Chapter 17

As Angelia woke up, she met Jerome’s gaze with confusion and subconsciously wiped her mouth. Jerome handed her a few pieces of paper, which she awkwardly accepted, realizing that she had drooled in her sleep.

“Did I snore?” she asked, feeling embarrassed.

“No,” Jerome replied in a deep voice. “We’re here.”

“Okay,” Angelia sat up and noticed that she was wearing his clothes. She felt a strange sensation and handed them back to him. “Thank you.”

Jerome took the clothes and put them on casually. He had a strong noble aura that was easy to admire, with high facial features that made it difficult to look away.

Angelia took a deep breath and forced herself not to look at him. Jerome opened the door and told her, “You’ll be sleeping on the second floor. There’s a bathroom and shower in your room, but it’s best not to get your right hand wet.”

“Oh, my luggage is still in the car,” Angelia said.

“Go to the middle room on the second floor for now. I’ll bring your luggage up,” Jerome said, turning to leave.

Angelia felt embarrassed that he was taking care of her instead of the other way around. “I’ll carry it myself.”

Jerome didn’t let her, carrying both boxes past her and into the house. He put down his black suitcase and carried her luggage upstairs. Angelia followed him into the room and was slightly stunned.

The room was very clean, with dark gray sheets and bedding. The bedside table was full of books on computers, law, and traditional Chinese medicine. There were even some potted plants on the windowsill. It didn’t look like a guest room, but rather his own bedroom.

Was she going to sleep in the same room as him tonight?

Jerome stood in front of her and said, “What are you thinking? Your face is so red.”

Angelia awkwardly held her face and gave an explanation, “My face is usually red when I wake up. My grandmother says it’s because I’m chubby, so I have good blood circulation.”

“You call this chubby?” Jerome’s gaze unconsciously shifted downwards.

She only had a lot of flesh.

There was a surge of heat rising up. After all, he was 26 years old this year, at the age of youthful vigor. In the 26 years, there was only one her, and it happened five years ago, just once.

Angelia noticed his gaze, awkwardly pulled her collar together and pressed it with her hand, dryly laughing, “Um, I was very chubby when I was a child. I’ll show you my childhood photos another day. My grandmother called me ‘Fat Xi’.”

Jerome noticed her small movements, cleared his throat, moved his gaze away, and fell back on her reddened face. “The new bedding is in the cabinet. I’ll take my things away later. I live on the first floor. You can call me if you need anything.”

“Oh, okay.” It turned out that they weren’t going to share a room. The tension in her relaxed. “Then, I’ll just stay on the first floor, so you don’t have to move.”

“The room on the first floor doesn’t have a bathroom. The bathrooms are all shared. I often wander around on the first floor. Are you sure it’s convenient?” Jerome asked back.

“Well, it’s not convenient, and it’s easy to be too ambiguous. Then, I’ll help you move,” Angelia volunteered.

“You should rest well. If your palms crack, it will be more troublesome,” Jerome said, preparing to get the computer on the desk.

“I’ll just hold it with my arms. I won’t use any force on my palms,” Angelia said, holding his blanket.

Jerome was a bit helpless. He picked up Angelia’s whole person and put her on the bed, supporting her on both sides of her body and looking at her eye to eye. He said in a deep voice, “Be good. You never listen. Don’t make me worry.”

Angelia wanted to say something, but her words choked in her throat.

This Jerome was too gentle and too warm. Between breaths, there was a strong masculine aura on him, making her unable to suppress her wild heartbeat. “Then, I’ll take a shower first.”

“If you can bear it, it’s better not to wash. Your wound hasn’t scabbed yet. Wait until tomorrow morning to wash,” Jerome suggested.

If Whitfield were here and heard this, he would definitely be furious.

Jerome had a slight obsession with cleanliness. If someone sat on his bed, he would change the sheets.Now, amazingly, Angelia sleeps in his bed without taking a shower!!

Angelia nodded like a messenger from the gods.

Jerome was satisfied, took the blanket from her arms, and went downstairs.

The person left, but the breath remained.

She felt her heart still beating fast and couldn’t think randomly.

She then picked up the Treatise on Cold Damage from the bedside table and flipped through a few pages.

She found that Jerome not only read it but also made detailed notes and his own understanding.

It was professional, just like a real doctor.

She was pleasantly surprised and turned a few more pages.

No wonder he wrapped her up so well and seemed to be knowledgeable about medicine.

Jerome returned to her room and saw her reading the Treatise on Cold Damage.

His eyes deepened, and he walked over, took the book from her hand, and closed it.

“When I was a child, I wanted to be a doctor.”

“You’re amazing.

You’ve been working hard for your dreams.

With your achievements, you don’t need to understand these things.

Many people can’t even persist, but you did it,” Angelia exclaimed from the bottom of her heart.

“My mother used to be a doctor and cured many people, but she couldn’t heal herself, so I gave up.

After my mother died, I followed my grandfather into business,” Jerome said simply.

Angelia knew that his family background was very good, and he hadn’t come to school since the second half of his freshman year.

She heard that he had done a big project and made a few billion.

In the summer, their school received a batch of air conditioners donated by him.

But she didn’t know that his mother had passed away.

“If your mother is in heaven, she will also be pleased with you,” Angelia comforted.

Jerome didn’t say anything more and didn’t want to say more.

“Let’s go, I’ll take you somewhere,” he said.

Angelia was curious, “Where are we going?”

“You’ll know when we get there,” Jerome walked ahead.

Angelia got into his car, puzzled.

Soon, the car stopped at the police station.

At this time, most of the police officers had already finished work, leaving only some on duty and overtime.

The Chief of Police personally came out to greet them, “Jerome, you’re here.”

“How’s the interrogation going?” Jerome asked.”In the face of evidence, he cannot play tricks. Three women and one male friend have come forward to accuse him, one of whom was drugged and gang-raped by him and his friend. The incident was recorded on video, which was found at his friend’s house. If there is a fair trial, the sentence will not be less than fifteen years,” said the Chief of Police.

“Okay, let me see him,” Jerome said.

“Follow me,” the Chief of Police led the way.

Angelia saw Gallagher sitting in a small room. Gallagher stood up excitedly when he saw Angelia, but the police restrained his hands and held him still.

“It’s you, you framed me, it’s you,” Gallagher shouted hysterically at Angelia.

Jerome blocked Gallagher’s line of sight and said coldly, “Did she frame you, or did you bring it upon yourself? Think carefully before you speak.” Gallagher looked at Jerome with hatred and said, “You must be behind this. Angelia couldn’t have done it on her own.”

“Do I need to be behind this? When you were doing illegal things, I didn’t even know you. Besides, Angelia can decide whether to sentence you for more or fewer years. The video I have clearly shows it,” Jerome said calmly.

“What do you want? Don’t tell me you don’t want her. You’re just smarter than me. You want her to willingly be with you. In fact, you’re more vicious than me. I just play with the body, but you play with the heart,” Gallagher said with a sneer.

“Well, it seems we don’t need to negotiate,” Jerome turned around and took Angelia’s hand.

“What are you negotiating?” Gallagher asked anxiously.

“If you can get Angelia’s forgiveness, she won’t press charges against you,” Jerome said.

Gallagher didn’t even hesitate. He knelt down and begged, “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have had evil thoughts about you. I didn’t know you were Jerome’s woman. Otherwise, even if I had ten heads, I wouldn’t dare. That day I was drugged, I went crazy, and I lost my mind. Please forgive me. I won’t do it again. I’ll turn around and leave when I see you.”

“Did you order Kenny Diana and Anne to help you lure Angelia, or did they encourage you to rape her?” Jerome asked.”They egged me on,” Gallagher explained, looking at Angelia. “Anne said you had already returned to France and wouldn’t be back in North Carolina for who knows how long.

I was afraid, and my head really got muddled. I was possessed by a devil.”

Angelia looked at Gallagher indifferently. She didn’t believe that Gallagher was sincere. He was the type of person who would always be lurking around, not grateful for being let go, but instead remembering the time when she wanted to report him and holding a grudge, ready to strike at any moment.

“I’m sorry, I won’t forgive you,” Angelia turned away.

Gallagher looked at Jerome.

Jerome turned away expressionlessly.

Gallagher suddenly exploded, stood up and cursed, “You two adulterers, one cheating on her husband, the other a hypocrite. Angelia, I will watch as your reputation is ruined, as you are injured and become a symbol of a thousand people killed.”

With a bang, the door closed, cutting off Gallagher’s shouting.

Jerome looked at the Chief of Police. “Did you record it? The evidence from Anne and Kenny Diana’s side is enough for a trial.”

“Yes, yes, Jerome is wise,” the Chief of Police gave a big thumbs up sincerely.

As they left, Jerome looked at Angelia. “Those who bullied you have now received their just punishment. Are you feeling any better?”

It was hard to say if she was feeling better, maybe it was just her personality. She just wanted to stay away from bad people and bad things. She wouldn’t be happy just because someone else was unlucky. Perhaps they had not yet touched on her sore spot.

But what Jerome did for her moved her.

“Gallagher is a despicable person. His father may not let it go, after all, Gallagher is his only son,” Angelia said worriedly.

“That depends on his ability. If he is afraid of retaliation and does not fight for his own interests, he will always be bullied and crushed. Only by being strong enough to make others fear and dread him, can he avoid worrying about others’ treacherousness,” Jerome said confidently.

Angelia nodded without rebuttal.

Jerome’s strength was something she had witnessed. His education and courage far surpassed those of his peers.He was standing high up, looking down on the crowd, and the distance between him and her was more than just a hundred thousand miles.

“Should we buy some vegetables to take home?” Angelia changed the subject.

“Your hand is injured, not suitable for cooking,” Jerome retorted, opening the car door.

“At night, we can buy some braised dishes, eat some noodles, add some vegetables, it will be done quickly. My hand should be scarred tomorrow, I remember there is a vegetable market nearby.” Angelia suggested.

“Okay, got it, get in the car first.”

Jerome navigated and took her to the nearby vegetable market.

Angelia stood at the window of the braised dishes, “Jerome, what do you want to eat?”

Jerome glanced at the braised dishes inside and didn’t understand them. “You can choose.”

“Boss, give me this piece of beef, and that piece of pork ribs, and another pound of chicken wings like this.” Angelia said.

The boss weighed it quickly, “It’s a total of $102, but I’ll charge $100.”

Angelia hadn’t taken out her wallet yet, and Jerome handed out a hundred dollars, looking at Angelia: “I usually give Whitfield a supplementary card, and I’ll give you one later. You can use the supplementary card to buy things.”

“This is not good. I’ll reimburse you when I buy things from you later. It’s the same.” Angelia refused.

Taking his card, especially like this, she is his woman.

“The things I want may be more than what you have, such as buying a house, which is all done by my assistant.” Jerome handed her the supplementary card, “I’ll send you the password later.”

Angelia had no reason to refuse, took his card, and put it in her bag.

They also bought tomatoes, bok choy, eggs, beef steak, and noodles.

After returning home, Angelia went downstairs to the kitchen.

Knocking on the door sounded.

Jerome went to open the door.

Sammie stood at the door, seeing Jerome, he stopped, and many thoughts collided in his mind.

He blurted out, “Why is it you? Isn’t Angelia on a business trip with you? You’re back, where is she now?”Jerome looked at him coldly without any emotion in his tone, “Where is she? You should ask her instead of me. Do you need something from me?”

Sammie thought about it and realized that it was inappropriate to ask another man about his wife’s whereabouts. He felt like he was being cuckolded.

“My light bulb is broken, and I saw a ladder in your yard. Can I borrow it to fix it?”

Jerome’s eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, and he furrowed his brow, his tone becoming sharper, “Do you live here?”

“Yes, just in front of you,” Sammie explained. For some reason, he wasn’t happy to know that Jerome lived behind his villa. He didn’t feel elated; instead, all he could think of was Angelia. Angelia should be home by now.

Jerome suspected that Sammie had something to do with Angelia’s knee injury when she was at his place last time, and his eyes became even sharper. “As a man, you should take responsibility first. You live in such a good house, but you let your wife and children live in such a bad one. If you can’t give them happiness, you should give them freedom, not drag each other down and hate each other.”

Sammie was furious and said, “Who are you talking about hating each other? Angelia and I have a good relationship. She didn’t move in because it’s closer to her workplace. Besides, our affairs have nothing to do with you. You’re just her boss, nothing more. My Angelia would never be interested in you. If you have any intentions towards her, please give up.”

Jerome was even more furious and slammed the door shut with a loud bang. He closed all the curtains.

Sammie became angrier and felt as if his wife was being watched.

No wonder Jerome had told him last time that he could change his liking. No wonder his attitude towards him was so hostile like an iceberg. No wonder he went to Angelia’s shabby house.

It turned out that he was interested in Angelia. He should have been happy, as he could use Angelia to threaten Jerome and achieve his goal of sleeping with him.

But now, he was not only angry but also a little panicked.This panic occupies all his thoughts, and even makes him feel sour and bitter, like being poisoned, which is very uncomfortable.

He goes back to his villa, where Read is working out.

When Read sees him, he puts down the barbell in his hand and asks, “You didn’t bring back the ladder, did you?”

Sammie replies, “I’ll have someone buy a new one later. I don’t like lending my things to others, and I don’t like borrowing things from others.”

Read understands and kisses Sammie on the lips before telling him about a female friend who wants to discuss a collaboration opportunity with him.

However, Sammie is in a bad mood and doesn’t want to talk about it.

Read notices and asks what’s wrong.

Sammie says that his wife called him to come home.

This excuse has been used many times before, but now it makes him feel particularly annoyed.

He wants to talk to his wife about Jerome, who is handsome, fit, wealthy, capable, and someone any woman would like.

This thought makes him even more panicked and depressed.

Read gets angry and sarcastic when he hears about Sammie’s wife, who he thinks is trying to control him.

Sammie warns Read not to provoke her, as she has leverage over both of them, and he leaves to go home.”You know that his brands are all top-tier, and many malls make a profit from having them. I just want to help you, having those top-tier brands in your mall will also increase the level of your mall.” Read said anxiously.

Sammie wasn’t interested in it at all. “There are plenty of top-tier brands, and there are also many top-tier brands that want to enter my mall. I don’t lack top-tier brands. Okay, I know you mean well, but I really have something to do today. I’ll contact you later when I have time.”

Read turned her head and became angry.

If it were any other day, Sammie would have the patience to coax her, as it was his pleasure, but now he just wanted to go back and see Angelia.

Ignoring Read, he went straight out the door.

Angelia’s phone rang, and Jerome took it out of her bag. Seeing that it was Sammie’s call display, he hung up, his eyes deepening and his mood becoming more irritable. He turned off the phone and put it back in Angelia’s bag.

After thinking about it, he took out his own phone and hid it behind a pillow.

After thinking about it again, he put Angelia’s phone back in her bag and then walked back to the kitchen.

Angelia fried the omelette and put the cleaned greens in boiling water to cook first.

“Do you like sour food?” Angelia asked.

Jerome’s expression changed, his face becoming more unsightly. He looked at her, frowned, and said meaningfully, “Are you jealous?”

“Hmm? No.” Angelia shook her head, not noticing his strangeness and explained, “Cook the tomatoes until they’re soft, mix them with eggs, add some beef, make noodle soup, although it’s a bit sour, it’s very delicious.”

“Okay.” Jerome moved his gaze away, washed the tomatoes, and handed them to her. Angelia took another pot, cooked the tomatoes, put the noodles in boiling water, covered the pot, and took out another bowl, cracking two eggs into it.

Because of her injured right hand, she could only use her left hand to beat the eggs.

Jerome took the bowl from her and imitated her, stirring the eggs. “Do you cook often at home?””It’s not that, I’m just usually busy with work. I used to be a guest room manager, as you know, and I had no time at night. I practically stayed in the hotel for almost 24 hours. Later on, I applied to transfer to the business department, and I have a little more free time now, so I make some of Alyssa’s favorite foods,” Angelia explained.

“Has Sammie tried this tomato and egg noodle dish?” Jerome casually asked.

“He hardly ever eats at my place,” Angelia replied.

“Don’t make it for him,” Jerome said in a serious tone.

Angelia’s heart trembled as she looked at him.

Jerome put down his bowl and looked at her seriously, asking, “Are you worried that once the child issue is resolved, you will divorce Sammie? You and Sammie don’t seem to have much of a relationship.”

Angelia: “……”

This question…is too sharp.

Once the child issue is resolved, she will definitely divorce Sammie. They didn’t have much of a relationship to begin with.

But telling Jerome is more like a hint.

And it can’t be solved in a short period of time.

She didn’t speak, and the noodles were already done. She turned off the heat and scooped out the bok choy.

Jerome looked annoyed that she didn’t want to answer, “You should think about yourself. You’re only 26 years old this year, and everything is still possible. You don’t need to waste your good time on a scumbag. You’re responsible for yourself before you can be responsible for your child.”

Angelia understood, but didn’t want to continue the topic. There were too many secrets she wanted to keep and she didn’t want to involve the past. She smiled and said, “You should add more salt or less salt.”

Jerome knew she was changing the subject again, so he pulled her shoulder and made her face him, “Did you not listen to anything I said? Or are you brain damaged and can’t accept the right information?”

“It’s not that I can’t accept the right information. I know you mean well and you’re doing it for my own good, but marriage and life aren’t what other people see…””What is that!”

Jerome interrupted her, raising his voice, “Sammie bought a villa, and you live in a dilapidated house. Don’t tell me your relationship is good, her mother doesn’t respect you at all, doesn’t even see you as a person. Don’t tell me you get along well, your grandmother is sick, and he doesn’t even bother to visit her. Don’t tell me he takes care of you well!”

Each of his statements struck her heart and made her feel embarrassed. She was the type of person who would rather suffer in silence, keep her troubles to herself, and only share her joys.

“So what! I don’t care about his big villa, I don’t expect his mother’s kindness, and I don’t need his sympathy and pity. What I want to do, what I think I can do, is what I will do!” Angelia said helplessly.

Jerome’s eyes dimmed, and he was very disappointed in her. “So not getting a divorce is also what you want to do, what you think you can do.”

Angelia swallowed her bitterness and corrected him, “It’s what I can only do at the moment.”

“There’s nothing you can only do. As long as you want to, you can do it. Why not give it a try?” Jerome’s gaze was intense.

Angelia didn’t want to continue this topic anymore. She saw that the tomatoes were ready and turned around, “It’ll be ready in ten minutes, just wait a little longer.”

Jerome sneered and walked out of the kitchen. She knew he was angry, but she could feel his concern. She was not a plant, she could tell good from bad, but she still needed a year. In a year, Sammie would divorce him and be with her.

She took a deep breath, adjusted her depressed mood, crushed the tomatoes, thickened the soup, added eggs, and stirred in the beef. The freshly cooked noodle soup was still very hot.

She remembered Jerome’s reminder last time to use a cloth to hold it, so she wouldn’t burn her hands. But this was not her home, and she couldn’t find a cloth.

She tried to hold it with her hand, but it was too hot, so she recoiled and pinched her own ear.Jerome came back and knew she would act this way.

He locked her back, feeling angry, annoyed, and heartbroken, and said, “Being strong isn’t a good virtue. It often leads to half the effort and makes you not only tired but also feel wronged. Seeking help is not shameful. Your personality is too tough where it should be soft, and you are the one who suffers.”

Angelia turned around and didn’t know if he was talking about the divorce.

For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

From his eyes, she knew that he seemed disgusted.

She felt a bit wronged, but couldn’t argue back.

She knew her weakness in personality.

“Um, I didn’t find the rag,” Angelia said softly.

Jerome looked at her submissive appearance and couldn’t bear to blame her anymore.

“Take the chopsticks,” he said.

“Oh.” Angelia took two pairs of chopsticks and a box of braised dishes, and Jerome went to pick up the bowl.

“It’s hot,” Angelia reminded him.

“You also know it’s hot,” Jerome replied.

Angelia fell silent.

He put the bowl on the dining table and turned to pick up another bowl.

She was worried and followed him.

He put the bowl down, pulled out a chair, and sat down, saying in a deep voice, “Let’s eat.”

Angelia handed him the chopsticks and sat opposite him.

“After dinner, you don’t need to wash the dishes. You can go back to sleep first. I have a video conference tonight,” Jerome said.

“Okay.”

“You don’t need to wake up early tomorrow. If there is anything, I will call you,” Jerome continued.

“Hmm.”

Jerome frowned, “Don’t you have anything to tell me?”

Angelia looked up at him, thought for a moment, and said cautiously, “You’ve had a long day today. Rest early after the meeting.”

Jerome: “……”

He felt a fire in his heart that he couldn’t express or restrain.

He asked her so many questions today, and she didn’t answer any of them.

Even if she did, it wasn’t the answer he wanted.

He learned business with his grandfather when he was ten years old and has been in the business world for more than ten years, but he has never suffered a defeat.

But with Angelia, he felt that she was more difficult to deal with than those cunning and savvy business tycoons.

After dinner, Angelia went back to her room and lay on the bed.

She had taken a nap in the car before, so she wasn’t too sleepy now.

She kept Jerome’s words in her heart.The current Sammie is becoming more and more outrageous, acting more and more recklessly, and can be called brothers with Gallagher.

If Sammie doesn’t come looking for trouble, they can live peacefully for a year, as long as they rarely accompany him to have dinner with Amanda Charles.

But if Sammie still wants to cause trouble for her, she probably won’t be able to hold on for a year.

The next day, she woke up naturally, with the smell of fried eggs on her nose.

She got up, washed up quickly, and went downstairs.

There was chicken and fruit salad, two bowls of porridge, and a bowl of minced meat and vermicelli on the table, with a spoon in the bowl.

Jerome came out of the kitchen with the fried eggs.

Angelia was surprised that he could cook.

He was like a person who had never touched water, “Did you make all of these?”

He wouldn’t tell her that this was his first time in the kitchen.

“Give me your hand.”

She handed him her injured hand, and he removed the gauze.

Her hand had already scarred, but there was some swelling around the scar.

“Where’s your medicine?” Jerome asked.

“In my bag.”

Angelia went to get her bag, and there was a knock on the door.

Jerome got up and looked through the peephole.

He turned around and said to Angelia, “It’s Sammie outside. Do you want to hide first?”

Angelia was shocked and stood still.

Jerome had told her before that the righteous need not fear the eyes of others.

However, if Sammie knew she was living with Jerome, he would definitely think wrong of her.

He had ambitions for Jerome, and she couldn’t give Sammie a chance.

“Less is more.”

Angelia took her bag and went back upstairs, locking the door.

Jerome opened the door.

“Why did it take so long to open the door? What were you doing?” Sammie questioned.

Jerome calmly looked at him, “Do you think everyone is as idle as you? Besides, what I was doing, does it concern you?”

“Don’t play these useless games with me. Where’s Angelia?” Sammie raised his voice.

“Why are you asking me where she is?” Jerome coldly asked back, his eyes deep with a hint of provocation.

“My friend told me that you took her to the police station last night. Don’t tell me you don’t know where she is?”

Sammie grabbed Jerome’s collar in excitement.Jerome casually brushed off Sammie’s hand and said, “So, since you know that Angelia and I went to the police station, you should also know why we went there. I thought you should be more concerned with holding Gallagher accountable instead of immediately thinking whether Angelia was seeing someone else.”

“It’s my business whether I hold him accountable or not. Where is Angelia now?” Sammie shouted, glaring at Jerome.

“On the second floor, in my room, on my bed. Go ahead and find her,” Jerome calmly replied.

Sammie was stunned, a lot of emotions colliding in his mind. “How is that possible? Angelia doesn’t like you.”

“You came to me because you wanted this result, didn’t you?” Jerome asked.

“Do you really not know where Angelia is?” Sammie doubted.

Jerome made a call in front of him. “Sorry, her phone is off.”

Sammie looked at the second floor, his brow furrowed. He then looked at Jerome with a confident look and said, “If Angelia needs anything, I’ll ask for you.”

He turned around and saw Read standing at the window of the second-floor bathroom, looking at him, which made him even more agitated.

He went back, and Read immediately went downstairs and asked him, “What happened? That guy just now, he seemed like Jerome, the leading figure on the global rich list.”

“Him, a leading figure? I think he’s a scheming villain. My grandfather’s company had trouble, and he’s probably behind it,” Sammie said disdainfully, feeling very resentful towards Jerome now.

“He’s a business tycoon. I heard that all of his investments overseas are very impressive. He’s currently the most sought-after CEO in the world. If he’s interested in your grandfather’s company, it means that your grandfather’s company has limitless potential in the future,” Read explained.

“Of course,” Sammie felt flattered. He looked at Read and his face darkened again. “You can’t stay here recently.”

“Why not? Is it because your wife is forcing you?” Read asked, not calmly.

“No, she would have forced me a long time ago. Besides, she can’t force me to do anything,” Sammie replied.

“Then why?” Read asked, feeling wronged.Sammie said to Read, “Jerome and I know each other. Jerome wants to buy out my grandfather’s company, in which I also have shares. If he finds out about our relationship, he might cause trouble. Be good, and after this movie, I’ll help you find two top brands for endorsements.”

Read’s face brightened at the mention of two top endorsements. “I want to reschedule with my friend for lunch,” he said.

“Let’s skip today. I have things to do. I’ll contact you later when I’m free. Pack up and make sure Jerome doesn’t see you,” Sammie reminded him.

Read felt dejected. “Will you come see me tonight?”

“We’ll talk about it later,” Sammie replied, feeling agitated. He couldn’t find Angelia and couldn’t calm down.

As soon as he stepped out, he called Angelia.

Her phone was still turned off.

He got angry and sent her a message, “Call me back, or else I’ll have Alyssa call you.”

Angelia just realized that her phone was off. She must have accidentally turned it off while sleeping in the car.

As soon as she turned it on, she saw numerous missed calls and messages from Sammie.

Was he crazy?

He had called her more than sixty times, more than all the calls they had made in the past five years combined.

She saw Sammie’s message and called him back, feeling irritated.

“Oh, you finally called back. I thought you weren’t picking up,” Sammie said sarcastically.

“What do you want?” Angelia asked, annoyed.

“What do you want? Where were you yesterday? Don’t tell me you were on a business trip. Jerome’s back, and don’t tell me you were at home. I waited for you all night at your place,” Sammie said, getting angrier as he spoke.

“I think you’re funny. Where you are and what you’re doing have nothing to do with me. Are you at Read’s, Quinton’s, or with some model? What right do you have to ask me where I am?” Angelia said bluntly.

“I’m a man, and you’re a woman. Can we be compared? When a man has fun, it’s called being carefree. When a woman has fun, it’s called being cheap and immoral,” Sammie said.”Ah.” Angelia sneered, “I don’t need you to worry about my corruption, just take care of yourself.”

“Then who will take care of it? Your grandmother, I’ll let her come and sort things out.” Sammie said angrily.

“Sammie.” Angelia raised her voice, “What do you want to do?”

“Come home within half an hour, otherwise, I’ll go to your grandmother’s house to find Alyssa.” Sammie hinted, not giving Angelia any room for refusal, and hung up the phone.

Angelia had the urge to hang up the phone and took a deep breath.

Sammie was capable of doing anything.

She opened the door and went out.

Jerome glanced at her, “Come and have breakfast.”

“Sorry, I have something to do.” Angelia said.

“Because of Sammie? If you keep going back and forth like this, he will not cherish you even more.” Jerome frowned.

“There are some things I have to make clear to him. Otherwise, he will think that I am living with you for what reason. If he comes to bother you every other day, I will feel embarrassed.” Angelia explained.

“Do you think he can make it clear?” Jerome squinted.

“How do we know if we don’t try?” Angelia smiled.

Jerome looked at her coldly, “Then go and try. It’s 7:20 now. We’re leaving at 9:30. If you have to go, I’ll pick you up.”

“That’s not necessary. Let’s meet at the Ocean Department Store at 9:30.” Angelia said, walking towards the door.

Jerome took a step forward and grabbed her arm…

Angelia looked at him in confusion.

“Wrap your hand first, it looks better. Don’t ruin everything you’ve done so far. Remember to eat breakfast and take your medicine. The palm of your hand is a little swollen and it’s not a good thing.” Jerome reminded her.

Listening to his deep voice, it sounded like a drum beating on her heart.

No man had ever cared for her like he did.

Not her father, not Neville, and certainly not Sammie.

An unusual feeling arose from her heart, making Angelia a little panicked.

She pulled her hand away, “I’ll buy something to eat on the way. I can take the medicine in the car. It’s almost healed, no need to wrap it.”

“Who told you not to wrap it?”

Jerome forcefully took her bag and took out the ointment, opened the cap, and applied it to her hand.

It feels a little cool and itchy, like feathers lightly brushing against her palm.

She knows she should leave and not cling to this warmth, but her feet seem rooted to the ground, allowing Jerome to re-wrap her bandages.

Once they are done, she still doesn’t move.

“Shall I walk you back?” Jerome asks her. Angelia comes to her senses and realizes that if Sammie sees Jerome walking her back, she will definitely cause trouble.

“No need, see you at half past nine,” she says. “Okay,” Jerome replies in a low voice.

Angelia leaves and realizes that five minutes have passed without her noticing. She knows she won’t be able to make it back within half an hour.

She calls Sammie. “Are you at the door?” Sammie answers. Angelia walks briskly and says, “I’m on my way back now, it’s rush hour and it’s hard to catch a ride. Wait for me for an hour.”

“Okay, no longer than an hour, don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Sammie warns before hanging up. A car stops in front of her and blocks her way. A stranger gets out and happily says, “Miss Green, I finally found you.” Angelia is confused and asks, “Who are you? Do you have something to tell me?”

“Miss Green, please get in the car. The boss wants to see you,” the stranger says with a smile. Angelia doesn’t want to get in and says cautiously, “Sorry, I have something to do and I don’t have time to see your boss.”

“Where are you going? I’ll take you there,” the stranger says warmly. “I’m not used to getting in a stranger’s car, but thank you for your kindness,” Angelia refuses and goes to the bus stop. The stranger has no choice but to call Neville.

“Boss, I found Miss Green, but she didn’t get in the car.” Neville stands up excitedly and looks at Lillian, who is painting her toenails. He whispers, “Follow her and report back to me at any time.”

“Who are you following?” Lillian asks. “I have something to take care of. I’m going on a business trip and will be back within a week,” Neville says with a smile.

“What kind of business trip? You’ve been on several trips this year already. My play hasn’t even started yet and I have nothing to do. I’ll go with you,” Lillian pouts and hugs Neville’s neck.”I am on official business, if you follow me, you will get distracted. Behave yourself, we will video chat tonight. Stay home and behave, don’t go meet those messy investors without my permission,” Neville requested.

Lillian smiled, “Got it. Come back early, I will miss you.”

“Mhmm,” Neville kissed her on the lips.

Lillian wasn’t satisfied and pushed Neville onto the bed, passionately kissing him and daringly touching him…

Neville closed his eyes and thought only of Angelia. He couldn’t wait to see her soon. He flipped over, displaying his masculine dominance and strength…

Angelia returned home to find Sammie sitting on the couch, smoking and filling the room with a strong scent. She opened the window for fresh air to clear the room.

“Where were you last night?” Sammie asked in a strange tone, staring at her.

Angelia looked at him coldly, “Don’t tell me you’re jealous.”

“What’s wrong with being jealous? You’re my wife. You didn’t come home all night, shouldn’t I be jealous?” Sammie frowned and raised his voice.

“Since I’m your wife, didn’t you notice my injured hand?” Angelia retorted.

Sammie looked at her hand, noticing the bandage. He stood up, “What happened to your hand?”

“It’s too late to care now. What do you want from me? Let’s be direct, we shouldn’t beat around the bush,” Angelia said directly.

“I…” Sammie hesitated, looking at Angelia’s face and feeling uneasy. He thought for a moment, “I was waiting for you here yesterday. I didn’t sleep all night.”

Angelia nodded calmly, “And then?”

Sammie suddenly rushed towards her and hugged her waist. He realized her body was soft and fragrant, more stimulating than any man he had touched before.

Angelia rolled her eyes, “What’s wrong with you? I’m not your mother, you can let go of me.”

“Angelia, you smell so good,” Sammie said in a hoarse voice.

Angelia sneered, “Good? I didn’t even shower yesterday.”

“You want to smell good? Just apply some perfume. If you want to smell even better, apply more perfume. Don’t be like a horny animal, sniffing around without knowing the other person’s gender. Let me go!” Angelia said seriously.

“I’m not unable to distinguish genders, but I can now, Angelia. I don’t reject you,” Sammie expressed.

He was surprised to find that just holding Angelia, he could feel a strong sensation, much stronger than when he was with Read.

Angelia noticed his change with shock in her eyes and a hint of panic. She frowned and asked, “Did you take some medication?”

Sammie smiled and said, “I didn’t take any medication. I just returned to normal.”

Angelia felt a chill run down her spine and into her brain. She stepped back a meter away from him and said, “You should still be more normal.”

“In the future, I will treat you well. Even if you have my child, I will treat Alyssa well,” Sammie promised with a smile.

Angelia frowned and asked, “Did you come to me just to tell me this?”

“Yeah,” Sammie put his hand on her waist. A woman’s waist and a man’s waist are different. A man’s waist has no curves, while a woman’s is slender and delicate, with beautiful lines that make people feel pity. It is actually more suitable for a man’s hand.

Sammie became even more impulsive and said, “Angelia, let’s sleep together tonight. We should also have marital relations.”

“What are you talking about?” Angelia pushed his hand away and said firmly, “I feel like I have to remind you of a few things. It was clearly written in the agreement that you cannot touch me, and we will get divorced after one year.”

“Don’t be such a killjoy. I promised you before because I didn’t have any feelings for women, but now I can. We’re already married, and having marital relations is normal,” Sammie argued.

“What’s normal? We got married for an agreement. You want a man to be your wife, and I need money to save my grandmother. Except for the fact that you are my husband, we are nothing to each other,” Angelia replied.

“Angelia, don’t be foolish. What’s wrong with being with me? You don’t have to live here anymore, it’s old and small. I have a high-end villa in the new city, we can live there. It’s far from my mom and she doesn’t even know I have a villa there, so she won’t bother us. I promise you, there will only be you as my woman from now on,” Sammie said.

Angelia realized he wasn’t joking. She used to feel safe around him because he didn’t have any feelings for women. But now, he actually had feelings for women?!

“Have you taken the wrong medicine? If you can have a relationship with women, why did you make a deal with me?” she asked in disbelief.

“I haven’t taken the wrong medicine. I just realized my true feelings. When you were with Jerome, I was jealous and upset,” Sammie replied.

“You were jealous because of Jerome, not because of me,” Angelia raised her voice.

“It’s because of you,” Sammie confirmed.

Angelia found it funny. “Are you out of your mind today? I remember not long ago, you wanted me to have a relationship with Quinton. Why weren’t you jealous or upset then?”

“Because I knew you wouldn’t,” Sammie answered.

“I wouldn’t, so you weren’t upset. But if I did, you would be upset? Don’t you think your logic is flawed? Or do you think everyone else is stupid and believes everything you say? Oh, I remember, this week you also said I should have a relationship with Jerome so you could sleep with him. Did I mishear or remember incorrectly?” Angelia mocked.

“You know, sometimes I just say things…” Sammie trailed off.

“I hope you’re just saying things now. Let’s forget about it. I refuse you now and you don’t have to bring it up again or think about it. It’s good that you like women, your mom should be happy. Find a reliable woman to marry and have children with, forget about your past mistakes,” Angelia said.

Sammie’s face turned cold. “Have you fallen in love with Jerome?”

“I think I’ve answered that question before,” Angelia replied.”Why don’t you give me a chance? We’re already married, I have money, I look good, and I’ll spoil you in the future. I can transfer some of my properties and investments under your name. And if you want to take care of your grandmother, we can bring her back. Alyssa needs a father,” Sammie persisted.

“We didn’t get married based on love. If you didn’t like sugar before, you didn’t eat it. Now that you want it, you insist on having it. This world doesn’t revolve around your desires, and people’s hearts aren’t yours to control. Don’t you understand this?” Angelia frowned.

“But you’re my wife, that’s a fact. If you don’t want to be with me, who else do you want to be with, Jerome?” Sammie’s tone turned cold.

“I’ll say it again, Jerome is my boss, and I’m his assistant. That’s all. Do you think he would be interested in me? The women around him are all stunning, while I’m just a young mother with a family. He’ll be going back to France in a month, and he might never come to North Carolina again. Is it worth wasting time on me?” Angelia explained.

“He’s leaving in a month?” Sammie’s mood was slightly comforted.

“Also, today is Wednesday, not Sunday. I have to go to work. I’m not as free as you are,” Angelia said, with a furrowed brow.

“Jerome doesn’t work, why do you have to work?” Sammie argued.

Angelia was furious and raised her voice, “You don’t work every day, do your employees not work either?”

Sammie was stunned for a moment, then thought about it and heard a knock on the door. He reflexively thought it was Jerome and opened the door.

Neville was holding a red rose, standing at the door. When he saw Sammie, he paused for a moment, then shifted his gaze from Sammie’s face to Angelia’s face.

His smile was warm and sunny, trying to show his tenderness and warmth like a neighborly brother. He said, “Angelia, I finally found you.”

Sammie turned to Angelia and asked, “Who is he?”

Angelia looked at Neville with drooping eyes and an expressionless face. She felt the blood inside her body freeze instantly into ice.This man, she doesn’t want to see him again.

She doesn’t want him to re-enter her life.

How dare he show up here, with such audacity and nerve!

“I’m Neville, Angelia’s brother,” Neville introduced himself.

Angelia scoffed, “Brother or brother-in-law? Oh, I remember now, I don’t have any siblings, who are you to me?”

“I know you’re angry, if you want to yell, go ahead, if you want to hit me, go ahead, I promise not to fight back, okay, Angelia?” Neville smiled warmly and affectionately.

Sammie knew who he was and took away Neville’s flowers, throwing them outside the door.

“Who do you think you are? Is this a place where you can act wild? Get out of here,” Sammie said.

Neville looked at Sammie.

Five years have passed, and this year he’s already 29.

Besides achieving success in his career, he has also become more calm and composed in character.

He smiled and asked, “May I know who you are?”

“I’m the one on Angelia’s marriage certificate, the one who got legally married at the Civil Affairs Bureau. We’ve been married for five years, brother-in-law,” Sammie said proudly.

Neville, who was calm before, was now no longer composed.

He looked at Angelia and asked, “You got married?”

“What? Do you think if the Johnson family didn’t want me, I wouldn’t be able to get married?” Angelia retorted.

“I know I was wrong back then, but you shouldn’t have fallen so low. Is this the life you wanted?” Neville looked at Angelia with a piercing gaze.

Sammie was furious and pushed Neville, “What are you talking about? What do you mean by falling so low? Following me is falling low, but following you isn’t? When you were fooling around with Angelia, why didn’t you think it was falling low for her to follow you?”

“Enough, don’t act like a shrew,” Neville said firmly.

“Who are you calling a shrew? Do you want to fight?” Sammie’s eyes widened.

“Why don’t you put that energy into your work? At least give Angelia a good life. Look at where you’re living, my bathroom is bigger than your entire house. You’re renting your car, right? I’ll give you 500,000, just stay away from Angelia.””What!” Sammie exploded like Thad, “My grandfather is Whittaker, my father is Solomon, and you’re telling me 500,000? I have three villas under my name, six cars, the cheapest of which is over two million. You’re talking to me about cars and houses?”

Neville was shocked and frowned, “You’re Sammie from Grandeur Gardens?”

Sammie’s identity was mentioned by Lillian yesterday, so he was impressed.

“It seems you know me. Get out of here quickly, and stay away from Angelia in the future. She’s my woman,” Sammie said arrogantly.

Neville couldn’t believe it, “Aren’t you unmarried?”

“Angelia and I are secretly married. People outside naturally don’t know. Angelia doesn’t like you, so I don’t like you either. You can leave,” Sammie said impatiently.

Neville looked at Sammie quietly, feeling like something was tightening in his heart, and looked at Angelia.

She was calm, only cold and indifferent.

“Is what he said true?” Neville asked again, frowning and looking at Angelia uneasily.

“Is there a need to lie to you?” Angelia said coldly.

“But why do you live in this small house?” Neville’s breathing became uneven.

“Angelia and I are having a quarrel. After the quarrel is over, we will naturally live in the villa together,” Sammie said on behalf of Angelia.

Angelia glanced at the time. It was already nine o’clock.

She didn’t want to waste any more time. Besides Alyssa and her grandmother, work was her second priority.

“You can leave now. Don’t come here again. I have completely forgotten about the past, including forgetting about you. Even if we accidentally meet in the future, let’s treat each other as strangers. I forgive myself, please forgive me too,” Angelia said in a deep voice.

Neville looked at Angelia firmly. If there was a regret medicine, he would definitely not have a relationship with Lillian and would keep his promise to her.

She was his dream since childhood. When did he lose his dream?

So much so that he thought of himself as having no dreams.

“Just a mere Grandeur Gardens,” Neville said, and continued with a grievance, “Angelia, I know you’re angry, and I did make a mistake, and so on.”

Angelia didn’t know what he meant by “and so on,” but she felt exceptionally dangerous and blurted out, “I don’t want to wait.”Neville laughed and said, “You’re always so cute. I understand, no need to wait.”

He turned and left.

Angelia furrowed her brow. “What does he mean by ‘wait’?” Sammie asked.

“I don’t know,” Angelia replied.

“Then why did you say not to wait?”

“I just don’t want him to wait,” Angelia explained, feeling frustrated that she couldn’t get through to Sammie.

“I’m leaving. I have to go on a business trip today.”

“What kind of business? I won’t allow you to go. I’m hungry now. How much money do you need? You have to stay home and cook for me,” Sammie said stubbornly.

Angelia looked at Sammie’s unreasonable behavior, and he had exhausted all her patience.

“I don’t need your money. I can support myself. As long as I have enough money, it’s fine. If you want to eat, you can go to a restaurant.”

Sammie became agitated again. “Is Jerome more important than me?”

“It’s work that’s more important than you!” Angelia corrected him.

“He has other intentions towards you,” Sammie shouted.

After shouting, he realized he may have said the wrong thing and changed his tone. “Angelia, don’t be stupid. You know he’s leaving in a month. He just wants to play with you. If you want him to take responsibility, forget it. He’ll leave without a care, and what will people say about you?”

“I’ll say it again!” Angelia raised her voice. “I don’t have unrealistic dreams, nor am I irrational. I live a practical life, work hard, be grateful for what I have, stay away from things that hurt me. That’s what I want to do.”

“So you left your husband to run after Jerome, that’s what you call rational!”

“I don’t know what drugs you took today to come here and act crazy. Did you think of my husband when you were sleeping with Read?” Angelia said disgustedly.

Sammie suddenly lost his confidence and felt guilty. “That’s in the past. I didn’t know I could like women.”

Angelia sneered. “You hurt me, and you think you can just brush it off with ‘it’s in the past’?”

“Angelia…”

“I won’t live a life where everything is handed to me. I won’t give up my freedom and dignity. Being a mistress is not for me! If I had compromised, given up my face and swallowed my pride, I would still be a part of the Green family. So don’t try to tempt me with the title of young madam, I’m not interested.”

Angelia opened the door and left. Sammie grabbed her arm and begged her, “I’ll change, can’t I change?”

Angelia looked at him. “Then respect me first.”

Sammie didn’t want to let go, but his phone rang. He saw that it was Tandy calling.