Chapter 76

Efren shot back quickly. "Yeah, my nephew keeps telling Elbert not to come, but he just won't listen. He says ifthe family driver isn't enough, he's waiting at the entrance."

Jennifer,sipping her coffee. paused with a flicker of emotion in her eyes.She went quiet for a moment, sighed, and said, "If it weren't for Shirley.I wouldn't have the heart to let him go."

At Rivera Manor, everyone was used to seeing Elbert around every day. He'd always come out of that red-roofed, white-walled cottage, ready to help anyone who needed it. He'd help the gardener trim the flowers, water the trees, or assist the busy staff with carrying things. Elbert was the hardest worker at Rivera Manor, always showing up when someone needed him,selflessly and without complaint. He just knew that as long as someone needed him, he had a purpose.

Jennifer's thoughts drifted from Elbert to Patrick. "What's Patrick been up to lately?" she asked softly.

Efren quickly checked his tablet and replied earnestly, "Mr. Rivera is still swamped with company stuff. The group recently auctioned off two pieces of land for commercial real estate projects, so he's pretty busy."

Jennifer nodded slightly and then asked, "Emily hasn't come back to the company,has she?"

Efren shook his head, "Nope. Miss Thompson hasn't returned to the Rivera Group since she left. She's working at Hughes Group as a jewelry designer now."

"Jewelry design?" Jennifer repeated, a bit puzzled. She didn't remember

Emily studying jewelry design. But then she thought about Emily carrying Patrick's child, and a mix of emotions hit her. She didn't want Emily to stay with Marlon from the Hughes family. Thinking of this, Jennifer felt a bit annoyed, furrowing her brows and starting to plan her next move.

Crossing her legs on the chair, she thought for a moment before saying,"Arrange for Elbert to bring Shirley back sometime."

Efren hesitated, knowing about Shirley drugging Patrick before. He cautiously asked, "But what about Mr. Rivera?"

Rubbing her forehead, Jennifer said softly, "It's okay. I'm sure Patrick isn't mad anymore. Otherwise, he wouldn't let Shirley keep working at Rivera Group. Bring Elbert back so Patrick doesn't worry. You know how Patrick is. If he wants something, he won't say it directly. It's really frustrating."Jennifer really understood Patrick.

"Tell Patrick to publicly acknowledge Shirley as the Rivera family's adopted daughter," Jennifer instructed. Efren was momentarily stunned by her plan and quickly responded, "Madam."

Jennifer continued. "Shirley's grown up and has too many thoughts. Being Elbert's daughter, she will always have a connection with the Rivera family.We owe her, but I can't let her become Patrick's wife. Let her be the adopted daughter of the Rivera family, it'll be easier for her to find a partner in the future. And set up a few blind dates for her, to completely cut off her thoughts about Patrick."

Efren nodded and said, "Madam, you've thought it through. I'll get on it right away. Should I inform Mr. Rivera about the rest?"

Jennifer shook her head. "No, I'll handle it. Don't let Patrick worry about this. He's got enough on his plate with the company. As the lady of the

Rivera family. it's my job to make sure everything runs smoothly. Every decision here can change the course of our family's future."

Meanwhile. Patrick lay in bed, the first rays of morning sunlight creeping through the curtains. But his heart was heavy. For five days straight.he hadn't had a morning erection, and it was driving him nuts. At first. he blamed it on the drug Shirley gave him, but as the days passed with no change,his anxiety grew.

"Damn, what's happening to me?" he said to himself. punching the bed in frustration. He considered calling the family doctor. but couldn't swallow his pride. He picked up his phone, scrolling through his contacts. but there was no one he trusted enough to confide in. If Vincent and the guys found out, they'd never let him live it down. Regretting his decision to go easy on Emily, he felt even more frustrated.

Checking the time, he saw he had no important meetings today. He decided to head to the hospital tofigure out what was wrong.

William, holding a suit, looked at Patrick in surprise. Patrick was dressed in casual clothes, wearing a mask and a cap. "Mr. Rivera, where are you going?"

Patrick grabbed the keys from William's hand. "Don't follow me. I have personal stuff to take care of." Without waiting for a response, he left Rivera Manor.

Williamn. Patrick's personal assistant, was puzzled. He checked Patrick's schedule but found nothing unusual. Since Patrick didn't want him to follow, he decided to take the day off.

Patrick arrived at Pearl Peak City General Hospital. The place was packed,and the noise only added to his stress. He found the office of an old, white-

haired doctor,feeling anxious.

"How long has this been going on?" the old doctor asked,looking at Patrick,who was reluctant to take off his pants. Getting an appointment with such a top expert wasn't easy; it required connections and a hefty fee.

"Five days," Patrick said, stiffening his neck. The old doctor nodded.writing "one week" on the medical record. "Besides not having morning erections, do you also lack interest in women?"

Patrick turned his head, thinking. He usually wasn't interested in other women, except for Emily. He wondered, "Why is it that only Emily makes me feel something? Is it just habit or real love?" This question left him deep in thought.