SWNOVELS Chapter 39
Chapter 39
The party was originally intended for Laura and Olivia, but no one could have predicted it would end up like this. Not only did the Sharpe and Brown families lose face, but even those who were mean to Laura found themselves facing lawsuits from her.
David was apologizing to each guest in turn. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Reed,” he said to a businessman named Jake Reed.
“Sorry? David, I came here to celebrate your daughter’s birthday, but she wants to take me to court. Now I see the Sharpe family is beyond our reach; once our partnership is over, we’re done working together.” Jake said.
“Jake, please calm down. I’m truly sorry. My daughter is just too young and naive,” David pleaded.
Jake didn’t even look back, and someone nearby chimed in, “Mr. Sharpe, don’t flatter yourself; that girl is Alistair’s daughter.”
“I wish I had known earlier that Laura is the daughter of the man I admire. If you don’t want her, you can send her to my house. I promise I’ll raise
her well.”
“How could you abuse someone else’s inheritance? The Sharpe family is truly horrendous.”
“I’ve learned plenty from you today. When I get home, I’ll tell my family to raise our kids properly, so we don’t end up with manipulators like your daughter.”
Among those speaking were also those who faced lawsuits from Laura. They shifted their displeasure onto David and Emma, barely maintaining any facade of politeness, their words dripping with sarcasm.
Knowing they were in the wrong, David and Emma forced smiles as they escorted one guest after another out the door.
The large hall gradually became empty and quiet. Olivia lay still, pretending to be fainted, and David, struggling to contain his anger, asked in a low voice, “Dr. Hammond, how is my daughter? Should we call an ambulance?”
Joshua was tidying up his medical tools, his tone steady. “Based on my initial assessment, Ms. Sharpe is fine.”
Emma stepped forward anxiously. “If she’s fine, then why isn’t she awake yet?”
Joshua adjusted his cuffs and organized his outfit before elegantly picking up his first aid kit. “She will wake up when she chooses to. Good day.” “Dr. Hammond…” Emma sensed there was something more to his words.
David wasn’t foolish; he understood Joshua was implying Olivia was feigning unconscious. However, Emma was still catching up. “David, Liv still hasn’t woken up. Shouldn’t we take her to the hospital?”
David clenched his jaw, holding back his rage. “To the hospital? There’s no need.”
Olivia also heard what David said and wondered if he had seen through her trick. The next moment, she felt a chill because David splashed wine across her face. She instinctively opened her eyes.
David stood before her with an empty wineglass, looking down at her with unabashed contempt. “Well, look who’s awake.”
Olivia considered playing dumb, but David left, disappointment etched on his face, ignoring Emma’s calls.
Even Emma, who was dull, began to catch on. “You were faking?”
“Mom, let me explain…” Olivia went on with her usual charm, shifting all the blame onto Robert. The two returned home in a state of disarray.
David sat on the sofa, looking livid. He had sent all the servants home, and the grand villa was now entirely empty except for him.
As soon as Olivia walked in, she felt the atmosphere was chilling. David was no longer the caring father who had picked her up earlier; he was now shrouded in a stormy cloud of anger.
Olivia said, “Dad, I have my reasons…”
“Kneel!” David barked, and Olivia complied without hesitation, dropping to her knees.
Emma, feeling distressed, spoke up, “David, this isn’t Liv’s fault. Robert forced her into it. He…
Before she could finish, David slapped her onto the sofa. Emma stared at him in disbelief, covering her face with her hands. After decades of marriage, this was the first time David had ever hit her. “David, how could you slap me?”
“Look what you have done! I warned you about Lau’s money; it’s what her father left her. Haven’t I given you enough allowance each month? Why couldn’t you just leave her alone?” David’s eyes were red with fury. “Now everyone despises us, thinking we’re so desperate that we have to rely on Laura’s inheritance.”
1/2
“Mom, I’m just worried about her injury.”
She frowned, warning him firmly, “If you don’t care about the Brown family’s reputation, I do. You need to cut her off starting today. That’s the only way you’ll have a chance with Laura. Otherwise, I’m afraid you’ll end up losing both the girl and any chance at wealth.”
Robert wasn’t blind to the situation anymore. Any pity he felt for Olivia dimmed when he thought about Laura. “I get it. I won’t get involved with Olivia again.”
Elara replied, “Good. Once you win Laura over and marry her, the wealth Alistair left for her will naturally be yours.
“After that, I won’t mind whatever woman you want to pursue. But until then, if I find out you’re still linked with that enchantress, don’t expect any kindness from me.”
Elara’s reputation for toughness was well–known to Robert. Despite her affection for him, she was serious about major issues. He realized she was only looking out for his best interests, and cutting Olivia off seemed manageable.
“I understand, but given the way things are now, I’m sure Lau still blames me and the Sharpe family. Right now, she probably thinks more about that man.”
Elara stared ahead, her expression shifting to one of cold resolve. “I’m a woman, so I can relate to her better than you think. Women wear their hearts on their sleeves. It’s normal for her to feel hurt and angry at you.
“The more resentment she feels, the more it’s tied to her feelings for you. If you show genuine sincerity and completely ignore Olivia, Laura will soften and come back to you.”
She continued, “No matter how close she’s gotten with that man, don’t hold it against her. You can’t push her away again. Maybe he’s spending all that money on her to gain something from her.”
Feeling a growing sense of urgency, Robert clenched his fists. “If he thinks he can take my woman, he’d better think twice. Laura is mine!”
11:16 PM 1
Chapter 39
The party was originally intended for Laura and Olivia, but no one could have predicted it would end up like this. Not only did the Sharpe and Brown families lose face, but even those who were mean to Laura found themselves facing lawsuits from her.
David was apologizing to each guest in turn. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Reed,” he said to a businessman named Jake Reed.
“Sorry? David, I came here to celebrate your daughter’s birthday, but she wants to take me to court. Now I see the Sharpe family is beyond our reach; once our partnership is over, we’re done working together.” Jake said.
“Jake, please calm down. I’m truly sorry. My daughter is just too young and naive,” David pleaded.
Jake didn’t even look back, and someone nearby chimed in, “Mr. Sharpe, don’t flatter yourself; that girl is Alistair’s daughter.”
“I wish I had known earlier that Laura is the daughter of the man I admire. If you don’t want her, you can send her to my house. I promise I’ll raise her well.”
“How could you abuse someone else’s inheritance? The Sharpe family is truly horrendous.”
“I’ve learned plenty from you today. When I get home, I’ll tell my family to raise our kids properly, so we don’t end up with manipulators like your daughter.”
Among those speaking were also those who faced lawsuits from Laura. They shifted their displeasure onto David and Emma, barely maintaining any facade of politeness, their words dripping with sarcasm.
Knowing they were in the wrong, David and Emma forced smiles as they escorted one guest after another out the door.
The large hall gradually became empty and quiet. Olivia lay still, pretending to be fainted, and David, struggling to contain his anger, asked in a low voice, “Dr. Hammond, how is my daughter? Should we call an ambulance?”
Joshua was tidying up his medical tools, his tone steady. “Based on my initial assessment, Ms. Sharpe is fine.”
Emma stepped forward anxiously. “If she’s fine, then why isn’t she awake yet?”
Joshua adjusted his cuffs and organized his outfit before elegantly picking up his first aid kit. “She will wake up when she chooses to. Good day.”
“Dr. Hammond…” Emma sensed there was something more to his words.
David wasn’t foolish; he understood Joshua was implying Olivia was feigning unconscious. However, Emma was still catching up. “David, Liv still hasn’t woken up. Shouldn’t we take her to the hospital?”
David clenched his jaw, holding back his rage. “To the hospital? There’s no need.”
Olivia also heard what David said and wondered if he had seen through her trick. The next moment, she felt a chill because David splashed wine across her face. She instinctively opened her eyes.
David stood before her with an empty wineglass, looking down at her with unabashed contempt. “Well, look who’s awake.”
Olivia considered playing dumb, but David left, disappointment etched on his face, ignoring Emma’s calls.
Even Emma, who was dull, began to catch on. “You were faking?”
“Mom, let me explain…” Olivia went on with her usual charm, shifting all the blame onto Robert. The two returned home in a state of disarray.
David sat on the sofa, looking livid. He had sent all the servants home, and the grand villa was now entirely empty except for him.
As soon as Olivia walked in, she felt the atmosphere was chilling. David was no longer the caring father who had picked her up earlier; he was now shrouded in a stormy cloud of anger.
Olivia said, “Dad, I have my reasons…”
“Kneel!” David barked, and Olivia complied without hesitation, dropping to her knees.
Emma, feeling distressed, spoke up, “David, this isn’t Liv’s fault. Robert forced her into it. He…”
Before she could finish, David slapped her onto the sofa. Emma stared at him in disbelief, covering her face with her hands. After decades of marriage, this was the first time David had ever hit her. “David, how could you slap me?”
“Look what you have done! I warned you about Lau’s money; it’s what her father left her. Haven’t I given you enough allowance each month? Why couldn’t you just leave her alone?” David’s eyes were red with fury. “Now everyone despises us, thinking we’re so desperate that we have to rely on Laura’s inheritance.”
1/2
Chapter 39
The party was originally intended for Laura and Olivia, but no one could have predicted it would end up like this. Not only did the Sharpe and Brown families lose face, but even those who were mean to Laura found themselves facing lawsuits from her.
David was apologizing to each guest in turn. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Reed,” he said to a businessman named Jake Reed.
“Sorry? David, I came here to celebrate your daughter’s birthday, but she wants to take me to court. Now I see the Sharpe family is beyond our reach; once our partnership is over, we’re done working together.” Jake said.
“Jake, please calm down. I’m truly sorry. My daughter is just too young and naive,” David pleaded.
Jake didn’t even look back, and someone nearby chimed in, “Mr. Sharpe, don’t flatter yourself; that girl is Alistair’s daughter.”
“I wish I had known earlier that Laura is the daughter of the man I admire. If you don’t want her, you can send her to my house. I promise I’ll raise her well.”
“How could you abuse someone else’s inheritance? The Sharpe family is truly horrendous.”
“I’ve learned plenty from you today. When I get home, I’ll tell my family to raise our kids properly, so we don’t end up with manipulators like your daughter.”
Among those speaking were also those who faced lawsuits from Laura. They shifted their displeasure onto David and Emma, barely maintaining any facade of politeness, their words dripping with sarcasm.
Knowing they were in the wrong, David and Emma forced smiles as they escorted one guest after another out the door.
The large hall gradually became empty and quiet. Olivia lay still, pretending to be fainted, and David, struggling to contain his anger, asked in a low voice, “Dr. Hammond, how is my daughter? Should we call an ambulance?”
Joshua was tidying up his medical tools, his tone steady. “Based on my initial assessment, Ms. Sharpe is fine.”
Emma stepped forward anxiously. “If she’s fine, then why isn’t she awake yet?”
Joshua adjusted his cuffs and organized his outfit before elegantly picking up his first aid kit. “She will wake up when she chooses to. Good day.”
“Dr. Hammond…” Emma sensed there was something more to his words.
David wasn’t foolish; he understood Joshua was implying Olivia was feigning unconscious. However, Emma was still catching up. “David, Liv still hasn’t woken up. Shouldn’t we take her to the hospital?”
David clenched his jaw, holding back his rage. “To the hospital? There’s no need.”
Olivia also heard what David said and wondered if he had seen through her trick. The next moment, she felt a chill because David splashed wine across her face. She instinctively opened her eyes.
David stood before her with an empty wineglass, looking down at her with unabashed contempt. “Well, look who’s awake.”
Olivia considered playing dumb, but David left, disappointment etched on his face, ignoring Emma’s calls.
Even Emma, who was dull, began to catch on. “You were faking?”
“Mom, let me explain…” Olivia went on with her usual charm, shifting all the blame onto Robert. The two returned home in a state of disarray.
David sat on the sofa, looking livid. He had sent all the servants home, and the grand villa was now entirely empty except for him.
As soon as Olivia walked in, she felt the atmosphere was chilling. David was no longer the caring father who had picked her up earlier; he was now shrouded in a stormy cloud of anger.
Olivia said, “Dad, I have my reasons…”
“Kneel!” David barked, and Olivia complied without hesitation, dropping to her knees.
-Emma, feeling distressed, spoke up, “David, this isn’t Liv’s fault. Robert forced her into it. He…”
Before she could finish, David slapped her onto the sofa. Emma stared at him in disbelief, covering her face with her hands. After decades of marriage, this was the first time David had ever hit her. “David, how could you slap me?”
“Look what you have done! I warned you about Lau’s money; it’s what her father left her. Haven’t I given you enough allowance each month? Why couldn’t you just leave her alone?” David’s eyes were red with fury. “Now everyone despises us, thinking we’re so desperate that we have to rely on Laura’s inheritance.”
11:16 PM ·
Chapter 39
“David, I didn’t mean for this to happen. Liv just came back, and I wanted to make up for the years we lost. Even if it is Lau’s money, why can’t we use a little of it since we raised her all these years? Did she have to make a fuss about this?” Emma said.
David slapped her again. “Idiot! Alistair was my closest friend; he entrusted his daughter to me before he passed, believing in us, yet you did this. Not only have you tarnished our reputation, but you’ve also shattered Alistair’s trust in me.”
Emma was stunned after being slapped twice. “David, I… I just lost my mind for a moment. Even if we were wrong, she shouldn’t have acted this way. If it weren’t for us, she would have starved to death years ago!”
“Lost your mind? I think you’ve lost your shame! Lau is raised up by us, and I know how kind she is. If it weren’t for your constant bullying, she would never do this,” David said.
“Give me your private savings. If it’s not enough, I’ll make up the difference. From now on, your allowance will be cut to 3 thousand dollars a month,” he added.
That hit Emma hard; she stared at David in disbelief. “3 thousand dollars is not even enough for a handbag.”
“You’re still thinking about handbags? Thanks for the reminder. Everything you and Olivia have bought these past few days needs to be returned. If you can’t return it, sell it at a flea market, no matter how much you lose,” David said.
“David!” Emma was desperate.
“That money belongs to Lau. You need to return every cent you’ve spent and pay back the interest on top of it,” David continued.
Emma wanted to protest, but Olivia interjected, “I’m sorry, Dad. It’s all my fault. I didn’t know those things would cost so much. I haven’t touched any of the jewelry or bags; I’ll return them tomorrow.”
“David, our daughter has been suffering out there for years. Money can’t make up for that. Jewelry and bags are just material things. Did you consider Olivia’s feelings when you asked her to return them?” Emma asked.
Her vision blurred with tears as she choked out, “Laura even said we didn’t need to pay that money back. David, is it really necessary to go this far?”
“I see you haven’t learned anything.” With that, David raised his hand to beat Emma again, but Olivia stepped in front of her mother.
Olivia’s forehead was injured, a white bandage stained with a hint of blood. She was not very healthy, and she became even paler after getting injured. “Dad, it’s all my fault. You can hit me all you want. Just leave Mom alone.”
Seeing her pale face, David hesitated. After all, Olivia was his long–lost daughter.
Emma explained, “It’s not Liv’s fault. It’s that scoundrel Robert’s doing. He was the one who drugged Liv that night and then forced her to do that.”
David’s expression finally softened a bit. “Then why didn’t you explain this in front of the guests? Now everyone thinks my daughter is a promiscuous girl who can’t even let go of her sister’s man.”