is accurate, right?”

“Yes, that’s the address of my family’s mansion.”

“Alright, I’m heading over right now. Wait for me at the gate and bring me in.”

“Okay!” Yvonne said. “I’ll wait for you.”

Rosalie put her notebook and phone aside, and drove off.

After over half an hour, Rosalie stopped her car right outside a luxurious mansion. With security standing guard at the gate, cars from outside weren’t allowed in.

Just then, Yvonne ran over to her and said with a wave of her hand, Rose, I’m here!”

She immediately instructed one of the security guards to open the gate.

Rosalie drove her car inside. After parking her car, she stepped out with her phone and notebook in hand.

Yvonne ran toward her. “Rose, how are you going to help Sebastian? Tell me.”

Her father told Sebastian to come home today. Yvonne found out from the servants at home that her father looked so fierce, it was as if he wanted to devour someone alive. Apparently, Sebastian had lost. a project.

Yvonne was so frightened and worried that something bad might happen to Sebastian. She called Rosalie, not so that she could save Sebastian, but to make her heart ache for him.

She never expected Rosalie to come to her house in a bid to help.

Sebastian.

“I don’t have time to explain things to you right now. Let’s go to Sebastian right now! You’ll know in time.”

“Okay,” Yvonne said with a nod.

Rosalie took a few steps, and suddenly felt a discomfort in her stomach. She felt queasy and nauseous.

“Rose, what’s the matter?” Yvonne asked with worry in her voice.

“I’m fine. Let’s hurry inside,” Rosalie said.

She tried to suppress the nausea, and walked forward.

Sydney nodded. “Okay.”

Geoffrey Carter sat expressionlessly on the couch, sipping on some

tea.

Sebastian stood in front of Geoffrey, his figure tall and towering, with an indomitable air of a noble.

Geoffrey looked as if he was going to set his teacup down, but midway, he lifted his arm and flung the teacup in the direction of Sebastian’s head.

The tea in the cup splashed all over Sebastian’s head.

Although it was no longer scalding, the teacup hit his head and broke into two pieces.

Sebastian didn’t wince in pain, and continued standing tall. The broken teacup fell on the floor with a clank.

Geoffrey looked up at Sebastian coldly.

“You’ve become quite something. I heard that recently, you’re seldom. in the office and always out. Even your secretary doesn’t know where you go or what you’re doing. Tell me, Who is that woman?”

Sebastian said firmly, “It’s my own problem, and not because of some woman. Don’t get the wrong idea.”

“Me? Getting the wrong idea?”

Geoffrey stood up. He was as tall as Sebastian, with a strong and authoritative air about him.

Sebastian bore a striking resemblance to him.

Geoffrey, however, had many more years of experience under his belt and looked colder and more ruthless than Sebastian. There was not a

trace of warmth in his eyes, as if he could viciously step over anyone.

“You lost such a major project, which you promised me you were very confident about. Yet, you ended up letting someone else snatch it from under our nose.”

Geoffrey walked around Sebastian.

“You better tell me which woman you’re fooling around with. She’s made you obsessed, and you’ve become negligent about the

company. Even if you refuse to tell me, don’t forget that I can always find out.”

Sebastian said calmly, “There’s no woman. It’s all my own problem, and the loss of the project is my sole responsibility. I take full accountability for it.”

“You? Bear full responsibility for it?” Geoffrey laughed mockingly. Then tell me, how are you going to be held responsible for it?”

“I can resign from the role of CEO of Skycrest Enterprise,” Sebastian said without a trace of fear in his eyes. In fact, he looked very calm.

Geoffrey looked incisively at Sebastian, his gaze piercing like a sword, as if he wanted to slice him into two

“You screwed things up, and want to leave just like that? Sebastian Carter, you’ve turned out to be so irresponsible.”

“Then tell me, Dad. How do you want to hold me responsible for this? I lost the project, and I was the person with the highest authority. I’m willing to bear the responsibility and deal with the problem I caused, and even consider resignation.”

“Sebastian Carter!” Geoffrey bellowed. “You think you can fly solo now, is that it? How dare you speak to me like that!”

“I genuinely meant every word I said, and didn’t mean anything else,” Sebastian said calmly,

“Fine,” Geoffrey said with a nod. “Since you didn’t mean anything else, Sebastian, I’ll investigate things and find out who exactly is the one who bewitched you. If this goes on, the company will collapse in your hands.”

“Dad, I’ve told you that I’m solely responsible, and there’s no woman whatsoever. Do you wish for me to be the kind of man who pushes the blame on a woman?”

Sebastian naturally didn’t want his father knowing about Rosalie, for fear she might be implicated. He knew the kind of man his father was.

Geoffrey was ruthless even to his own family members, not to mention strangers. He would surely be heartless and cruel.

“You put it so nicely. Seems like you’re really protective of that woman.”

Geoffrey scoffed.

“In that case, I must find out who she is. Let me say this upfront: if this woman bears any influence over the Carters, I won’t sit idly by and watch her destroy our family.”

“If you’re going to involve someone unrelated to this, Dad, then I won’t stand for it!” Sebastian said firmly, anger lacing his voice.

In response, Geoffrey gave him a hard slap.

Sebastian’s head spun sideways. He pressed his tongue against his cheek, and snorted.

“You always blame Mom for everything. You kept saying she’s dragging you down. After that, she stayed at home and didn’t interfere in anything because she was afraid of troubling you. Even then, you still look down on her. I’m really curious, Dad. Must it always be other people’s fault? Aren’t you going to take any responsibility?”

Smack! Geoffrey gave him another harsh slap.

“You’ve lost the project, but you’re still arguing with me! Phillip, bring me the stick!” Geoffrey snarled.

He had always been strict, and was a staunch believer of the old saying: spare the rod, spoil the child. Following this, Sebastian received many beatings ever since he was a child:

As Sebastian got older, Geoffrey rarely laid a hand on him, let alone take out the stick.

The butler hesitated, but didn’t dare to disobey. Turning around, he soon returned with a long and thin wooden stick. It looked old, but was flexible and resilient. If it struck someone naked, his or her skin would surely break.

Geoffrey took the stick, tapping it lightly in his palm.

“Sebastian, I’ll give you one last chance. Tell me, which woman has blinded you?”

Sebastian knelt down on his own, and said calmly, “There is no woman. I take all the responsibility.”

It had nothing to do with Rosalie; it was all his own choices.

The fact that he had neglected his work was undeniable. As the one reigning at the top, if he slacked off, those below would surely follow suit. Even if his father punished him, he deserved it. Thus, he

accepted it all.

“Good.” Geoffrey nodded angrily and let out a cold laugh. He turned to Phillip and said, “Have Dr. Zabel prepare to come over.”

Phillip quickly took out his phone to call Dr. Zabel.

Geoffrey was serious this time. Phillip was worried about Sebastian.

Geoffrey gripped the stick tightly, raising his hand but not immediately bringing it down, He studied Sebastian’s reaction.

The stubborn Sebastian didn’t react at all, and was just waiting for the stick to land on him.

Geoffrey gritted his teeth. He was about to hit Sebastian, when a sharp voice suddenly came from outside the door.

“Stop!”

Rosalie rushed in, followed by Yvonne.

As soon as the two young women entered the hall, they saw Sebastian kneeling on the ground and Geoffrey raising the stick, ready to hit him.

That stick looked terrifying.

Sebastian, hearing Rosalie’s voice, turned around in utter shock. “Why are you here?!”

Seeing Yvonne behind Rosalie, he immediately understood the

situation. He frowned and glared at Yvonne, as if blaming her for bringing Rosalie her.

Seeing Sebastian’s expression, Yvonne frowned slightly. She was upset. All she wanted was for his future wife to care about him. Her brother didn’t appreciate her good intentions at all!

Geoffrey lowered his hand, his gaze falling on Rosalie. After he looked her up and down, he had a realization. “So it’s you! You have the nerve to come here.”

Yvonne mustered up the courage to speak. “Dad… Her name’s Rosalie, and she’s a good friend of mine and Seb’s.”

Although Yvonne was very scared, she still stood in front of Rosalie. After all, she was her father’s daughter.

“Is that so?

Sebastian looked at Rosalie in worry! A few seconds later, he said coldly, “Not really. We’re just casual friends. We don’t see each other very often. Yvonne hangs out with her more.”

Yvonne never expected her brother to say that, but she knew he was trying to protect Rosalie.

Rosalie was puzzled to hear Sebastian’s words. She had a hunch he was pretending to be unfamiliar with her on purpose–he was doing it was

for her sake. His father didn’t seem too kind.

“Oh, is that so?” Geoffrey sounded somewhat sarcastic, and his sharp gaze fell on Rosalie again. “Miss Young, my son says you two are just casual friends. Is that true?”

“Yes, Dad,” Yvonne answered quickly. “She and Seb are just normal friends. We’re closer.”

Yvonne hurriedly linked her arm with Rosalie’s. “I called her here to hang out. I didn’t think we’d find you two here. We’ll leave immediately!

She knew her brother must be deathly anxious right now. The only thing she could do was to take Rosalie away.

Sebastian shot Yvonne a discreet look, hinting at her to take Rosalie away as quickly as possible. At once, Yvonne grabbed Rosalie’s hand. She was about to lead Rosalie away when the latter shook off her hand.

“Wait a minute.”

Rosalie stepped forward with her notebook.

“Mr. Carter, I came here today because of Sebastian. Whether we are

casual friends or good friends, it doesn’t matter. I’m only here to solve a problem.”

Geoffrey narrowed his eyes, leveling her with an icy glare. “Solve al problem?”

“That’s right.” Rosalie took another brave step forward. “I won’t beat. around the bush. I know why you want to punish Sebastian. It’s because Regent Co. took Skycrest Enterprise’s project, and you think. Sebastian did a bad job.”

She faced Geoffrey fearlessly, neither humble nor overbearing. This fearlessness didn’t stem from the recklessness of youth, but from courage deep inside her.

“What on earth are you talking about?” Sebastian spat. “What does it have to do with you? Leave now! Don’t get in the way!”

Rosalie turned to look at Sebastian. Not only was his voice severe, but his expression was also fierce–he was completely different from his usual self. For once, he was treating harshly.

[3]

Yet, she didn’t feel upset. She knew he was only driving her away because he didn’t want her to get involved in this mess.

But she was his friend–and as a friend, she couldn’t simply leave. She couldn’t stand by and watch Sebastian get beaten.

Just like when Rebecca beat Theodore.

Rebecca was an elderly woman, but she could still beat Theodore black and blue. What more Geoffrey, who looked ten times stronger than her!

If Rosalie left right now, Sebastian would probably end up in the

emergency room.

“Mr. Carter.” She ignored Sebastian, and looked directly at Geoffrey. I’ll only take two minutes of your time. Will you listen to me first?”

Sebastian, fraught with worry, was about to stand up. However, Geoffrey pressed the wooden stick firmly on his shoulder. “Did I tell you to get up?”

Rosalie’s heart was pounding. She was just as worried about

Sebastian.

What year was this? His father still acted like patriarchs from the olden days, who managed their sons and families with an iron fist. Sebastian must have been repressed growing up. Rosalie wondered how he and Yvonne managed to get through such a difficu

Rosalie didn’t dare to waste any more time, and immediately opened the notebook on hand.

“It’s true Regent Co. took Skycrest Enterprise’s project, but I’ve discovered many issues with that company. Their leverage ratio is far too high. I did some calculations using public data and information. all night. Achieving such results is simply impossible, so I can confirm that they’re falsifying their data.

“Mr. Carter, I’ve written everything down in this notebook. Please take a look at my notes, and then compare them with Regent Co.’s public data. You’ll definitely find discrepancies.

“Their gross profit margin is much higher than the industry average. I also found that the company’s management team’s trading activity is suspicious. They use small and unknown auditing firms, and

frequently switch agents through layers of intermediaries.”

Geoffrey took her notebook, and flipped through a few pages. His frown deepened as he read it.

Finally, he snapped the notebook shut.

“Do you expect me to believe this just because you showed me these notes, little girl? Even if everything you say is true, the fact remains that Sebastian lost the project. It doesn’t matter if the other party is Regent Co. or another company.”

“It’s different,” Rosalie insisted. “Regent Co. taking it might actually be

a good thing.”

“A good thing?”

“That’s right. What I’ve discovered is just the tip of the iceberg. Regent

Co. definitely has bigger internal issues.

“If we find an opportunity to short their stocks, we could make a huge profit. Once Regent Co.’s scandal is exposed, and people realize

they’ve been falsifying data and went public using fraudulent data, their stock price will plummet.

“They will be delisted, and Skycrest Enterprise can seize the chance to take back the project. Given Skycrest’s strength, they can execute the project very well. Those people aren’t stupid.”

As Geoffrey listened to Rosalie, he looked her up and down again. This time, his gaze carried a hint of intrigue.

Yvonne’s eyes widened, astonished by Rosalie’s bold analysis. Sebastian was equally stunned by the scene before him.

The room was eerily quiet.

Geoffrey walked toward Rosalie slowly.

Sebastian was about to get up and intervene, but Rosalie shot him a

discreet look and signaled him to stay put.

Geoffrey stopped in his tracks, and eyed Rosalie coldly.

“You analyzed this yourself?” he demanded.

Rosalie met his gaze fearlessly. “Yes. I spent one whole day analyzing Regent Co.’s data. This is a great opportunity for you to make money, Mr. Carter. On the surface, it seems like Sebastian lost the project. In reality, he’s gained a huge opportunity.”

“Even if what you say is true, setting everything else aside, him losing the project is an undeniable fact. He should still be punished,” Geoffrey insisted.

“Even if he must be punished, it shouldn’t be done this way,” Rosalie argued.

“Then how do you think I should do it? Why don’t you teach me?” Geoffrey growled coldly.

“I have no right to interfere in the way you treat your children, sir, nor do I have the qualifications to teach you anything.

“However, as Sebastian’s father, surely you understand him better than I do. No one in this world can handle everything perfectly, not even you. In hindsight, have you done everything flawlessly?

“Sebastian is managing the company exceptionally well at such a young age. Even if he lost this project, he’ll definitely get better ones in the future. Talents are refined, not beaten into shape.”

Who could have imagined that Rosalie, with her meek appearance, would be so strong–willed? She was practically standing up to a lion.

Seeing Geoffrey’s increasingly dark expression, Yvonne shivered in fear. She took a step forward and whispered to Rosalie, “You should stop talking, Rose. We should leave now.”

She was genuinely terrified. The air Geoffrey emitted alone could scare someone to death. What if arguing with Geoffrey affected Rosalie’s pregnancy?

However, Rosalie stood tall and refused to leave. She kept her eyes locked on Geoffrey.

“Little girl, you certainly have guts to speak to me this way,” Geoffrey snarled.

“I’m just telling the truth. Although I might be just a little girl to you, we’re all equal as human beings. I respect you as I speak, but I also respect myself,” Rosalie replied calmly.

Geoffrey’s expression turned grim.

He was a dangerous man. Everyone in the household feared him, especially Yvonne. Whenever she was around her father, she was like a mouse in front of a cat.

On the other hand, this was Rosalie’s first time meeting him. Despite that, she was so brave. There wasn’t a single hint of inferiority in her

eyes.

Yvonne carefully tugged at Rosalie’s sleeve.

In the end, Sebastian was the one who couldn’t bear it anymore. He stood up from the ground, about to walk over to Rosalie, determined

to take her away.

Unexpectedly, Geoffrey burst into laughter..

“Hahaha!”

This puzzled Sebastian, who immediately stopped in his tracks.

“You certainly have a spine,” Geoffrey said slowly. “Now I understand why Sebastian…”

“Dad,” Sebastian interrupted, anxious. He worried that whatever his father might say could cause Rosalie to misunderstand or suspect something.

He stepped forward and went to stand in front of Rosalie, shielding

her.

“This is a family matter, so let’s not involve strangers. Punish me however you want. I don’t want to be embarrassed in front of others.”

Geoffrey raised the wooden stick in his hand, and pointed it at

Sebastian. “I really want to teach you a lesson.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Rosalie quickly stood in front of Sebastian, blocking the stick.

“I hope you’ll consider what I just said, Mr. Carter. Sebastian is fully aware of his mistakes, and will definitely change in the future. Plus, you can take this opportunity to make a big profit. Now is a good time to short Regent Co.’s stocks.”

Sebastian stared at Rosalie’s petite figure. Even though she was small, she was like a harbor that shielded him from the storm, separating him from the dangers in front of her.

Suddenly, he felt warmth spread in his heart.

Geoffrey threw Rosalie’s notebook aside. “You speak very well, but all of this is your own analysis. What if your calculations are wrong? You’re arrogant enough to suggest I short the market. If I make a

I

loss, will you take responsibility?”

It seemed that he still didn’t believe her. Fearing he would insist on punishing Sebastian, Rosalie came up with an idea.

“I’m not the only one who came to this conclusion. There’s also someone else. She’s a very authoritative figure in the financial industry. If you don’t believe what I say, then you should at least listen to her,” she suggested.

“Really?” Geoffrey asked. “Who is it? Tell me.”

“Sydney Harper, the president of one of the biggest banks, Apex Bank. She refused to lend to Regent Co.”

The name Sydney Harper made Geoffrey’s eyes flash. It seemed to trigger some memories for him, though others wouldn’t easily notice.

“Really? You know the president of Apex Bank?”

“Yes, I know her, but…”

Rosalie didn’t tell Geoffrey that Sydney was her mother–in–law. Technically, they were no longer in-laws, but she still called Sydney‘ Mom‘. She was worried Geoffrey wouldn’t believe her if she told him. this fact, and right now, saving Sebastian was more important.

“Do you have any proof? Why should I believe you? Even if she refused to lend to Regent Co., it doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Unless…” Geoffrey’s firm tone suddenly softened. “Unless I can hear it from her directly. Otherwise, your words are just that–words.”

‘Alright, I’ll ask her to tell you herself. Wait a moment.”

Rosalie took out her phone, and walked to the side to send a message to Sydney.

[Mom, please help me with something. My friend’s father thinks he lost a project to Regent Co. and wants to punish him severely. I need to prove that Regent Co. has issues so I can help him avoid punishment. Can you tell his father that Regent Co. has problems? You’re respected in the field, so he’ll definitely believe you.]

Sydney replied almost immediately. [Alright.]

Rosalie sighed in relief.

[Thanks, Mom. But please don’t tell him about our relationship. I’m. worried that if he knows, he’ll think we’re in cahoots.]

[Okay.]

Then, Rosalie immediately called Sydney. Sydney answered the call at

once.

“Hello.”

“Hold on, I’ll pass the phone to him.”

Rosalie walked back to Geoffrey, and handed him the phone.

Geoffrey stared at the phone in Rosalie’s hand, lost in thought for a moment. Seeing the string of numbers on the screen, he was

momentarily dazed.

When she saw that he didn’t respond, Rosalie called out to him. “Mr. Carter?”

Geoffrey regained his senses, feeling rather annoyed with himself. He hadn’t zoned out like that for a long time. like that for a long time.

After a brief hesitation, he took the phone and put it next to his ear.

“Hello. I’m Sydney Harper, President of Apex Bank. Whatever Rosalie has told you is true.”

Hearing her voice after so long, Geoffrey gripped the phone tightly. He felt as if his voice was stuck in his throat, making it difficult for him, to speak.

“President Harper, this is Geoffrey Carter.”

A terrifying silence followed.

Upon hearing his voice, Sydney abruptly hung up. Geoffrey could no longer hear any sound from the other end.

Rosalie didn’t know Sydney had already hung up. She didn’t

understand why Geoffrey wasn’t speaking, nor did she know if Sydney. was still talking to Geoffrey.

Why was it taking so long?

After another ten seconds or so, Geoffrey lowered his hand until it reached his thigh. He seemed dejected.

“Do you believe it now?” Rosalie asked. “She’s really the president of Apex Bank. If you don’t believe it, you can check.”

Geoffrey suddenly sighed softly, and raised his eyes. “Yes.”

He handed the phone back to Rosalie. She took it, and sighed in relief.

“Since you believe it, I hope we can handle this matter another way. Sebastian should be spared the punishment. Instead, he should be given a chance to make up for it. I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”

“How do you know President Harper?” Geoffrey asked.

“I…”

If Rosalie revealed her relationship with Sydney, Geoffrey might feel deceived and think they were colluding to trick him.

Although Geoffrey might eventually learn about her relationship with Sydney, her priority right now was to save Sebastian. She would deal with this problem later.

“The relationship is not the main point here. What’s important is that you believe her. If you still have doubts, you can hire a professional to thoroughly analyze all the data. If I can figure it out, I believe they can

too.

“Regent Co.’s methods aren’t particularly sophisticated. They just took advantage of good timing and the regulatory authorities‘ negligence. Many companies are operating this way. They think they can get away with it, but it’s just a matter of time before they’re exposed. I’m sure the short–sellers have already set their sights on Regent Co.”

Geoffrey turned around. “Phillip.”

Phillip stepped forward. “Yes, sir?”

Geoffrey passed him the wooden stick, instructing him to put it back in its place.

When she saw the stick being taken away, Rosalie finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Sebastian was safe for today.

Geoffrey stared at Rosalie for a long time. Could this little girl be her daughter?

“How old are you?” he suddenly asked.

Rosalie replied, “I’m twenty–one.”

“Twenty–one. That’s good.”

Despite saying that, deep down, he felt a hint of disappointment. She was only twenty–one.

Seeing their father’s change in attitude, both Sebastian and Yvonne were confused. Just moments ago, their father had been ruthless- but now, he seemed completely different.

Geoffrey turned around, walked back to the sofa, and sat down. He

rested his elbow on the small table next to the armrest. He then held

his forehead with one hand, and waved his other hand.

“You all can leave now. I’m a bit tired.”

Rosalie was overjoyed. She grabbed Sebastian’s arm, and whispered, ” Let’s go now.”

She needed to get Sebastian out of there before Geoffrey changed his,

mind.

Yvonne grabbed Sebastian’s other arm. The two girls successfully rescued Sebastian, leaving the living room with only Geoffrey and Phillip.

After putting away the stick, Phillip made a cup of hot tea and brought it to Geoffrey. “Sir, Madam just called. She said she won’t be coming home tonight, and will stay at her sister’s place.”

Geoffrey sighed softly. “Let her be.”

“Sir, is your head hurting again? Should I call Dr. Zabel?”

Geoffrey waved his hand. “No need, I’m fine. Go on with your work.”

Phillip didn’t press further. He just bowed, and then left.

The living room was now empty, with only Geoffrey sitting there looking desolate.

After the three left the villa, Rosalie stopped, raised her hand, and gently touched Sebastian’s forehead. “Does it hurt? We should get it treated at the hospital.”

The blood on his forehead had already dried.

Sebastian shook his head, looking worried. “I’m fine. But Rose, today you…”

Suddenly, Rosalie was stuck by a wave of dizziness. She held her forehead, but then her body swayed, and she almost fell.

Sebastian quickly wrapped his arm around her waist, steadying her. Rose! What’s wrong?”

Rosalie shook her head. “I’m fine, just a bit dizzy.”

“Are you feeling unwell? You seemed a bit off when you arrived,” Yvonne said.

“Really?” Sebastian was even more concerned now. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier? You shouldn’t have pushed yourself to talk to my father. Come on, I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Rosalie instinctively wanted to refuse, but then she remembered that a life was growing inside of her now. Concerned for the baby’s safety, she didn’t refuse and nodded.

hapter 337

The doctor examined Rosalie, and said she had low blood sugar. Coupled with physical exhaustion and stress, she needed a balanced nutrition and ample rest.

Sebastian was so busy taking care of Rosalie, he didn’t have time to get his own wound treated.

Hence, Rosalie “ordered” him to get it treated. Only then did he leave to find the doctor, albeit reluctantly.

Yvonne sat by the bed, and gave Rosalie a thumbs up. “You really impressed me today. I can’t believe you confronted my dad!”

She thought that Rosalie was either naïve, or incredibly courageous.

Rosalie smiled. “I was just being practical with your dad.”

She didn’t fear Geoffrey, but she respected him.

After all, her upbringing wasn’t exactly ordinary. Although the Spencers looked frightening, they were just humans like everyone else.

People like the Spencers and Geoffrey exuded a kind of awe–inspiring presence and a natural authority that commanded respect and fear. It was different from the terrifying aura of criminals who were nothing

without violence.

So, Rosalie wasn’t very afraid when she encountered such imposing figures.

“How did you know my dad would listen? Let me tell you–he’s very arbitrary, domineering, and totally unreasonable. It’s strange how he acted today. I have a feeling he likes you,” Yvonne said.

“Is that so?” Rosalie actually didn’t care whether Geoffrey liked her or not. She just wanted him to spare Sebastian. “Maybe your dad has also realized the interests at stake here.”

“Come to think of it,” Yvonne said admiringly, “you’re really amazing. Seb told me you studied finance.”

“Yes,” Rosalie nodded. “But I’m not really a professional. In fact, I just graduated.”

“That’s already very impressive! No wonder you were so confident when talking to my dad. He was also convinced after reading your

notes. You’re awesome!”

Yvonne couldn’t help but give Rosalie a thumbs–up again.

Although Rosalie was usually low–key, she enjoyed sincere praises like everyone else. She suddenly felt that her profession was a good

one.

“Rose, you really scared Seb today,” Yvonne continued.

“How so?” Rosalie asked.

“You confronted my dad! Seb was afraid you’d get hurt. He kept signaling me to take you away as soon as possible, but you just wouldn’t leave. I was so anxious, too! Since I brought you to my house, he’d blame me if something happened to you.”

“Everything turned out alright, didn’t it? Don’t worry. It’s your home, not

a criminal’s lair. Your dad wouldn’t eat me.”

“That may be true, but I was so worried just now. If something had happened, it wouldn’t have been good for you. Thank god my dad. didn’t trouble you. You’re too good to Seb, running around for him. Most people wouldn’t do that.”

Yvonne was rather touched.

“Seb’s a good friend of mine, and he’s helped me a lot. It’s only

natural for me to return the favor. Besides, it’s not very difficult. It’s just that no one has done it before. I wasn’t fully prepared just now, either,” Rosalie said.

She didn’t think that much credit was due.

Yvonne grinned. “Rose, stop being modest. Whatever it is, Seb will definitely love you more than ever after this.”

The smile on Rosalie’s face froze instantly, and she stared blankly at

Yvonne.

Yvonne closed her mouth immediately. She froze, and a hint of panic, flashed in her eyes.

Oh, no! She had let it slip!

In the corridor, Sebastian had just turned to enter the ward when his footsteps suddenly stopped–he appeared thunderstruck.

He immediately withdrew his foot, turned around, and leaned against the wall. The room was right beside him, but he didn’t dare to enter. His breathing also became quicker.

Damn Yvonne! What was that brat saying? Did she even know what she just did? She really didn’t think before talking!

Sebastian closed his eyes, his mind in turmoil. It seemed that in this world, only Rosalie could make him so panicked. Just over ten seconds had passed, but it felt like hours to him. Time seemed to have frozen.

Rosalie could hear her heart thumping. She clenched the sheets under the covers as sweat gradually formed in her palm.

The stiff smile on her face slowly faded, and her lips twitched.

“Vonnie, what…what are you saying?” Rosalie hoped she had misheard or misunderstood.

In these ten seconds, Yvonne’s brain raced. All her brain cells worked hard to figure out how to salvage the situation.

Yvonne swallowed silently. After a few seconds, she blurted, “I meant, Seb will love you more because I love you more too. Both him and I love you to death! I don’t care; from now on, you’re our best friend. No. one else can compare!”

Yvonne blinked, the light in her eyes shining like the brightest sun in spring.

Rosalie was stunned for a moment, and she just stared blankly at

Yvonne. So, what Yvonne meant was the love between friends?

0

“What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t you love Seb and me?” Yvonne frowned, looking a little unhappy.

After a pause, Rosalie asked, “Are you talking about the love between friends?”

“Of course!” Yvonne replied. “There are only three types of love- familial love, platonic love, and romantic love. Aren’t we friends? Don’t you love Seb and me?”

Rosalie breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out that Yvonne meant the love between friends, and just hadn’t been clear about it just now.

Rosalie had quite a scare. She thought Yvonne meant…

She suddenly remembered the text Sebastian had sent her before, where there was a sticker with the words “love you“. He was saying it as a friend, and she had overthought it.

Rosalie found herself laughable. Her imagination was wild, and she

was really presumptuous.

After all, Sebastian had also explicitly stated that he liked a girl named Lily.

Rosalie decided to eliminate the possibility that Sebastian had feelings for her from now on. She shouldn’t be so conceited.

After telling herself this, she gradually relaxed and smiled. “Of course, I love you both. You’re my good friends, and I cherish our friendship.”

In one’s lifetime, there were many kinds of love: familial love, platonic love, and romantic love.

Yvonne was quite impressed with herself for saving the situation, and she breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.

If she had failed, Sebastian would have skinned he

“That’s good.” Yvonne then added, “But I have a condition. Between Seb and me, I have to come first. I must be your best friend, and no one else.”

Rosalie was at a loss for words.

“But Vonnie, I have other friends too, like Stephanie Carter. I’ve known her for many years, and we’re good friends.”

“Stephanie Carter?” Yvonne’s brow furrowed at the mention of

Stephanie. “Who is she? What a coincidence, she has the surname Carter too.”

“Yes. She shares the same surname as you.”

In fact, the surname Carter wasn’t very common. Rosalie realized that

she knew three friends with the surname Carter. It was such a small probability, yet she encountered it.

“How long have you known each other?” Yvonne asked.

“Over a decade,” Rosalie replied.

“Over a decade?” Yvonne exclaimed. “That long? Then how can I compare with her? I’ve only known you for less than a month!”

Rosalie chuckled. “Why do you want to compare yourself with her?”

“Because you said you’re good friends with her, and you’ve known each other for so long. If that’s the case, you won’t prioritize me. It’s making me so annoyed,” Yvonne grumbled.

Rosalie was amused. “Vonnie, friendship can’t be measured by time. Although I’ve known you for a short time, I know you’re a friend worth having, just like Stephanie. You’re both my good friends.”

“Then tell me, who do you like more: me, or Stephanie? I know we’re both your friends, but it’s impossible not to have a favorite, right?”

“That’s…” Rosalie was in a dilemma. “Vonnie, you shouldn’t compare. yourself with others. You’re both my good friends, and I won’t rank either of you. I like both of you equally.”

Rosalie had known Stephanie for over a decade, so it was impossible to say she liked Yvonne more. However, even though she had known Yvonne for a short time, she did like the girl very much. She didn’t

want to choose between them–this wasn’t marriage, where she had. to choose only one person.

“There has to be a ranking. Oh, do tell! I haven’t even included Seb yet, but it doesn’t matter if he’s third. Between me and Stephanie, how do you rank us?”

Yvonne was competitive, and wanted to establish a hierarchy.

Rosalie was caught between a rock and a hard place. “Vonnie, I really can’t rank you. Friendship can’t be measured like a test score.”

“Yvonne.”

Just then, Sebastian walked in briskly.

“I’ve only been gone for a moment, and you’ve already started blabbing nonsense. How can you compare yourself to Stephanie? She’s known Rose for many years. You have no self–awareness at all. Stop acting like a spoiled child in front of Rose.”

As soon as he entered the room, he immediately criticized his sister.

Yvonne pouted, unhappy. “I’m not.”

“You still deny it. I see–you’re trying to annoy me, right? Rose already said it’s impossible to rank you both, so stop being pushy.”

“But Seb, I care about her too! I just want to be the best in her heart.”

#

Yvonne felt a little wronged. Was liking Rosalie wrong? Though she was throwing a tantrum, she still seemed rather cute at the moment.

“You…” Sebastian wanted to continue lecturing her, but Rosalie

quickly interrupted him.

“Seb, I’m not angry with Yvonne. Please don’t lecture her.”

“Rosalie, you’re too nice. You never hold it against her. Anyway, she shouldn’t have asked you such questions,” Sebastian replied.

Yvonne wanted to say something more, but Rosalie squeezed her hand. “Well, I’m happy Vonnie likes me so much.”

Today’s Bonus.Offer

Yvonne grinned happily. She was easily pleased, just like a child.

“That’s right! Seb, did you hear that? I don’t know why you had to lecture me. Rosalie isn’t even mad at me. You’re meddling way too much!”

Seeing Sebastian’s furrowed brow, Rosalie quickly said, “You two, stop arguing all the time, especially because of me. I feel guilty.”

Since Rosalie looked so pitiful, Sebastian and Yvonne hurriedly shut their mouths.

Seeing the siblings finally calling a ceasefire, Rosalie relaxed. She glanced at Sebastian’s forehead, where his injury had been bandaged.

“Seb, do you have any other injuries?”

When she arrived at their house earlier, Sebastian’s forehead was already injured. She wondered if Geoffrey had beaten him anywhere

else.

“Don’t worry, Rosalie,” Yvonne said. “My brother has thick skin.”

Sebastian wanted to lecture Yvonne again, but with Rosalie present, he refrained from saying anything. He didn’t want to upset her.

“Vonnie, don’t be so mean to your brother all the time,” Rosalie said, suddenly turning serious.

Yvonne was taken aback. “What?”

“While I don’t want your brother to lecture you, you shouldn’t put him down like that, especially in front of others.”

Rosalie was fair. Naturally, she wouldn’t favor Yvonne completely.

“I’m not disrespecting him! His pride isn’t affected by me, anyway,” Yvonne muttered. She was like a child being scolded by her parents, unwilling to admit her mistakes but also not daring to argue loudly.

Rosalie shook her head helplessly, and sighed softly.

“Why are you sighing, Rose? I’ll listen to you, alright? I won’t be mean to him anymore,” Yvonne said quickly. She was afraid of making Rosalie angry, fearing she would fall down the ranks in Rosalie’s heart.

Seeing Yvonne listening to Rosalie, Sebastian felt somewhat

satisfied. The girl was usually fearless except when it came to their father, but now, she was afraid of Rosalie.

Rosalie looked at the time; it was already afternoon. Time had passed really quickly.

“Seb, Vonnie, since the problem’s solved, I’m going home now.”

So saying, she lifted the blanket from her body.

“But your health…” Sebastian approached her, and asked, “Don’t you need to rest a bit longer?”

“I think it’s better for me to rest at home. Besides, it’s not like I have anything serious. Also, I don’t like staying in hospitals.”

Staying in the hospital made Rosalie feel uneasy. Recently, she found herself visiting hospitals frequently.

“In that case, let me take you home,” Sebastian and Yvonne said simultaneously, their tones perfectly synchronized.

“Um…”

Rosalie suddenly remembered that her car was still at the Carter Residence. She had driven there today, but because she felt unwell, Sebastian had brought her to the hospital in his car.

Sebastian, standing behind Yvonne, pinched her discreetly.

“Ouch!” Yvonne yelped in pain.

Rosalie was startled. “What’s wrong?”

Yvonne glared at Sebastian, resentful, then forced a smile. “It’s nothing! I suddenly remembered I have something to do. I made plans with a friend, so I have to leave now. Seb will take you home.”

If she stayed here any longer, her brother would probably pinch her to death.

“But how are you going there? You didn’t drive here,” Rosalie said. Why don’t you let your brother take you?”

“No need!” Yvonne took a few steps back. “I’ll just take a taxi, or have my friend pick me up. I’m in a hurry, so I’ll leave now. Goodbye!”

With that, Yvonne fled. Rosalie didn’t even have time to stop her.