Chapter 659:
âCome on, Eva. Letâs go eat something delicious,â Harlee said.
Evaâs face lit up with enthusiasm.
âOkay, yummy food! Can we get cake?â
âOnly if you share it with me,â Harlee replied with a playful smile.
âIâll definitely share with you!â Eva jumped excitedly, her joy infectious.
Evita, typically unyielding, could only stand and watch as Harlee walked away with Eva. She remained motionless until they were out of sight, at which point tears welled up in her eyes. What had she done all these years?
Meanwhile, Rhys, dressed impeccably in a black suit, arrived carrying gifts, determined to make a good impression on his future in-laws.
Upon reaching the gate of the Sanderson estate, Rhys was halted. Kane emerged, his face devoid of emotion, and delivered Lonnieâs instructions.
âMr. Green, I regret to inform you that you cannot enter as a guest of the Sanderson family. Mr. Lonnie Sanderson has offered you a chance to demonstrate your affection for Miss Sanderson solely because he values her feelings, not because of your family or you. If you find this objectionable, youâre free to leave now.â
Rhys, having anticipated this, responded with composed courtesy.
âPlease lead the way, Kane.â
Kane, still expressionless, began guiding Rhys without offering to carry any of the several bags Rhys was holding, treating him as though he were a mere afterthought.
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From her hiding spot, Etta whispered excitedly to Callie, âIs Lonnie concocting a plan to separate Rhys and Harlee? Are the five Sanderson sons back? Could this mean I might marry Rhys and advance my status?â
Callie exhaled a sigh at Ettaâs fanciful musings. She wanted to dismiss Ettaâs words and walk away, but as she caught sight of Ettaâs hopeful eyes, she hesitated.
Her legs felt heavy, rooted to the spot. Ultimately, she chose to nod silently, leaving Etta clinging to her fragile hope.
Callie had no insight into Lonnieâs mindset, but she could tell that Skyla had accepted Rhys as Harleeâs boyfriend. Skyla was secretly waiting by the small door outside the study, ready to relay the situation to Harlee.
Bolstered by Callieâs nod, Etta hurried back to her room, her mind buzzing with anticipation. The outcome was crucialânot only for completing the task assigned by Hale but also for her own aspirations to rise in status. She took it very seriously.
Unfortunately for Etta, Kane had already issued strict orders that only he was allowed to approach the study.
Rhys, following Kaneâs lead, pushed open the study door.
He was ready to meet the Sanderson family but was taken aback upon entering. The room was empty.
He turned to ask Kane about it, only to see the study door close behind him. Rhysâ expression remained calm and composed. Without hesitation, he strode to the guest seat, set the gifts down at his feet, and sat up straight.
Rhys resolved to wait for the Sanderson family to arrive, even if it meant enduring hours of waiting or walking into a potential trap.
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