Chapter 93

Seeing Emily's calm face. Marlon felt a wave of happiness. Even though she had turned him down, he had liked her for years and just wanted her to be herself, not to rely on Patrick.

Marlon tightened his grip on the office door handle. With his back to Emily, he said. "Emily, I'll always be here, waiting for you."

As Marlon walked away, Emily sighed and fiddled with her bracelet.Maybe she felt about Marlon the way Patrick felt about her. Even though Marlon was a great guy, Emily just didn't love him.

Meanwhile, outside the Rivera Group building, the setting sun cast a golden glow over everything. Patrick walked out with his usual steady stride, but stopped short wwhen he saw Efren by his car. Patrick's brow furrowed in annoyance. "Tell my mother I'm not coming home tonight,"he said, trying to get past Efren.

But Efren quickly snatched the keys from William and said firmly, "Mr.Rivera, Mrs. Rivera insists you come home for dinner tonight." Patrick's frown deepened as he noticed Patricia walking out of the building. She looked elegant in the sunset, a confident smile on her face.

Patrick paused, then said, "No need, you can take Ms. Evans back." But Efren stood his ground. "Mr. Rivera, if you don't want Mrs. Rivera to go directly to Ms. Thompson, I suggest you come home for dinner with Ms.Evans tonight. Mrs. Rivera was very upset when you didn't come home a few days ago. If she decides to send Ms. Thompson away,you might not get another chance to see her."

"Are you threatening me?" Patrick asked, anger flashing in his eyes. Efren took a step back, seeing Patricia getting closer, and said softly, "Mr. Rivera.

Mrs. Rivera's decisions are usually final. I just don't want to see you in a tough spot." Patrick looked at Efren, feeling a mix of emotions. He knew Efren was trying to help, but he hated being pushed around.

Patrick didn't like being controlled. Since becoming the head of the Rívera Group, he has often clashed with Jennifer, leading to many conflicts.Jennifer rarely came to the office anymore, knowing Patrick needed to assert himself. She didn't like to interfere.

But this time, Jennifer seemed determined to meddle in Patrick's life. Just as Patrick was about to lose his temper. Patricia walked up. "Efren, why did you bother picking me up again? I told you this morning, I'd ride back with Patrick tonight, right?" Patricia calmly opened the car door,glanced at Patrick without a word, and started working on her laptop.

Patricia was clearly sharper than Shirley, who came down the stairs a moment later and saw the whole scene.

Patricia said, "Efren, if Patrick isn't coming, let's head back first. I'm starving."

Efren hopped into the car without hesitation. Patrick knew his mom,Jennifer, was stubborn. If he defied her about Patricia, she'd definitely make Emily leave, just like Efren warned. With a sigh, he got in the car and sat next to Patricia.

"Wait for me, Patrick!" Shirley's voice echoed, but it was too late. Patrick's car sped off, leaving her behind. She watched the exhaust fumes fade.stomping her foot in frustration.

The setting sun bathed her in light, bout it couldn't warm her cold heart.Her eyes were filled with loss and anger. Usually, Patrick would take her back to the Rivera Manor, and she'd feel like the happiest person alive.

But lately. Patrick had been unpredictable. She'd leave work early,hoping to see him, but he was never there.

Today, she finally saw him and hoped to go back with him as usual. But instead, he left with Patricia. Shirley was furious, biting her lip and clenching her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms. She silently cursed Patricia, 'Damn you,Patricia! How dare you steal my man!

A gentle breeze tousled Shirley's hair, but she didn't bother fixing it.Images of Patrick and Patricia together kept flashing in her mind, driving her jealousy to madness. She was terrified of losing Patrick and her place at the Rivera Manor.

She quickly hailed a taxi, telling the driver she was catching someone cheating,and the car sped off.

She had to arrive at Rivera Manor first to ensure Patricia had no chance to play hostess.

In the quiet outskirts stood the magnificent Rivera Manor.

The grand gate was tall and imposing, with black iron carvings and golden decorations, exuding luxury and dignity. Beyond the gate, a wide cobblestone path wound forward, flanked by lush greenery. Tall plane trees stretched their branches, providing shade. The flower beds along the path were filled with colorful blooms, emitting a charming fragrance.

Walking along the cobblestone path, a spectacular fountain came into view.In the center, an exquisite sculpture stood, with water spraying around it,shimmering in the sunlight. Surrounding the fountain was a neatly trimmed lawn, soft like a green carpet. Delicate outdoor furniture was placed on the lawn, perfect for enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The manor's main buildings consisted of three villas, with the main guest house where Jennifer lived year-round. The white walls and blue roofs looked exceptionally elegant. The villa's large, bright windows had golden frames that shone in the sunlight.