"Why is it that you always have something to do whenever Big Bro comes around?" Eric couldn't help but voice his doubts. The coincidences seemed too uncanny.Sylvia had already prepared an explanation. "Irvin Sonnex is the CEO of Sonnex Corp., and I'm a mid-level manager at Williams Corp. It's best for us not to meet to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings."Her explanation somehow convinced Eric. "You don't want to meet Big Bro, but he has considered a lot on your behalf. He asked me to ask you if you're willing to join Sonnex Corp. If you are, he will arrange a high-level position for you."Sylvia pursed her lips and stared at Eric. "You... I don't know whether to call you lucky or unfortunate.""You're unfortunate because you've been in a relationship for almost years and have only held hands. You're lucky because you've become sworn brothers with Irvin, and he really treats you as a brother."From what I know, you are the next person Irvin treats so well apart from his family m
Was Sylvia using Eric?Sylvia didn't want their relationship to end like this. The best outcome would be a peaceful breakup.Eric sighed and remained silent. If Sylvia felt that way, he wouldn't go to Irvin. After all, Sylvia didn't even know how many benefits she could gain from this.Sylvia was torn. Should she rely on Eric or be honest with him about her identity now?After reconsidering, Sylvia dismissed her thoughts.Eric was slowly recovering, and it would only cause more trouble if he got agitated and reopened his wound. Once Eric fell asleep, Sylvia took out her phone and sent a message in the Williams family group chat.Sylvia: [Is every one asleep?]She needed to discuss this matter with her family and couldn't make up her mind.Soon, someone replied to her message.Connor and Henry were still awake.Sylvia pursed her lips and wrote everything Eric had said earlier in the group chat.After a moment of silence, Sylvester replied.Sylvester: [It seems that if Eric s
Elly got straight to the point. "I don't think Sylvia is just an average mid-level manager."Eric raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"She glanced around. "This house must cost a million or so, right? And I know your brother-in-law's salary is only about $6,000 a month. How did he afford a house like this?" she pointed out. "And the high-end cosmetic products she uses! They're all brands that only celebrities would use!"Elly was certain that Sylvia's salary couldn't possibly cover her expenses. Comparing it to Craig's, she was pretty sure Sylvia was lying about something."Hey, now!" Eric chuckled, interrupting her thoughts. "Let's not jump to conclusions, shall we? Sylvia has some ongoing projects. She'll be earning a hefty bonus."Elly stayed quiet. Craig had projects and hefty bonuses too, but he couldn't afford Sylvia's lifestyle. She stopped herself from dwelling on the subject, as whatever she said might cause a rift between her brother and his wife.She should probably
When Eric first moved to the Rosewood Estate, he was surprised by the absence of cockroaches despite his extended stay. The kitchen had been immaculate and rarely used before he arrived."Just add a little of this and that, and it's done. Simple enough," Sylvia replied casually. "Get some rest. I'll call you when I'm done."Eric left her to her work, assuming Sylvia, like most women he knew, could whip up something decent.His assumption was quickly proven wrong when black smoke started billowing out of the kitchen. The food was not just overcooked—it was catching fire!Sylvia rushed out of the kitchen, coughing. Fortunately, Eric swiftly intervened and extinguished the flames. As the smoke cleared, they were left with a scene resembling a culinary disaster.After a moment of silence, Eric finally spoke up. "Maybe I should take over."Sylvia playfully stuck her tongue out. "Come on. It was my first attempt at cooking. Cut me some slack, don't you think?"Eric raised an eyebrow b
Sylvia was frozen in disbelief. Did Eric just ask her to settle down with this ordinary life instead of aiming for something greater? It was unimaginable for her nature to accept such an idea. She had never considered what her life would be like after these three years.Settle down!?While Sylvia didn't hate Eric, it didn't mean she had any romantic feelings towards him either. She had cried out of concern when he was sent to the ER after the knife attack, but that was the extent of it."Are you kidding me?" Sylvia rolled her eyes. "You may think you won't find a better deal than me, but I still have plenty of options."Now it was Eric's turn to feel awkward and self-conscious. Her response reminded him of Sylvester, tall and handsome with a well-toned physique. Could that be her type? Did she already have someone she liked? But why did she propose they get married if that were the case? Was there some complication preventing her from marrying the person she liked?God, this was a
"Things were already difficult enough when my mom was pregnant with Elly. They had to borrow everything they needed, like bowls and spoons, from my granduncle. They even borrowed $200 from him, which was all they had to start with."Grandpa gave them around 3335 square meters of land, and my parents cleared the rest to create what we have today. Eventually, it became officially ours once my dad obtained the rights to own it."Sylvia felt appalled upon hearing that. She had heard stories from her subordinates about how being the eldest child in a rural struggling area often meant facing hardships for no reason other than being the eldest. It was common for the younger siblings to receive nicer things while the oldest child got the short end of the stick.She was surprised to learn that Eric's father had also faced the same situation. Life must have been tough for his parents when they first started their lives together after marriage.As Eric talked about this piece of history, he r
Delilah McGee, Eric's aunt, poured two glasses of refreshing lemonade for Sylvia and Eric. Lemonade was a popular beverage in the area, especially during the punishing weather. Its ability to quench thirst and refresh was unparalleled.However, neither Eric nor Sylvia took a sip."Uncle Richard, the door was broken when I arrived—" Eric said, but Richard quickly interrupted him, "It happened yesterday, kid. The thief probably targeted your house because no one has been living here for a while. I reported it to the police, but we're not sure what the thief took. I don't think it was anything valuable if anything at all."Eric's lips tightened. "It's the land ownership certificate, Uncle Richard. It's gone!""What?" His uncle's face turned pale. "Why on earth would a thief need that?"Eric shook his head, puzzled. "I don't know. Dad always kept it in the drawer next to the bed. I searched everywhere it could be, but it's just not there!"Richard grimaced. "This is bad. The official
Eric had no idea about the schemes of his uncle and aunt.At that moment, he was rushing toward the village hall. Seeing that Eric was driving a bit fast, Sylvia said, "Slow down, Eric. The road ahead is narrow!" Eric slowed down and said, "I'm sorry. My emotions got the best of me. Land means everything to farmers. If my dad loses the land certificate, it's all over for him!"Sylvia pressed her lips together and stayed quiet. She understood Eric's worry.They had sold pigs, cows, horses, and poultry, gathering just over 3,000 dollars. This amount couldn't even buy Sylvia a bottle of foundation. This money probably represented a whole family's assets in the countryside. It made sense why he felt so anxious.They soon reached the village hall.Hank was sweeping outside when he noticed a fancy black car pulling up. He put down the broom and approached. Seeing Eric step out didn't surprise him. He knew Eric's life had improved since his visit to Eric's father in the city."What