Chapter 74

Thinking about it. Patrick realized Emily was busting her butt for her family. He used to think she was just a gold digger. always taking his money without a second thought. More than once, he'd thrown cash in her face and called her a greedy whore, until he found out she was doing it all for her family.

"Why was Shirley there?" Patrick asked, still puzzled.

William shook his head. "I don't know. Miss Wright was sent back to Oakwood Homestead by Madam. She didn't have a driver with her, so I can't track her right now."

Patrick didn't know Jennifer had sent Shirley back to Oakwood Homestead,but he quickly realized it made sense. After all, Shirley had to face some consequences for the drugging incident.

Patrick also wanted Shirley to understand that he only saw her as a little sister. He didn't want her to waste her energy on him. He felt guilty towards Shirley and Elbert, so he couldn't bring himself to be too harsh.He didn't want to embarrass her.

Shirley had lost her mom young, and her dad was disabled. Patrick felt responsible for most of her troubles. If he hadn't insisted on that joyride.Elbert wouldn't have hurt his head trying to protect him and would have ended up mentally impaired.

Patrick clenched his fists, thinking Jennifer's punishment for Shirley was too harsh. He planned to bring Shirley back soon. She was used to living at the Rivera Manor. Without maids and drivers, she must be struggling.Plus, she loved being around people and following him everywhere.

Patrick genuinely saw Shirley as his little sister and cared for her deeply.So.her drugging him was both embarrassing and heartbreaking.

Patrick sat on the sofa, lost in thought. He had no idea how to handle things with Emily and Shirley. 'Women are troublesome. Why can't they all just get along?'He thought.

The morning sun at Oakwood Homestead peeked through the leaves,casting a golden glow. Shirley stood in the yard. watching Elbert push out an old motorcycle. She took a deep breath and looked annoyed.

"Dad. I've told you. I don't need you to take me to work. Even without a car, I can take a taxi, bus, or subway. It's better than riding that old motorcycle," Shirley said, sounding impatient.

Elbert waved his hand, his eyes full of love and concern. "Shirley, this motorcycle isn't broken. I fixed it last night, and it runs great. Think about it, you're so pretty. What if you run into a creep on the bus or subway?Let me take you. You can sit in the back and enjoy the ride, just like when you were a kid. How about that?"

When Elbert brought up her childhood, Shirley's eyes flared with anger.Memories of her carefree days under her parents' care flashed through her mind. But everything changed after Elbert's accident. From then on,all the fatherly care she should've gotten went to Patrick. Thinking about it made her grit her teeth in rage.

Shirley fumed, thinking. 'Patrick hurt my dad and stole the fatherly love that was supposed to be mine. How dare he reject me and send me off to Oakwood Homestead?

"Shirley, what are you daydreaming about? Get on the bike, or you'll be late for work," Elbert said, putting a cartoon-themed helmet on her head.

Her carefully styled hair was instantly flattened.

Shirley angrily yanked off the helmet, slammed it on the motorcycle. and snapped. "I told you! I don't want you to take me! How many times do I have to say it? Patrick and Jennifer only have to tell you something once.and you remember it. But I have to repeat myself over and over. Are you messing with me?" Her voice was full of frustration and anger.

Elbert, hearing her outburst, waved his hands in panic, staring at her in confusion. "Shirley, what's wrong with you?"

Seeing Elbert's hurt expression, Shirley, feeling a mix of anger and sadness.held back her tears. "I'm done talking to you. I'll be late for work. You go find something to do today. If you need anything, call me. but try not to. I'm busy."

With that, Shirley hailed a taxi, got in without looking back, and left.ignoring Elbert's frantic waving.

The sunlight shone on Elbert, making him look lonely and desolate. He watched Shirley leave, not feeling too sad, but instead muttered to himself."Shirley's grown up. She doesn't need me anymore. Madam said kids are like little eagles; they'll soar high one day." A contented smile spread across his face.

Thinking of this. Elbert felt proud of how well he had raised Shirley.He patted the helmet she left behind and said, "Good girl, focus on work! Dad will be waiting for you to come home." Then, he put on his own helmet and secured the pink one to the back seat.

Elbert rode the motorcycle along the familiar road towards the Rivera Manor. The trees on both sides were lush, and the breeze rustled the leaves. Sunlight filtered through, creating patches of light on the ground.

His mood was complicated; he looked forward to seeing Patrick but worried about Shirley's anger.

Oakwood Homestead was about 40 miles from Rivera Manor. but Elbert's motorcycle only had enough fuel for 25 miles. This meant he would have to push it for the remaining 15 miles. Along the way, he struggled to push the bike, his clothes soaked with sweat. His face showed determination.as if this was nothing.