Chapter 82

"Did Patrick not come home last night?" Jennifer asked, sitting at the dining table with a morning newspaper spread out in front of her.She pushed her glasses up. Efren nodded and replied. "Mr. Rivera didn't come back last night. William wasn't with him all day. Mr. Rivera said he had something to do and left early in the morning."

Jennifer glanced up and saw Elbert pushing his motorcycle in. She said."Get Elbert to go back to his own place. Have Shirley move back to Villa No.

3. Keep her away from Patrick for now. Have you gathered all the info on those young heirs?" Her tone was firm, showing she had already made up her mind.

"Yes, Madam," Efren said, placing a tablet in front of her. Jennifer swiped through the photos, nodding as she reviewed each young man. "They all seem suitable. Make the arrangements," she said, planning Shirley's future in her mind.

Through the large floor-to-ceiling window, Efren saw Shirley standing at the entrance of the estate with her luggage, hesitating. "What if Shirley doesn't want to go on these blind dates?" he asked.

Jennifer's hand paused for a moment. Following Efren's gaze, she looked out and said, "It's not up to her. Tell her if she refuses, I won't be responsible for her anymore."

Shirley, standing outside Rivera Manor, clutched her luggage and vowed not to return to Oakwood Homestead. Although it was large and fully furnished, it felt like a haunted house without any sign of life. Since it was very far from the city center, she spent hundreds of dollars ontaxi fares

each month commuting to work. More importantly,she couldn't see Patrick there, which was unbearable. With this in mind. she put on a gentle smile, walked into the hall, and greeted Jennifer respectfully. "Mrs.Rivera." Her smile was sweet and gentle. restoring her past charm.

Seeing Shirley. Jennifer felt a softness in her heart. She had watched Shirley grow up. After Elbert's accident. Shirley's mother learned that Elbert's intelligence had regressed to that of an 8-year-old with no hope of recovery. That night, she packed her bags and left quietly. never to be heard from again. Shirley was not even a year old then.and Jennifer had raised her like her own child. providing the best education and care.

When Shirley wanted to study animation design abroad but didn't have the grades. Jennifer paid a large sum for her tuition and fulfilled her wish.After graduation, she arranged for Shirley to work at the Rivera Group.Shirley had grown up under Jennifer's protection for 20 years. If Shirley hadn't had inappropriate thoughts. Jennifer wouldn't have had the heart to send her back to Oakwood Homestead and neglect her for so long.

"Shirley, come here. What do you think of these guys? They're all potential suitors I've picked out for you. You've grown up, and it's my fault for not noticing you're at the age to get married. I've always seen you as a child.But don't worry, I'll take your marriage seriously. No matter which wealthy young man you choose, I'll make sure you have a grand wedding.presenting you as the adopted daughter of the Rivera family. What do you think?" Jennifer's friendly words made Shirley secretly fume.

She realized she was brought back to the Rivera Group for a marriage alliance. In the eyes of a businesswoman, there was only cold calculation.Did she really expect Jennifer to treat her like a real daughter after all these years? Feeling resentful, Shirley still managed a soft smile and said."I'll follow your arrangements. Don't worry, I won't cause trouble for you

and Patrick this time." Jennifer patted Shirley's hand and said. "Good girl."

So,on an ordinary morning at the Rivera Manor, it was decided that Shirley would go on blind dates. Although she was unhappy, she didn't dare defy Jennifer. She knew her place and understood that her fate wasn't entirely in her own hands. She could only accept everything silently and wait for her chance.

When Patrick got to the office, he realized he had forgotten his watch. He called Emily and asked, "Where are you?" His voice was low and magnetic.making people want to obey him. Emily had just handed over the design drawings to the 3D modeling department and was rushing to Marlon's office.

When she got Patrick's call, she replied, "I'm on my way to your office."Then she paused, realizing her mistake, and quickly added, "I mean, I'm going to report to Mr. Hughes about this week's work schedule. Do you need anything?"

Patrick coughed, pretending not to notice her slip-up. After a moment,he said, "I left my watch at your place."

Emily's phone volume was loud, and she was standing at Marlon's office door, surrounded by his secretaries. They looked up at her and then fell silent.

Emily hurried to the water cooler and said, "I'll call a courier service." Her voice was nervous and uneasy. Patrick chuckled and said, "My watch is worth $600,000. Are you sure you want to call a courier service?" His tone was teasing and confident.

Hearing the value of the watch, Emily bit her lip and, as if making a big sacrifice, said. "Why don't you come over tonight to pick it up?" Her voice

was hesitant and expectant.

Patrick's lips curled up, and he leaned back in his chair. crossing his long legs and putting them on the table. "Since you invited me. I'll take you up on that." he said, his tone full of pride and pleasure.

Hearing people whispering around her. Emily felt the gossip behind her back. She nodded quickly. realizing Patrick couldn't see her, and whispered."Okay. come over to pick it up. I'm at work, I have to go." She quickly hung up. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment and unease.

Seeing Emily hang up on him in a hurry for the first time. Patrick raised an eyebrow, thinking. 'Emily is getting too bold now. She no longer regards me highly.' He sneered. Emily was his woman. and he never let go of what he wanted. He was full of confidence and dominance. believing he could control everything.