Chapter 80
In the past, I told Sherina time and time again: “Dad is strict with you because he values you.“}
I reassured her that in the Gray family, she was never seen as less than anyone else. In fact, I had promised her that one day she might even hold more shares than me–that her children would inherit everything.
But all the luxury my father gave her, and all the care I showered on her, couldn’t compare to one ambiguous, manipulative line from Warren.}
“We’re both outsiders here, Sherina. I know how hard it must be for you.”
Just one sentence, feigning sympathy, was enough to turn Sherina’s heart against the Gray family.
Now, her eyes flicked between me and Meredith, her expression unreadable. Finally, she forced a smile and said to my father.”
“I overstepped. Today is Calum’s birthday and his engagement party. I haven’t even offered my congratulations yet.“}]
She raised her glass, eyes filled with hope as she looked at me.”
But before I could respond, Meredith gently lifted her hand, intercepting the gesture.
“Calum doesn’t drink,” she said with a calm smile. “I’ll drink on his behalf.”
With that, she downed the wine in one graceful motion, a faint blush blooming on her beautiful face.
Sherina’s face went even paler at Meredith’s possessive response.
Suddenly, she remembered the countless times I had shielded her from drinking at banquets. The bitter sting of regret bloomed in her chest far too late.”
Her eyes reddened, and with a hollow smile, she took two steps back and turned to leave.
After the party dispersed, Meredith tilted her head at me playfully.S
“Is my fiancé not taking me home tonight?”
I blinked, caught off guard. “What?“}
She looked at me for a long moment, then said in a soft, slightly hurt tone. “You don’t want to take me home, do you? It’s okay… I know I’m disabled. It’s not surprising if you’re ashamed of me.”
This didn’t match the image I’d heard about Meredith at all.”
Still, I instinctively comforted her, “That’s not it. I don’t look down on you. I just… I didn’t plan this properly. You came all the way from the capital–I should have made proper arrangements for you.”
Behind her, her assistant rolled her eyes and turned away, unwilling to witness her boss’s obvious manipulations.
Meredith tugged at my sleeve with wide, innocent eyes. “So… you really don’t mind that I’m disabled?”
My eyes dropped to her legs. I nodded slowly. But then my gaze, without meaning to, drifted upward. They’re big…
“What are you looking at?”
My face burned with embarrassment. I quickly averted my eyes. “Nothing. I was just-”
“It’s okay. If it’s really an issue, we can always use IVF in the future.”
She gently squeezed my hand. “But why go through that?”
I faltered, unsure how to respond.
She sighed. “Some things… are just better done the natural way.“}]
My eyes widened in shock.
Did she mean…?
Then, right before my eyes, Meredith placed her hands on the wheelchair and slowly stood up.
Even standing, she barely reached my chest.
She stepped closer, slipping gently into my arms.
“I was in a car accident and injured my legs. They’ve mostly healed now. I just stay in the chair because walking tires me out. Everything else people say… is just a rumor.“}
A wave of shame rushed over me.
Of course, I realized, claiming to be disabled could make people underestimate her. It was a brilliant defense.
But if she wasn’t truly paralyzed… and if she ever turned against the Gray family… I might have just walked straight into the lion’s den. Because no one could deny how capable she was.
The thought sent a chill down my spine.
Meredith noticed my shiver and asked sweetly, “Are you cold? If you are, let’s go back.”
I nodded stiffly, my mind racing.
Before I could say more, she gently fastened a crystal–beaded bracelet around my wrist, her smile soft but unreadable.
