Chapter 157 Pillow Talk

After what happened last night, Bill's Fratred for Able to the peer where or Sable wins

I deliberately stoked the flames in Bill's heart. While was decideally an legitimate daughter, d always received more affection than the legitimate

Bill raised her like a princess, yet she chose to degrade herself

Now that things were set in stone, Bill had planned for de to marry a well-matched stand mete

Yet she insisted on waiting for a semitry to divorce his wife. With no sons in the family, she even implied wanting Ashley to inherit the Gardners legers

Of course, Bill was furious. His anger was so intense it even extended to Sadie's mother, the mistress he

once adored.

Ashley, who had been whispering sweet nothings to Sadie earlier, wisely kept his mouth shut now Honestly, anyone who fell for a man like him had to have something wrong with their head.

Sadie wanted to talk back but kept quiet as she realized the situation wasn't in her favor.

"You're an embarrassment! Get out of here now!" Bill roured.

Sadie glared at me before spitting out a bitter warning Zoey, you'll get it from me one day?"

With that, she stormed out of the Boltons' estate with Ashley.

Suppressing my disgust, I offered Bill some comforting words. "Dad, please don't be angry. Sadie can be a bit... blunt. Even if she doesn't like Carter, how could she say such things in the Bolton Residence? You know what kind of man Carter is-if word of this reached him, it could jeopardize the partnership you've worked so hard to secure. Expanding into the domestic market depends on Carter's support. If Sadie ruins everything, wouldn't it be a huge loss for us?"

Men always prioritize their careers and my words made Bill see reason.

He looked at me with surprise and a hint of approval. You've matured quite a bit since that incident."

"I used to be immature, constantly arguing with Sadie, forgetting my own identity as a Gardner. This marriage was arranged for the sake of our families, and I'm determined to play my part as Mrs. Bolton, serving as a strong link between the Gardners and the Boltons. Bill seemed pleased by my response and his expression softened.

Men, no matter their age, loved to hear nice words. No wonder that mistress had managed to stay in his good graces for so many years. But from now on, I'd be the one to sway him.

"I'm glad you think this way," Bill said, nodding. "I regret not giving you more attention before. If you ever feel wronged or mistreated here, just come to me.

If the original Zoey were still alive, she would've been overjoyed to feel such short fatherly affection.

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Chapter 157 Pillow Talk

I maintained a grateful smile while feeling nothing inwardly.

I tried to be as sweet as possible. 'Don't worry, Dad. Jeffrey adores me, and Carter treats me with respect and care. I'm genuinely happy with this marriage and Won't let myself be mistreated. It's just... sometimes I miss you and Mom. I miss home." Lowering my head, I put on an innocent, pitiful expression.

My mom gently patted my head. "Then I'll stay here at the Boltons' for a few days to keep you company."

"Stop your nonsense. Zory is married now," Bill interjected.

"You're hardly ever home and always out and about with your mistress. My mother is barely acknowledged as Mrs. Gardner anymore. Maybe she should divorce you soon."

Bill shot me a sharp look. "I had just praised you, why are you acting so childish again?"

He grabbed my mom's hand. "Alright, alright. I'll stay here with you for a few days. There's business to discuss with Carter anyway, and you can spend time with Zoey."

I realized my mom still cared for this man because she didn't pull away.

Traditional values ran deep in their generation. With the families' interests so tightly intertwined, divorce was never a realistic option. They'd just have to make do.

It seemed like they had made up last night. If Bill could sever ties with the mistress and her family. I wouldn't oppose him reuniting with my mom.

After all, she deserved someone by her side.

For now, I left them alone and gave them space.

These intertwined family alliances were like a business negotiation. The Sanders, for instance, were busy leveraging the union to secure maximum benefits. Meanwhile, I was free to watch them all entangle themselves in this mess while keeping my hands clean.

Back in my room, Carter soon arrived with a plate of snacks.

"Here, cat while they're warm."

My eyes lit up. "Chocolate lava buns and cookies-my favorites!"

Carter stopped frowning after seeing my delighted expression. "I'm glad you like them. I just grabbed whatever food they had. The Hudsons and the Sanders will have their hands full these next few days."

I took a bite of a lava bun, but in my eagerness, the molten filling burned my tongue. "Ouch, hot!". "Slow down," he said with a faint smile. "No one's taking it from you. Let me see."

Before I could react, he gently cupped my chin. I could only awkwardly stick out my tongue for him to inspect.

To him, I probably looked like a greedy little girl. After all, there was nearly a decade of age difference

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Chapter 157 Pillow Talk

between us.

hur He blew softly on my tongue to cool the burn. The sensation was soothing, but my checks began to flush

It was then I realized how close we were-close enough to notice his thick, dark lashes and flawless, porcelain-like skin.

Despite his fairness, his chiseled features exuded sharpness and masculinity that was undeniably intimidating.

No wonder he had terrified me with just one look in the past.

"I'm fine now," I said weakly, trying to pull away from his touch.

Carter's gaze lingered on my lips for a moment before he finally released ine

Just as I was catching my breath, a knock came at the door.

The butler's cold voice followed, "Mr. Jeffrey requests your presence."

My heart sank. The inevitable had arrived.

Jeffrey had clearly seen through our little act, and now it was time to face the consequences.

My face turned pale as fear gripped me. I had always been afraid of him..

Then, a warm hand enveloped mine.

"Don't be scared," Carter said softly. "I'm here with you

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