Chapter 251

Rita's POV:



I dreamt a long, long dream.



In my dream, I was still the distinguished and renowned daughter of the Lively family. I was an
extraordinary beauty with no peer, and a superior status to match. I was the object of desire for
innumerable men of wealth, all whom scrambled for the smallest bit of attention from me.



In my dream, my parents were healthy and happy. My family was by my side, filled with joy.



I laughed loudly, proudly, with all my strength. I was happy, contented. I was at the top of the world.



But... The moment I opened my eyes, the wonderful scenes from that oh so lovely dream vanished in
an instant.



Waking up, I realized that I was still lying on the hospital bed.





Faced with crushing reality, the feeling of helplessness enveloped me. I struggled to get up.
Subconsciously, I curled up. However, I had forgotten that I had on a drip. My reckless movement
caused the needle to deviate and soon, a lump appeared on the back of my hand.



I stared at the lump in dismay, but I didn't feel any pain at all. Feeling sorry for myself, I hugged myself
tightly.



The strong loneliness almost suffocated me. It was difficult to breathe. I desperately wanted to cry, but
try as I might, I couldn't shed a single tear.



I bet I looked so ridiculous now.



I gasped, drawing in sharp breaths, just like a dying fish.



Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Finally, a glimmer of hope had appeared! Unable to help
myself, I said eagerly, "Come in!"



Ashley opened the door slowly. She entered, looking back vigilantly for a few times before closing the
door as silently as she could.





Anxious, I asked her, "How did it go...?"



"I'm sorry, Rita. Our plan failed. Scarlett didn't bite at all, and we even received a warning letter from
our superior." Ashley hung her head low, like a defeated animal.



"How could this be?!" I couldn't believe it! I had so many reporters on my side, but I still couldn't deal a
decisive blow on Scarlett! Frustrated, I clenched the bedsheet tightly.



"Rita… How about we just give up? Charles Moore is behind Scarlett. He's even more terrifying! I'm
scared..." Ashley slumped her shoulders in fear, her eyes clouded with uncertainty.



"No! We can't give up! Everyone has an Achilles heel. I'm sure of it! As long as you are willing to spend
more time on it..." I sat up defiantly from my bed as I spoke. I dug through my bag and took out a bank
card, which I then handed to Ashley.



"Here, your reward for this time. Keep an eye on Scarlett like you've always done."



"Got it." Ashley nodded obediently as she took my bank card enthusiastically.





"Inform me if you have any updates. If there's nothing else, you can leave." I lay back on the bed and
waved at her weakly, urging her to get out.



When I closed my eyes, I recalled the scene where the old women banded together to beat me up in
public. Then, Charles had been right next to me. He could have saved me! He could, and yet…!



It was all because of Scarlett! That hateful wench... I wouldn't let her off even if I died!



The accumulated hatred in my heart had reached its peak, spreading into every part of me, seeping
deep into my blood and bones.



Charles's POV:



While I was working in my office, I received an unexpected call from Richard.



"Mr. Moore, a reporter named Ashley went to see Rita in secret. She told me that the reporters who
swarmed Mrs. Moore were all hired by Rita. Ashley has also promised to keep me updated with Rita's
movements."





"Got it." I hung up. Just as the call ended, I slammed my phone on my desk, seething.



Rita, that woman! She truly had a death wish!



I spent a few minutes calming

myself down. After a moment of pondering, I picked up my phone again and dialed a number.



"Roy, how's the Lively Group doing?"



"It's in bad condition. Rita's been using all kinds of methods to attract investors, but nothing worked.
Aside from that, Lily has arranged for some new people to work there. It seems she intends to gnaw
away at the company all at once."



"So the Lively Group won't last long, am I correct?"



"I guess so. But Rita has been quite cautious recently. Lily's people haven't received any useful
information as of yet."





"Really...? Well then, you should give her some assistance."



I hung up, my expression as fierce as ever. This time, I would not be soft-hearted. I would attack with
my all.



******



After I finished work, I headed straight to Garden Street.



Scarlett experienced a terrible fright today. What should I do to comfort her?



I opened the fridge and took out the steak, broccoli, and potato. They were all Scarlett's favorite. After
that, I processed the ingredients and started cooking a scrumptious dinner.



Just as I was about to fry the steak, Scarlett returned home.





"Oooh! Are you cooking?" She trotted towards me happily, excited for the food. I studied her face, but I
couldn't find any trace of hurt on it. She seemed perfectly fine.



"I was hungry," I said that on purpose, and then carefully added some butter into the frying pan. Soon,
the milky fragrance of butter filled the kitchen.



"Wow, it smells so good! Give me your hand, Charles. Let me help you roll up your sleeves." Scarlett
squinted her eyes as she took a deep sniff of the delicious scent. A satisfied smile appeared on her
beaming face.



I slid the steak in the pan with one hand, while stretching out the other hand to her.



Scarlett rolled up my sleeve with utmost care, her face scrunched up in concentration. I couldn't stop
myself from stealing a peek at her from the corner of my eyes. She looked so adorable when she was
serious!



I gave her a swift peck on the lips. "Wait for me in the dining room. It's almost done."





"Okay," Scarlett chirped obediently, and left the kitchen soon after. My rapidly beating heart finally
calmed down. This woman could seduce me so easily any time she appeared in front of me!



The fried steak was soon done, and I served it on the table. "Wait a moment. I've also made mashed
potatoes to go along with it."



"If only James were here! He loves creamy mashed potatoes the most." Scarlett mumbled regretfully,
sighing slightly.



"But I want to have some quiet time with you." I cut off a small piece of beef and put it gently into her
mouth. "Is it delicious?"



As she munched it, Scarlett's face changed dramatically.



That made me nervous, and my heart skipped a frightened beat. "Is it bad?"



But Scarlett flashed me a bright smile before swallowing the beef with a satisfied gulp. "Just kidding!
The beef is delicious."





Then, she fed me a piece of beef and asked with the same bright smile, "Isn't it delicious?"



I raised my eyebrows, savoring the food, and said proudly, "Wow, I'm really good at cooking."



"Say, Charles. Can we go back to the mansion after dinner? I miss James and Grandma."



"Let's eat first." I put the plate in front of her.



After dinner, I entered the living room with a bottle of wine and two glasses in hand.



"Why did you take out the wine? Aren't we going back to the mansion?"



"No." I set the wine and the glasses on the table. Then, I nestled close to Scarlett and held her in my
arms. She stayed in my arms obediently, like a sweet little kitten.



I lowered my head to kiss her soft earlobe. "Tonight, I just want to be with you."


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