Chapter 19

“Enough,” Sammie interrupted Read. “She is my wife, and will be my wife for life. I won’t allow you to speak about her that way.”

“Are you now on her side?” Read asked, visibly agitated.

Sammie took a deep breath and looked at Read. “I don’t want to live like this anymore. Let’s break up.”

“What?” Read pushed him onto the sofa with force, his eyes filled with anger. “Is it because of Angelia or because you’ve set your sights on other men?”

“It’s because Grandeur Gardens is very dangerous right now. As the only heir to the family, I don’t want to play anymore. I want to do something serious and not see the company destroyed in my hands. If the outside world knows about us, it will only make things worse for the company. I’m sorry. After Adele’s situation is over, I’ll compensate you with two million and we won’t contact each other again.” Sammie stood up and walked outside.

Read was furious and threw the ashtray at Sammie. Sammie winced and turned around. “The two million are gone now.”

Read was even angrier and picked up a vase to throw at him, but Sammie quickly dodged it…

Three hours later, Angelia finished the proposal and made some revisions. She wasn’t familiar with the supermarket industry and wrote down everything she could think of that needed to be done.

The sound of the door opening rang out and Angelia looked towards the door.

Jerome walked in, glanced at her, lowered his eyes, and unbuttoned two buttons on his suit. He looked a bit more mature.

Although they were the same age, she felt like a novice in front of him and stood up nervously. “Um, I’ve finished the proposal, but I don’t know your email.””Open it, let me take a look first,” Jerome said in a low voice, walking over and standing by her side. He bent slightly, with one hand resting on the chair behind her, and took her mouse, his gaze falling on the computer screen.

He was too close, and his breath seemed to linger around her body, with a faint fragrance.

She had met very few men whose scent was so pleasant.

Unconsciously, she looked at his face.

Jerome had good skin, smooth and delicate like cream, without pimples or blemishes. Was it because of his long-term exercise?

“The plan is very good, and every point is analyzed and summarized very well. Why is the benefit section blank?” Jerome asked.

“Oh. I don’t know the detailed profit space yet. Give me three days, and I’ll fill it in.”

Jerome saw the detailed notes she had made and looked at her. “Are you worried about the source of goods?”

Angelia met his eyes and could clearly see herself reflected in his eyes, as if she could be sucked into his eyes.

She awkwardly looked away and explained, “The supermarket area has already been selected, and the source of goods is one of the important factors that determine profits. We can only offer higher prices and retain more customers if we can get items of the same quality at a lower price.”

Jerome agreed and closed the page. He stood up and looked at her. “You think like me. Come with me tonight to meet some people. Don’t get drunk again this time. Getting drunk again… “

He paused. “I’m a normal man. If someone takes off my clothes, I’ll put them back on myself. It’s silly to even think about it.”

“Huh?” Angelia’s face turned red.

So, the scene of her taking off his clothes and kissing him wasn’t a dream, it was real?”I won’t get drunk again, I promise,” Angelia raised her hand and swore apologetically.

Jerome looked at her sincere face and said, “Sounds like a puppy’s promise.”

“Hmm?” Angelia didn’t hear clearly, or rather, didn’t understand.

Jerome frowned slightly and said, “Change your clothes, put on some makeup, we’re meeting someone important tonight.”

“Oh, okay.” Angelia remembered something, “I haven’t taken a shower yet.”

“You come here first,” Jerome walked to the sofa.

Confused, Angelia followed him.

He sat down on the sofa and patted the spot next to him.

Angelia sat down next to him.

He took her right hand and unwrapped the gauze.

Angelia looked at her palm, which was already scarred with purple, and smiled, “It looks like it’s all better now, this ointment really works well.”

“Extracted from a certain small animal, only fifty milliliters can be extracted in a year, and one milliliter can be used in thousands of bottles of wound medicine, and the effect is really good,” Jerome explained.

So that’s how it is. He gave her at least ten milliliters of this precious medicine.

“This medicine is so precious, I can’t take it, I’m already better anyway,” Angelia said.

Jerome looked at her and said meaningfully, “Either take it or don’t, I never take back what I give away. If you don’t want it, just throw it away.”

She couldn’t bear to throw away such a valuable medicine. “Then I’ll keep it for you. If you want it, just ask me for it.”

“Keep it,” Jerome let go of her hand, “put it back on after you take a shower, and you’ll be completely healed tomorrow.”

Angelia nodded and went to her room.

Jerome’s phone rang. He looked at the caller ID, walked to the window, and answered it.

“Jerome, it’s Adela Fisher, it’s been a long time since we’ve talked, do you miss me?” Adela’s lively voice came from the phone.”No,” Jerome said bluntly.

“You, as always, have no sympathy for women. If you say that, I will be hurt,” Adela complained.

“I thought you would have adapted by now. What do you want from me?” Jerome got straight to the point, not wanting to waste time.

“I heard you’re in North Carolina now. My grandmother’s birthday is this Saturday, and I’ve already returned to North Carolina. Before going home, I want to meet you first. The Deep Blue Water Diamond promise is still valid, right?” Adela asked with a smile.

“I’m in Detroit now. Contact me when you get there,” Jerome said sternly.

“Thank you, see you later,” Adela hung up excitedly.

Angelia came out of the shower, blew her hair a little, and changed into a white sleeveless dress.

She applied simple makeup, and a long time ago, Darcey gave her a pair of pearl earrings that she never used, just happened to be able to use them now.

When she felt ready, she left the room.

Jerome looked at her coldly.

She was already pretty, with big eyes, snow-white skin, small rosy lips, and a soft and delicate face.

After applying makeup, she became even more beautiful, with a rosy complexion, and her eyes became more spirited, full of vitality, like a fairy in an ancient forest.

“Will this outfit not be too informal, making me look immature?” Angelia asked worriedly.

“It’s fine. The person we’re meeting this time is Mr. Hernandez. He’s from the Department of Health Administration. He helped when your grandmother was hospitalized last time. He’s a good friend of my parents and watched me grow up when I was young,” Jerome patiently explained.

Introducing her to Wallace Hill also meant that people on his father’s side would know about Angelia’s existence.”Oh, let’s buy some gifts when we go, we should thank him properly,” said Angelia sincerely.

“I already bought some, it’s in the car, let’s go,” said Jerome, walking ahead.

She immediately followed. “Um, Jerome, I also want to give him a gift from my heart, is that okay?”

“He only likes precious items, with your meager salary, save up for ten years and then buy it,” Jerome bluntly said.

Angelia: “……”

She could only get into his car first. Due to rush hour traffic, it was crowded on the road. Finally, they arrived at the Detroit Grand Hotel, where the entrance was already full of parked cars.

“Angelia, you get off first, we are in room 301, order the food first. Mr. Hernandez doesn’t eat poultry,” Jerome instructed.

“Okay, you be careful on the road,” Angelia said, getting off the car and going into the Detroit Grand Hotel to take the elevator.

Feeling like someone was staring at her, she subconsciously turned around and saw Neville and Lillian. She was too hurried just now to notice the people in the elevator. She didn’t expect to see them here.

Lillian also recognized Angelia and a hatred flashed in her eyes. She said sarcastically, “Oh, it’s you. Why do you look so old now? I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Angelia sneered, “Good people don’t live long, calamity lasts for a thousand years. Based on this ratio, you are still very young.”

“Neville brother, look at how vicious she is,” Lillian said possessively, hugging Neville’s arm.

Angelia felt annoyed after hearing this.

“There are only three of us here, there’s no need to pretend in front of me. Who was the one who was malicious, who poisoned, who fell down the stairs themselves, who seduced someone else’s boyfriend, who shamelessly got pregnant with their future sister-in-law’s child!”

“Future brother-in-law? Angelia, you’re too presumptuous. You and Neville aren’t married, so who said he’s my brother-in-law? Since we’re not married, anyone can compete fairly. Besides, the third party is the one who isn’t loved, so why are you blaming me?” Lillian said confidently.

“Just because you drugged me,” Angelia replied.

“Do you have any evidence? It’s your fault for being cheap and seducing men. How dare you accuse me?” Lillian rolled her eyes.

Angelia had nothing to say to her. These people were shameless enough to twist the truth, and it was infuriating.

The elevator bell rang, and Angelia walked out.

Ariel was waiting for Lillian at the elevator, and when she saw Angelia, she widened her eyes and stopped her, sneering, “Oh, isn’t this Angelia? Haven’t seen you in a while. You’ve become a fox spirit, or did you become a mistress again and sleep with a man?”

“Move aside,” Angelia said, annoyed.

“It’s you who should get lost. Are you here because you’re broke and looking for your dad’s money? Don’t forget, you and your shameless mother have been removed from the household registration, bastard!” Ariel said sarcastically.

“Who are you calling a bastard? You brought Lillian here!” Angelia retorted angrily.

Ariel slapped Angelia, but Angelia quickly grabbed her arm.

Ariel continued to shout, “You think your mother is so noble, but she seduced a driver and slept with a beggar on the side of the road. Who knows where she is now, working as a prostitute!”

“Is any of that true? You’ve been saying that I seduced Neville’s dad, did I?” Angelia raised her voice.

“You know what you did. Neville’s dad will speak up for you. If you did it, don’t be afraid to admit it. Stop pretending to be innocent!” Ariel pulled her hand away.

Angelia was about to explode with anger. How could Ariel speak so confidently about things she never did?

Jerome was right. Her constant retreats only made them think she was easy to bully, and they would do anything to bully her and the people she cared about. Today, she wouldn’t let that happen anymore.

Ariel was scared by her smile. “What are you going to do?”

Angelia turned around, looked at Neville, and walked towards him, taking his arm. “Come with me, Neville.”

“Angelia, what are you doing?” Lillian widened her eyes and angrily asked.

Ignoring Lillian, Angelia looked at Neville. “If you don’t come with me this time, don’t ever come looking for me again, Neville. I will look down on you.”

Neville really thought Angelia could be ruthless sometimes, just like five years ago when she didn’t give him a chance to regret. In contrast to Lillian’s vividness over the years, Angelia appeared much better.

He lowered his head and kissed Angelia on the lips.

Angelia was startled and took a step back. Was she really going to take Neville away? Was she insane?

She was so angry that she lost her reason and wanted to escape, looking towards the elevator…

The elevator had closed without her realizing it, and Jerome was coldly watching her.

She wanted to explain and walked towards the elevator, but Jerome gritted his teeth and pressed the button to close it.

Angelia watched as the elevator closed in front of her, and without thinking, she immediately ran down the stairs to the first floor. She saw Jerome quickly leaving the restaurant and ran over to grab his arm, but he shook her off.

She grabbed onto him again, but Jerome still shook off her hand and faced her, saying angrily, “Are you really that cheap? You see your first love and can’t wait to rush over, but you don’t think about your family or your children?!”

He now understood why she had been able to refuse him so firmly. It turned out that there was a man in her heart that she couldn’t let go of.

“I’m so angry,” Angelia explained.

“Are you angry or just jealous? Seeing them so in love, you couldn’t help yourself? What are you trying to prove with a kiss? That he still loves you, or that you and your ex-boyfriend still have a chance?” Jerome spoke harshly.

“I’m not…” She didn’t know how to explain. In that moment, she wanted Lillian to be upset and Ariel to be worried, to see them take something away from her. But she never thought about starting over with Neville.

“I can’t understand what you’re thinking, and I don’t want to guess, but what you’re doing now is no different from what your sister did to you five years ago! A scumbag like him, is he worth lowering your status?” Jerome spoke sternly.

“I…I…” Angelia didn’t know where to start.

“Angelia,” Neville shouted, walking out of the restaurant.

Jerome sneered, “Looks like I was wrong about you.”

“No, Jerome,” Angelia tried to hold his hand.

Jerome threw her hand away, his face cold, and walked straight to his car.

Angelia ran towards Jerome’s car. He started the car and drove away. She couldn’t catch up and could only watch as Jerome’s car drove away.

“Angelia. Who is that man?” Neville asked, standing next to her.Angelia felt a sourness and sadness in her heart, the kind of sadness that made her feel like she was drowning in the ocean, struggling to breathe.

She couldn’t hear anything.

She walked towards the road.

Neville held her hand and said, “Have you eaten yet? Let me take you to eat. I remember you like the dim sum at the tea restaurant.”

Angelia looked at her hand and walked towards the road, dazed.

Neville ran ahead of her, bent down slightly, and met her gaze, softly asking, “What’s wrong? Did I scare you?”

With tears in her eyes, Angelia looked at Neville and slowly began to think again.

Jerome was right, she was angry when Lillian stole her boyfriend.

Now, she was doing the same thing.

“I was pretending just now to make Lillian and them angry. You don’t have to worry about it,” Angelia said.

“I already believed it. You took me away, so you have to take responsibility for me,” Neville said.

“I can’t. I’m already married and I have a daughter…”

“I don’t care!” Neville interrupted her, “Angelia, do you remember? When we graduated from high school, we promised to only marry each other.”

“We were just kids then, why take it seriously? It seems more like a joke now,” Angelia said, waving at a taxi.

Neville turned her body and said seriously, “We made a mistake before, but we can start over now. After all, we still have a long time ahead of us. I won’t lose you again. I swear, if I ever do anything to hurt you again, I’ll be struck by lightning and die.”

“It’s inappropriate to say these things to a married woman,” Angelia refused.A taxi stopped in front of her.

She got in.

Neville looked at her coldly as she left.

Let her get divorced first!

Angelia got in the car and thought about how she would explain things to Jerome when she saw him later.

She didn’t want him to misunderstand, she really didn’t.

When she arrived at the hotel, she stood outside the room, took a deep breath, and rang the doorbell.

The door opened and a beautiful girl appeared.

The girl looked surprised and asked, “Do you need something?”

Angelia’s heart skipped a beat.

Had Jerome already checked out?

She instinctively looked towards the room, and saw that Jerome was still there.

He was packing his bags, and glanced at her with a cold look in his eyes, before turning his gaze to Adela’s face.

“You must be hungry too. Let’s go.”

“Okay, I want to eat delicious food, lots and lots of delicious food,” Adela pouted and jumped in front of him.

“Can you afford to take her out for a meal?” Jerome picked up his luggage and walked past Angelia without even looking at her.

Adela glanced at Angelia before closing the door.

Angelia stood still, feeling like a knife had just pierced her heart, leaving a hole.

Why had she rushed back to explain things to Jerome?

They came from different backgrounds, and she didn’t understand him at all, let alone his life.

Maybe he already had a girlfriend, or was involved with someone else.

She was just his employee, not even his friend.

When he was happy, he could take her out to eat, but when he was unhappy, he could easily abandon her.

As Sammie had said, he could find her easily, but she couldn’t find him even if she tried.Actually, there’s no need to explain anything.

He’s not anyone to her, so what does it matter if there’s a misunderstanding?

She’s been misunderstood before, and there’s no need to explain.

Those who believe in her will naturally believe, and those who don’t, even if she says something convincing, won’t believe her.

It’s not appropriate for her to stay here.

The Presidential Suite is very expensive.

She packed her bags, left, and checked out of the room.

For a moment, she didn’t know where to go and sat down in the hotel lobby.

Jerome left just like that, decisively and without hesitation, which was in line with his cold and domineering personality.

Since he had misunderstood her, he probably wouldn’t give her a job again.

She didn’t have the nerve to ask him for work.

However, she still owed him ten million, so how could she pay him back?

She sighed and her phone rang.

She immediately took it out and saw that it was her grandmother calling.

In difficult times, only a call from a loved one can make her feel a little warmth in her heart.

She answered the phone, “Grandma.”

“Angelia, have you had dinner?” Grandma asked.

“Yes,” Angelia smiled, “How’s your health lately?”

“Much better, don’t worry about me. Are you coming to my place on Sunday? The cherries at home are ripe, and they’re especially sweet this year. Come and eat some, and bring some back for your mother-in-law’s family and your in-laws’ relatives. The heavy ones are pesticide-free.” Grandma said lovingly.

Listening to her grandmother’s voice, Angelia’s voice became sour.

She missed home.

“Grandma, I’m on a business trip in Detroit right now. I’ll take a car back later.” Angelia said softly.

“Is Sammie coming?”

“He’s on a business trip in another city. But I’ll come later, Grandma. See you later.” Angelia hung up the phone and called a taxi to the bus station.

There’s a place that’s really nice. When you’re tired, injured, sad, upset, or wronged, there’s a warm place to go back to.

Restaurant

Jerome glanced at his phone, then again, didn’t eat his food, his face was bad, very bad, fluctuating between very bad and extremely bad.

Adela saw that Jerome was uneasy, “Who was the girl in your room just now?”

“Eat your food.” Jerome said coldly.

“You’re living in a suite with her, you’re angry at her, but you don’t let her leave, you leave instead, it doesn’t match your cunning, firm, domineering character.” Adela propped her head up, pointed her chopsticks at him, raised her eyebrows, and guessed, “Girlfriend!”

“Girlfriends live in a room, not a suite.” Jerome frowned.

“Then it’s a relationship that hasn’t blossomed yet. Do you need me to give you some special tips?”

“If it works, how come you’re still single?” Jerome replied without hesitation.

Adela put down her chopsticks, “I emphasize that it’s not that I can’t find someone, it’s that I don’t want to.”

“Is that so?” Jerome said slowly, indicating that he didn’t believe her.

Adela was embarrassed, “You little brat, no wonder that girl doesn’t like you.”

Jerome’s eyes narrowed, and he stood up directly and walked towards the door…

“Jerome” Adela knew she had angered Jerome, and immediately stood up and blocked the door, “I was wrong, I was wrong. I talk too much, I have a big mouth, I talk nonsense, you’re a big person, don’t hold it against me. I calculated it, that girl must be yours.”

“What do you want from me?” Jerome asked seriously.”It’s all because of my grandmother,” my mother said. “She wants to introduce me to a potential partner and won’t let me go abroad. If I don’t come back, she’ll be furious. I’m so annoyed. That’s why I came to ask for your help.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t help you,” Jerome replied decisively.

“Don’t be like that. All you have to do is pretend to be my boyfriend for a week at most, so my grandmother will be willing to let me go back to France. I can have a few more years of fun, and the next time we meet, maybe I’ll have found my ideal husband.”

“That’s your business.”

“Don’t you want the deep blue diamond anymore?” Adela asked.

Jerome remained silent, looking at her.

Adela knew what the deep blue diamond meant to him and said with a smile, “Just one week. If they’re satisfied with you and trust you, I can go abroad. Even if I haven’t found a boyfriend, I can say I broke up with you, and it won’t affect you. But the deep blue diamond will be yours.”

“Just one week,” Jerome said in a low voice.

Adela made an OK gesture. “Let’s work together.”

“You can step aside now,” Jerome said in a low voice.

Adela stepped aside.

Jerome opened the door and left.

Adela looked at the table. He hadn’t eaten anything or even had a drink…

Jerome returned to the car and drove to Elite Estates, parking on the street.

The car’s interior was dark, and he was hidden in the darkness.

His phone rang, and he saw it was from Sloan. He answered coldly, “What’s up?”

“Jerome, I just saw the text message on my phone. Did you check out?” Sloan asked.

“Check out?” Jerome frowned.

“Yes, at 7:10. Have you left Detroit yet?”

“No, I’ll contact you later.” Jerome hung up the phone, pushed open the car door, and walked quickly to the front desk. “Did the girl in room 1705 check out?”

“Yes,” the front desk said politely.”She either reopened the room or has already left,” Jerome asked.

The front desk looked towards the sofa, “She was sitting on the sofa before, staring off for a while, as if waiting for someone. She’s gone now.”

“Do you know where she went?” Jerome asked.

The front desk shook their head, “Do you have her phone number? You could call and ask her.”

Jerome’s eyes sank, and he didn’t say anything.

He went back to his car and picked up his phone, looking at Angelia’s phone number…

When Angelia arrived at her grandmother’s house, it was already 9 o’clock. Alyssa was already asleep, and her grandmother was waiting for her. When she saw Angelia, she asked with concern, “Are you hungry? I made pork chops today, I’ll make you a bowl of pork chop noodles.”

Angelia rubbed her stomach and smiled, “I wasn’t hungry, but hearing Grandma say pork chop noodles made me hungry.” “Eat some cherries first. They were just picked today. I’ll have them ready in ten minutes,” her grandmother said lovingly as she walked into the kitchen.

Angelia picked up a plate and ate a cherry, which was sweet.

It was so nice to be taken care of by her grandmother.

She went to see Alyssa in the room.

Because of the hot weather, Alyssa had kicked off her blanket and her little dress had ridden up to her belly, revealing her white belly.

Angelia covered her belly with the blanket.

Alyssa opened her eyes drowsily, then closed them again, muttering, “Come here, I promise I won’t hit you.”

“Ha,” Angelia was amused by Alyssa and didn’t know who she was like. She was very well-behaved when she was young.

She looked at Alyssa for a while, feeling much better, kissed her forehead, and went out.Grandma came out holding a bowl of noodles and said, “After you finish eating, go to the western room to sleep. I’ll prepare the bed and mosquito net for you. Alyssa has to get up early for school tomorrow, and she might get distracted if she sees you here.”

“Okay,” Angelia replied.

She was really hungry, as she hadn’t eaten much after drinking too much wine at lunch. Dinner hadn’t been served yet, and she quickly finished the noodles, washed up, and went to the western room to lie down.

However, she couldn’t fall asleep and ended up taking out her phone to play Snake.

Before she knew it, it was already midnight and her phone rang.

She was startled to see it was Jerome calling and hesitated before answering.

She remembered the scene of him leaving with that girl and didn’t want to talk to him. But not answering wouldn’t solve anything, so she picked up.

“Have you seen my watch?” Jerome asked. “I forgot to take it with me.”

“No, you should ask the front desk. Usually, the staff will turn in any lost items they find in the room.”

“They said they haven’t seen it.”

Angelia was suddenly angry. Jerome suspected her of taking his bracelet, and now he was accusing her of taking his watch. In his mind, she was someone who would steal from others because she was poor and had no shame in seducing other men.

This anger kept rising in her mind and burning inside her. She thought about Lillian, Neville, Ariel, and even her own father, who had all wronged her. Why not Jerome too?

“I didn’t take it. If I did, I would get hit by a car tomorrow. I didn’t take your grandma’s bracelet either!” Angelia said angrily.

She was so angry that her breathing was uneven.

After pausing for a moment and taking a deep breath to calm herself down, she said, “Jerome, I’m not going to work for you anymore. I lost the bracelet, and I’ll pay for it, but I don’t have the money right now. I’ll send you half of my annual salary to your account, and if I still owe you, I’ll have my children pay you back. I’ll keep my word and won’t default. I’ll send your things to your company. That’s it. It’s late, and I need to go to bed now.”

Jerome furrowed his brow, feeling a sharp pain in his heart that he couldn’t quite pinpoint. Before he could figure out the source of the pain, he asked, “Where are you now?” But Angelia had already hung up.

He clenched his fist around his watch, feeling agitated and frustrated. He called out, “Sloan, do me a favor.”

Sloan sat up in bed and asked, “You’re still up so late?”

“Call the front desk of The Rustic Table and tell Angelia that we found her watch,” Jerome said impatiently.

“Your watch is lost?” Sloan asked.

“Just do what I asked you to do. Stop talking so much,” Jerome snapped.

“Okay, I got it,” Sloan said obediently.

Jerome got up and walked to the window, staring out into the endless darkness. Did she really not want to see him again?

Soon, his phone rang, and he immediately answered it when he saw it was Sloan’s call. “What did she say?”

“Angelia’s phone is turned off. Did you guys have a fight?” Sloan asked.

Jerome ignored Sloan’s question and asked, “Do you know where her grandmother lives?”

“I don’t know. Let me ask around, or maybe I can ask my uncle to check the archives at the police station,” Sloan said.

“That would be great.””Actually, you don’t need to worry too much. Girls often use the tactic of playing hard to get when they’re interested. If you ignore her and leave her hanging for a few days, she’ll naturally find a way to get closer to you,” Sloan reassured.

“She doesn’t need to play hard to get with me. Let’s just leave it at that,” Jerome hung up the phone.

Sloan remembered what Jerome had said about him constantly flirting with her. Could it be that Jerome was the one playing hard to get?

He shuddered at the thought. It couldn’t be possible. Jerome was a successful man who could have any woman he wanted.

Angelia woke up naturally and picked up her phone to check the time, realizing that she had turned it off.

After turning it on, she saw three notifications: one from an unknown landline number, which she didn’t reply to, one from Darcey, and one from Walden.

After brushing her teeth, she called Darcey first.

“Angelia, let me tell you, Marriott International is really not doing well. Wettiner resigned today too,” Darcey gossiped.

“He actually did a good job,” Angelia felt bad for not telling Darcey about her job situation. Otherwise, Darcey would have been disappointed.

“I want to follow Wettiner. He’s the only leader at Marriott International that I trust. If I follow him, we shouldn’t suffer any losses,” Darcey hesitated.

“That’s definitely something to consider. But where is he going now?”

“I don’t know. He didn’t tell me. He’s a mature and responsible person. He should have found a new place before resigning. You’re lucky to be with Jerome. I’m still debating whether or not to reach out to Wettiner,” Darcey said.

“Okay,” Angelia replied without explaining that she was no longer with Jerome.

She called Walden back, “Wettiner, sorry about that. My phone was off and I didn’t receive your call.”

“No problem, it’s good that you called back. Have you found a job?” Walden asked.”I’m currently at home and thinking about going out to look for a job on Monday.”

“I want to hire you as my deputy manager, with an annual salary of 240,000 Dollar and a bonus at the end of the year. Do you have the honor to accept?” Walden said with a smile.

Angelia paused, feeling like she had been given a helping hand in the snow. “Deputy manager? I’ve never done that before.”

“You’ve been a room manager, worked in sales, have a good relationship with the kitchen, and have good interpersonal skills. You’ve done everything a deputy manager needs to do except for purchasing. I believe in you,” Walden said.

Angelia was a little moved. She was familiar with the hotel industry. “Can I get back to you on Monday?”

“Sure, my side is also opening for trial operation in July. You have time to consider,” Walden said.

“Oh, by the way, Darcey just called me and said she wants to follow you. Is that okay?” Angelia asked.

“Your friend is welcome, I’ll call her now. You can rest for a while,” Walden said with a smile before hanging up.

Angelia breathed a sigh of relief. Following Walden would be a good choice if she had to change jobs. An annual salary of 240,000 Dollar would be enough to support Alyssa and her grandmother.

Afternoon

Angelia arrived early at the kindergarten to pick up Alyssa. As soon as she appeared at the window, Alyssa saw her and raised her hand.

“What’s wrong, Alyssa?” the teacher asked softly.

“My dearest, lovely, wise, kind, and beautiful Ms. Diana, my mom is here to pick me up. I haven’t seen my mom for a long time. Can I go first?” Alyssa asked, tilting her head.

The teacher: “…”

“Thank you, teacher,” Alyssa bowed and ran towards the door.

The teacher: “…”

Angelia picked up Alyssa and said, “If I had known this, I wouldn’t have come early. Don’t do this again in the future.”

“Kindergartens are for children to play. I have nothing in common with those little brats. Mom, when will my official announcement’s past lover come to find me?” Alyssa asked seriously.

“What official announcement?” Angelia didn’t understand.

“Official announcement and rumors are antonyms. It means that the person admits it. I even told them that my dad is Jerome.”

Angelia: “……”

She had an urge to buy a piece of tofu and hit her head against it. If Jerome found out, she would dig a hole and hide. She said seriously, “Your dad is not Jerome. Don’t talk nonsense like this in the future.”

Alyssa felt wronged and pouted. “You are so useless.”

“Yes, I’m not as ambitious as you,” Angelia replied.

“If you don’t consider Jerome, would you consider Page Carter’s dad? Page Carter’s dad is also good. He took Page Carter to eat KFC, travel abroad, and even flew on a plane. I haven’t even been on a plane,” Alyssa said, disappointed.

“When you have summer vacation, I’ll take you to eat KFC, fly on a plane, and travel abroad, okay?” Angelia asked.

“I also want a little brother.”

Angelia frowned. “What do you want a little brother for?”

“To play, little brothers are fun.”

“I’ll buy you a Barbie doll.”

“Can you buy me a better dad?” Alyssa asked seriously.

Angelia looked at her pitiful and hopeful eyes and couldn’t bear to refuse. “The better the dad, the more expensive it is when I earn a lot of money.”

“How much does Jerome cost?” Alyssa continued to ask.

Angelia didn’t answer.

“Ten dollars?” Alyssa asked again.

“It’s more than that.”

“One hundred dollars?”

“It’s still more than that.””Want a thousand dollars?” Alyssa was shocked, her eyes widened, looking incredulous.

“A thousand dollars is not enough.”

“What about ten thousand dollars?” Alyssa’s eyes widened even more.

“Not enough either.”

“A hundred thousand dollars?”

Angelia didn’t say anything.

“A thousand dollars! Oh!” Alyssa clapped her hands on her forehead. “My goodness, this is too expensive. You can buy two lollipops for a dollar. How many lollipops do you need for this?”

Angelia looked at Alyssa’s vivid and disheartened expression and couldn’t help but laugh.

If Jerome knew he was worth millions in Alyssa’s eyes, he would probably be stunned.

In the evening, Angelia and her grandmother went outside to pick cherries.

Alyssa saw Angelia’s phone on the table.

She climbed onto the chair alone, took Angelia’s phone, and knew that Angelia’s screensaver was a small ‘z’. She easily opened it and saw the call log with a name ‘Jerome’.

She had seen these three words on TV and had memorized them, so she curiously dialed the number.

Jerome got Angelia’s grandmother’s address, but the police didn’t find anything, and the address was still obtained from the hospital.

The phone rang, and he saw it was Angelia’s, so he answered without hesitation.

“Are you Jerome?” Alyssa asked.

Jerome, listening to the childish voice, thought the other person had dialed the wrong number. He looked at the caller ID again and saw that it was indeed Angelia’s, so he replied, “Yes.”

“Can you make it cheaper? I don’t have any money, and my mom doesn’t either. We can’t afford you,” Alyssa asked seriously.

“What?” Jerome didn’t understand.”My mother said you want one thousand Dollar. Last time I saw my mother calculating, she only had a little money. Can I pay with cherries? Our cherries at home are very sweet, one Dollareach, and I can pay in installments, giving you one thousand cherries per year.” Alyssa said in a friendly tone.

Jerome vaguely understood and asked, “You want to buy me?”

“We can’t afford it, so why don’t you buy me? I’m cheap, only ten dollars, and I have a special offer for you. My mother is even cheaper, she doesn’t charge anything, and it’s buy one get one free.” Alyssa replied.

Jerome remained silent.

“Where is your mother?” Jerome asked softly.

“My mother and grandmother are picking cherries in the backyard, and I’m watching the house.” Alyssa replied.

“Have your mother call me back when she returns.” Jerome said in a deep voice.

“Okay, I’ll hang up now.” Alyssa said and hung up the phone.

She ran out with her phone and shouted, “Mom, dad wants you to call him back.”

“What?” Angelia asked.

“Jerome’s.” Alyssa replied.

Angelia felt worried about being discovered by her grandmother, so she came down from the ladder, took the phone, and walked towards the house. Alyssa followed her like a shadow.

Taking a deep breath, Angelia dialed Jerome’s number and asked, “Jerome, is there something you need?”

“I found the watch.” Jerome replied.

“That’s good. I hope the bracelet can be found too.” Angelia said.

Jerome remained silent, his face showing some discomfort, and his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. “Let’s meet tonight.” he said.

“No need, we can talk on the phone.” Angelia refused directly.

Jerome frowned, suppressing his emotions, his eyes darkened, and his face looked ugly. She was really determined not to meet him. Did she even need to be in contact with him?

“Did you get back together with your ex-boyfriend?” Jerome asked subconsciously.Angelia smiled, but there was no smile in her eyes. “Jerome is just joking. I am a married woman, how can I reconcile with my ex-boyfriend? It’s just that my bad nature happened to be seen by Jerome. If there is nothing else, I will hang up first. I have something to do here.”

“You said you wanted to pay me back the money, right?” Jerome said before she hung up. “Both parties have to confirm and draw up a contract. Words alone are not enough, right?”

“Okay.” She didn’t want to owe him money. “Can we do it tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow at 10 o’clock in the morning, at the coffee shop near the hotel,” Jerome said, then hung up the phone.

“Mom, why didn’t you talk about buying him?” Alyssa looked up and asked.

Angelia squatted in front of Alyssa and rubbed her little head. “We can’t afford to buy him. Don’t think about it. Mom will earn more money in the future and will be able to support Alyssa.”

Alyssa seemed to understand, she was still obedient, not making a fuss, just nodded disappointedly.

At half past nine in the morning, Angelia arrived at the coffee shop.

She looked at the big bag of cherries on the sofa. Her grandmother insisted that she bring them along to give to the boss.

Jerome was actually quite nice to her. It was only right to give him some cherries, even though he was now her biggest creditor.

“You came early,” Jerome walked over and looked at his watch.

“Um,” Angelia replied, standing up and respectfully raising her head.

Jerome sat opposite her, looking at her with a slightly furrowed brow. “You have a big temper.”

Angelia didn’t know what to say and didn’t want to argue.

If he wants to think that she has a big temper, then let him think so.She picked up the cherries and placed them in front of him.

“These are cherries grown by my grandmother herself. They were picked yesterday evening and they’re quite delicious.”

Jerome didn’t go to get the cherries.

“Have you decided not to do it?”

“Yeah,” Angelia nodded seriously. “I’ve been working in hotels for so many years, and hotel work is more suitable for me. Wettiner just resigned, so I’m going to try being his assistant manager.”

Jerome’s face looked worse. He sneered, “You said you would do everything in your power and give me a proposal within a month. It looks like I can only listen to jokes.”

Angelia knew he would look down on her. Yes, she had bragged and he had seen her worst side.

 She didn’t argue or explain because the more she explained, the more it would seem like she was making excuses and the more he would look down on her.

She took his card out of her bag and placed it on the table. Jerome clenched his fists and suppressed the urge to throw away the card, but his breathing became a bit heavy.

Angelia got back on track and said, “Didn’t you say you wanted to sign a contract? How much do I need to compensate you for the bracelet? I’ll pay you back fifteen thousand a year.”

“You still remember the contract? Did you forget the labor contract you signed with me before? If I remember correctly, it was for a year,” Jerome said coldly.

Angelia frowned, “Can I resign?”

“No,” Jerome refused directly. “What if I resign anyway? You won’t lose anything, and I won’t take my salary for these days.”

“Ha,” Jerome sneered. “If you breach the contract, the compensation will be ten times your annual salary. Didn’t you see that clause?”

Angelia was stunned. She really hadn’t seen that clause.Jerome’s annual salary for her is 1.5 million, ten times that is 15 million, which she can never pay off in her lifetime.

“So…” Angelia was confused and asked kindly, “Is that it?”

“What do you think?” Jerome asked back, and she probably thought it was okay, and added, “You rejected Walden’s offer, start working at Starlight on Monday.”

“I’m not cut out for it,” Angelia said heavily. She was a little annoyed, “You know what kind of person I am. I’m not worth trusting, nor do I have the ability to work independently. Hiring me was a wrong choice, and you can cut your losses in time.”

“I don’t need you to teach me how to use people. If you can’t do it, learn it with your heart. Giving up is useless. This matter is settled, so don’t bring it up again,” Jerome said forcefully.

Angelia turned her head and looked out the window, buffering her irritable emotions.

“Put the card away,” Jerome commanded. Angelia didn’t move.

“Fifteen million, plus the previous ten million, are you sure you and your daughter after growing up can afford it?” Jerome asked.

She took a deep breath and put his card back in her bag. He was right, she really couldn’t afford it.

Jerome’s eyes finally relaxed a lot, “Mr. Hernandez has something temporary, didn’t make an appointment, do you have time at noon?”

Angelia remembered that Jerome had said before that her grandmother’s situation was thanks to Mr. Hernandez, and looked at the cherries, “Can I give the cherries to Uncle?”

Jerome frowned and blurted out, “You already gave them to me just now.”

Angelia thought about it and lowered her eyes. Jerome felt a sense of frustration in his heart. Given her character, he absolutely believed that she would give the cherries she gave him to someone else after meeting Mr. Hernandez.”Never mind, Mr. Hernandez might not be available today. We’ll reschedule for another day when he’s free. Come with me to a place.” Jerome got up and picked up a large bag of cherries and walked out.

Angelia followed him and got into his car, looking out the window with a lack of interest.

Jerome looked at her and asked, “Why did you tell your daughter that you were going to buy me?”

“What?” Angelia realized that Alyssa had been talking nonsense in front of him and became nervous. “She’s just a kid, talking nonsense.”

Fortunately, Jerome didn’t continue to ask.

After a while, they arrived at the underground parking lot of the residential area.

Jerome got out of the car first, and Angelia followed.

“Be careful of the water.” Jerome pulled her hand.

Angelia was shocked and pulled her hand away instinctively.

Jerome’s eyes narrowed. Did she really not want him to touch her? She even let Neville kiss her?!

He pinched her chin and kissed her on the lips.

Angelia was taken aback and slapped Jerome across the face while stepping back.

Jerome grabbed her wrist.

Angelia was angry, frowned, twisted her wrist, and couldn’t break free. She bit his hand.

Jerome raised his hand, and she failed to bite him.

Angelia was even more angry and tried to bite his hand again.

Somehow, Jerome moved, and she kissed his lips instead.

Instantly, it was as if an electric current surged through her body. Her scalp tingled, her spine heated up, and she forgot to think for a moment.

Jerome calmly looked at her, stepped back, let go of her hand, and asked, “How long do you want to kiss?”

Angelia was not calm, and her chest was heaving. She didn’t want to kiss him; she wanted to bite him!

But what had she done now?I feel frustrated and unable to come up with a valid argument.

It’s like something in my brain just exploded.

“I’m leaving,” Jerome walks ahead.

She stands still.

He turns around and walks towards her.

“I’ll give you two choices, either you follow me or I carry you.”

So she has no choice, no right to leave, right?

Her repressed anger suddenly shows, and she says, “What do you want from me? You don’t listen to my explanations, don’t trust me, misjudge me, and abandon me. You just turn around and leave, no one can stop you. Have you ever thought about my confusion and helplessness? I worry about you being angry, misunderstandings, my job, paying debts, and your kindness. Lillian bullies me, her mother bullies me, they all bully me. You tell me not to be a turtle and bully them back. You say I’m cheap, self-destructive, and doing despicable things. Yes, I’m cheap, I’m bad, I’m not self-respecting. I want to pick up my self-esteem and dignity and start over, but you come back and bully me too. You’re worse than them.”

Jerome listens quietly, “Are you finished? If not, continue.”

Angelia wants to say more, but seeing his indifferent expression, she feels like a child who wants candy and is being unreasonable.

It’s ridiculous in his eyes, right?

Yes, she doesn’t need to explain to him, complain, scold, or feel wronged.

She should bear and digest everything herself.

She can’t adjust, and she’s the only one who feels uncomfortable.”I’m sorry,” Angelia lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes covering the anger in her eyes. “I lost control of my emotions.”

“I didn’t abandon you, I gave you the room to stay in, didn’t I? Everyone’s emotions can get out of control. Before saying anything more hurtful or doing anything worse, I need to adjust. It’s better to talk it out, right?” Jerome asked, his tone gentle.

Angelia looked at him, still frowning.

“You said so much in one breath, and you’re really good at arguing. Didn’t you say you wanted to repay me? Why are you so harsh with your benefactor?” Jerome said again.

“I’m not being harsh, I’m just being objective.”

“Then let’s be objective. I didn’t expect the underground parking lot to be so bad, it’s all water. I’ll have someone report it to the property management later. Let’s go and check out your dormitory.” Jerome held her hand and walked.

She wanted to pull her hand away.

He held it tightly.

“Jerome, I can walk by myself.”

“We’re walking, aren’t we? I’m not carrying you,” Jerome said in a low voice.

“Let go of my hand,” Angelia said again.

“It’s all water here, the ground is slippery. If you fall, your clothes will get dirty and wet. Do you have clothes to change into? Just be good, the elevator is right ahead. I’ll let go of you when we get there,” Jerome explained.

Angelia saw the elevator ahead and stopped struggling.

Jerome’s eyes softened a bit, and he turned to look at her. “Your grandmother said you’re as stubborn as a bull, and she’s right. Walden pays you how much? 250,000? Pay me back 150,000 a year, and you’ll pay me back in 100 years.”

“You walked away first. Instead of being fired by you, I’d rather leave on my own,” Angelia explained, feeling inexplicably wronged, her eyes fogged up.”I will fire you, so I won’t let you stay in the room and I’ll turn off the phone.” Because she turned off her phone, he couldn’t sleep all night.

Angelia remembered when he wrongly accused her of taking his watch and pulled out her hand. “Is this not my freedom and right? I turned off my phone.”

“I understand, you have the temper of a child,” he replied, holding her hand again.

“In the future, don’t accuse me of taking your things without evidence. Although I am poor, if I wanted money, I wouldn’t have left the Green family and could have asked Sammie for it.”

Jerome responded with a simple “okay” as they entered the elevator. He let go of her hand and pressed the 17th floor button.

Angelia lowered her head and controlled her emotions.

As an employee, she had no right to be angry with her boss. After all, he had helped her by paying for her grandmother’s medical bills, giving her a job, and helping her deal with Gallagher. He was her benefactor.

“Sorry, I have a bad temper,” Angelia said.

Jerome looked at her and said, “I wasn’t accusing you of taking the watch. I was just asking.”

“Okay,” Angelia replied, still not looking up. Soon, they arrived at the 17th floor.

Jerome opened the door to a three-bedroom, two-living room apartment that was newly renovated and fully furnished, including new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and slippers.

This was not a dormitory at all, but more like a new home. Angelia was surprised and asked, “Do I have to share this with someone?”

“You can live alone. If you want, you can bring your grandmother and Alyssa here to take care of them. There are only two households on this floor, and I am currently living across from you,” Jerome explained.

Angelia realized that Jerome was actually very good to his employees, with many benefits and high salaries. Although he could be cold and arrogant at times, he was, after all, the boss. She shouldn’t complain, feel wronged, or be angry.

“I’ll wash the cherries first. They’re sweet and delicious. If you like them, I’ll bring some more from the countryside on Monday,” Angelia said kindly, picking up the cherries and heading to the kitchen.