Chapter 4

Ruby observed carefully and found that Michael Carter's facial features and temperament were somewhat similar to her son. She thought for a moment, was it just his illusion? After all, there are many people in the world who look alike. Shaking off her thoughts, she said in a serious tone, "Mr. Carter, I have my own arms and legs. I can raise my son on my own.” Ruby's words were firm. She had no interest in this marriage, and she was no longer at an age where she would dream of marrying into a rich and powerful family. Michael replied in a cool and composed tone, "It is my grandmother's wish that this marriage take place. I will give you some time. There is no need to refuse in a hurry. Marriage is a big life decision, think it through carefully.” There was no emotional color in his voice, as if he were talking about a business deal. Ruby replied with a slight smile, "Mr. Carter, to be honest, I don't want any of this in my life anymore. I'm tired and I have no interest in being rich.” Michael was a little shocked by her reaction, but he pursed his lips. This was the outcome he wanted. Ruby was smart and both could go their separate ways in the future. Still, he said softly, “I’m sorry, Miss Smith. But I hope to meet my grandmother in person when you have the time. Maybe then they will change their mind." Michael was confident that if Ruby met his grandmother, maybe things would change. Ruby nodded, "No problem, I'll definitely meet him." She knew how interesting this meeting could be. Finally, she said softly, "Mr. Carter, I have some business to attend to. Take care of yourself." Her voice was clearly a farewell, and she wanted to see him leave as soon as possible. Michael raised his eyebrows. This was the first time someone clearly wanted to distance themselves from him. He found it strange, but also a little interesting. As soon as Michael left, Ruby took a deep breath. She felt lighter as he left, as if a burden had been lifted. After a while, Mia knocked on the door and came in. She whispered, “Sister Ruby, what did Mr. Carter come to talk to you about? Does he want to follow you?” "What chase? Don't talk nonsense," Ruby said with slight irritation. She felt a headache coming on, and she wanted this to be over quickly. Mia said with a mysterious smile, “But word is spreading throughout the company that Mr. Carter is keeping an eye on you all the time!” Ruby looked at him carefully.She knew how much trouble there was in the office. Michael Carter's identity as the big boss was already very impressive, and hundreds of people in the company kept an eye on his every move. "Don't talk nonsense. We were just talking about work!" Ruby insisted. She didn't want any more trouble; working hard was the most important thing to her. The Carter family's old home… An old woman with silver hair sat on a leather sofa, drinking tea gracefully. She was stunned upon hearing her subordinate's report. "It seems Ruby really has a child. When did she get married? According to investigations, Ruby has always been unmarried. No one can find out who the father of the child is. What a poor child, becoming a single mother at such a young age," the old madam shook her head helplessly. When she thought of Ruby's mother, who had been stabbed more than a dozen times by vicious gangsters while protecting Michael, she couldn't help but feel guilty. At this time, a tall person walked in from the door. The old lady waved at the door. “Michael, come here.” Michael came to her and asked, “Grandma, what happened?” “Oh, I just heard from my subordinates that Miss Smith is an unmarried single mother. She is so pitiful. You have to take good care of her for the rest of your life!” Michael thought his grandmother would give up when she found out he had a child, but he didn't expect his grandmother to be so deeply affected by this marriage. "There are other ways to repay her kindness. There is no need to bring her into the house as a daughter-in-law. We have many ways to make it up to her," Michael tried to persuade his grandmother. But old Madam Carter refused to listen to him. She then stressed, "Listen carefully. If you are still my grandson, you must marry Ruby and protect her for the rest of your life.” Deep down in his heart, Michael Carter was very resistant to marrying a woman without feelings. Moreover, Ruby had repeatedly refused him. So it was impossible for him to marry a woman without feelings. Michael still wanted to say something, but his grandmother continued, “Officer Sienna saved you that year. How did you get injured by those gangsters? You didn't see it, but I remember it clearly. That bloody scene…” Then, the old woman leaned on her cane and said angrily, "Just based on this, even if you take care of Ruby for two lifetimes, you will not be able to repay the favor that Ruby's mother did to you.” Michael looked at the old woman helplessly and let her speak for a long time. Over the past five years, he had been thinking about another woman day and night and wanted to settle down with her, but he hadn't talked about it with his grandmother yet. Anyway, his grandmother's determination to let him marry Ruby will not change. “Hey, that kid already looks like he’s five years old, right? I really don’t know which ruthless guy abandoned them. Michael, you must not look down on that child!” The old lady had seen the child's picture before. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it. Michael let out a bitter laugh, feeling that the elders' way of forcing marriage was very difficult to understand. Elegant creations Design.. Ruby took out her mobile phone. After thinking for a while, she finally dialed a number. After the call was connected, a familiar voice came from the other side. "Hello, may I ask who it is?" Five years later, when she heard his father's voice again, his nose twitched. She called out in a trembling voice, "Father." With just one word James guessed who it was. "Ruby, where have you been all these years? I've been looking for you for so long, why can't I find you anywhere?" When he heard his daughter's voice, his eyes turned red. Five years later, he regretted driving Ruby away in anger. At that time, she was less than 20 years old when she left home. "Dad, I've been working overseas for the past few years. I've been transferred back to the US." "That's good to know," James asked worriedly, "When are you coming home?" "I'll be back in a few days for the weekend. I'll hang up now, take care of yourself." Ruby said. "I was too impulsive earlier. I shouldn't have gotten so angry." James was very embarrassed. "Forget the past." Now that Ruby was older, she knew that as angry as her father was, he still cared for her. “Okay, when you come back, I will cook for you myself,” James said helplessly. Even after hanging up, Ruby couldn't calm down for a long time. She had tears in her eyes, and felt a slight relief that they had finally spoken to each other. At this moment, Vice President Ella knocked on the door and came in. She took a box and handed it to Ruby. "This is a gift from Mr. Carter." Ruby frowned and looked at the delicate box. "What is this?" She asked, confused. The box said "Silverton Hills.” She vaguely remembered that this was the name of a villa she had seen some pictures of earlier. A question arose in her mind—was this villa a sign of the beginning of a relationship between her and Michael?