''Ana, wait!'' Richard caught up with Ana outside the restaurant. She had walked almost to the roadside.
Ana stopped and turned to face him, 'is there something else, Mr. Hough?''
''Ana, I don't know what is going on with your family but I hope you don't misunderstand me. I didn't come to this dinner knowing that they were going to discuss about our engagement''
''Do you expect me to believe that?''
''Well, it will be difficult to believe but you shouldn't be angry with me, right? You and I are in the same boat. Our parents want us to get engaged''
''Let's get this clear. Mrs. Lee is not my mother. Mr. Lee is my father but he can't force me to do what I don't want to do. Also, you and I are not in the same boat because I never agreed to get engaged to you. I don't know what my stepmother told your parents but I hope you make things clear to them. I am not going to be anyone's trophy wife''
Richard chuckled and looked at Ana saying, ''you are just as the rumors say. Ana, I also came here not knowing that my parents are going to get us engaged. I get that you are furious but I want you to know that getting engaged to me isn't such a bad thing. Actually, I think it will help you secure a position at your father's company''
''What?''
''Your stepmother and stepsiblings want you to leave the Lee family so that they don't have to compete with you. If you reject this offer from my family, then you are going to end up with nothing. But if you agree, I can help you secure your foot in the company. I have more than enough resources to help you with that. I plan on branching into the business that your family is in. You can be in charge of this when the time comes. A smart woman like you shouldn't stay at home and be a housewife''
''You seem to have it planned out already?''
''I am a businessman and I always think ahead. Marriage or relationships doesn't have to be out of love. People like us are better off being in a business relationship where there are clear benefits and boundaries. I hope you don't dismiss me immediately but think it over. Unless you want to go back to your ex-fiancé, I think I am the most suitable choice. Think about it and give me a call, Miss Lee''
Richard placed his card on Ana's palm before walking away.
Ana sighed and massaged her head. She turned to go and saw Lin Shen coming out of the restaurant with Daisy.
Ana recognized her. She knew Daisy He but they were not on familiar terms.
Lin Shen stopped at his car door and turned, meeting with Ana's gaze before he got in. Daisy also looked at Ana before getting into the car.
Ana sighed and muttered, ''what a shitty day''
….
''Miss Lee is quite popular in our circle. She is beautiful and uses it to her advantage. I remember last two years, before breaking things off with brother Shiao, she was seen with a man. Rumor has it that, she broke things off because of that man''
Daisy looked at Lin Shen and said as he drove her. Taking his silence as encouragement, she continued to speak bad about Ana.
''She is a smart businesswoman though. It's just that she doesn't have a good reputation and known to be very problematic. Actually, I think it is for the good that she is no longer with brother Shiao because women like Ana cannot stay with one man. She even wants to get engaged to Richard Hough. Everyone knows who he is. Maybe they will be perfect match''
Lin Shen stepped on the gas and sped off. The sudden speed made Daisy to bounce back on the seat. She turned to look at Lin Shen and held the front handle tightly. Lin Shen didn't look at her and continued to speed off.
Daisy felt like her heart had flown to the skies and back. When Lin Shen finally pulled over in front of her family mansion, she felt nauseas and wanted to vomit.
Daisy got down from the car and turned but to her shock, Lin Shen drove away without sparing her a glance. She touched her heart and looked at him as he drove away.
''Is he crazy? How could he not even get down to see me off before leaving? Just because I said something about that woman, he is mad''
….
Lee Family Manor.
''Mom, what if aunt thinks that we are trying to go behind her back? No, you have to call her and explain the situation clearly. That bitch Ana just had to say such nonsense in front of Aunt Jiajia'' Shanshan kept talking as soon as they got home.
Listening to her, Gloria felt like her ears were almost bleeding. ''Shanshan, what else do you want me to say to her? You heard what Ana said in front of everyone. Even I have to call and explain the situation to Mrs. Hough''
''Darn it! That bitch Ana. I won't let her off. Just because she lost her chance with Brother Shiao, she doesn't want me to end up with Lin Shen. I hate her so much'' Shanshan screamed.
''That's enough for today'' Mr. Lee walked in and said to them before going to his room.
''Mom, please. You have to do something. You saw that lady, right? She was raping Lin Shen with her gaze. I bet she wants him''
''Shanshan, go to bed. I will think about what to do next'' Gloria looked depressed.
''Okay''
….
Ana and Jessy's apartment.
Ana opened the door and entered. She saw Jessy on the couch watching late night movies.
''You are back?'' Jessy asked.
''Mm'' Ana went over and snatched the snack pack in Jessy's hand and sat down to eat.
''Why are you taking my snack? Didn't you just come back from a high end restaurant dinner?''
''I couldn't eat anything because I was afraid of either choking to my death or getting indigestion''
''Was it that bad?''