Despite her ulterior motive, she treated me well. When I was driven out of my home and left helpless, she took me in. She could be faking it, but her kindness toward me was tangible.
I took my seat and began to eat my food like a machine. At that moment, I didn’t care what I had put into my mouth. Meanwhile, Sharon kept picking up some food for me and asked Lyle to do the same. However, I picked the food out silently, put it on a small plate, and continued eating.
“Try other dishes; they are good for your health. By the way, you seemed to slim down lately.” Lyle noticed that something was wrong with me. As such, he picked up some vegetables for me and asked, “Do you want a glass of hot water?”
Since I couldn’t stand him anymore, I put down my cutlery and bellowed, “I don’t like vegetables and prefer meat only. Besides, when I feel uncomfortable, a glass of water won’t make me feel better. Please don’t repeat the same thing to me from now on; I’m bored of listening to it.”
Sharon’s expression turned grim upon hearing it. The next moment, I put down the spoon and said weakly, “Grandma, I don’t have the appetite. I want to go out and get some fresh air. Also, I have something to tell you after dinner.”
“Eve!” Grandma stopped me and said, “I know what you want to tell me. Nonetheless, tomorrow is old Mr. Lane’s sixtieth birthday party. Since Mr. Ziegler is his cousin, he will be there. We’re close to the Ziegler family due to years of cooperation. Can you attend the party with Lyle? We’ll discuss your request again when the party is over.”
I didn’t know much about the social circles in Avenport, for I rarely attended big parties. Back then, Crystal and Yvette always made fun of me during parties. Hence, I became repulsed by parties over time. I was only aware then that Mr. Ziegler was old Mr. Lane’s cousin.
Wait a minute. It’s the sixtieth birthday of Christopher’s dad!
I suddenly came back to my senses. Knowing that it was Christopher’s house, I suddenly felt curious and was interested in the event.
Mr. Ziegler was the CEO of Ziegler Corporation, but he always jokingly addressed himself as a low-ranking manager. Also, he was a hilarious senior. Speaking of which, it was a coincidence that I could get a contract of great value from him.
Back then, Sharon was deeply troubled by the Smith family’s financial woes. After Lyle proposed to me, I wished to prove my worth to them. During a meeting with Mary, I happened to bump into a man pestering her and recorded it down. At that time, Mr. Ziegler was planning to get a divorce, for he was suspicious that his wife had an affair.
I handed over the video to Mason and the couple soon reconciled. Hence, they were kind to me and willing to sign my contract. Perhaps Sharon had wanted me to attend the Lane family’s party because she was afraid of losing the contract.
I intended to decline her request, for I was already tired of being used by her.
Besides, the shares that I never saw probably belonged to the Smith family now. In that case, why must I do it for her? Nonetheless, my heart softened again once I saw Sharon’s earnest look. I nodded in response and promised myself silently that I would be her pawn for one last time.
I considered it as paying her back. Even though she wasn’t sincere, she did help me when I was homeless and stayed in the basement like a stray dog. Apart from that, she supported me to further my studies and got a well-paid job as a result.
“Okay!” I nodded and said, “I’ll attend the party tomorrow.”
I eventually stayed until after dinner. Later, Lyle was insistent on coming with me as I left the old mansion. However, I flung his hand away and walked away. Meanwhile, I thought it was probably the last time that I would be here. From then on, I wished that I wouldn’t have to be here ever again.
Perhaps I could finally stay away from the troubles after paying her back and using up my remaining values.
“Yvonne, what are you doing!” Lyle trailed me in his car. Also, he rolled down the window and yelled at me.
“Are you seriously asking me?” I scoffed, “I heard everything you guys said in the greenhouse.”
