CHAPTER 551: CHAPTER 551: TOOK IT SERIOUSLY

After a while, he hung up the phone, whispered something in Paige Sterling’s ear, and then left.

Helen Hale finally felt a bit less stifled, her mood unprecedentedly improved.

No matter how glamorous Paige Sterling appeared, Julian Hawthorne married her only because of the benefits she brought to The Hawthorne Family. Julian Hawthorne wasn’t truly sincere with her. Otherwise, why would he leave her behind at such an important occasion?

It’s a pity that this woman refuses to see reality, immersing herself in self-delusion and thinking she’s found true love, flaunting it everywhere.

Ha, what a pathetic woman.

Helen Hale pitied and sympathized with Paige Sterling.

Compared to Paige Sterling, she was clearly much happier.

Even if the Sheridan Family wasn’t as prestigious as The Hawthorne Family, and Harrison Sheridan wasn’t as accomplished as Julian Hawthorne, so what? At least, Harrison sincerely loved her, willing to give her everything he had, respecting and cherishing her. Isn’t what a woman desires most in life a man who truly understands and cares for her?

The only flaw in this perfection was that she no longer loved Harrison Sheridan.

Come to think of it, maybe the person Julian Hawthorne truly loved deep down was still her, Helen Hale. He only hid his feelings for the sake of family interests.

It was supposed to be her and Julian Hawthorne united as lovers, but Paige Sterling tore them apart.

Such a malicious woman deserves never to find love or receive her husband’s true affections.

As she thought about this, a smile finally appeared on Helen Hale’s face, and she even tried comforting Paige Sterling, though her words sounded every bit like schadenfreude.

"Oh Paige, on such an important day, how could Julian just leave like that? Look at you; you can’t even smile, must be feeling awful inside. But don’t be too upset; Julian must have left only for something important. As his wife, you should understand and sympathize with him..."

She added, "Don’t be sad; I’m here with you..."

Paige Sterling showed no expression, but her eyes seemed to carry a slight, ironic smile.

Helen Hale, however, interpreted Paige Sterling’s demeanor as being overwhelmed by sadness, leaving her unable to show any emotion.

She sighed and said to Paige Sterling, "Paige, sometimes I truly pity you. No matter how high your status is now, it’s just superficial. The things women most desire are extravagances for you. The happiness of ordinary women is something you’ll never experience in your lifetime. I know your smiles in public are just to conceal your inner loneliness. Why do you live like this? Recognize your true self, abandon those illusory fame and wealth, and follow your heart to pursue what you truly want, isn’t that better? Like me, although Harrison can’t give me the most luxurious wedding dress in the world, he gives me a unique love. He places me in the most important position in his heart, giving me everything he can offer. For me, that’s my ultimate happiness; I wouldn’t trade it for money, status, or power..."

She spoke emotionally, as if eager for Paige Sterling to immediately forsake the current fame and wealth to pursue so-called love without money or status.

Yet with her level of intelligence, it’s doubtful where she found the confidence to think she could brainwash others.

Harrison Sheridan, encouraged by Helen Hale’s flattery, straightened his back, gazing deeply at Helen Hale.

Earlier, when Julian Hawthorne was present, he felt outmatched in every way by Julian.

Now, Helen Hale’s words had finally given him a bit of self-assurance.

He also chimed in, "Miss Sterling, yes, indeed, for women, the most important thing is to find a capable man who pampers them. Charging into battles should be left to the men. Women being too headstrong isn’t cute and won’t be loved by men..."

He believed that as a man, his words were very representative.

From his standpoint, even though he coveted the benefits brought by Paige Sterling, he would hesitate to marry a woman like her.

What man would wish for his wife to be more capable than himself?

Women should play their role, staying at home quietly, waiting for men’s affection. The career should be left to men.

He thought if Paige Sterling would hand over her career to him, he might consider marrying her.

The more Harrison Sheridan thought about it, the more it seemed right. "Actually, Miss Sterling, you still have time to regret. You’re friends with Helen, so you’re my friend too. If you’re struggling to handle this, I can help you..."

Paige Sterling being with Julian Hawthorne only elevated Julian’s status; he hoped they would separate.

After all, men can feel jealous too.

Even if they did separate, he might still not compare to Julian Hawthorne.

But it wouldn’t hurt to imagine.

Paige Sterling chuckled, her gaze sweeping over both of them, thinking they actually seemed well-matched, a true heavenly pair.

"I understand why Mr. Sheridan might say that; after all, your abilities and looks are average, you’re afraid of women surpassing you, afraid of being told you’re inferior to a woman. That’s understandable, but it’s wrong for Mr. Sheridan to generalize based on personal fears. Outstanding men are never afraid when their women excel them. They take pride in their wives’ excellence, and that’s why you’re Harrison Sheridan, while Julian Hawthorne is Julian Hawthorne."

Paige Sterling spoke with a smile, but every word felt like a dagger piercing Harrison Sheridan’s pride, shattering his masculine dignity to dust.

His face turned pale, and for a moment, his lips quivered, unable to utter a word.

Helen Hale’s face also turned sour. No matter what, she was now engaged to Harrison Sheridan. Paige Sterling’s words not only crushed his dignity but hurt her pride too.

She was about to say something when Julian Hawthorne returned.

He said to Paige Sterling, "Your lunch is here. Let’s eat first."

So, Julian Hawthorne had gone to get Paige’s lunch.

Paige hadn’t eaten much today, and since Julian didn’t have time to cook, he had ordered from Paige’s favorite restaurant.

Paige nodded and smiled at Julian Hawthorne, "Mr. Hawthorne, you’re so considerate."

Julian Hawthorne replied, "Haven’t I always been considerate to you?"

Paige said, "You have been, but others don’t know."

Julian Hawthorne continued, "Why should others know? As long as you know."

Their sweetness was evident, clearly showing that this was their usual interaction. Julian’s warm gaze towards Paige couldn’t possibly be faked.

Helen Hale and Harrison Sheridan felt their faces burn as if they had been slapped multiple times.

Just moments ago, she was mocking Paige Sterling for her superficial relationship with Julian Hawthorne, thinking that deep down, Julian still loved her.

But reality gave her a harsh slap, indeed.

How could Julian Hawthorne not love Paige Sterling? If he didn’t, why would he take their wedding seriously? If he didn’t love her, why would he notice when Paige hadn’t had lunch?

Yet, the man she always bragged about, being sincerely devoted to her, Harrison Sheridan, hadn’t noticed she was still hungry.

She realized she had orchestrated a large-scale moment of self-embarrassment.

Helen Hale glared intensely at the couple, her eyes filled with bitterness.

"Julian, after all these years, I just discovered today that your acting skills are quite impressive, making everything seem real whether you like it or not. Even we outsiders believed it..."