“What made you say this?” Dolores asked.
Jasmine paused and then said, “You were a successful career woman and do not have to rely on
anyone but now, you gave up your career to stay at home to be a housewife.”
Jasmine felt that it was unfair that women had to hide behind their men. A family’s state should depend
on the cooperation of both parties.
Dolores smiled and said, “Confused?”
Jasmine was puzzled and asked, “Confused about what?”
“You said that a family should depend on both husband and the wife. But then the woman had to give
up on her career. Isn’t that a confusing conflict?”
Dolores said after a pause, “Indeed both parties need to contribute. The husband contributes by going
out to earn a salary while the woman contributes by staying at home to take care of the kids. Both are
contributing in their own ways to the family.”
Jasmine thought for a while and agreed, “But I don’t wish to depend on him.”
Because of her experiences, she felt insecure to depend on a person for her livelihood.
Jasmine was worried that should Boyce have a change of heart, then she would lose everything, even
her means of supporting herself. It was not about love or trust. Her parent’s unfortunate marriage had
caused her to be looking out for herself.
Dolores understood her concerns. It was important for a woman to be independent and self-confident.
Only then can she truly live radiantly?
“Will you continue to pursue your career in the future?” Jasmine asked Dolores.
Dolores said no. She had already transferred her shop in C city to Theresa and so she would not
interfere with it anymore.
She smiled and said, “I’m not afraid of him forsaking me. In any case, I am controlling his finances. If
he ditches me, I’ll be able to live a comfortable life without any worries.”
Jasmine smiled, “Indeed, it is important to have money.”
Dolores chuckled as well.
“Come over to my place and we can continue to chat,” Dolores said.
Jasmine agreed since she had nothing to do anyway. She also enjoyed chatting with Dolores.
The sky turned red during sunset.
Boyce stepped out of the station was about to get into his car when his cell phone vibrated. Jasmine
just messaged him. He took out his cellphone and saw the message, ‘I’m at Dolores’ place. Come over
if you can make it for dinner.’
He then heard someone speaking nearby and he instinctively looked in that direction and saw a figure.
He gently walked over and concealed himself among some bushes and saw Wendy and Michael. They
both looked troubled.
“Didn’t you say that you can bring him down? Why are you silent now?” Michael was sitting next to a
pond and said sarcastically, “I must be mad to believe you. Now it is obvious that I had gone against
him and I wouldn’t have an easy time from now on. He will definitely make things difficult for me.”
Wendy frowned, “I had made the necessary arrangements, how could you screw things up? Or are you
just a screw-up? No wonder you can’t get promoted.” She was infuriated. She had met her previous
prospective husband at the restaurant and lost face. She wanted to get even.
Michael scoffed on hearing her ridicule, “No wonder Boyce doesn’t want anything to do with you.”
“You…” Wendy was furious and raised her hand to strike Michael. Now she was no longer sheltered by
Officer Miller. He grabbed Wendy’s hand and viciously flung it away. Wendy was caught off guard, lost
her balance, and fell to the ground. She struck her elbow during the fall and started to bleed.
“Are you insane?” She glared at him angrily.
Michael looked at her coldly down upon her, “Yes, I am indeed insane. Otherwise, I would not have
joined your scheme to frame someone. Now I will be honest and report against you. You will face the
consequences of your actions and not your father.”
“Don’t forget that you are involved.” Wendy stood up and grabbed his shirt, “Will Boyce go easy on you
when he finds out?”
“All I did was to speak up when the inspectorate came to investigate him. You were the one who made
the complaint and sent the money. What had these got to do with me?”
Wendy glared with her eyes wide open and then asked him, “Do you intend to burn bridges with me?”
Michael scoffed, “I did not. Boyce is still the commissioner. No one is threatening his position. Now the
investigation is only going through the procedure. Now not only did I not gain anything, but I am being
tarnished instead. Don’t ever look for me again.” He left thereafter.
Wendy stood in place and was stunned for a long time. She could not understand how this plot was
thwarted by Boyce.
Boyce stopped the recording and kept his cellphone. He walked away nonchalantly but he already had
in mind what he was going to do next.
Wendy was a nasty woman who repeatedly tried to harm Jasmine. Now the plot was against him and
who knew what form it would take the next time? He had to do something about this and not just let the
matter rest. Otherwise, he would have no peace.
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