Ch. 2691..2700

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2691-"Thank you. I wouldn't know where else to find a dress if it weren't for you."

"Why waste your time with that when you have me around? I've already told you that I'll take care of everything. All right then, there's no time to waste. If any of you want pictures, then get to it right away. She can't be late for tonight's banquet!"

"Okay…"

Everyone else rushed forward, some with cameras to capture Rita's beauty.

Ever since Rita and Denny had met, they would make a mad rush to record everything whenever Rita showed up. Those photographs had much aesthetic value and also served as important learning materials for them. Denny's

perspective of aesthetics, his way of matching everything, and his knack for emphasizing Rita's best features were all worth studying.

Rita left for home half an hour early. She glanced at her watch and took out some materials from the previous day to study. She was confident of receiving a reply, but she still needed to learn more about the person she was interviewing to ensure that everything proceeded smoothly. Rita's intuition told her that there must be a story behind her connection to that man, especially due to the rather special atmosphere between them.

Much to her surprise, the man she had thought about while in the car showed up in front of her house half an hour later. When her car pulled up at the entrance of the house, another car was lined up in front of hers. The owner of that car had driven here by himself and handed the car keys to one of the attendants.

"Just a minute, Miss. I'll unlock the car door for you once the car in front drives away."

Rita gathered up all the documents. "You can unlock it now, Suresh. I'll get down here. But remember not to let anyone touch the documents in my car."

"Sure. Your father has entrusted me with being your chauffeur, so you can rest assured that no one else will be allowed into the car." Rita nodded and got off.

She had just stepped out of the car when she locked eyes with the visitor.

Sherman cocked his eyebrow, finding it something of a coincidence that he had stumbled upon Rita again. He looked at her from head to toe and found her appearance rather charming but for her erratic behavior the other day. He regarded her choice of profession as a reporter to be somewhat eccentric. After all, she had the kind of good looks that would allow her to excel in many other professional fields.

Rita did not expect to meet him there. She crossed her arms and asked petulantly, "Why are you here? Did you trick someone into giving you their invitation? Miss Claire isn't here today, and no one's going to save an invitation specifically for you."

Rita had smirked as if she was ready to witness Sherman make a fool of himself. In response, Sherman frowned. He decided to retract his second impression of her. She was too proud and arrogant, and he had a special dislike for rude people.

"Perhaps you should ask yourself if

you got the invitation from a scalper.

Oh, and make sure youre not

entering the wrong event tonight et

This isn't the kind of place that small-time reporters likg you will be allowed to attend at such short notice."

Rita held her dress and rushed up to Sherman. "How dare.you. com discriminate against me because of my profession! I guess you're as much of a jerk as I expected."

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2692-"Excuse me? You started it, and now you're blaming me? You should look in the mirror," Sherman retorted.

Rita soon found herself embroiled in an argument with the man at the door of her house. Though the servants all lowered their heads, they were no doubt eavesdropping.

A blush crept onto Rita's cheeks, lending her an air of extra charm.

"Hmph! I won't stoop to the likes of you. Go back where you came from!"

Rita held the skirt of her dress and made her way in. To her surprise, Sherman followed right behind her. As she approached the spot where the invitation was

supposed to be handed over, she stopped and glanced at him fiercely. "Do you have to follow me in?"

Sherman adjusted his spectacles. "Am I the one following you in? Or are you?"

He then walked past Rita and presented the invitation to the doorman ahead of her.

"Ah, Mister Sherman, please come in. The host has been waiting for you. I've been told to inform you that you may head right into the main hall once you arrive," the doorman said.

Rita had a puzzled expression. "Are you sure you've got the right person? Is he really the man my father's been waiting for?"

The doorman replied with a smile, "He is. The master is indeed waiting for Mister Sherman."

Sherman glanced calmly at the surprised Rita and thought to himself, 'So, she's that eldest daughter of the Russells who was raised by her stepmother after her biological mother's untimely demise. She doesn't seem like the type to endure any mistreatment from her stepmother.' Meanwhile, Rita thought, 'Mister Sherman? As in Sherman Parr, the president of the Parr Group?' Sherman observed Rita's changing facial expressions in amusement.

"So? May I go in and see your father? If you still have any doubts, I will be happy to keep you company here and wait with you. But how much patience does your father have, I wonder?"

Rita turned red. She bit her lower lip and muttered, "Tch. What kind of company president snatches another person's seat? That's so petty."

Sherman pretended not to hear and proceeded through the door. Once he disappeared from view, Rita let out a sigh and ruffled her hair a few times.

"Ugh, my memory sucks! How could I forget that I'd seen his photo somewhere? I remember coming across some information about his family company when I was doing some investigating!

Ultimately, however, she did not have to be so hard on herself, but them thought of Sherman being able to shatch the center seat because of his wealth made her incredibly irritated.

How did forget what their boss looks like? Gahhh, this is embarrassing!" she mumbled to herself in frustration.

However, she realized that

something had to have been going on between. Sherman and Claire. The youngest, wealthiest company m president together with the most promising female dancer in the country made the perfect recipe for a front-page headline.

Rita's spirits lifted once more. "Hmph, don't blame me for using you as material.

and entered the hall, which was filled with a majority of guests. A waiter walked past her holding a tray of several champagne flutes, and she tok a glass before mingling with those whom she knew. She never liked socializing, and events that required them were like anathema to her.

That's what you get when you're being all lovey-dovey in public!"

Rita then held the dress of her skirt

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2693-Most times, Rita felt scrutinized like an item placed on display at the center of the hall. Uncomfortable though she was, she knew that sacrifices had to be made. After all, her family needed her to keep up appearances, which she was okay with doing. She knew how important it was to maintain relationships with her elders since they had all seen her grow up.

Rita's mother had brought her to banquets before she had even reached the age of ten, and that was where she was introduced to all those aunties there. It was important that she mingle with those familiar faces, as they would be the ones who would be expected to look out for her children.

"It's been too long, Aunt Gina! You look younger than the last time I saw you!"

Rita greeted warmly with a genuine smile.

Gina turned with a smile and pulled Rita in for a closer look. "Do I? Oh, Rita, you're becoming more beautiful as you grow older. You're starting to look like your mother. And you seem to have picked up the art of sweet-talking. Are you trying to work your charm on me?"

Rita feigned surprise and widened her eyes. "Of course not! I'm a reporter, and reporters never tell lies!"

Someone from the crowd chuckled at the exchange. "How's that going for you?"

Gina patted Rita's hand affectionately. "Let me know if you ever get tired of that job. I'll have you transferred to my company in no time."

Rita shook her head with a smile. "I'm very happy with where I am right now, so don't worry. It's been so long since I last saw you, and I missed you a lot too.

Mom still has some wine, by the way. I know you enjoyed having a glass or two.

Let me get a bottle for you to take home later."

Gina waved off the offer. "I'm no longer a young woman, Rita. I can manage without a sip of wine. Besides, your mother's gifts are for you to cherish. Keep them well, and bring them with you when you get married. You can't let anyone else lay a finger on them."

Rita hugged Gina affectionately and understood that these gifts were entrusted to her care. After all, they were her mother's legacy.

"Aww, Rita. You've been through so much," Gina murmured fondly.

The onlookers exchanged knowing glances. Everyone knew that Rita's time with the Russells was not all roses and sunshine, but they stopped short of saying that out loud. After all, Karen was the Russells' current lawful wife She married him in her 30s and even brought along her daughter, which was around Rita's age. That alone showed just how resourceful she was.

While their praises for Karen appeared sincere on the surface, their underlying tone betrayed a hint of sarcasm Within their social cirgle, there were unspoken rules, and individuals like Karen who jumped at the chance of becoming a second wife were generally not looked favorably upon. Worse still, Rita had seemingly become more neglected and overshadowed after Karen entered the family. The reason for that was obvious, even to the least discerning.

After bidding Gina farewell, Rita proceeded to greet the elders whom she knew. She did not find it too troublesome as not a lof of people had the privilege of receiving a personal greeting from her on such occasions. After exchanging all the pleasantries, she made her way to her father's study, but she gave it a second thought when she remembered that the man she disliked would probably be there.

Alas, Rita's hesitation led her to brush shoulders with Sadie.

early and in the highest quality.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2694-"Well, well, if it isn't Rita. Aren't you always too proud to grace us with your presence at gatherings like these? Why are you here tonight?" Sadie asked.

Rita raised an eyebrow coldly as she looked at her stepsister who stood several centimeters shorter than her. "This is my home. I can come and go as I please.

You can't tell me what to do," Rita retorted.

Sadie scoffed. "You can only show your arrogance when you're in front of me.

But let me tell you, you're the most unwelcome person in our family right now. If I were you, I wouldn't bother showing up at these events. Do you realize how much shame you're bringing upon Dad you're your job as a reporter? He suffers because of that and ends up complaining to my mother. You don't even know

how to behave, but I guess I'm not surprised by how you act since you don't even have a mother to give you a proper upbringing."

Rita felt a surge of irritation at those familiar barbs, but age had taught her to hold her own against that.

"Yes, I'm a reporter. But how exactly does my work disgrace your father?" Rita emphasized the word 'your'. "Just because you've changed your surname doesn't mean he's your real father. There are lots of shameless people, and I bet some of them are like you because they can easily forget about their biological father just for the sake of money. You've been an eye-opener."

Sadie nearly got physical with Rita. She despised those who brought up the topic of having a stepfather. At the time, she did not see anything wrong with her decision. After living in abject poverty for so long, anyone would be willing to forsake their father if they were presented with a shortcut to wealth and glory.

Years had passed since then, yet she did not see anything wrong in her choice either. If she could turn back time, she would make the same decision as she did in the past. The kind of downtrodden life she had back then was something she refused to go through ever again. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Findɴovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Hearing Rita mention the surname change always rubbed her the wrong way, as it brought back memories of her miserable past. Children tended to have short memories but not when it involved seeing her mother getting beaten by her perpetually drunk father. She did not want to hide in the closet anymore, yet Rita seemed to suggest that her decision was a heinous one.

Unfortunately, Sadie forgot that Rita was no longer the vulnerable stepsister she used to bully. Over the past year, working as a reporter had toughened Rita both physically and mentally, and she was able to grip a hole of Sadie's arm.

"You're still wet behind the ears if you think you can throw a sucker punch at me," Rita asserted.

Karen just so happened to walk up the stairs when she spotted the altercation between the two. Sadie was evidently on the losing end, so she rushed over to them. At that moment, the study door swung open, and Vince was greeted by that somewhat disharmonious scene.

"What's going on here?" he demanded to know.

Karen burst into tears when she saw her husband.

"If your sister did something wrong then please let me apologize to yau on her behalf, Shels Younger than you, and you shouldn't get physicall with her…" Karen wailed.

When Karen shed tears, Sadie shook her arm off forcefully and stumbled over, shedding tears, in the process too. Meanwhie, Rita staggered slightly but did not fall over. "I'm sorry, Rita! It's all my fault! I'm sorry! I won't dare do it again," Sadie whimpered.

 

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2695-Sherman, who emerged a step behind, observed the scene with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. It was quite a spectacle and no doubt provided a window into Rita's drama-laden life. It would not be surprising for anyone in her position to leave the home as soon as they reached adulthood. Facing those two melodramatic figures day in and day out would be tiring, to say the least.

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Though the situation was a rather clear-cut one, Sherman watched in bewilderment as Vince approached Rita sternly and asked, "Why did you raise your hand against your sister?"

Meanwhile, Karen continued to weep. She staggered forward, knelt, and checked Sadie's body for signs of an injury. "Are you hurt, Sadie?"

Sadie, tearful and apprehensive, cast a furtive glance toward Rita.

Rita sensed that Sadie was looking at her and turned to glare back at Sadie. It gave the impression that Sadie was being coerced to assure them that she was fine, which Rita felt rather surprised.

"Did you witness the incident? Why are you blaming me?" Rita retorted in frustration. "Do you even know what she did? Why are you accusing me out of nowhere?"

Vince's expression remained stern. "It doesn't matter what she did. Violence is never the answer. Have you forgotten everything I've taught you? I've always stressed the importance of getting along with your sister. Have you forgotten that?"

Rita snorted. "Get along with her? That's the last thing that will happen."

Karen's sobbing intensified at that opportune moment. "I know you don't like Sadie, Rita, but she's still your sister. And she's still young too. What if she gets severely injured. because you got physical with her earlier? I'm not asking for much, Rita. I just want you to be kinder to her. Can't you find it in your heart to do that?"

When Vince heard the loud crying, he immediately went over and bent down to check if Sadie was still injured. "Are you okay, Sadie? Let me know if you feel even a little bit of pain on you. We'll head straight to the hospital if it's too much to bear."

Rita clenched her fists in a surge of anger when she saw the three of them huddled together. Vince was supposed to be her biological father, yet he was so quick to reproach her and console another man's daughter.

"I'm fine, Dad. Don't be mad at Rita," Sadie assured.

The sight before Rita was downright preposterous? Her biological father, her stepmother, and her stepsister were all looking the part of a happy family, while she s relegated to the sidelines despite being biologically Vince's daughter It was such a farcical scene that she would have already snickered loudly if Sherman was not around.

After Vince assisted Sadie to her feet, he directed a glare at Rita. "We'll let this slide, but only becayse Sadie l insists fatshe's okay. I have to be frank with you, Rita: you're not a child anymore, but your temper is getting more and more out of hand. Even I find you a handful nowadays."

"You-" Vince stopped himself short

Rita crossed her arms with a bitter smirk. "You seem to care more about another man's daughter than your own, so spare me your lectures!"

of snapping at her when he caught sight of Sherman lingering nearby.

"We'll discuss family matters later.

should first introduce ygu to oun guest. Hé is Mister Sherman Parr Mister Sherman, I'm very sorry that you had to witness this. Arguments tend to happen very often around the house when you have two daughters around the same age. It's tough to take care of them. I have to be the mediator all the time."

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2696-Sherman maintained a straight face and remarks. Instead, he remarked, "They say you're a most impartial and selfless man, and I'm surprised to see that it seems to hold true. You treat your daughters very equally regardless of whether you have blood ties to them."

Karen's expression soured as she seemed to pick up some sort of insinuation from Sherman. She had just known about Sherman's position as the president of the Parr Group, as well as rumors about his exceptional accomplishments despite his young age. She found it surprising that he would be so blunt.

Vince sensed that there was something more to what Sherman said. He glanced curiously at Rita, then returned his attention to Sherman. They should be strangers, yet Sherman seemed to be siding with Rita Rita, too, glanced at

him before lowering her gaze. She had a confused expression and wondered what Sherman's intent was. 'Is he trying to apologize for taking my seat earlier?' she thought to herself. However, the thought of her family affairs being aired in public seemed to trouble her more than Sherman's apparent concern toward her. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"I'll be leaving if there's nothing else, then," said Rita tersely.

Sherman found her remark a little amusing. Despite enduring such injustice, she straightened her posture and acted as though nothing happened. He wanted to know what she felt deep down when her father treated her as less important than someone else's daughter.

Vince immediately scolded her when he heard that. "That is very rude of you.

You can't leave before our guest takes his leave. Our family is the host. I've warned you earlier to behave because tonight's occasion is an important one.

"I'm sorry, Mister Sherman. I've been too lenient on her, so she's grown more excessive in her behavior. Let's leave all that aside for now. The banquet is about to start, so it's about time we head downstairs." Vince's scolding had gone overboard. Even if he did not truly care for his biological daughter, the least he could do was refrain from embarrassing her publicly in front of an outsider like Sherman. Rita's stiff posture drew some empathy from Sherman. She looked incredibly fragile to him, almost as if she could break at the slightest touch. He answered with a frown, "Let's go."

He decided right then and there that there was no need to linger too long there.

A banquet with such an uneasy atmosphere was not worth the time or the effort.

Furthermore, there was also a need to reassess the potential cooperation with the Russells.

né Vince had no idea that he had offended Sherman. He felt rather pleased with himself that Sherman had attended the banquet, as Sherman was considered the most esteemed figure in their social circle. Not everyone had the privilege of hosting him.

As they reached the staircase's corner, Vince tugged Rita aside. "Stay by my side. I'll introduce you to some guests later on. You've already upset me once today, and I hope you won't do it again."

Rita frowned in silence. She did not think that she did anything wrong.

Karen and Sadie were simplyo m manipulators of the highest order who were quick to play the victim at the first sign of Vince's presence. It was absurd.

She was confident they would slip up eventually, and there was amplen evidence from the surkeillance footage should Vince want to know the truth. It all depended on whether he truly cared to get to the bottom of it.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2697-Vince continued, "I wouldn't have organized today's banquet if I didn't care for you. I'm doing this to get you acquainted with everyone so they recognize you as the true heir of our family." Sadie and Karen exchanged a puzzled glance at that declaration. They wondered what he was implying by that.

Karen smiled naturally as she gracefully stepped forward and hooked her arm around Vince's. "Listen to your father, Rita. He's spent a lot of effort to make this banquet a success. He even managed to invite Mister Sherman over! We know you don't like these sorts of events, but you need to understand your position as our family's eldest daughter. You need to serve as a role model for your sister.

We can't have you ruining the family's reputation."

Rita found those comments laughable. It was not Karen's place as an outsider to make comments about the Russells, not least when Karen was never accepted by Rita as part of the family.

"I'm already here. No need to waste your breath," she retorted defiantly. "It's not my place to set an example for your daughter. I think she should set an example for me. I'm dying to know how she's still a student at Morning Glory University even though she practically fails all her subjects."

Sadie shot Rita a glare. She had carefully concealed her academic shortcomings from Vince because he had a particular dislike for uneducated and uncultured people. It would be exacerbated due to the fact that she was not his biological daughter.

As expected, Vince's expression soured upon hearing what Rita said. He immediately asked Karen about Sadie's studies. "Didn't I tell you to hire a tutor for her? Why haven't you gotten to it yet? Her grades weren't good enough to be accepted into the university. She was only enrolled because I sought out the dean. How can my efforts be justified if you don't study harder?"

"Don't listen to Rita's nonsense,"

Karen interjected hastily. "Sadie only failed the previous exam. I've already arranged for a tutor to help her.

brush up, and her grades have no improved a lot already, even though it's still not as good as Rita's."

"I was never worried about Rita's studies because she always received scholarships. Our family might be rich, but we need to maintain some measure of standards in ourselves," Vince cast a condescending glance toward Sadie, who Towered her gaze obediently. Studying was the last thing on her mind after seeing Sherman earlier. She had been consumed by thoughts of him since their meeting then.

Sadie did not expect to see someone so handsome among all the younger wealthy men.

In fact, Vince was quite handsome too, and that was partly why Karen was drawn to him initially. Compared to Sherman, however, the difference in looks was simply too great.

Despite her mother's insistence that she should make a favorable

impression on their guests, Sadie ignored that completely upon laying eyes on Sherman. Shewas. o M determined to make herself stand olit compared to Rita and assert her status as the main young lady in the Russells. That way, she could prove to the world that her background did not define who she was.

Meanwhile, Sherman sought to avoid socializing by savoring a glass of champagne on the balcony. He had champagne on the balcony. He had hoped toget a breather, but barely ten minutes had passed when an unexpected visitor disrupted his solitude.

Sherman turned around in irritation and saw that the person was Rita.

Both were equally as suprised at the other's presehide, but Sherman's eyes carried an extra hint of amusement.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2698-"Miss Rita," Sherman acknowledged with a slight nod. "I hadn't expected the host to be so uncomfortable with all the socializing."

Rita dropped all pretenses after running into him. She smoothed the hem of her skirt with one hand while the other clutched a handful of little titbits she had swiped from the kitchen. She had avoided eating any of the main meals so as not to leave a bad impression on the guests, but her hunger was becoming too much to bear.

"You can't gatekeeper feelings. Am I not allowed to feel that way?" she retorted.

"You're acting like you're so high and mighty."

"Those who act high and mighty tend to think others are too," Sherman confessed with a wry smile.

"Tell me, do you still think I've taken your seat? I presumed you'd grasp the situation once you knew who I was."

Rita rolled her eyes and continued to nibble on her titbits. "Just because you're a company president doesn't mean you wouldn't have taken that seat. We both have the money to afford the ticket. Why do you insist Miss Claire reserved that seat for you? Hasn't it crossed your mind that it could just be a simple error? I hate it when people are so condescending."

Sherman could not help but notice Rita's agitation as she vented her frustration by biting furiously into a cream puff. It was as if she was projecting him onto the helpless pastry.

"I can understand where you're coming from if you were just a different reporter," Sherman remarked, "But aren't you the same as us? Your status is among the elite too."

Rita's chewing slowed. As much as she was angry at Sherman, she could not but acknowledge that she belonged among their ranks. After all, she would never have been able to get a ticket to Claire's performance without the help of her friends.

That, in addition to everything that happened that evening, put a damper on Rita's spirits. Despite her efforts, her background seemed to be the deciding factor in many instances. Worse still, her father was desperately attempting to find a partner for her. He was eagerly introducing all those rich young men to her, listing off their qualities as if they were from a catalog of men she could choose as a suitor. He would be even more delighted if their family could rise to bigger heights with the marriage.

Sherman had attended the banquet fully aware of its nature. Hearing her voice out her innocent musings seemed to be the height of irony.

"I guess you're right. I am that sort of person," Rita conceded in resignation.

That remark elicited a somewhat surprised glance from Sherman He turned and saw her looking dejected, almost like a wilting flower.

What surprised him most was that she retained an all-too-rare innocence despite her affluent upbringing and her rather complicated family situation. It was unlike other people whose scheming tendencies were written all over their faces.

"You don't seem too happy. Is it because I've exposed your true nature?"

Sherman asked, his tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm.

Rita let out a bitter laugh and shook her head. "It's because I can't refute.

what you said. As much as I've tried, to secure a position at New Capital Times through my own merit, my background still overshadows everything else. It will continue to do so for as long as I bear this name. No amount of effort I put in will ever be acknowledged for what it is-my effort."

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2699-Rita turned abruptly and offered a sorrow-tinged smile. "Thank goodness you're the only one here. If it were anyone else, they'd probably think I'm making much ado about nothing. It does sound a little absurd to feel sad when I'm born into a well-off family."

Sherman kept quiet, and there was not a trace of disdain or sarcasm in his expression. After a prolonged pause, he said, "We have no control over our birth or which family we'd be born into. The only aspect we can control is our destiny.

If all you see are the limitations imposed by your surname, then you'll forever be caught by it. However, your life could take a vastly different turn if you can recognize the advantages it affords.

"At the same time, you're already doing your best to strive diligently toward your goals, so this frustration you're feeling will only be momentary. You don't need any validation from anyone."

Rita was taken aback. She had not expected their encounter to be so unexpectedly profound. She was also incredibly surprised that he would be willing to engage her in so much conversation.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said.

"I didn't think you'd say all that stuff to help me ease this anxiety. My family isn't the same as it used to be. You saw that earlier. I always feel powerless whenever I have to face that sort of situation. Perhaps that's the reason my outlook on life is always a negative one. But you're right when you said that this surname has provided me with a lot of things. I guess being rich is one example."

Rita's wry grin mirrored Sherman's own amusement. "You still have your wit, so I take it as a sign that you're not as depressed about the whole thing as you think you are."

"Perhaps you're right," she agreed.

"And you have a far better sense of humor than I expected. If it hadn't been for what happened earlier, we might've been able to become good friends. But I will reiterate again that I didn't take your seat. It might be a good idea to check with Miss Claire on whether you had been assigned the wrong seat."

Sherman found Rita's directness refreshing. It had been some time since he had conversed with someone so straightforward. He appreciated not having to decipher hidden meanings behind her words.

"You've raised a reasonable possibility. I will find out. If there's been a misunderstanding, then I hope I can make it up to you during our next meeting."

Rita nodded. "I'm sure we'll meet each other again soon." The interview seemed to be inching toward success, along with uncovering the truth of his relationship with Claire.

"You've been away from the banquet long enough. Shall we return and enjoy a glass of red wine? It's a vintage my mother reserved for special occasions."

"Don't mind if I do, then," Sherman replied graciously.

However, Rita was not willing to part with her mother's cherished wine so easily. Even though Sherman's insights had come as a surprise ton her, she knew that the cutthroat nature of the corporate world was something that removed all traces of naivete and innocence from a person. That was especially the case with a man like him. Any information about his personal life would surely be guarded very securely.

Meanwhile, Sadie scanned the hall for signs of Sherman as soon as she exchanged some pleasantries with her mother. However, he was nowhere to be seen.

When Sherman walked in from the balcony, Sadie noticed his figure right away, she beamed with anticipation and immediately adjusted her skirt before grabbing a bottle of red wine.

To her astonishment, Sherman's gentlemanly gesture was directed to Rita, who came in after Sherman came in.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2700-"You're much more of a gentleman compared to that night," Rita remarked with a smile.

In response, Sherman cocked an eyebrow and quipped, "And you're much more amiable now than you were then."

Their shared laughter drew Sadie's gaze and fueled her resentment.

She wanted to know when Rita started to have eyes on Sherman and felt that Rita was utterly shameless for trying to charm the man that Sadie had been eyeing first.

That being said, a public display of frustration was hardly appropriate, so Sadie forced a smile and approached Sherman.

"Where have you been, Mister Sherman? I looked everywhere for you earlier but couldn't find you," she said, disregarding Rita's presence.

When Sherman saw Sadie coming over to him, he instinctively took a step back and maintained a polite distance. "And you are?" he asked.

Sadie's smile stiffened in response to that question.

Rita knew exactly what Sadie was trying to do. It was natural to feel drawn to such an exceptional man, and there was indeed no one else quite like him in the entire banquet. However, Sadie seemed to think too highly of herself rather than looking at herself in the mirror to see if she was fit to even approach him. Plenty of young women in the banquet were dying to get close to him but did not dare to do so. Sadie had to ask herself if she had anything to offer.

"That's quite a sense of humor you have there, Mister Sherman," she said with a strained smile. "I'm Sadie, the second daughter of the Russells. We crossed paths upstairs earlier, but I suppose you couldn't get a good look at me because my sister knocked me down earlier."

Her gaze flickered toward Rita, who maintained her indifferent expression. Still, the faint smile at Rita's lips seemed to mock her. Sadie gritted her teeth and yearned to lash out, but she kept her emotions in check for the time being.

"I'm sorry, I'm only acquainted with the Russells' eldest daughter, Rita. I wasn't aware there was a second daughter Sherman replied matter-of-factly, which came as a huge surprise to Rita. After all, they had only met each other once, and he had no reason to incur Karen's wrath for her sake-not that he had anything to be afraid of, though.

Sadie's expression soured and teetered on the brink of tears. "What?"

Rita began to feel a little sorry for her. She knew that it could not have been easy for a nineteen-year-old to mask their emotions so adeptly.

"This is Karen's daughter, Sadie. Karen brought Sadie with her after remarrying my father. Sadie later changed her surname to our family's," Rita explained to Sherman, who nodded in an enlightened manner.

Even someone as thick-skinned as Sadie could not endure any longer. She gripped her wine glass so tightly that she nearly crushed it in her hand.

"Let me know if you need anything, Mister Sherman. I'll be happy te help you gut. My hother must be looking för me right now, so please excuse me she spat out through gritted teeth.

Sherman nodded indifferently. "Miss Rita is with me. I'll approach her if I need anything."

Sadie left in a huff, and Rita turned around to thank Sherman.

"I'm just glad you didn't hold any grudges against me medding in your family affairs," Sherman responded.

"My family embarrasses me," Rita sighed. "I never thought things would turn gut this way. I Can never take those two seriously, but my father seems to have lost all sense of logic."