Chapter 70 Family Tensions
“No, I was serious in my studies,” Hazel said defensively
Finished
Just then, my father–in–law called from the second flood “Shawn, come upstairs. I need to discuss a project with you.”
Shawn went upstairs, and Hazel suddenly turned her gaze to me. “Tillany, your outfit today is a bit different from usual.”
“Is it?” I responded with a forced smile.
“You look very professional today. By the way, Tiffany. I heard from my brother that you’re taking over Apex Hotel? You’ve been out of touch with society for six years–do you really think you can manage it? Don’t just throw money in and see zero returns. Even though you’re my brother’s wife, his money didn’t just fall from the sky. You should value it,” Hazel began picking at me.
Ever since I married into the Hartwells, whenever Shawn gave me money to spend, Hazel would get upset if she found out.
Now, even though Apex Hotel was dilapidated, it still held some value. Handing it over to me was bound to make Hazel even more resentful.
“Precisely because I’ve been disconnected from society I want to use this job to reintegrate myself. A woman feels more secure when she has her own career I explained calmly.
“You should just focus on managing the household and taking care of Yuna. Stop stirring up trouble,” Hazel said, admiring her nails while sneaking glances at my reaction. Seeing my expression darken, she. quickly added with a smile, “Tiffany, you know me–I’ve always been blunt. Don’t take it personally. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Her tactic of slapping me first and then offering candy no longer worked on me.
“I know you didn’t mean anything by it, but this decision was made by your brother.” Some people aren’t worth arguing with–it’s better to respond with indifference. Hazel’s personality was combative; the more you engaged, the more she escalated. Besides, this was the Hartwells. Arguing with her would only put me at a disadvantage.
“My brother is so unreasonable. When I asked him to invest in my clothing brand, he demanded a business proposal,” Hazel grumbled before standing ugrand storming out.
I sat quietly on the sofa alone, wondering where my mother–in–law had taken Yuna. Probably to the park outside to gossip or dance with the other elderly ladies.
Shortly after, Shawn came downstairs. Seeing me sitting alone, he walked over and said, “Why didn’t you go out to find Yuna?”
“I’m tired,” I murinured, lowering my eyes and scrolling through my phone.
Shawn suddenly sat beside me, his gaze fixed directly on my screen.
Feeling startled, I quickly locked my phone.
Shawn seemed displeased..
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Chapter 70 Family Tensions
“Hiding something from me?” He raised an eyebrow.
I countered. “Would you let me look through your phone?”
#Finished
He leaned back lazily, a mocking smile playing on hiss. “Haven’t you been sneaking it into the bathroom to check every midnight?”
He caught me off guard.
The embarrassment of the past was now laid bare in h casual remark, and my face burned with shame.
“You knew?” I forced composure, hating my past lovesick self.
“I just let you have a peace of mind. Did you really think I slept like a log?” His expression turned cold.
“It won’t happen again,” I said softly. “T’ll respect your privacy.”
Shawn let out a cold laugh. “The words you said at the company today didn’t exactly seem respectul.”
“What exactly did I say?” I frowned.
“You’re the one who spread those rumors about me and Queena sleeping together in a hotel,” he said, his voice ice–cold. “She’s an unmarried woman. Did you even consider how this would destroy her reputation?”
I choked for a moment. “If you care so much about her reputation, then how did those rumors start in the first place?”
“I don’t care what others say, but you’re different. Every word from you is a death sentence for her. She’s not just my subordinate but also my friend. If you respect me, shouldn’t you extend that respect to my friends as well? His tone darkened, his expression turning grim.
I suddenly laughed and said nothing more.
Fine. I could accept that not everyone would love me–d just have to love myself.
I remembered reading a sentence in my past life–how could life be the same with just anyone?
My marriage with Shawn was already dead. I couldn’t keep living like this.
Susanna returned with Yuna and Hazel, and dinner officially began.
My father–in–law, Vincent, smiled and asked me, Tiffany, shouldn’t you and Shawn consider having another child?”
Before either of us could respond, Yuna loudly declared. “My mommy swore she wouldn’t have another baby with Daddy!”
Both Shawn and I stiffened.
“No interruptions, sweetheart. Eat your dinner,” Susanna coaxed Yuna with a smile.
Hazel shot me a glance. “Yuna is already six. If you could’ve had another, you would’ve by now. Tiffany, is there something wrong with you or my brother?”
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Chapter 70 Family Tensions
Shawn gave her a stern look. “Enough. We’re both perfetly fine.”
Finished
