slowly falling for you

how the persistent

CHAPTER 6

(HOW PERSISTENT!)

After hanging up the phone, Sharlene's excitement and joy quickly faded away.

The monthly cost of around one and a half million was overwhelming and left her

feeling helpless. Before the financial crisis, the Wood family could easily

afford to spend one to two million each month for her mother's treatment, but

now...

"Sharlene," Maggie came upstairs and immediately noticed her sister's gloomy expression. She couldn't help but tease, "What’s with the long face? Did Dad

scold you?"

Sharlene frowned. "Do you want me to get scolded?"

"Come on, don’t say that!" Maggie replied innocently. "I’m just concerned about

you. Isn’t today your homecoming day? It’s already sad enough that your expression. She couldn't help but tease, "What’s with the long face? Did Dad

scold you?"

Sharlene frowned. "Do you want me to get scolded?"

"Come on, don’t say that!" Maggie replied innocently. "I’m just concerned about

you. Isn’t today your homecoming day? It’s already sad enough that your husband

isn’t here with you. If Dad is angry at you too... Seriously, since you’re

married to him, why isn’t he here? Is he still mad about that hotel incident?"

Maggie managed to say the wrong thing.

Sharlene replied irritably, "He’s busy." "Busy? That’s not a good excuse," Maggie said with a pout. "The truth is that he

doesn’t care about you."

Sharlene let out a slow breath and decided to ignore Maggie as she headed

downstairs. After all these years, she and Maggie never seemed to get along,

even after her years abroad. "Sharlene," Rowan rushed over as she saw Sharlene coming down. "Did your dad

lose his temper with you?"

At Rowan's concern, Sharlene shook her head. "No."

"You have to understand him; he’s under a lot of pressure lately," Rowan

hesitated before continuing, "Can Trenton help us out?" She chuckled awkwardly, "I know it’s not proper to talk about money right after

you get married, but the Wood family can’t fall apart. They say there’s a new

medication at the nursing home that could really help your mother. Even if it’s

not for our family, you should at least think about your mom."Sharlene nodded. "I understand. I have other things to do, so I won't stay for

dinner tonight."

***

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is not available..."

Listening to the gentle voice on the phone, Sharlene bit her lip and forced a smile. She had lost count of how many times she had called Trenton. Either he

didn’t answer, or he was already on another call. She knew he was doing it on

purpose.

Due to their marriage agreement and the fact that Sharlene needed his help, she

didn’t dare to go directly to the Howard’s place to find Trenton. Instead, she

returned to Starry Bay, hoping he would come back tonight.

Starry Bay was their matrimonial home. It was a spacious three-story villa, covering over ten thousand square feet. The backyard featured a large garden,

and there was a private swimming pool in front. In a city like City A, where

every inch of land was precious, owning such property was not only a symbol of

status and power but also a strong testament to economic strength.

Sharlene sat in the living room, feeling anxious.

It was already 9:30 PM, and Trenton still hadn’t returned.

The Wood family didn’t have much time, especially her mother.

So, Sharlene wasn’t able to wait patiently any longer.

After making two more calls with the same result, she thought for a moment and

dialed another number—

"Navid..."

At the same time, Navid held the phone in one hand and a wine glass in the

other, casually draping his arm over the shoulder of the woman beside him. He

looked laid-back, but curiosity sparked in his eyes as he raised an eyebrow.

"Sharlene?"

There was music in the room, but not too loud, allowing Trenton, who was sitting

across from Navid, to hear every word clearly.

Sharlene?

Trenton narrowed his eyes in displeasure. He swirled the whiskey in his glass, a

cold smirk curling at the corners of his lips. Sharlene certainly knew how to

track him down. How persistent!

"You are looking for Trenton?" Navid suddenly raised his voice a little,

glancing over at Trenton with a hint of gloating amusement in his gaze. Trenton shot him a cold look in return, then cast a meaningful glance at the

phone in Navid's hand.

Having grown up alongside Trenton, Navid knew him well, even without a word

spoken.

So, he switched on the speakerphone.

Meanwhile, Sharlene, who was at Starry Bay, went straight to the point. She

directly asked, "Navid, is Trent with you?"