Chapter 22
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Mandy, the family’s seasoned mistress, frowned at Shirley’s loss of composure, but she understood the need to shield her daughter’s image. “Don’t be afraid, Shirley,” she comforted.
With a tinge of urgency, she instructed Lionel, the butler, “The peaches are among the city’s elite. We can’t have talk of pests mour home, it would harm the Leach Group’s reputation, See to it right away!
Although Lionel was baffled by the demand, given their stringent pest protocols, he didn’t question it. He acknowledged and moved to carry out Mandy’s directive.
Cherise, observing the absurdity, let out a quiet, derisive chuckle
Oliver, always the mediator, diffused the awkwardness, suggesting. “Let’s go inside and have the meal. Cherise is probably starving by now
Mandy responded with a warm smile, inviting everyone in, “Of course. I’ll take care of everything. Please, come on in, everyone!”
Jacob, the public face of the Leach Group, held less power than Oliver, who controlled the majority of shares. Mandy was cautious not to upset
him.
As they entered the grand hall, Cherise recognized the familiar scene, now even more opulent with its luxurious
decorations
Andy wheeled Oliver to the central seat in the living room, and Oliver kindly called for Cherise to sit next to him. She agreed, sitting down as the others took their seats and started to converse pleasantly.
From the wings, Shirley burned with envy as Cherise soaked up all the attention. I’m the one who should be the Leach family’s pride and joy: Cherise doesn’t belong here, she fumed to herself.
Jacob came back shortly after, and Shirley greeted him warmly, linking her arm through his
“Dad, you’re home! How was your day?” she asked, her tone coated with a layer of feigned concern. “Seeing you always brightens my day,” Jacob responded, playfully messing up Shirley’s hair.
Shirley gave Cherise a smug look, basking in what she saw as a triumph.
Sean, with a creased brow, observed Cherise’s nonchalance as she leisurely sipped her coffee. Jacob, Cherise is back. Shouldn’t you be welcoming her first?”
Jacob finally shifted his focus to Cherise. Upon his approach, Cherise placed her cup down and rose to meet him.
Jacob, in the prime of life, cut an imposing figure; it was no surprise that he’d won over the women of Betrico, including Cherise’s mother.
Cherise, calm and collected, held Jacob’s stare.
Jacobs, seeing his late wife in his daughter, felt a moment of regret. But he quickly rationalized it–Being a man in his prime with a wife often away, he justified his need for companionship.
“Cherise, with your grandmother passed and you alone, you should think about coming back to our home,” he suggested gently.
“I’ve got my own place,” Cherise replied, her tone steady..
Jacob, meeting her intense and distant gaze, felt the chill. It was in stark contrast to Shirley’s cozy warmth and obedience.
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Chapter 22
Cherise, not raised by Jacob’s side, felt like a stranger to him. Yet, he couldn’t deny that she was his own flesh and blood.
“A young woman alone in a tough area can’t be as secure as she would be at home, Jacob continued, looking away.
Andy started to argue, ‘No, Jacob, Cherise–But Cherise quickly grasped his arm to stop him. She wanted to keep her stay at Glenshire Gardens under wraps.
“Fine, Cherise can live wherever she wants, as long as she’s happy. Let’s eat, Oliver proposed, and Lionel guided him to the dining room
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