Chapter 10

Shirley naively thought that Samuel only did that out of pride. He must've felt inferior due to his future status as a live-in son-in-law of the Weiss family. She didn't want him to feel awkward. Thus, she came up with ways to convince her parents to let her be the one to be married off so that he didn't have to move in. Now that she thought about it, she felt like an idiot! Marley Manson, Wyatt Thompson, and Nile Young were busy complaining. They didn't even notice Shirley and Brook there until they walked right up. "M-Ms. Weiss…" Marley was the first to notice Shirley coming. He was at a loss for words. Wyatt and Nile both turned to face Shirley upon hearing that. Their expressions were awkward, but they greeted in unison, "Ms. Weiss." Coincidentally, Samuel arrived just then. He was together with Sophia. Smelling the smoke outdoors, Sophia covered her nose and coughed. Her slender body seemed like it would topple over any moment as she did so. Samuel put his hand around her waist and furrowed his brows at the trio in dissatisfaction. "Can't you men smoke somewhere else?" Seeing Shirley stand there elegantly, Samuel's words were caught in his throat. Shirley? Why was she here? Shirley's expression was calm. She paused as she glared at Sophia for a moment. Then, she turned to the trio and said coldly, "That woman over there's your new 'Ms. Weiss.' Don't get it wrong next time." It was ridiculous. Just a week ago, the two of them were intimate lovers. They were almost going to be husband and wife. But a week later, Samuel already had another woman in his arms. They had gone from intimate lovers to distant strangers. Fate truly was unpredictable. Shirley averted her gaze and entered the elevator without looking back. The trio was stunned. They instinctively turned to Samuel. Samuel's lips were gently pursed, and his expression was unreadable. … After leaving Valiant Lounge, Shirley went to Clay Manor. Along the way, Brook bought her some hangover medicine. She was starting to get drowsy but quickly sobered up. After entering Clay Manor, a maid came to pat her down. She took her bag and phone. After the patdown, Shirley was able to meet Wayne. He was a chubby, middle-aged man. His smile was kind, so Shirley always thought he was a good person. Now, she just felt like she was a fool. To think that she used to address him respectfully for so many years. Wayne gave her a kind look and smiled. "Shirley, you're here! Have a seat. I'll get someone to make coffee for you." "No need. Where's Megan?" Shirley got straight to the point. "Youngsters these days sure are impatient. Your mother must've told you, right? Did you bring the stuff I asked for?" Wayne chuckled. Shirley said calmly, "My mom and I both have 10% of the shares in our names. After you buy them, you'll be the largest shareholder of the company. Can you really handle that?" Weiss Group was a large company. 20% of the shares easily equaled to over two billion dollars. Faced with her dagger-like stare, Wayne just answered with a smile, "Shirley, we're family. It's hurtful to be talking about money matters like this. This amount of money…" Wayne paused, with a hint of coldness in his smile. "Is it really worth more than Owen's and Megan's lives?" It was a blatant threat. Shirley scoffed. "If you don't want to talk about money, do you think you can just have it for free?" "Shirley, Owen still has 20% of the shares to his name. Solely off the annual dividends, your whole family could live in luxury and spend however you please." Wayne had a somber and caring expression on, as if he were being considerate toward her. "Owen's still unconscious. You and Samuel have a broken relationship, and you don't know anything about running the company. Why keep such a big portion of the shares in your hands? You shouldn't be too greedy." "Wayne Clay, you're going overboard!" How could he have the gall to say something like that? Wayne chuckled and ignored Shirley's anger. "I've found someone suitable for you. He's got good looks, too. Since you're here, why not meet him?" As he said that, a man in his 30s walked over. He was dressed in a prim and proper suit. His hair was combed neatly, and he looked like a business professional. "Bennett?" Shirley immediately recognized him. He was the company's financial manager, Bennett Faust. He was someone that Owen trusted deeply. To think he was in cahoots with Wayne! "That's right! I didn't think you'd remember me, Ms. Weiss!" Bennett seemed excited. Seeing Shirley's passionate gaze, he could hardly hide the overflowing desire in his heart. Wayne said, "Shirley, Bennett has looked up to you for a long time. He's capable and hardworking. Even Owen himself praised him. Now that Owen's in the hospital and unconscious, surely you can't go without a man in the house. I'll do him a favor and have you marry Bennett." "Wayne, how the hell could you say that?" Shirley clenched her fists tightly, holding in her anger. She said coldly, "You think I'll do whatever you want just because you took Megan? Don't underestimate me. Just you wait!" As she said that, she turned to leave furiously. Before coming to Clay Manor, she was willing to compromise if Wayne wasn't crossing the line. It was for Owen's and Megan's sake. But she was too naive. When someone got greedy, there was no line they couldn't cross. Wayne didn't want just 20% of the shares. What he wanted was to take over all the Weiss family's wealth. If she were to take a single step back, he would only keep going until their family was sucked dry. She absolutely wouldn't let that happen to her family. Right then, she heard the sound of a baby crying from behind her. Shirley stopped in her tracks. It was Megan's crying. Shirley had been with Megan all week, so she was certain it was her. Shirley turned suddenly. What had they been doing to Megan? Wayne calmly put his phone away and clapped his hands. A man came over, holding a beautiful box. "Shirley, don't test my patience. Have a look at this gift first and reconsider your answer." As he said that, Wayne shot the man a glance. The man brought the box over to Shirley. She had a bad feeling about the intricately wrapped box as she looked at it. The box was opened. What was inside made her want to retch in horror. It was a small hand—a baby's hand. The hand in the box was still dripping with blood, but upon closer inspection, she realized it was a cake in the shape of a hand. It was enough to make anyone lose their appetite. Wayne finally wiped the fake smile off his face. He glared at Shirley fiercely. He commanded, "Stay here tonight and spend some time with Bennett. I'll make arrangements for a lavish wedding for you two in a few days. So long as you act nicely and do as I say, I won't harm your family. Otherwise, it won't be just a cake the next time." Staying here tonight and spending some time with Bennett? Shirley scoffed.