Ch. 431..440

Chapter 431

The crowd in the fast-food restaurant consisted mainly of loitering teenagers.

As soon as he set foot into the KFC, almost all eyes fell on him. This was especially true for the girls, who momentarily almost seemed like they had lost all interest in their boyfriends; even though their boyfriends were right in front of them.

However, Stanley paid them no notice as usual. Scanning the restaurant's layout, he managed to catch sight of Catherine Batton.

Catherine was seated by the window near a corner of the restaurant, enjoying her Plum Wine ice-cream.

While this was happening, several girls in the restaurant were already whispering among themselves. His good looks had garnered a lot of attention from them, and the girls were silently fangirling over him. When she saw Stanley, Catherine waved at him enthusiastically. The dimples at the corners of her lips looked exceptionally cute on her, especially when she smiled.

Catherine had always been proud to have such an admired and adored brother. She beamed with joy just thinking about it.

Without paying any heed to the whispering girls, he walked toward Catherine's table. Once seated, he turned his WeChat on to scan the QR code, ready to order some food. "You mentioned fried chicken and burgers earlier right? Which burger are you craving for?"

Her right hand held onto the ice-cream which she was still licking, while her other was placed under her chin as she thought. While she was considering which burger to get, she found herself peeking at the surrounding girls who were still busy staring at her brother.

Her pride for her brother kicked in and she grinned as she looked at his handsome face, a mischievous giggle following soon after. "Hehe... You have many fans stealing glances at you Fifth brother." "I see." His attention was focused on the menu and he showed no interest in the topic.

Her lovely grin didn't falter despite his clear disinterest. "They must be so envious of me, those girls. I wonder if they're mistaking me as your girlfriend. I wonder how many of them are secretly jealous of me... Hehe."

"So what do you want to eat?" Stanley asked again as he changed the subject.

"Hmm... I'll have an Orleans burger, a spicy chicken burger, a chicken wrap, and three fried chicken wings... Ah, and don't forget one large fries and a large Coke..."

Stanley raised a brow slightly. "Are you sure you can finish all that?”

"Shouldn't be a problem." Catherine reassured him. "You can have some as well if I can't finish them. Don't forget your own order, Fifth brother."

She waved her hand loftily before adding, "You're paying for all of this after all.”

Following that statement, she chuckled naughtily.

Stanley simply shook his head in response, already used to his mischievous sister. He found himself landing a gentle gaze on her. "Don't mind me, I like watching you eat more."

"Alright then. I won't be adding anything else so you can place the order now." Catherine grinned as she leaned against the sofa smugly.

With a few taps on the screen, Stanley double checked the order before sending it out.

True to its name, the fast-food was prepared quickly and the order arrived in no time. Catherine was pleased to see the feast before her. Hopping off her seat, she washed her hands quickly before she began digging in.

Despite being in such a crowded public area, Catherine lacked any qualms about how messily she ate.

Though Catherine considered the food before her to be a feast, Stanley felt otherwise. The food was unappealing to him at best, and he found himself gazing out the window and observing the heavy traffic on the street.

Slowly, Zack's final two proposals from earlier came inching back into his mind.

He didn't notice it, but wrinkles had started forming on his forehead again.

Catherine noticed the change in his expression and immediately put her burger down. She tilted her head slightly and examined his face with curiosity while she wiped her greasy hands with a tissue. "Something on your mind, Fifth brother?"

"Nothing you should worry about."

"Did you have a fight with my sister-in-law?"

"No..."

"What's the issue then?" She continued to pry, trying to find the source of his worries.

Even when they were kids, he had always had everything under control. He showed little emotion and she hardly even remembers the last time he showed such a worried expressions.

Because of that, she was certain that he must have gotten himself into a difficult or complicated situation.

"It's adult stuff, kiddo." Stanley then motioned for her to finish her burger. "Finish up your lunch, it's nothing kids should be worrying about."

Catherine rolled her eyes. When he wasn't looking, she snuck a sneaky text message to Zack, asking if Stanley had gotten himself into any recent trouble.

She knew her brother very well. If he didn't want to tell her something, it would never be revealed no matter how much she tried to pry the details out of him.

Chapter 432

Chapter 432

Zack Cassidy replied with a simple, 'no'.

Catherine Batton squinted her eyes. She wasn't going to give up that easily. After telling her brother she needed to use the bathroom, she gave Zack a call there.

He picked up within a second or two.

While looking at her reflection in the mirror by the sink, Catherine began her interrogation on Zack. "What's the deal with Fifth brother, Zack? If I don't get the truth, I'm going to complain to him that you've been taking me lightly ever since I returned to Country Z. That'll make him cut your salary for sure."

Catherine believed that if anyone knew about her brother's troubles, it would be Zack Cassidy since he followed Stanley around every day.

In his office, Zack took in a deep breath as he rubbed his forehead. He was clearly being threatened. "Seventh Mistress, that's a rather low way of getting information, don't you think?"

The Fifth Master had always favored his seventh sister. If Catherine said anything negative about Zack, he would definitely be killed by Stanley Batton.

After pondering about the consequences for a while, Zack gave in with a heavy sigh and told her everything he knew.

After he was done explaining the situation, he immediately pleaded to Catherine. "Seventh Mistress, if this gets out I'll be dead... Please don't tell Fifth Master how you found out about the information..." "Is my sister-in-law alright?" asked Catherine after hearing about Xyla Quest's operation.

"She's recovering swiftly, don't worry," answered Zack truthfully.

Catherine's heart rate eased upon hearing that. "Don't worry, I won't tell him."

Shortly after, she hung up the phone. Her mind began racing as she stared at herself in the mirror. Why on earth would her sister-in-law treat her Fifth brother that way?

The more she pondered about it, the more she was convinced that Zack's second reason hit the nail on the head. Her sister-in-law had definitely fallen for someone else...!

If that was the case, her Fifth brother would be so miserable! As his sister, could she tolerate that?

She definitely couldn't and wouldn't!

Rolling up her sleeves, she glared at her reflection in the mirror and swore to herself. "Whoever is stealing my brother's girl is my enemy! Just you wait and see, you bastard! I'll kill you personally!" The first thing she had to do was to find out who her sister-in-law had been meeting up with recently. Destroying their relationship would be the obvious next step.

Now how was she going to make sure that the enemy would leave her sister-in-law alone and move on after Catherine had found him?

Perhaps she could lure him with money. Maybe even hire someone to scare him away?

Both ideas sounded feasible in her mind. Though before any of that, she needed to first find out the identity of the person. Money would be pretty pointless if the person was already rich. If that was the case, she would have to forcibly persuade him not to see her sister-in-law anymore.

Things would be much easier if he was penniless. A little money would be enough to get rid of him for good.

Why was she so smart? Such a brilliant girl! She smiled as she continued to praise herself in her head. Delighted with her finalized plan, she snapped her fingers with confidence before returning to the dining area.

Stanley had been reading a file, his head tilted downwards. He bore an extremely serious and cold expression on his face.

Truly heart-breaking... Catherine's palm found itself on her face before she walked over to his side. She patted Stanley on the shoulder and with a serious tone, she said, "I'm not sure what's bothering you Fifth brother, but trust me. Everything will turn out just fine."

She would personally make sure that everything would get back on track.

Stanley looked at her with a slightly raised brow. "What's all this about?"

"Nothing at all." She forced a grin on her face. She grabbed the untouched spicy chicken burger from the tray and asked, "Are you sure you don't want to eat anything?"

"You can have it," He responded. "I still have some work to take care of."

Stanley stayed with Catherine till every last order was eaten before heading back to the Dragon Group.

Catherine on the other hand, continued to stay at the KFC. She contacted the Dean of the Municipal Hospital through WeChat and told him to send her footage of the surveillance camera at the entrance of Xyla Quest's ward every day.

He simply agreed without asking for further details.

With that out of the way, Catherine sighed, satisfied. She slid her phone into her pocket before finally deciding to leave the KFC.

Chapter 433

Chapter 433

***

Meanwhile, Sharon Lidth and Rebecca Robin strutted into Xyla Quest's ward with a large group of bodyguards behind them. A various array of tonics and supplements were carried by the guards.

Xyla and Georgie Clementine were left speechless. The group's grand arrival was a first for both of them and they were unsure how to register the situation in their minds.

Their eye-catching entrance somewhat reminded Xyla of a Chinese drama she had watched a few years prior, called the Empresses in the Palace. There was a scene where the Emperor rewarded Zhen Huan with treasures as far as the eye could see. She felt very much like Zhen Huan at the moment.

Xyla did a mental headcount of the bodyguards. There were about thirty of them, each holding no less than three boxes of tonics and supplements.

Even without knowing their actual price, Xyla estimated that each individual tonic could easily cost up to five digits and above.

Sharon casually waved a hand before turning back to look at the bodyguards. "Find somewhere to put the things.' Hearing the order, the bodyguards began placing the items on the coffee table, on the sofa, and even on the floor.

When they were done, the coffee table barely had any space to put anything else.

Arm in arm and without warning, Sharon and Rebecca darted across the ward toward Xyla, asking about her condition with concerned faces. "How are you feeling Xyla? Does it hurt anywhere?"

It took a moment for Xyla to recover from all the shock but she shook it off and smiled at both of them. "I'm fine, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Rebecca. But... Why did you get all this for me? Isn't this a bit excessive?" Embarrassment set in as she finally managed to grasp the situation before her.

What on earth had she done to deserve such royal treatment from her aunts?

"The tonics and supplements will help with your post-surgery recovery. They're nothing much but we hope you'll find them useful. Your Aunt Sharon and I split the costs," explained Rebecca.

They're nothing much? Questions were swimming in Xyla's head.

Does money just grow on trees her aunts grew?

"I really don't think that I can finish all of them... Maybe the two of you would like to take some back to use as well?" asked Xyla, careful with her wording.

"Nonsense, you can't just take gifts back, silly. Don't worry, even if you can't finish them soon, they'll last for about a year before they turn bad." Sharon smiled as she explained.

She then moved to the edge of the bed before sitting there. An expression of pity was written all over her face. She pulled Xyla into her arms gently. "My poor baby, it must have hurt so much when appendicitis struck."

The thought of Xyla suffering only further broke Sharon's heart.

Xyla felt her heart melt hearing her aunt's words. She returned the hug with a warmth in her heart. "Yes... It was painful but it's all in the past now. I'm feeling much better already, Aunt Sharon.” "You poor, poor girl." Rebecca was heartbroken too.

Xyla didn't notice it, but her eyes were red from all the care and love her aunts had just shown her.

Sharon gave Xyla a few light pats on her back before ending her long hug. "Remember to take the tonics we brought, alright Xyla? Don't you even consider thinking about returning them to us or we'll be mad." Having no other choice, Xyla simply nodded. "Thank you so much, Aunt Sharon and Aunt Rebecca."

"Silly kid, it's our pleasure!" Rebecca stroked Xyla's hair gently, an expression of fondness on her face.

"By the way, who's this beautiful girl?" Sharon turned to look at Georgie who had been standing at the side of the room all this time.

"Ah, let me introduce you to Georgie. Georgie Clementine here is my best friend. She's also my work partner." Xyla smiled as she introduced her friend.

While all this was happening, gossips about the two noblewomen who came to visit Xyla with such a large amount of supplements were going haywire.

Hospital staff and even patients from different wards had begun discussing the sensational event.

Mary Sullivan, who was wrapped in gauze and lying in the intensive care unit, caught wind of the conversation through some nurses who were talking about it outside the door. Their voices were filled with adoration, admiration, and even envy toward Xyla.

At that moment, her stomach started to churn and Mary felt a rage building inside her.

Pure jealousy was all that was on her mind at that moment.

Chapter 434

Chapter 434

Three days later...

Xyla Quest was finally allowed to leave the hospital. She had undergone several intensive and strict medical examinations to confirm that she was healthy.

It was very early in the morning and Rebecca Robin had sent Noah Smith to help Xyla with the hospital discharge process.

Georgie Clementine, on the other hand, had brought along some additional hands to help move Xyla's belongings into the car.

By the time the discharge procedures were done, all of Xyla's belongings had already been safely moved into the car. Noah carefully pushed Xyla-who was sitting in a wheelchair-out of the hospital's main door and helped her get into the car.

While all this was happening, Catherine Batton was observing the scene play out through a live video feed. The camera she was watching through displayed the front of Xyla's patient room in the hospital. Squinting her eyes, she watched as Noah slowly pushed a wheelchaired Xyla out of the room.

Catherine frowned when she saw Noah's face.

He had been visiting her sister-in-law every day, and each of his visits lasted for long periods of time.

Aside from him, no other male had visited Xyla in the hospital.

Today, Xyla was being discharged and he was the one who arrived to pick her up. All of this was way too coincidental for Catherine.

This b*astard was definitely the third wheel between her brother and sister-in-law!

She stopped the live video immediately after the thought and ran a hand across Noah's face on the screen. "You b*astard... I'll definitely make sure you pay. My mother is good friends with yours. You're gutsy but dumb to even dare to steal my sister-in-law from my brother."

With that, she angrily gave Noah a call on her phone.

On the other side of the story, Noah picked up his vibrating phone.

"Noah Smith! There's something we need to talk about in private." Her tone made it clear that this was an order and not a suggestion.

Noah was stunned for a moment but after a few seconds, he replied. "You're... back? When did you come back?"

"That's none of your business. Make sure you follow the order."

Noah frowned though his eyes still bore a gentle gaze. "Alright, where should we meet up?"

The anger in her voice alone made him feel as if this was her revenge on him after he had punched her eight hundred times. What could he have done to anger the little princess so much? Nothing came to mind.

"The rooftop of Hilton hotel! Twelve noon! See you there!" Catherine scoffed angrily.

Noah was slightly taken aback about her choice of meeting place. "The rooftop...? It's cold up there, why the roof?"

"Are you afraid?"

"I see no reason to be."

"Then it's settled, see you there."

Before he had a chance to reply, Catherine had already hung up the phone.

Her actions were an enigma to Noah though he decided to shake the thought off for the moment. He shook his head as he slid his phone back into his pocket. What an unpredictable girl.

**

Upon reaching home, Noah and Georgie helped Xyla get into the house.

As Noah guided her further into the house, Georgie helped the workers with Xyla's belongings that were still in the car.

After carefully helping Xyla get on a sofa, he sat right beside her.

Most of her injuries had healed at this point. She could walk and sit with little trouble.

Her body wasn't as stiff as before either.

"Thanks for the help today, Noah." Xyla smiled as she said this.

"No need to be that polite around me." Noah chuckled as he honestly didn't mind helping her out. "Are you thirsty? Would you like a glass of water?"

Chapter 435

Chapter 435

Before Xyla could say no, Noah was already trying to find the kitchen.

"I'm fine Noah, there's no need to worry about me. You can attend to your personal matters now."

"Well alright... I'll be taking my leave first then," said Noah, smiling as he stood up.

While this was happening, a black Honda pulled up to the front of the house.

In the car, Stanley Batton gave a cold stare toward Georgie Clementine who was busy directing the workers as they carried Xyla's belongings into the house. He then elegantly stepped out of his car. Slipping on some house slippers, he quickly headed to the living room.

Once he saw Noah, his eyes darkened.

Seeing Stanley, he bowed respectfully. He knew that Stanley and Xyla were on bad terms so he kept his mouth shut.

Stanley ignored Noah entirely and walked over to Xyla. "You've already been discharged from the hospital. Why was I not notified about this?"

He had immediately rushed to the hospital after his meeting earlier. He wanted to be the one to help her with the discharge process and to get her home safely.

The reality was that when he arrived, he was told that she had already been discharged and had left the hospital.

"I don't think I need to tell you everything, do I?" Xyla's response was cold. "What would happen if there was a misunderstanding?"

Stanley already had a girlfriend. If she bothered Stanley too much, his girlfriend could eventually misunderstand his actions.

"Misunderstanding?" Stanley frowned as he looked at Noah through the corner of his eye.

What was she talking about? Was she worried about Noah misunderstanding her?

It was obvious that Noah had intentionally gone to the hospital to help her get discharged. It made perfect sense to Stanley that Noah was the reason why she was treating him this way. "Indeed..." Xyla's answer was gentle as she looked toward Noah. "Drive safely out there."

Noah could easily sense how awkward and uncomfortable the situation was. He felt a chill run down his spine. He simply nodded quickly before leaving the house.

After all, his appointment with Catherine Batton was swiftly approaching. He needed to hurry.

"What, you're afraid if Noah misunderstands?" Stanley scoffed.

Xyla was confused for a moment. Why would she be worried if Noah misunderstood?

What exactly was he thinking?

Bzz... bzz... Just as she was about to question him, her phone vibrated. The call was from Sharon Lindt.

Stanley looked at her with cold eyes as he fixed his tie. He left the house shortly after.

As Stanley walked out the door, I saw Georgie carrying three big boxes of cordyceps in.

Stanley pinched the bridge of his nose before sighing. "Take good care of her."

"I will." Georgie nodded.

Saying nothing else, he hopped into his black Honda before giving Noah a call.

Noah picked up almost immediately.

Noah's right hand was on the steering wheel while his left held the phone close to his ear. "Is there anything I can help with Fifth brother?"

"Noah Smith... I want to meet up and have a word with you," said Stanley coldly.

Noah felt puzzled. First his younger sister and now Stanley himself? What was going on?

Stanley's voice was chilling and made his hairs stand on end. "Alright but not at the moment. I have an important meeting to attend to."

"You'll have one hour to attend to whatever you're doing. Come to the address I'll send to you immediately after." Before Noah could react, Stanley had hung up the phone.

A moment later, the address reached Noah's phone.

Noah looked at the message and noticed that it was directly opposite Hilton Hotel. What a coincidence. After his talk with Catherine, he would definitely have enough time to meet up with Stanley. However, this did not dismiss the questions swimming in his head. What had he done for both the Batton siblings to suddenly have an interest in him?

Chapter 436

Chapter 436

Twelve noon, sharp.

Noah Smith arrived at Hilton hotel's rooftop on time.

Catherine Batton was already there.

She was wearing a furry, pink, knitted cardigan from Chanel. Her outfit was complemented with a white shirt, a short blue skirt, and a pair of white shoes.

Her blonde hair was naturally straight and her bangs reached her eyebrows. Catherine's red beanie only made her look cuter than she already was. She stood before the rooftop fence, her back facing him. Noah jogged towards her before placing a hand on the rails. The people at the bottom looked like ants from here. "I'm here. What did you wish to talk about and why here?"

Catherine frowned as she turned to look at Noah. Her arms were crossed as she angrily growled, "Why are you asking the obvious?"

Noah was puzzled, a frown on his face. He had no clue what was going on. "What do you mean?"

He didn't do anything right? What on earth was she on about?

"Still playing dumb, Noah? Well since you don't get it I'll spell it out for you." Catherine was fuming with anger.

"Please do..." Noah simply shrugged and waited for her explanation, clearly unsure what to expect.

"Humph. You know that Xyla Quest is my sister-in-law, don't you Noah? That she's my Fifth brother's wife. Since your mother knows about this, it's quite impossible that you wouldn't." Catherine jeered. Noah nodded. "I do know this... What's your point?"

Catherine's anger peaked as she heard his calm response. Her voice grew deeper. "What's your point? What do you mean what's your point are you still playing dumb?"

This only made poor Noah even more confused. "I really don't get what you're trying to tell me..."

"Are you trying to make me burst a vein? You, Noah Smith, are seducing my sister-in-law and trying to ruin my brother's relationship with her. Why else would I have called you out here to talk?" Catherine stomped her foot on her ground in rage as she explained all this.

"I... beg your pardon?" Her explanation only served to further confuse Noah.

I guess it's just a giant misunderstanding. She thought I was trying to ruin their marriage? How did she come to that conclusion?

He was baffled at what he could have possibly done to cause her to misunderstand to such a degree.

She sneered coldly. "Speechless aren't you? Consider this a warning, Noah Smith. Stay away from my sister-in-law from this day onwards. If you don't..."

She paused for a moment to take in a huge breath before glaring at him with a piercing rage in her eyes. "I'll make sure to gouge your eyes out! Why stop there? I'll chop your hands and even rip your p*enis off!"

As she said all this, she enacted mimes of the punishments before him.

Noah could only shudder in response, clearly threatened by her.

"If you want you p*nis and hands intact... Stay away from my sister-in-law... Understand?" said Catherine in a cold voice.

Noah pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before looking at her. "... This is just one huge misunderstanding... Why would I ever even consider stealing your brother's wife? I think some explanation needs to be done on my behalf. I really wasn't trying to go for your sister-in-law."

"Cut it out. You don't have any evidence to support that." Catherine groaned as she rolled her eyes.

"Neither do you."

"Oh, I have evidence. I've been watching videos of you visiting my sister-in-law during her stay at the hospital. Shameless man. She's already taken. You lack even the most basic of decency."

"... You're aware of my visits? You hired someone to stalk me?"

"That's beside the point!"

"You do know that I work under her company right? X entertainment? She's my boss so it's only natural that I go visit her. That was the reason why I visited her in the first place. The other times I paid her a visit was because my mother was worried about her. She couldn't personally go to the hospital to meet her so I went in her stead..."

Chapter 437

Chapter 437

It took him forever to get his point across to Catherine. The more he explained, the larger his headache grew.

The girl had a seriously confusing thought process.

Noah was more baffled than anything at this point.

After hearing all he had to say, Catherine pondered. His explanations were reasonable and they made sense.

Did... Did she really just misunderstand the whole situation?

Staring into his eyes, she had a feeling that he wasn't lying.

...Was it all just a misunderstanding after all?

...Oh...

Rubbing her forehead, she would silently ask, "So... It was all just a misunderstanding?"

"Pretty much," shrugged Noah who was just glad that his point had finally gotten across.

"...Then swear to me."

The man sighed as he raised three fingers and straightened his back. "I, Noah Smith, swear that I've never had any inappropriate relationships nor have I had any thoughts about them. If I do any of those acts, may lightning strike me dead..."

"... Fine, I'll believe you..." Catherine sighed reluctantly.

"..." Noah was just speechless at this point.

Well, this answered one of his earlier questions... Had Stanley Batton misunderstood him too?

"But, if you aren't her secret lover, who is? My sister-in-law couldn't have just randomly decided to distance herself from my brother and begin treating him coldly. There's still a missing puzzle piece..." Catherine lowered her head as she grumbled.

"Is there a need for a secret lover in the equation? That's probably another misunderstanding... No other guy has visited her in the hospital and she's never even called or spoke to one through the phone." Noah continued. "Just because her attitude towards Fifth brother has changed, it doesn't necessarily mean she has to have another lover. It could be that he's just done something to upset her without realizing it."

"Sister Xyla's attitude towards me was friendly but there was nothing that hinted that she loved me. Believe me when I say I know I'm not the cause." Noah sighed. Hopefully this would prevent Catherine from getting any more misunderstandings.

Catherine placed a finger on her rose-like lips as she pondered. After a while, she closed her eyes before nodding. "Yeah, what you've said today all made sense. You're free to go."

"I'll be taking my leave then," Noah bowed before turning around to leave.

"Wait..." Catherine stopped him.

He stopped and turned around to look at her. "Yes?"

"...Sorry," Catherine said honestly as her eyes looked to the side.

"...No worries." Noah smiled as he descended the stairs.

After the door closed behind him, Catherine took her phone out to make a call. It was for Stanley. It was time to tell her brother the things she had done and the events that had taken place on the rooftop with Noah.

Stanley frowned in his black Honda. "You investigated into the matter without consulting me?"

"I saw that you were in a bad mood and I guessed that something may have happened between you and sister-in-law. From the investigation, I noticed that Noah kept visiting her while she was still in the hospital. I came to the conclusion that sister-in-law must have liked Noah..."

Chapter 438

Chapter 438

Stanley's frown remained. "It's that simple?"

"Apparently."

"And you're telling me that Zack Cassidy was not involved in this at all?"

"Zack knows about this?" Catherine asked as she tried to fake a surprised voice.

"Forget about it. Don't involve yourself in my relationship in future."

"Alright, Fifth brother."

After hearing Catherine's response, he hung up the phone. His eyes reflected an onslaught of complicated feelings on his mind.

He stopped his car before a red traffic light.

He stared at the traffic light as his finger tapped on the steering wheel.

Noah was innocent all along? If it wasn't Noah, then what could she have meant with 'misunderstandings'?

From Catherine's investigation, it sounded as if Noah was being truthful about it.

Xyla truly had no feelings for Noah? Was it really true as he explained it?

What on earth could she have meant by 'cause misunderstandings'?

Bzz... bzz... His thoughts were momentarily cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. Seeing that it was Noah, he picked up.

The traffic light turned green at that exact moment and he began driving again.

"Fifth brother, I just want to clear things up if there are any misunderstandings about my relationship with Xyla. If that's the reason why you plan to meet me after this, just know that I have no interest in her at all and the same goes for her. Please believe me. If you do, then the meeting can be called off, right?" Noah said all this without faltering, his voice reflecting honesty.

"Got it. The meeting is canceled."

"Rest assured, Fifth brother. I would never see or inappropriately think of sister Xyla."

"Remember what you said today, Noah Smith."

"I will."

"Maintain distance from her. You know what will happen if you break that rule." His voice was serious and stern.

"I understand, please rest assured."

Stanley did not reply and hung up the phone. He then turned his car around.

**

While all this was happening, Emily Quest was lying in her bed at the Municipal Hospital and feeling half dead.

May Conner was there as well. She sat beside her and patted her back, trying to comfort her. "Your father's already gone to the Sullivan house to discuss the situation. I believe he'll be able to get them to hold off the divorce for now."

"Your father had already been unhappy with the Sullivan family from the very start. He wanted to help you get a divorce with him much sooner but I convinced him not to since you really love him. Your dad got worried that your depression would worsen if you left him."

"Rest assured, once the proper actions are taken, the Sullivan family will be more lenient with the case. They'll at least hold off the divorce until your depression is cured." May chose her words carefully. Emily tugged on her hair before holding on to May's hand tightly. "Really? I can't leave brother Tom even though he treats me badly... I still love him. If we were to get divorced and he one day manages to reclaim his former glory... I would hate to see another woman by his side, taking the spot and glory that should be rightfully mine. I don't want that..."

Emily refused to leave simply because of her love for him and also the position she would get in the Sullivan Family.

Mary sighed. "Please think this over, Emily. Your father is right, Tom Sullivan has already lost all feelings for you. Staying with him will only increase your suffering."

"He's just lost his feelings for me temporarily. Feelings can be nurtured. It just takes a little time to blossom again." Emily persisted.

Chapter 439

Chapter 439

"While it's possible to nurture feelings, you will still suffer in the long run."

"If it's to live a luxurious life, enduring a little suffering is nothing. Mom, it's the Sullivan family we're talking about. It's impossible for me to let go of that position that easily." Emily Quest persisted on. "Even if you don't support me, I'll still hold on to my view!" Emily said sternly. "Pain and suffering are always required in order to gain something."

"If you're that persistent how could I not support you?" Mary Conner sighed, giving in.

Footsteps from outside the room could be heard at that moment.

The door opened and Jeremy Quest entered the room.

Seeing him, Emily put on a depressed facade and forced tears out of her eyes till they became red.

Jeremy looked at Emily dearly before letting out a long sigh, "I've talked to the Sullivan family. They've agreed to stop talking about the divorce, at least for now..." Emily's eyes lit up immediately. "Really, dad?"

Jeremy nodded. "They said they'll postpone it till your depression is cured."

"Did they agree to let Emily stay with them after she gets discharged from the hospital?" May asked as both she and Emily waited for the answer, filled with anticipation. "They did..." Jeremy said as he nodded.

In order to make the Sullivan family agree, he had to personally visit and convince them. It took quite a bit of time and effort but eventually, he won them over.

If Emily lost the Sullivan family, she would be as good as dead. As a father, he couldn't just sit back and watch that happen.

A wave of relief washed over both Emily and May after hearing what he said.

"Alright, I need to go back to the office. May, you stay and take care of Emily." Jeremy sighed before standing up.

May nodded as she got up as well. She massaged his temple gingerly. "Alright, hubby, take care. I'll cook your favorite dish tonight."

"Mhm..." Jeremy answered softly before leaving the room.

After Jeremy left, Emily could barely hide her joy any longer. She jumped down from the bed and hugged May tightly. "Mom...this is great. Not only is the divorce delayed, I can even return to the Sullivan house."

May nodded.

"I did not expect dad to try this hard."

"You are his daughter. Both of you are connected by blood. Though he is usually strict toward you, he can definitely be counted on. He's not the kind of person who would just watch you die slowly," May said confidently.

Emily's smile grew wider, her eyes full of life. She stopped hugging May before confidently saying, "Mom, I'll get everything I've ever wanted..."

"Not only would I gain the Sullivan Family's power, I would also be able to get Xyla to grovel under my feet!" Emily said as she waved her fist in the air.

"I believe my daughter can do it!" May said confidently. "Don't worry, your mom will always be by your side. Luck comes around and goes around. She's had her turn, now it's ours! We'll crush Xyla eventually!" "Mom, you said Mary Sullivan is also staying in one of the hospital rooms here right?" Emily sneered.

"She is. Do you want to visit her?"

"Of course."

**

Nearing midnight, Stanley Batton arrived back at the villa. A robotic vacuum cleaner was cleaning the floor.

Georgie Clementine was sitting on the sofa, working on her laptop.

"You're still here?" Stanley walked forward as he looked at Georgie coldly.

Chapter 440

Chapter 440

"President Xyla told me to stay and take care of her until she fully recovers." Georgie Clementine smiled.

"Sure." Stanley turned around and headed upstairs. He did not say another word.

"I've prepared dinner. Come eat in a bit." Georgie said while she looked at his back.

He did not reply and continued walking.

As he walked past the master bedroom, he stared at the closed door for a moment before returning to his own room.

Georgie had made six dishes. There was a dish of stir-fried baby vegetables, braised sea cucumbers, some cordyceps soup, boneless chicken feet, pork ribs, and stir-fried cabbages.

Just as the three of them were about to sit together at the dining table, Stanley Batton's phone rang.

The person calling was Catherine Batton.

He placed a small helping of stir-fried baby vegetables-which was Xyla's favorite-in Xyla's bowl before getting up and standing at a corner near a window. Looking out the porch, he answered the call.

"What is it?"

"Fifth brother, I'm in trouble..."

"What happened?"

"Mom's found out that I've secretly returned from overseas. She just called me and she wants to meet up with me immediately. What should I do?"

"Go meet her at home first. I'm coming over now." He pinched the bridge of his nose as he sighed.

Xyla overheard his conversation and her heart sank.

Nothing in her mouth tasted good anymore.

She couldn't help but take a peek at his back as complicated feelings arose from inside her.

Was it his girlfriend who had just called?

They must have had a good relationship if he was willing to meet up with her at any time.

She knew she shouldn't be bothered by it. She knew that she had to keep her feelings in check, but it still bothered her no matter what she did.

After hanging up the phone, Stanley turned toward the dining table and looked at Xyla, "You guys eat without me. I have some matters to attend to. I'm in a hurry so I need to leave now." He did not wait for Xyla to respond and immediately left the house.

Xyla bit on her chopstick, frowning and clearly irked by what just took place.

Georgie patted her on the shoulder, trying to comfort her.

Xyla forced a smile and continued eating dinner.

"You know, the Teenage Idol program is a hot trend right now. It's the number one thing on the internet right now..." Georgie tried to change the topic.

"Yeah."

"Also, I forgot to tell you. Two days ago I talked with Morty Wayne and Jay Corben about the business plan. They agreed and they'll be following our plans," Georgie said.

"That's good news." Xyla smiled, "Let's continue to go according to our plans."

Georgie nodded. “Yes... I believe that this method will allow them to get popular very, very soon."

**

A car stopped in front of a six-story villa courtyard.

Catherine paid the driver and got down the car, trembling.

The driver was shocked to see such a luxurious house. Slightly unwillingly, he turned his car around and drove off.

"Rich people are truly something else... Normal humans like us could never get close to them..." the drive muttered to himself as he drove out of the villa while admiring the view. Catherine took in a deep breath, clasped her hands together, and prayed silently while looking toward the sky.

Cautiously, she began walking into the villa.

The living room lights were shining brightly. The house was so quiet that if a needle were to fall onto the ground, she would be able to hear it.

All bad omens, as Catherine could tell.

She slipped on some house slippers and walked into the living room.