Chapter 6
“You don’t have money, and you don’t have a house. How can you provide Lindsey with a home? Do you expect her to live on the streets with you?” Anthony slammed the table forcefully, causing the cutlery to clatter noisily.
Shawn ruised an eyebrow, quickly calculating how best to respond in this situation.
“Mr. Riley, I genuinely care for Lindsey. With my abilities. I can ensure she lives happily,” Shawn said, his tone earnest.
Anthony’s expression darkened further at what he deemed an overly polished response. To him, Shawn’s smooth words screamed incompetence and deceit
“Nice speech. But only an inexperienced girl like Lindsey will believe it. If you were truly capable, would you still lack even a place to live?” Anthony
sneered.
Lindsey suppressed a laugh, finding the misunderstanding amusing. She guessed this might be the first time anyone had spoken to Shawn like this,
Sheila slowly curled her lips into a smug smile and muttered just loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Mom, I don’t think Lindsey’s boyfriend is up
to par
–
“He’s not capable–nowhere near Jayden’s level If he actually marries Lindsey, he might end up relying on Mr. Riley’s support. Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was perfectly calibrated to carry through the room.
Olivia
cast Sheila a meaningful glance and chimed in, “Don’t be silly, Sheila. If Lindsey is with him, she must have her reasons.”
“I’m not being silly.” Sheila said, sounding indignant. “They haven’t even been together that long, and this man already sweet talked her into bed. Isn’t he just trying to make their relationship irreversible?”
“Not to mention he ruined Lindsey’s engagement to Jayden. I think he’s just using the Riley family as a stepping stone,” she continued
“That’s enough! Stop talking nonsense Olivia shot Sheila a warming glare before quickly turning to Anthony, an apologetic look on her face “Anthony, it’s my fault for not teaching Sheila properly. She’s speaking out of turn—‘
But Anthony’s fury had already reached as boiling point, and Sheila’s words had only fueled the fire.
“Sheila’s absolutely right! This brat has nothing and still dreams of marrying my daughter. What does he think the Riley family is, a charity for homeless proplet Anthony was one step away from pointing a finger in Shawn’s face.
Shawn casually glanced around the room, his presence suddenly radiating an undeniable pressure that made the air feel heavy. His gaze, laced with amusement, lingered on Olivia and Sheila. His voice was cool and cutting. “Mrs. Riley, you really did raise your daughter improperly”
Unable to hold it in any longer, Lindsey burst into laughter.
Olivia bit her lip hand, her face turning pale. Ever since moving into the Riley residence, she had never been humiliated like this.
Sheila’s face turned bright red because of humiliation, and she called out to Anthony in a pitiful tone, “Mr. Riley
Her tone filled Anthony with sympathy. His gaze toward Shawn grew even colder, “Lindsey, look at the man you’re hanging around with. He has no marmers whatsoever. No wonder you’ve become so rude yourself
“What are you standing there for? Break up with him immediately, then come with me to the Parker residence to apologize to Jayden. If we’re Jucky, he might forgive you,” he barked, reaching out to drag Lindsey out of her seat.
Lindsey recoiled as if shocked by electricity, dodging his grasp. Her anger flared, and with a cold expression, she shot back. “If you like the Parker family so much, why don’t you marry into it yourself?”
“Shut up! Do you li
like to see me
to see me angry?” Anthony roared, raising his hand. The sound of the slap cutting through the air was sharp and fast.
Lindsey shut her eyes, bracing for the pain, but it never came. Cautiously, she opened one eye and saw Shawn gripping Anthony’s wrist tightly.
The aura around Shawn was sharp and intimidating, like a drawn sword. His voice was icy as he said, “Mr. Riley, a gentleman uses words, not fists.”
Anthony glared at Shawn furiously. Tm disciplining my daughter. Step aside,”
Shawn made no move to release his grip.
Though Lindsey had long since understood Anthony’s personality, seeing his hand frozen mid–air still stung a little.
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Chapter 6
She tugged on Shawn’s sleeve. “Let’s go
Shawn gazed at her for a moment, his expression softening. “Alright,” he said gently.
The two left hand in hand.
Sheila smirked triumphantly. With Lindsey and Shawn gone, she began enjoying the lavish dishes in front of her.
“Mom, try this. It’s amazing—melis in your mouth. Expensive things really do live up to their price. And this caviar, it’s so fresh,” Sheila said between bites.
Olivia nodded approvingly, then turned to console Anthony. “Anthony, don’t stay angry. Lindsey is just too young and impulsive.
e she calms down, she’ll understand you’re doing this for her own good. Why don’t you sit down and eat something?”
ONCE
Olivia’s skill in persuasion was impressive. Anthony’s gaze softened as he looked at her “Olivia, you’re the only one who truly understands me.”
“So what?” Sheila muttered under her breath. “People still gossip about my mom, saying she is just your mistress.”
Anthony’s expression darkened. Olivia quickly turned to scold Sheila
“Olivia, you don’t have to tiptoe around me. Sheila’s right. I should marry you. I’ll convince my father to approve our marriage,” Anthony said. making a solemn promise to Olivia.
The atmosphere between them grew harmonious, and soon the table was cleared of food.
Just as they were gathering their things to leave, a waiter knocked and entered the private room. “Excuse me, could someone come with me to the
front desk to settle the bir
The group froze. Sheila nearly yelped in surprise. “What do you meant Didn’t Lindsey and her boyfriend pay already!”
The waiter smiled politely. “No, the bill hasn’t been sealed yet?
Sheila’s face turned ashen. She looked helplessly at Olivia, who glanced at Anthony.
Anthony was seething but tried to maintain a facade of composure. “You must have the contact information of the person whis reserved this room. He take care of the bill.”
With that, he attempted to lead Olivia and Sheila out, but the waiter stood firm Tm sorry, but we don’t allow customers to leave without paying”
Anthony’s act began to crack under the pressure. Impatiently, he snapped. “I’ve already told you, the person who reserved this room will handle it. Why are you pestering us
The waiter narrowed his eyes slightly. “I see. So you’re planning to dine and dash, is that it?”
“Do we look like freeloaders?” Anthony was livid. “Is this how you treat your customers! Don’t you know that customers are always right?”
“How many times do I have to sell you to find the person who booked this room” he added.
The waiter dammed the bill onto the table, his demeanor tuming firm. “Save the excuses. You ordered the food, and you are it, right? Paying for your consumption is only fair. Are you trying to get away?”
At his words, several burly staff members entered the room, exuding an air of authority.
Sheila shrank toward Olivia in fear. If she’d known it would conse to this, she wouldn’t have ordered so much food.
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