This little rascal really knows how to manipulate people. I lifted her from the car and settled into the Uber Shirley had called., On the way, I whipped out my phone and ordered a gift for Nancy. Even though she wanted for nothing, I still wanted to show her I cared., Shirley and her daughter lived in one of Seabreeze City's most upscale gated communities. As soon as we entered, I was greeted by a house festooned with balloons, toys, and garlands.,

"This was all Lord's doing,

" Shirley said as she handed me a pair of slippers., The lavish display and the sense of occasion made me comment,

"He really dotes on Nancy.

",

"That's true, but what Nancy needs isn't all this... Plus,

" Shirley glanced at Nancy and then whispered to me,

"Nancy's getting older now, and people often mistake Lord for her grandfather when they're out together. She's starting to reject him.

", Lord was old enough to be a grandfather, so misunderstandings were bound to happen., But who could be blamed for that?, If not for her circumstances, would things have come to this?, Nancy, brimming with joy, pulled me into her playroom, insisting I join her in her games., No kidding, keeping up with a kid is exhausting work. It wasn't long before I felt my energy flagging., Just then, the gift I'd ordered for Nancy arrived.

"Nancy, your sister got you a gift. Let's see if you like it.

", I took the moment to rest, realizing I hadn't seen Shirley since we got home., The nanny brought me some coffee and fruit, and I casually inquired,

"Where's Miss Shirley?

", Hearing this, the nanny looked upstairs,

"She... should be upstairs.

", I nodded, turning my attention back to Nancy and her gift, when suddenly Shirley's sharp voice echoed from above, clearly in the middle of an argument., No wonder the nanny seemed off earlier; she must have heard it too., About ten minutes later, Shirley came downstairs, her eyes red., Flicking back her glamorous wavy hair, she said,

"Had a row with Lord.

", I didn't expect her to be so blunt, but it seemed she wanted to vent. I offered a sympathetic smile,

"You two fight?

", Shirley glanced at Nancy.

"He's worried I might stake a claim on his son's inheritance.

", I was momentarily taken aback, Allen's face flashing before my eyes. It was difficult to continue the conversation., Even though I didn't know Allen well, discussing someone else's family matters wasn't my place., Still, I ventured,

"Are you looking to make things official?

", Currently, Shirley's relationship with Lord didn't afford her a claim to the Clark family's wealth, unless she married Lord.,

"If I ever thought that, he'd have me killed,

" Shirley's response made me catch my breath., She was Lord's woman, they even had a, offered together. Even withouret, offering her a formal status, there, was an intimacy shared. ,

"I never dreamed of being his lawful wife, believe it or not?

" Shirley said with a laugh., She seemed content being Lord's secret lover forever. But what about Nancy? She couldn't remain unrecognized forever., Before I could ask, Shirley clenched her teeth,

"I plan to outlive him.

", I was stunned. They were together, had a child even; lacking in affection maybe, but wishing death upon each other?, Shirley's emotions were running, high. She poured herself a glass oct, hated, e

"You wouldn't think I I, much, would you?

"get, this, Considering their age difference, a bold guess crossed my mind,

"You didn't want to be with him initially, did you?

", Shirley's gaze became distant,

"To have me, he destroyed my boyfriend.

", I was shocked, yet knowing Lord, he was capable of such.,

"He's got blood on his hands, he's, ruined too many lives, I know all, Shirley said, her eyes, if stained by the wine, in her glass. , Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.