Before Meredith met Terrence Sterling, she was a woman of strong character, relying solely on herself. Without any background or help, she had to fend for herself, striving to carve out a space to survive in the capital. With Terrence now in her life, he gradually softened her tough heart, making her feel rooted in the city. They now had a home, and a home was a root to Meredith. As an orphan, she had always felt like a rootless weed, drifting with the waves. Now, things were different; she had a home. A marriage certificate firmly linked her and Terrence Sterling as a family.


    She sat on the edge of the bed, and he kissed her lips, saying, “Have some fruit to tide you over. Dinner is still a while away.”


    “Okay,” Meredith rxed, giving herself a break.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    —


    On the other side, Justin, after speaking with Meredith, lit a cigarette. He had only smoked half when the department manager arrived. The manager pped Justin on the forehead, “You’re not paid to rx here. You’re underachieving and causing more problems than you solve. You’ve been with us for so long and still no progress. Recently,ing inte, leaving early, taking leaves-Justin, do you think this is your home?”


    Justin immediately extinguished the cigarette. “Mr. Chandler, I was just catching a breath. There’s been a lot at hometely, I’m truly sorry. I’ll handle it as soon as possible.”


    “You’re an orphan, what family matters could you possibly have?” Mr. Chandler said coldly. “You’ve lost this month’s bonus. Continue like this, and we’ll cut your sry. You think too highly of yourself. Westbridge is hiring a legal team; if you can’t secure that, don’t bothering back.”


    Justin, holding back his anger, said respectfully, “Yes, Mr. Chandler. I’ll talk to Westbridge and do my best to secure the position.”


    Thew firm was not doing well, having not received significant cases for months. Landing the Westbridge ount could mean a chance at gaining renown and more cases in the future.


    Mr. Chandlermanded, “Go to the front desk, pick up a parcel for me, and get some afternoon tea on your way back, the usual, I’ll pay youter.”


    Justin, always too embarrassed to ask for money and fearful of offending Mr. Chandler, had always endured this silently. Now, strapped for cash, he ventured, “Mr. Chandler, I’m a bit tight on money at the moment, could you maybe give me the money first?”


    Mr. Chandler, pointing at Justin’s forehead, snapped, “What are you talking about, Justin? I’m giving you a chance to curry favor, and you ask for money upfront? You really don’t want your job, do you? Just go buy it, drop it in my office in half an hour.”


    With frustration clenching his fists, Justin still chose to endure. “Yes, Mr. Chandler.”


    After Mr. Chandler left, Justin deeply inhaled, wanting another cigarette to calm his nerves, only to find his pack empty.


    Checking his bank ount, he was nearly broke. The $20, 000 that Meredith had given him had been spent on Fiona, medical checks for Tristan, and various medications; Mrs. Thatcher and Mr. Thatcher had also undergone a full medical check-up, depleting his funds.


    Living in a big city, it seemed ordinary people couldn’t even afford to fall ill.


    With the little he had, Justin ordered Mr. Chandler’s afternoon tea and returned to his work. Despite his contributions over the years, his efforts were often overshadowed by Mr. Chandler, who imed the credit. With no connections, Justin never got the good opportunities, and his sry and bonuses were frequently docked for various reasons.


    As work ended, Justin, remembering his ns with Meredith, quickly grabbed his bag and left the office. On his way, he spotted a mobile blood donation station with a queue of people.


    Justin parked his car and walked over to inquire. Donating blood would earn him $500 in cash assistance…