CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 35: REPEATING OLD TRICKS

After Ethan Sterling left, Ruby Sullivan immediately went online to check her marital status. Seeing the familiar name in the husband’s column, she couldn’t help but frown; it was her capricious mentor indeed meddling again.

Her fingers gently rubbed the mouse, and after a long time, her brow relaxed. Ethan Sterling knew she was married, yet he was still so attentive. Is this man... into this sort of thing?

Ruby Sullivan suddenly felt she might not have loved Ethan Sterling much back then. She didn’t even know what kind of woman he liked. As his wife, she only gave him what she thought was good, took care of him meticulously every day, but never asked if he needed it. Perhaps... that was a kind of failure too.

Ruby Sullivan smiled bitterly. Never mind, back then, she would’ve asked and he wouldn’t have bothered to answer anyway.

In the following days, both members of the Sterling family showed up at the Sullivan Family’s place regularly. Ruby Sullivan went to and from work with Ethan Sterling. As more people saw this, inevitably rumors started spreading. The most legendary one was that Ethan Sterling was the mysterious husband Wenny mentioned. Previously, because he was abroad, Rhonda Sullivan seized the chance. Now the real husband is back, naturally, there’s no place for Rhonda Sullivan.

All these rumors were thoroughly investigated and spread by Rhonda Sullivan.

She hadn’t appeared in front of Ethan Sterling for a few days now, knowing the man well enough, she dared not upset him. She thought that once he calmed down, she would apologize and yield to him. She didn’t expect Wenny would seize the opportunity.

At noon that day, Ruby Sullivan was in the lab adjusting the proportions of rock rose extract and white pine resin when she suddenly received a message from Rhonda Sullivan, inviting her for coffee. Feeling a bit annoyed, she decided to pretend she didn’t see the message since she couldn’t conveniently go out and Yani Joyce was on sick leave. But ten minutes later, Rhonda called directly.

"Wenny, are you afraid to have a meal with me?" Rhonda Sullivan’s tone was casual, purposely provoking her.

Ruby Sullivan, no child, was unfazed by her taunts and only found it amusing, "Afraid? Miss Sullivan, your imagination is quite vivid."

"Since you’re not, then come out. I’ll send an assistant to pick you up. I haven’t properly apologized for the incident at the hospital last time."

Ruby Sullivan thought for a moment and decided to agree; she just wanted to know what trick Rhonda was up to again.

The Sterling family father and son had been frequenting her house recently, so Rhonda probably had no chance to move back to the Sterling Family, right?

The two met at a café near the company. Compared to Ruby Sullivan, with her fiery red lips, low ponytail, and black dress, Rhonda Sullivan in a simple white dress exuded a youthful, innocent vibe.

Sullivan felt nauseous seeing her like that. Who was she trying to impress by pretending to be an angel?

Though she thought this, she still smiled politely, "Did Miss Sullivan specifically come here to find me for something?"

Rhonda Sullivan laughed brightly too, waving to call a server, "Wenny, what do you like to drink? The lattes here are good." Her tone and demeanor seemed like she was seeing an old friend.

"A hot mocha, no milk, please." Ruby Sullivan ordered herself, "Miss Sullivan, I’m quite busy with work, and I need to have a meal later too. Can we make this quick?"

Rhonda Sullivan took a deep breath, her eyes full of plea as she looked sorrowfully at Ruby Sullivan, "Can you give Ethan back to me? You might not know, but I’ve liked him since childhood. I genuinely love him."

She tightly clutched her coffee cup, her brows lowered, seeming to speak each word painfully.

Ruby Sullivan had anticipated she would mention Ethan, but she was somewhat surprised, not expecting the arrogant Rhonda to humble herself so much for Ethan. She looked directly at her, unsure whether she should laugh or pity her.

Laugh at her for spending five years with Ethan without seeing his cold-heartedness; pity her for being so lowly yet gaining nothing.

She sighed gently, asking slowly, "Is loving someone a justification for doing anything? I’ve heard that Ethan’s ex-wife was your sister, and it was partly your doing that they divorced."

Tears glistened in Rhonda’s eyes, "I know I’m at fault, but Ethan never loved her. Forcing them to stay together only brought pain."

Ruby Sullivan looked at her pitiful expression, but only one thought ran through her mind, "Someday, everything of yours will become mine!"

She felt a sharp sting in her heart, and her tone turned aggressive, "So you stole The Sullivan Group and caused Brandon Sullivan’s stroke for Ethan’s love?"

Rhonda Sullivan was utterly shocked, recalling what she had said at the hospital earlier, couldn’t help but ask, "Who exactly are you? Did you come to take Ethan for Ruby’s sake?"

Ruby Sullivan sneered disdainfully, "You’re wrong. No one wants to take him; he simply doesn’t love you."

Suddenly, Rhonda Sullivan got up, knelt on the ground, and broke into tears. She looked up at Ruby, appearing more humble and helpless, "Wenny, I beg you to give Ethan back to me. You already have Dr. L as such a wonderful husband; don’t compete with me anymore."

Ruby Sullivan hadn’t anticipated such a move from her. Facing the curious eyes from around, she was momentarily at a loss, "What are you doing? Get up, get up!"

Crying, Rhonda shook her head, "I only have Ethan!" Saying this, she stepped forward and hugged Ruby’s leg, raising her tear-streaked face, continued in a hoarse voice, "I could be ruthless to Ruby Sullivan back then; I won’t hold back against you now either. Don’t forget you have a daughter; don’t push me!"

These later words were spoken softly, as if fearful others might hear, with a hidden, faint ferocity behind the tears.

But Ruby Sullivan took no notice; her daughter was her Achilles heel, her cherished treasure she’d protect at all costs.

She was livid, furiously shouting, "Rhonda Sullivan, if you dare harm Honey, I’ll kill you!" She kicked Rhonda aside, unable to bear her pretense any longer.

The other woman crashed into the table with a bang. The barely touched American coffee, along with its cup, hit Rhonda’s head.

The black liquid streamed down her face, staining her white dress instantly.

Rhonda lay sprawled on the ground like a bullied child, pitiful and bewildered.

Just then, Ethan Sterling arrived, draped his suit jacket over Rhonda’s body, and helped her to her feet. He coldly eyed Ruby Sullivan opposite, his gaze fierce as if to devour her whole, "Wenny, you went too far." Though his voice wasn’t loud, it carried a chilling pressure in every word.

Rhonda, who froze at Ethan’s voice, seemed to come back to her senses, turning to lean into his embrace with grievance, "Ethan, I really know I’m wrong. She made me kneel, and I did as she said, I..."

Hearing this, Ruby Sullivan suddenly felt enlightened, realizing it all.

How could someone as high and mighty as Rhonda Sullivan lower herself like this? Unless it was a show for Ethan to see—just like back then, and still now. She was seriously foolish!

Ruby Sullivan laughed coldly, "Mr. Sterling, there’s no need to glare at me. I know explaining is futile, and I don’t wish to explain. I only have a few words for Miss Sullivan: don’t use the tactics you applied on Ruby Sullivan against me; it’ll just make you look cheap. And remember what I said earlier: if you dare touch a strand of Honey’s hair, I’ll kill you!"

Even if it means going to hell together, she wouldn’t hesitate, regardless of who the other party is!

At this point, she no longer cared to explain anything to Ethan. Let him misunderstand however he likes.

Having said her piece, she stormed out of the café, wheeling herself away with a livid face.

Ethan Sterling watched her with a frown, his eyes eagle-sharp in thought.

Ruby Sullivan, she brought up Ruby Sullivan again!

Meanwhile, in his arms, Rhonda Sullivan seemed frightened by her words, trembling slightly, sobbing as she asked, "Ethan, did I make Wenny angry again? I..."

"Let me take you home first," Ethan Sterling patted her shoulder and walked her out of the café.