Chapter 507


    Austin chuckled lightly and said, “You’re right, Hank.”


    “I expect a raise,” Hank chimed in.


    Natalie, as Jeremy’s wife, wasn’t short of money. However, Hank couldn’t deny Natalie’s excellent


    work ethic.


    Natalie’s eyes widened with delight. “A raise? Thank you!”


    She was quietly thrilled. “Wow!”


    She always said hard work paid off and that dedication was rewarded. It turned out she was right–


    she just got a raise!


    Not far away, a car pulled up in the rain. Jeremy nced at the car opposite. He clearly saw Natalie


    chatting happily with Austin. His expression darkened.


    “Mr. Hughes, Mrs. Hughes’swyer, Truman Harper, wants to talk to you,” Jeremy’s assistant,


    Tristan Howell, said from the front seat.


    Jeremy pulled his frosty gaze back. “No need. Tell him divorce is out of the question.”


    Skr went to Harvey’s school on the weekend to drop off some necessities. With exams


    approaching, Harvey hadn’t returned home all month.


    After a brief conversation with Skr at the school gate, he returned inside to


    continue his studies.


    Then, Skr returned home and discussed the idea of opening a store with


    Janine.


    Skr–nned to source items from the antique street and list them in their store. They also wanted


    to hire a few people to handle shipping. Then, Janine would manage the business.


    As they chatted, Skr called Daniel to discuss the partnership details. Skr’s store had achieved


    some sess. Hence, it was a good time for


    transformation.


    2/2


    Janine suggested thinking through the process and making a n. During this time, since Harvey


    was staying at school, Janine often attended sses at a nearbymunity college to learn


    computer skills.


    She even created well–organized spreadsheets and also downloaded all the popr apps that


    young people love to y on their phones.


    Seeing Janine keep up with the times, Skr was fully supportive. They chatted until their mouths


    were dry. Then, Janine made some lemonade.


    “Oh, I forgot to tell you about Steven. His rtionship with Annie is very stable. He’s considering the


    next step. He’s not getting any younger and should think about marriage.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    “We can’t let Annie feel neglected. In a few days, he’ll visit her parents. We’ll


    what conditions they have, and he’ll let us know afterward.


    see


    “I’ve saved the money Steven and Charles have earned over the years. Steven’s career is doing


    well, and his ie is high. I hope that his visit to Annie’s family goes smoothly. After all, he’s had


    a tough time over the past few years.”


    The childrencked a father figure. Steven, the eldest brother, yed the father figure role. With


    Steven’s help and the maturity of the other children, Janine persevered until now.


    Looking back, she wasn’t sure how she had managed to raise them.


    When she went to heaven after she died and saw her husband, she would be


    able to face him with a clear conscience,


    Skr sipped on her lemonade, reflecting on Janine’s words. She said, “You’re right, Mom. Steven


    has never once thought about himself all these years. He’s always sacrificed for our family. He


    deserves to be the happiest.”


    With everything that had happened recently, Skr had almost forgotten about Steven and Annie’s


    rtionship.


    Steven’s decision to discuss his ns with Janine showed his genuine feelings for Annie.


    However, Annie…


    Skr pondered whether Annie truly loved Steven or if she had ulterior motives.