It seemed his affection was a one-way street.
"Why does it have to be Tina?"
"It just does."
"Do you remember the uproar when you two called off your engagement? The newspapers had a field day with your story. Have you forgotten all about your reputation, and what about the Richardson family's image?"
"Besides, the Watsons and the Lewises are already discussing a merger through marriage. Have you considered whether they'd even approve of you two being together? Are you planning to whisk her away?"
This wasn't a simple matter between him or Tina; it involved three influential families and wasn't something to be taken lightly.
Phillip knew this, yet on the night he flew to Capital City to find her, he was ready to face all the consequences.
"If she's willing, I will."
Jennifer rubbed her temples, at a loss for words, "Phillip, you were always so cautious. What's up now?"
After a lengthy silence, Phillip finally said, "Mom, I don't ask for much, but this time, I want to follow my heart."
Jennifer couldn't grasp the whims of the youth, tired from dealing with her two troublesome sons.
With Curtis and Leanne's situation, she had made many mistakes, trying to do right by her children but failing miserably, her good intentions paving the way to disaster.
After everything, she valued her children's happiness over any supposed benefits or dignity. The Richardson family had already lost so much face due to Curtis's actions; losing a bit more wouldn't make much difference.
"Fine, you all love to stir things up; I can't be bothered anymore." Jennifer waved him off, "Tina seems like a strong-willed girl, not that she seems interested in you. You're on your own."
Tina had moved out of the Richardsons' that afternoon, planning to rent a suite at a hotel.
She wasn't planning to stay in Stonebridge for long, and it just so happened her best friend was staying at the same hotel.
The Richardsons had arranged for a
driver to take her, and as Tina gave him the address and buried her head in her phone, she didn't notice their route When the car stopped, she looked up to find herself at a familiar parking lot.
Phillip's apartment building.
Turning to the driver, she asked, "Are you trying to kidnap me or something?"
The driver chuckled awkwardly, "The young master instructed me to bring you here."
Tina didn't make it hard for him. After getting out of the car, she declined his offer to help with her luggage and hailed another cab as soon as he drove off.
After checking into the hotel and meeting up with her best friend, they were discussing where to dine when Hamilton's call came through.
She had kept a low profile for months, causing Hamilton to lower his guard. She had managed to retrieve her ID and sneak off to Stonebridge. Without her passport, she couldn't cause much trouble domestically, and with Alfred also in Stonebridge on business, Hamilton had let her be. His call today was spurred by some gossip he'd heard "I hear you stayed with the Richardsons' for a few days?"
Tina smirked, finding it funny how late his info was.
"I caught a cold, and Mrs.
Richardson insisted on taking care of me. couldn't refuse such
kindness. Besides, it was all for your
sake. It would've been rude to
decline."
Hamilton's stern tone softened slightly, "Given the unpleasantness of your past encounters, they might have let bygones be bygones on the surface, but who knows what truly think? Plus, with your
engagement to Alfred approaching,
it's best to keep your distance from the Richardsons." Content belongs
"You sound like you're from the Victorian era. So old-fashioned," Tina retorted.
Hamilton, unamused by her comment, simply ordered, "Since Alfred is in Stonebridge too, you should spend more time with him. Why don't you invite him to dinner?"
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