Chapter 134
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After Rebecca had reconciled with the Carter family, she gradually assimilated into their ways, becoming virtually indistinguishable from them in demeanor and action. During this time, Theodore reflected on the numerous ordeals he had endured recently, like being subjected to spitting and physical assaults – behaviors typically associated with the Carter family, which Rebecca had now adopted. Deep inside, Theodore harbored resentment. Despite his past missteps, he had repeatedly sought Rebecca’s forgiveness with genuine humility, fet, he couldn’t help but wonder, what more could Rebecca possibly want from him?
The strain was evident on Theodore’s visage, his expression growing increasingly troubled as if a tempest was about to erupt around him. Stacey sensed the ominous shift in Theodore’s presence, her heartbeat quickening. She clenched her fists, her body tensing up as she prepared for whatever was to come.
In a moment of resolve, Theodore directed. “Send a copy of the Carter family’s invitation letter to the Edwards family!” His voice carried a deep, resonant tone. If Rebecca truly intended to reconcile, she would understand the significance of this gesture. In their private moments, anything was permissible, but publicly, he could not afford to become the subject of ridicule. Upon hearing this, Stacey turned and departed without a word.
“Rebecca Theodore exclaimed in frustration, “What in the world do you want from me?”
“We’re divorced, remember?” Stacey replied succinctly.
Theodore’s response was tinged with sarcasm as he replied, “There’s a limit to your playing hard to get, Rebecca. Don’t overdo it.
Asmile played on Stacey’s lips as she queried, “Playing hard to get?” She locked eyes with Theodore, her gaze piercing as she challenged, “Mr. Edwards, don’t you think you’re being overconfident?”
Their eyes met, and Theodore attempted to decipher Rebecca’s thoughts, but all he found was an unwavering resolve that he couldn’t penetrate. After a prolonged silence, he wearily conceded, “Rebecca, I’ll give you three more days. If you reconsider within that time, bring the invitation to the. You know how chaotic things are with the Edwards family right now, and remember, it was the Carter family who threw everything into disarray. Surely, any grievances from the past should be settled by now, right?”
“I can’t waste any more time on this. I need to keep a close watch on the Edwards family, or Gifford might seize control of the Edwards Group at any moment,” he continued, venting his frustrations in one long outburst. Exhaustion was evident in his voice; he found the situation increasingly vexing and time–consuming. Looking at Rebecca earnestly, he added,
Kardless, I am truly sorry for everything that happened before. I’ve apologized to you, Rebecca. Just remember, I’ll be waiting for you at home.”
Stacey, hearing this, felt a bitter irony wash over her. She had waited for him countless times, only to be met with derision and ultimately, a divorce. “Don’t bother waiting. It’s over between us,” she stated flatly before turning to leave. But the only thing she got was ridicule and humiliation. What she got was his divorce agreement. “Don’t wait. We can’t do it anymore.” Stacey Carter said directly and then turned around to leave.
Theodore, desperate to say more, opened his mouth but ultimately restrained himself. As Stacey returned to her filmi set. she readjusted her focus to her work. Unnoticed by Theodore, Jenny approached him, her tone laced with envy, “I really envy the attention you give her.”
Theodore offered Jenny a rueful smile. “What are you doing here?”
Jenny responded, “I’m concerned about you. Theodore, if she won’t forgive you, perhaps you should consider moving on with me. The Smith family’s resources combined with our capabilities could surely outmaneuver Gifford and restore your control over the Edwards family.”
To this, Theodore merely shook his head, offering no reply.
Meanwhile, at Mitchell Villa, Gary had been waiting expectantly for a response from Rebecca regarding the invitation, holding onto a 60% certainty that she would comply and extend an invitation to the Mitchell family. But as dawn broke
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Chapter 134
without any news, there was still no communication from her. Although Gary typically remained silent regarding family matters, it wasn’t an indication of his lack of intelligence. He generally abstained from involvement because his wife had already handled the necessary actions, negating any need for him to step into the role of the villain.
Understanding the personalities of both his daughter Janet and wife Karen, Gary was well aware that it would be futile for them to request an invitation from Rebecca. Hence, he found himself in a position where he had to act directly. He had approached Rebecca with a gentle strategy, entreating her carneilly, yet his efforts had been unsuccessful. Since Rebecca had become affiliated with the Carter family, she seemed increasingly beyond his influence. Nevertheless, Gary was not one to rush; he picked up his phone and dialed his sister Cynthia.
While Rebecca had become resistant to providing favors directly to them, Gary knew she would not decline a request from Cynthia. Rebecca and Cynthia shared a strong bond, forged over years of closeness since Cynthia had taken great care of Rebecca during her early childhood. Confident in this relationship, Gary believed that if Cynthia made the request, Rebecca would surely grant the invitation.
At Cynthia’s Boutique, Cynthia was absorbed in her work, sitting behind the counter while she sketched out new clothing designs on her computer. The sudden ring of her phone internipted her focus. Glancing at the display and recognizing Gary’s name, she hesitated, her hand pausing mid–reach. Over the past few years, Cynthia had come to a realization that had eased her mind significantly, allowing her thoughts to flow more freely. Almost instinctively understanding why her brother might be calling now, she opted not to engage and ignored the call. The phone continued to ring persistently beside her until it finally ceased.
Back at Mitchell Villa, Gary felt a mixture of confusion and concern wash over him as the phone call went unanswered. What’s Cynthia up to? Why didn’t she answer the phone?‘ he pondered. Despite this setback, he didn’t relinquish his efforts: he dialed her number once more.
As Cynthia’s phone rang again, she had just resumed her artistic endeavor, picking up a brush to add a few strokes to her drawing. The repeated disruption caused by the ringing phone began to grate on her nerves. Despite confirming it was Gary calling again, Cynthia decided to leave the phone undisturbed, choosing instead to continue her work.
At that moment, Xavier emerged from the lounge, having heard the phone. “Cynthia, your phone’s ringing,” he noted.
Cynthia glanced back at him and shook her head slightly. Just ignore it.
Xavier observed the caller ID, recognizing it was Gary. “Okay. The phone ceased ringing only to start again several times. “Is there something wrong with him?” Xavier inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.
Cynthia simply nodded. “Yeah, but it’s none of our business.”
“If your brother asks, just say your pone was broken accidentally I’ll get you a new one, Xavier suggested earnestly.
Cynthia looked at her husband with a mixture of appreciation and relief. Smiling, she agreed, “Okay.”
Xavier then affectionately kissed her on the cheek, his actions reflecting his deep affection for her.
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