The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 813 An Invitation From Roger

Sue didn't want to reveal all the stories of her family drama. She was ashamed, more than anything, to ever talk about it, especially to Sheryl. If she did, it would be inevitable that she'd get Sheryl into another mess, and she thought she'd done enough to cause her suffering.

She cast an indifferent gaze at Sheryl, and her tone suddenly became cold. "We're not friends anymore, Sheryl. Have you forgotten? I was the third wheel between you and your boyfriend. I destroyed your relationship with him. Why are you still acting so concerned about me? Shouldn't you hate me by now?"

The more kindness and care Sheryl gave her, the more uncomfortable Sue felt. She couldn't wrap her head around it.

Sue once thought she could've drawn a final line between Sheryl and herself, and they'd never have anything to do with each other again. It was futile, to her surprise. Sheryl didn't act resentful, or irritated. Instead, she said flatly, "The thing with you and Anthony... I've never thought about blaming you. Not for a second. But if you really don't want me to intervene, then I won't do anything about it."

She paused for a moment. "I just want to tell you that if there's anything, anything at all, that I can help with, then let me know. Please. Even if you forget everything else that happened between us, just keep this in mind, alright?"

"That's enough! I don't need your pity! I don't need it. Not from you, not from anyone!" She sneered as she said the words. "It's getting late. I'm going home now." She simply turned around and left.

None of Sue's outbursts and resistance made Sheryl's worry fade. Sheryl didn't want the conversation to end like that. "I know you're a person of high self-esteem. I'm not surprised you don't want to talk to me, that's fine. I can't blame you. But Sue, you're not alone now. You've got a boyfriend to support you. If anything becomes too much, you can always ask Anthony for help. He'll help you, I know it." As she said it, Sue didn't turn around once. She only sped up her pace when Sheryl finished talking.

As soon as she was out of sight, Charles came over. He walked over to Sheryl. She was in a daze, her face looking a little blank as she stared at the door. "What happened, dear? Are you bored?" he asked curiously.

He frowned, and tried to look into her eyes and lighten up her mood. "Wait a second. I'll bring you home after I finish sending off my business partners."

"Thanks, but there's no need. It's fine." She wanted Charles to stay, and he knew it. He was fully aware that such a social occasion wasn't her cup of tea. What he offered wasn't possible, anyway, and she knew it. The absence of a semi-famous model wasn't a big deal, but Charles, ever the outstanding figure, couldn't just disappear from an important party. The consequences wouldn't be worth it.

He was the leading man of the occasion. The party itself might not be so significant, but the number of potential business partners made it crucial to his network. She didn't want to cause any trouble for Charles' business.

She put on a smile and did her best to look like she was in a light-hearted mood. "I'm okay, Charles. Don't worry about it. I can stay here."

"You look pale, though. Are you sure?" Unconvinced, he looked anxious about leaving her there. "Why do you look so worried? Is it too tiring for you?"

As he said it, his hand found its way to Sheryl's forehead. He wanted to check her temperature, but Sheryl moved out of his reach.

At the event, there was no doubt that Charles was under the spotlight. All the attendants had their eyes on him. Sheryl, however, wanted to avoid becoming a topic of gossip because of their relationship, so she kept away at a safe distance to avoid any rumors going around.

Feeling Charles' worry, she smiled again, rather tightly. "I'm really alright, Charles. I'm just a little bit concerned about Sue."

"Sue?" He frowned upon hearing her name. As someone who liked being in control, he had another model in place, in case anything happened. Even if she didn't show up, his conference wouldn't have been affected.

"Why are you worrying about her?" he asked.

"You don't understand," replied Sheryl. She was hesitating about telling him what had happened between her an Sue. Sue didn't even want Sheryl to know what happened to her, let alone Charles. It would be inappropriate for her to tell him any details. "Nothing, it's something personal. I was just worried about her."

Before he could prod further, his name boomed through the speakers as the emcee called him to the stage. With a worried glance at Sheryl, he said, "I have to go first. Wait for me for a while, please. I'll be back as soon as I finish the speech."

Sheryl nodded. "Alright, I'll stay here."

He looked like a different person on stage. Up on a platform, he looked radiant and confident. His movements and expressions were full of charm, and Sheryl was in awe.

She couldn't stop herself from smiling at the sight. His charm was a little addicting.

"Mrs. Lu," she heard from behind her, and it pulled her out of her indulging day dream. When she turned around, she was surprised to see that it was Roger. Noticing that people were giving her glances, she hurriedly corrected him. "My name is Sheryl Xia now."

"Sheryl Xia?" It caught him by surprise. He had known her as Autumn Zhao. After going missing for three years, she became "Sheryl Xia"?

"Miss Xia," he addressed her again. It didn't take much for him to accept the change. He was rather used to strange things happening when it came to Autumn, or Sheryl then. From the moment he met her, he could tell that she had a chest full of secrets.

Seeing her face, he felt a sense of joy. It was the kind of joy that one would feel when something missing for too long was finally found. "I can't believe I'm seeing you right now after three whole years. Your performance was great. You're practically a professional model now. Congratulations!"

She smiled back politely without really replying to his comments. "You've become so different now, Mr. Han, compared to the young and inexperienced man you were three years ago. You stand out in any crowd you're in, so attractive."

He chuckled. "I'm flattered, Miss Xia." He smiled wryly and continued, "I wouldn't have become the person I am today without you. You helped me. I'll never forget what you've done for me. If you ever need anything that I could help with, please never hesitate to tell me. I'll do anything I can for you. Please don't reject it. I'm just trying to give something in return for all you've done over the years."

She gave a grin in return. "Thank you, Roger. I won't trouble you. I helped you because we had a deal. It wasn't just out of kindness. You should only really be saying 'thank you' to yourself. You are who you are today because of your own efforts, not mine. In fact, you've already paid me back by lending me a helping hand three years ago. You don't have to worry about it anymore."

Her words and tone were perfectly polite, but it was still a rejection. It upset him to see that she had become so distant.

Nevertheless, he continued to offer, "Still, whatever you say, I'll never forget your kindness and help. Just know that I'm here for you, alright? If you ever need me in the future."

Before she could respond, he switched the topic. "I'll ask my people to send you a formal invitation to the party tomorrow. It would be our honor to have you there."

"Rest assured. I've already agreed to it and I'll definitely be there," she replied plainly.

"Party? What party?" As soon as she ended her sentence, Charles appeared, almost as if out of nowhere. If eyes could kill, Roger would've been dead for a thousand times. Back on stage, Charles could see Roger trying to flirt with Sheryl in the corner of his eye. The jealousy overtook him, so much that he wrapped up his speech shorter than what was appropriate, and made his way towards Sheryl in a hurry. He managed to hear the bit about Roger inviting her to some party, and it made his jaw clench. His eyes still on Roger, he took a step in front of Sheryl, as if to shield her.

"Roger was inviting me to..." "I'm asking Mr. Han," Charles interrupted her as he glared at Roger.

She pursed her lips. Clearly, Charles' tone was angry, and she thought better than to do anything to rile him up more. She sighed quietly to herself instead.