h4Chapter 23: Additional Conditions/h4

"Alright, I’ll endure it a bit longer!" Hannah finally agreed with Brianna’s advice. Her mother was experienced, and she knew she had to remain calm. Once she got E’s shares, she could do whatever she wanted.

"Don’t be angry. It’s lunchtime, let’s go eat." Brianna gentlyforted her daughter, and Hannah’s mood gradually settled.

However, as they opened the door, they were greeted by the sound of E’s angry shouting from across the hall.

"I told you to clean up, and you’re still so clumsy! Mrs. Harris, just because I was in the hospital for a few days, you forgot your ce? You can’t even do this right?"

E’s arrogant voice echoed down the hallway.

Brianna and Hannah exchanged a cold smile. E often had these princess tantrums, and this time, it seemed Mrs. Harris had truly offended her.

"No, no, it’s not like that..."

"Leave here immediately. I’ll have Daddy settle your wages!" E said coldly before striding out.

E’s outburst at Mrs. Harris was a deliberate act to protect her.

On this very day in her past life, E clearly remembered that Mrs. Harris had warned her to be cautious of Brianna, a warning overheard by Brianna herself. Furthermore, in her previous life,at E’sing-of-age ceremony, Mrs. Harris had stayed by her side after she drank the poisoned wine, disrupting Brianna’s ns and earning hersting resentment.

A weekter, Mrs. Harris died in a car ident. Though it was uncertain if Brianna was behind it, E was still worried for her safety.

Mrs. Harris followed behind, head bowed, tears in her eyes.

"Miss, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it... I’ve been here for so many years, please don’t fire me!"

Mrs. Harris’s cries were pitiful; having been with the family for over twenty years, she had deep feelings for E and the household.

"Stop crying. It’s disgusting. If you don’t leave now, I’ll have the butler dock a month’s wages!"

E turned back, her eyes shing with disgust.

Mrs. Harris was stunned but quickly lowered her head. "Yes, Miss..."

Losing a month’s wages was a significant blow for her. Mrs. Harris dared not stay any longer and hurriedly left.

"What’s wrong? Why are you so angry?" Brianna walked over and gently took E’s hand.

E snorted, subtly withdrawing her hand, and pointed at Mrs. Harris’s retreating figure. "She dropped my favorite dress on the floor. How could I not be angry?"

"It’s just a small matter, not worth getting upset about. Come on, let’s go have lunch." Brianna smiled, inwardly pleased that the old E seemed to be back.

E scoffed, casting a sidelong nce at Hannah before raising her chin and heading downstairs.

After lunch, E returned to her room to rest. Shortly after, she received a call from Mrs. Harris.

"Miss... this is Mrs. Harris. I’ve received my wages. I just wanted to remind you, Brianna and her daughter seem kind to you, but it’s all a facade. Please be careful around them."

Mrs. Harris’s voice choked up over the phone.

E’s eyes reddened. Mrs. Harris had always been sincere to her, but for her safety, E had to send her away. At that moment, E felt powerless to protect her.

"I’m sorry," E whispered.

"It’s not your fault, Miss. That vile woman spoiled you. Please, take care of yourself."

"Mrs. Harris, you take care too."

"Yes, Miss. If you need anything, I’m willing to help you unconditionally. Remember this number."

"Alright, Mrs. Harris. Please don’t mention today’s events to Brianna or speak ill of her."

Mrs. Harris paused, "Yes, Miss. I understand. Goodbye."

E hung up the phone, feeling a deep sense of mncholy. When would she be strong enough to face all these challenges?

She immediately opened herputer and transferred $100,000 to Mrs. Harris aspensation. It was a huge sum for an ordinary person, and she hoped it would help Mrs. Harris livefortably.

After a short nap, E was awakened by a call from Eric.

"Hey, girl, have you thought it over? Hmm?" His voice had azy, seductive tone that made E blush, recalling his breath on her ear in the hospital.

"Eric, if I refuse to marry you, will you really reveal my secret to Robert?" E frowned, knowing that he had many ways to get what he wanted from her.

"Of course. So, have you made up your mind?"

"I have, but I have conditions!" E bit her lip. Eric was too powerful to offend. If he truly liked her, he would respect her. She had to think in a way that would benefit her.

"Oh? The little girl is learning to negotiate with me? Let’s hear it."

Eric’s voice carried a hint of amusement.

"First, I agree to marry you, but only after I graduate from college. And you cannot force me into a physical rtionship without my consent." E bit her lip harder, not wanting to rush into an intimate rtionship with Eric. She knew she could fall for him quickly, and keeping a distance was the only way to protect herself from getting too involved.

"Agreed!" Eric responded without hesitation, making E’s heart race.

"Second, as long as I don’t agree to go public with our rtionship, I hope you won’t acknowledge me as your girlfriend. If I need you, I want you to be there for me." E’s voice was soft but firm.

Her demands were strict, but if Eric was sincere, he would agree to them.

"Well, well, do you think I’m your personal bodyguard?" Eric chuckled, and E could imagine his cold gaze.

"If you don’t agree..." E’s voice trailed off sadly. She had no leverage against Eric. If he decided to expose her secret, her life would be ruined.

"Alright, since you’re a few years younger than me, I agree." Eric’s lightugh cut through E’s tension.

E was stunned. She hadn’t expected him to agree so easily.

"If you’re free now, meet me at the coffee shop outside yourplex." Eric hung up before E could respond.

E quickly got up. In her past life, Eric had been a vague memory, but now she had no choice. She changed into a dress and left for the coffee shop across from herplex.

Upon entering the coffee shop, she was led to a private room by a waiter.

As she walked in, she froze. Sitting across from Eric was an exceptionally beautiful girl.