Chapter 94

At the back of the manor, there was this super chill lake. The water was so clear it was easy to see right through it, and little ripples danced across the surface whenever the breeze blew. Along the shore, a bunch of weeping willows swayed their branches like they were playing with the lake.A few elegant white swans glided around, their reflections making the wvhole scene look like a painting.

Anyone who visited Rivera Manor couldn't help but be blown away, like they had just stepped into a paradise where everything was picture-perfect.

Patricia was cruising around in a golf cart, soaking in the views of the manor like she already owned the place.

Shirley watched Patricia lounging in the cart, biting her lip as she noticed Elbert still fixing the roof of his little red house, feeling super embarrassed.

Elbert had named his white-walled. red-tiled cottage "Enchanted Cottage."which Shirley thought was pretty childish.

Outside the RiveraManor, the golden sunset wrapped the whole place in a warm, mysterious glow. Shirley stood at the main gate, eagerly waiting with her eyes glued to the distant road. She was dressed to impress in a light blue dress that showed off her charm, with her long curly hair cascading over her shoulders. She kept fidgeting with her skirt,anxiously waiting for Patrick.

Shirley stood at the entrance of the main guest house, watching Patricia and Patrick walk towards her. She quickly stepped forward,wedging herself between them, and warmly asked Patrick. "Patrick, what took you

so long? Jennifer cooked up a storm today. all by herself. and I haven't had her cooking in ages!"

When Patrick's car finally came into view. Shirley greeted him with a beaming smile. Her eyes sparkled with pride. like she was showing off her special place in the Rivera family to Patricia.

Patricia, dressed in a simple yet elegant white suit. her long hair neatly tied back, looked all business. She raised an eyebrow. giving Shirley a cold look with a hint of disdain in her smile. "Since Jennifer worked so hard today.why didn't I see you helping out? Or do you think you're too good to lend a hand in the kitchen?" Patricia's words were dripping with sarcasm, instantly darkening Shirley's mood.

"Mind your own business! Jennifer has always treated me like family. You better watch your tone." Shirley's face turned red with anger, her hands clenched into fists as she glared at Patricia. She felt like Patricia was deliberately trying to mess with her, disrupting her peaceful life at the Rivera Manor.

But Patricia didn't seem bothered by Shirley's anger. She calmly said,"Sorry, but I won't be polite to someone who freeloads." With that, she casually patted Shirley's shoulder with her handbag and strutted into the main guest house.

Shirley was shaking with anger at Patricia's actions, her eyes red and tears threatening to spill. She looked at Patrick, hoping he'd step in. "Patrick.look at her, she's bullying me. Are you just gonna stand there and let her do that? You used to treat me like a sister." Her voice was full of hurt,making anyone who heard her feel sorry for her.

Patrick, dressed in a sharp black suit, stood tall and imposing. He furrowed his brow slightly as he watched Patricia walk away, feeling a bit

helpless. Patricia had that proud vibe and didn't feel the need to please anyone, especially not Shirley. He reached out and patted Shirley's shoulder gently. saying. "She's a guest. don't make a scene and embarrass my mom."

Even though Patrick's words stung. Shirley knew she couldn't make things harder for him right now. She tried to hold back her tears. forcing a strained smile. 'Alright. so what if Patricia's acting all high and mighty?She hasn't married Patrick yet. Besides. it doesn't look like Patrick's into her. With that attitude, it's a wonder he can stand her. Shirley thought.feeling like she still had a shot as long as Patricia wasn't officially with Patrick.

With that in mind. Shirley suddenly felt she didn't need to stir up trouble;maybe Patrick didn't even like Patricia. Jennifer was justbeing hopeful.

Thinking this, she linked her arm with Patrick's, wanting to go inside together.But Patrick gently pulled his hand away, his eyes showing a mix of tenderness and firmness. "Shirley, you can't cling to me like before." His voice was deep and magnetic, making Shirley's heart race.

Blushing, Shirley shyly said, "Okay, Patrick." She knew she couldn't come on too strong; she had to slowly win Patrick back, especially after the dumb things she had done before.

Shirley knew Patrick had always seen her as a sister, but she wanted more.She secretly vowed that one day she'd turn Patrick into her boyfriend.With that thought, Shirley clenched her fists, put on a sweet and gentle smile. and walked into the main guest house.

Inside, Jennifer was chatting happily with Patricia. Jennifer, in a purple dress with an elegant hairstyle, had a kind smile on her face. She was great at conversation, full of wisdom and humor. Patricia listened

attentively, responding politely. Jennifer nodded in satisfaction.

As Shirley entered and saw Jennifer and Patricia getting along so well,jealousy flared up inside her. She tried to join the conversation several times but was cleverly blocked by Patricia. It was clear Patricia had no intention of letting Shirley get a word in; she kept engaging Jennifer more,making it impossible for Shirley to join in.