Chapter 68

After Shirley bailed from the mall, she knew she'd messed up big time.She floored it back to Rivera Manor, catching Elbert totally off guard. She yanked him ouit, and they bolted to their hometown without even saying bye to Jennifer.

Elbert suddenly yelled. "Shirley, this isn't the right way! We're going the wrong way!" That was when Shirley realized she'd taken the wrong road.She thought, 'If it wasn't for Emily, I wouldn't be in this mess!'

The road back was rough, and with every twist and turn on the mountain road, Shirley's grip on the steering wheel tightened. The mountains seemed to be closing in on her. like Emily was right there. screaming,"Shirley. I'm coming for you!"

Shirley shivered as she looked out the window, thinking, 'Is it wrong to chase my own happiness?' She was overwhelmed by love, felt a bit of fear at this moment. Intentionally harming someone will land you in jail. She usually flaunted her power, all because of the Rivera family's reputation,but recently, Mrs. Rivera was tired of her, including the incident of seducing Patrick not too long ago.

Shirley figured, if she were to go to Patrick for help during this time, it probably wouldn't be very effective. So, she had to run.

With a loud crash, Kathy rushed over. "Madam, are you okay?"She saw food scattered everywhere and asked, worried. Jennifer was startled,trying to figure out what was happening. Lon Ramos looked tense, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"Madam, something's wrong. Elbert's missing," Lon said. panicked.Jennifer quickly asked, "How could he be missing? Why are you so worked

up?"

"I went to get the car keys from Elbert for tomorrow, but he's gone. He's usually in his room at this time." Lon said. He and Elbert have had a friendship of several decades. His current worry was also heartfelt.

Jennifer headed to Elbert's room. Sure enough, it was empty, but everything was still there. Something wvas definitely off.

She called Elbert's phone. After a few rings. Elbert answered,"Madam,is something wrong?" Jennifer asked. "Where are you?"

"Madam, it's Shirley. My dad wanted to go back to the hometown, so I took him. You weren't home when we left, so we didn't say goodbye."Shirley grabbed the phone and explained.

Jennifer was puzzled. thinking. 'I've been home all day. How did this happen?

She said. "Alright, take care of your dad. If you need help, call Lon."

Jennifer knew something was up. She called Patrick, but he didn't pick up.

After hanging up. Shirley thought. 'Jennifer's attitude changes so fast. She pretends to care about me and my dad just to keep up appearances. If she's so fake, she can't blame me for being ruthless!

"Dad, after we get back to the hometown, are you planning to return to Rivera Manor?" Shirley asked suddenly. Elbert squinted and said, "If Mr.Rivera needs me, I'll go back. If he's doing well, I'll stay in the hometown.

I follow Madam and Mr. Rivera!"

Seeing Elbert's hopeful look, Shirley was furious. If murder wasn't a crime,she'd want to kill Elbert. How could fate give her such a father?

Jennifer went back to her room, thinking it over. This wasn't like Elbert.He wouldn't leave without a word, especially with his attachment to Patrick. Jennifer thought. 'Did Shirley cause trouble?' Jennifer truly understands Shirley well enough.

When they pushed open the door of the Oakwood Homestead, a strange smell hit them, causing Shirley to cough. Elbert seemed both normal and off at the same time. As he walked in, Shirley followed, surprised to find the place spotless.

Shirley was confused. How could this be? No wonder Elbert always wanted to come back here. She was the one holding him back! She didn't even notice Elbert's expression. Coming back here was what he really wanted, even if he always seemed distracted.

Suddenly, Elbert said. "We need to clean up a bit. It's been a while since we stayed here." Shirley looked around, surprised. "The place is spotless.Why would we need to clean?"

Shirley pulled out her phone and quickly typed a message. The night sky in the hometown was beautiful, with mountains, stars, and fresh air.

As she glanced at her phone, she realized she'd caused more trouble than she thought. The reply she got was: [Emily's surgery was successful,but she hasn't woken up.]

Feeling nervous, Shirley replied, telling the person to hurry back to the Oakwood Homestead.

After tidying up for a bit, Elbert said, "It's late. Go wash up and get some sleep."

Shirley felt something was off. Elbert seemed more normal after coming

back here.

As the night grew darker. Elbert went to bed early. as usual. After a while.Shirley,sitting on the sofa, got another message: [I'm here.]

She grabbed her mini bag and quietly slipped out of the house.closing the door gently so she wouldn't wake Elbert. She walked quickly to the roadside. where a black car was waiting. The back door opened, and she got in.

"How is she? Did I go too easy on her today?" Shirley dropped her obedient act.

The man replied. "After you left. Marlon showed up, called an ambulance.her friends had been accompanying the translation as well, and I followed them to the hospital. I stayed until the surgery was over before leaving."

"Come here!" Shirley demanded. The man got out of the driver's seat and came to the back. Shirley grabbed him by the neck, and they kissed passionately. Shirley let out a moan, igniting the man's desire.

Faċing Shirley's dominance, the man kissed her back, his tongue exploring her mouth. Shirley responded eagerly, tearing off his clothes. The car windows fogged up, and their breathing grew rapid.

Suddenly, they heard Elbert's voice not far away, "Shirley, where did you go?" The man, caught in the moment, was annoyed by the interruption.He pushed Shirley away and said, "Go back quickly. I'll update you later.Remember to behave."

Shirley pretended to make a phone call as she walked back to the Oakwood Homestead. "Dad. I'm on an important call. Did I wake you?Sorry if I did."

Elbert replied, "No, but there are wild animals around here. Be careful when you're alone. I got up to use the bathroom and saw you weren't there,so I got worried!"