Chapter 179

Chapter 179

From the moment Adam appeared, all of Sloane's pretenses in front of Matthew had lost their effect.

Playing pitiful didn't work. Playing innocent didn't work. No matter how hard she performed, his gaze never lingered on her.

Just then, Sloane's phone rang.

Thinking it was Matthew, she immediately answered.

However, it was Ryder's voice.

All the blood in Sloane's body froze.

"Transfer another million." Ryder's voice came through, the background noisy—like he was at a bar.

Music and clinking glasses mixed together, making her temples throb.

"What? Are you dreaming!" Sloane's voice shot up.

"Didn't I just transfer a million not long ago? And gave you a car!"

"You've already spent all that money?"

"That little bit—how's it enough?" Ryder sneered, his tone light.

"Spent it on Dad's medical bills."

"I'm getting married. Want to have the wedding at Seraphim. That all costs money."

"A million might not even be enough. Transfer it first. If it's not enough, I'll ask for more."

Sloane was almost amused by his righteous tone.

He spoke so casually, as if her money grew on trees.

And she didn't believe a word about Sawyer's medical bills!

Just days ago she'd seen her mother's social media post about vacationing with Sawyer!

"I don't have that much money. Figure it out yourself!"

"Don't have that much?" Ryder sounded like he'd heard the world's biggest joke.

"If you don't have money, go ask Matthew!"

Sloane's nails dug deep into her palms.

"Haven't you seen the news? Matthew's already secretly married! Asking him won't help!"

Saying this made her heart bleed.

This was the reality she least wanted to admit, yet now she had to say it herself to block her family's greed.

Ryder sneered indifferently. "That's got nothing to do with me. Figure it out yourself."

"You don't want me to tell Matthew about your little secrets, do you?"

"If I can't afford a wedding and my fiancée breaks up with me, I'm dragging you down no matter what."

"I'll go to Limbo Inc. and have a good chat with Matthew about how you got to Europe!"

"Ryder Elikin!" Sloane roared.

But Ryder didn't care, even sounded cocky. "You're a woman. You can't inherit the family business anyway. Won't all the money be mine eventually?"

"I'm just getting an advance. By tomorrow night, the money needs to be in my account. Otherwise, you know what happens."

He hung up.

When Sloane called back, the phone was already off.

She stood there, her face pale as paper.

Her chest heaved violently. She suddenly kicked the nearby fire hydrant with a loud crash.

Her foot went numb with pain, but the frustration in her heart hurt more than her foot.

A million—it wasn't that she couldn't afford it.

But the last transfer had been less than a month ago. Every time it was a million. Like a bottomless pit, endless.

No matter how much money she had, she couldn't keep giving like this.

She took a deep breath. Matthew's image from moments ago flashed through her mind.

He'd smiled, holding Adam's hand, walking away without looking back.

It was all Adam's fault.

If not for her, how would Matthew's attitude toward her have changed so much?

If there was no Adam, when Matthew had his accident, she would have stayed at the hospital with him and never encountered Ryder, never been blackmailed repeatedly.

If there was no Adam, at Marsha's funeral, Matthew's secret marriage wouldn't have been widely reported, making her look like a fool.

And the Dairy Haven Group bid too!

After the presentation, she'd sought out those shareholders she'd worked so hard to cultivate, but they were all cold to her.

All because of this woman!

This woman was the root of all her misfortunes!

Thinking of something, Sloane suddenly sneered and finally calmed down a bit.

She got in her car, closed the windows, pulled out a backup phone, and sent a message.

[Have you found the person I asked you to find?]

The reply came quickly. [Found. As soon as payment arrives, can act immediately.]

Sloane coldly replied with one word. [Good.]

During her years married into that European political family, though frequently abused, she'd accumulated some wealth.

When returning home, she hadn't exchanged the currency but left it with a local bank to manage.

After over three years, with principal and interest, it was over five million euros.

She first transferred a $500,000 deposit.

Adam, let me see how you compete with me when you're dead.

The other party quickly sent confirmation.

Sloane thought for a moment, then sent Ryder's information.

"One more person. How much?"

Keeping Ryder around would only mean endless exploitation.

All resources would be used by her parents to fill Ryder's bottomless pit, leaving her with nothing.

Ryder would push for more and more until he bled her dry.

Killing one or two—what's the difference?

All potential obstacles between her and Matthew—she'd eliminate them all!

The reply came quickly. "Two hundred thousand."

Sloane's lips curved: Really... so much cheaper than Adam.

She transferred without hesitation.

After finishing all this, her expression finally returned to normal.

She leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes, and thought to herself:

'Sloane, be patient. Give yourself time.

You've waited so many years. What's a little longer?

Once these obstacles are gone, Matthew will definitely end up with you.

Definitely.

When that time comes, all of this will just be passing clouds.'

She took a deep breath, started the car, and left the parking garage.



Meanwhile, Evelyn had just fastened her seatbelt when Matthew stuck to her like glue, leaning his whole body on her shoulder.

"Can you be serious?" Evelyn pushed him away impatiently.

As if remembering something, she told the driver, "Actually, don't go to the apartment first. Let's go to the hospital."

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Matthew immediately sat up straight, visibly tense, his whole demeanor changing.

"Going to check your finger at the hospital so you can't accuse me later." Evelyn replied irritably.

Matthew lowered his head without speaking, lips pressed together.

He felt aggrieved inside.

When had he ever accused her? She was the one being cold, forcing him to play pitiful for attention.

Soon they arrived at the hospital.

The doctor unwrapped the bandage and examined it:

"The wound is somewhat deep, but fortunately it was well cared for before."

"Just watch your diet and it'll heal soon."

The doctor instructed. Matthew nodded.

"Thank you, doctor." Evelyn said politely.

They left the hospital together and got back in the car.

By the time they reached the apartment, it was afternoon. Just as Evelyn was about to go upstairs, Matthew stopped her.

"Hungry? Want to grab something to eat?"

He paused. "I remember you used to really like the pasta nearby."

Evelyn froze, then nodded.

She'd left early this morning and skipped lunch. She was indeed hungry.

Matthew was much more attentive than before, actually thinking to ask if she'd eaten.

"That restaurant is still open?" She was a bit curious.

"Yeah." Matthew took her hand and walked toward the nearby street.

As soon as they reached the corner, Evelyn caught that familiar aroma, her steps unconsciously quickening.

"Still smells the same as before." She said to Matthew with a smile.

Seeing her smile, Matthew's heart melted completely.

He felt that buying this restaurant had been the most worthwhile thing he'd ever done.

She seemed a bit surprised and pleased.

"It's still exactly like before." She murmured softly.

Matthew smiled without saying anything.