'I was nervous because you scared me, ' Evelyn thought. But she didn't want to risk being at the receiving end of Carlos' wrath, so she kept that part to herself. "It's just a minor issue. I'll come home to take care of Gwyn after I deal with this."
"No need for that. Do what you've got to do. Your mom and I want to spend more time with Gwyn." Carlos knew that Gwyn would eventually be taken away from him to the Tang family. So, while he still could, he wanted to spend more time with his granddaughter.
Despite his stubbornness, Evelyn knew that her father had accepted Sheffield. He wanted them to get along with each other.
He didn't hate Sheffield much now. Debbie had told her that it was Carlos who had taken care of the matter with Sexton. He had also told Debbie to ask her to remind Sheffield to be careful, because Sexton was likely to seek vengeance by mixing up personal affairs and business.
Evelyn was moved to tears when Debbie had told her. "Thank you, Dad," she said warmly.
Carlos flashed a smile, but his tone stubbornly showed a trace of annoyance. "Don't thank me yet. I'll give you six months. If that brat doesn't marry you by the end of this year, I swear I won't give him another chance!"
"Okay, Dad!" She had to work hard for her own happiness, so that her parents could stop worrying about her.
If Sheffield was still unwilling to yield, then she would have to change her strategy.
Debbie was standing next to Carlos with Gwyn in her arms. After he hung up, she asked anxiously, "How did you know that Evelyn was going to see Sheffield?"
"I know my daughter better than anyone," Carlos said with an unfathomable look on his face.
Debbie sighed. "Do you think it was Sheffield who had made that love declaration on the screen of Theo Group's building?" Even Miranda, who had moved to Germany, had heard about the public love declaration. So, of course, Debbie would know too.
"Who else could be so ostentatious?" Carlos scoffed.
Debbie disagreed, "How is it ostentatious? He is romantic and is an emotionally available man. It's a rare sight these days. You should learn from him. I had suffered so much because of your indifference."
Carlos was dispirited as he was reminded of the old days. He reached out and embraced his wife and granddaughter. Smiling at Debbie, he said, "That was a long time ago, Deb. Why are you mentioning the past now?" He decided to tread carefully. He didn't want to piss her off and drive her away from home again.
Debbie rolled her eyes at him and then giggled at the girl in her arms. She teased Gwyn in a coddling tone, "Sweetie, tell Grandpa to go away. You and I are the closest, aren't we?"
"What? Didn't you say that I was the closest to you?" Carlos was jealous.
"That was before." Debbie snickered and snuggled closer to his chest.
"I disagree. No matter how much time passes and how old we become, you and I will always be the best partnership! After Gwyn is taken to the Tang family, don't you want to travel the world with me?" Carlos had long been prepared for their world tour.
Debbie shook her head and said tauntingly, "No, I'm not going to take you with me. I'll find a handsome young man and spend the rest of my life with him."
Carlos' face turned gloomy. "Young men will not satisfy your taste. Tonight, after Gwyn falls asleep, I'll prove to you that older men are always more charming."
Debbie blushed scarlet with embarrassment. She glared at him and snapped, "Gwyn is here. Watch what you're saying." To hide her shy face, Debbie walked away from Carlos.
Staring at the basketball Gwyn was holding, Carlos asked, "It's strange, isn't it?"
"What is strange?"
"Why does she like Joshua so much?" Gwyn used to hold the dinosaurs Joshua had bought for her all the time, and now she wouldn't let go of the ball.
Debbie brushed it off. "I don't think it's a big deal. Maybe she thinks he is good-looking."
Carlos frowned and said, "You think everyone prefers handsome guys like you do?"
"And what's wrong with that? If you were not handsome, I wouldn't have fallen for you."
"Oh? Are you saying I'm handsome?"
Debbie didn't have a choice but to echo. "Yes, yes. My husband is the most handsome of all."
Carlos smiled. He kissed Debbie on the cheek and said in his ear, "And my wife is the best."
Debbie reached out one hand to hit him playfully. "Gwyn is looking. Aren't you ashamed?"
Carlos snickered. He kissed Gwyn's forehead and said, "My sweet granddaughter, come to Grandpa." He had come back home early just to spend some time with Gwyn.
The little girl obediently leaned towards Carlos. As soon as he held her in his arms, Carlos' mood elevated. "Let's go to the yard and pick some flowers."
Debbie groaned. "Don't do that. Gwyn spread flowers all over the garden last time."
"None of it went to waste. The servants dried the flowers, and Terilynn used them all."
She sighed helplessly, "Fine! As long as you're happy."
Carlos corrected her with a smile, "No, as long as Gwyn is happy."
Debbie returned his smile and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner for Gwyn.
Once Sheffield got off work, he texted Evelyn. "Miss Huo, are you free now?"
Evelyn felt a dull pain in her temples when she saw he was still addressing her as "Miss Huo." "In a minute," she replied.
"Okay! I'll take a shower and wait for you naked."
Evelyn gasped. 'How shameless is this man?' she thought, shaking her head. She could imagine his playful face.
Sheffield got into his car but didn't start the engine. He grabbed his laptop and contacted the head of a media company which had a good reputation. He mailed, "I have breaking news about Sheffield Tang. I will give it to you for five million dollars. Interested in buying?"
"I will take it for three million!" the head haggled. Sheffield was a rising powerful man in Y City and the hottest topic of conversation these days. The head of the media company felt that it was worth it to pay three million for a piece of sensational news about him.
Yet Sheffield was frustrated. 'News about me is worth only three million?' That was not good enough for him. "It concerns Evelyn Huo as well. Five million. If you are not willing, I'll find someone else."
"Deal! Shall we talk face to face?"
"No need. I prefer to do the transaction online," Sheffield told him. There was a special transaction platform for the media and the informants to make such deals.
"Okay."
"Good. Have someone wait at the entrance of ZL Group's office to follow Evelyn's car. You'll see."
The head sent him a furious emoji. "Are you kidding me? She has bodyguards. What if Carlos Huo finds out someone is tailing his daughter? We will be done for!"
"Fine, then follow Sheffield Tang. Now!"
"Got it!"
After waiting for a few minutes, Sheffield started the car.
As soon as he left the parking lot, a low-key domestic car caught up with him from behind.
He grinned and thought, 'The man in charge is efficient. I like it.'
Sheffield knew that the journalist wouldn't be able to enter his community. So, he told the security guard at the gate in advance, "My friend's car is right behind mine. Let him in."
"Okay, Mr. Tang."