?Chapter 1500:


    A momentter, Giselle’s voice, calm yet purposeful, echoed across the table. “I have a friend who could introduce you to someone special. When you know what you want in a partner, just let me know.”


    Sandra, unsure of Giselle’s motives, gave a small, obedient nod.


    Dalton spoke next, his tone warm but cautionary. “In the future, tread carefully with men who approach you. Those who chase too quickly often aren’t worth your heart, like Andres.”


    Sandra came to the realization that although the Harper family might not have warmed to her, they had never schemed against or deceived her—they simply didn’t like her. Reflecting on their perspective, she could see why. As an unexpected addition to the family, not sharing the same mother, theirck of affection made sense. In fact, their restraint in not mocking or belittling her was alreadymendable.


    Besides, her three siblings had even offered her money and gifts—what right did she have to hold a grudge against them?


    She resolved to be grateful for her situation and not let Andres’ words sow discord between her and her family.


    A pang of guilt hit her; she shouldn’t have trusted Keira’s ims that the Harper family was always plotting to drive her away.


    They were, in truth, good people. With this in mind, she spoke up. “I’m sorry; I misunderstood you all. I shouldn’t have dismissed your warnings.”


    Shepard noticed her siblings’ silence and said, “There’s no need for apologies among family. In the future, keep your eyes open. We have the resources to find you someone far better than Andres.”


    Recently, he had sensed a growing distance from Brenna, Ernst, and Dalton—especially Brenna, who barely spoke to him at dinner, limiting their conversations to business matters.


    After eating, Brenna left promptly, and Shepard followed her. “Brenna,” he called by her car, his face shadowed with sorrow. “Why haven’t you been talking to me muchtely?”


    Start your next adventure at gα?ησv???s


    Brenna met his gaze for a moment, her expression cool and unmoved, betraying no emotion.


    Shepard knew this look—she was utterly disappointed in him. He suspected her coldness stemmed from his affairs with other women when he was out socializing.


    Though Brenna understood his social interactions were often part of his job, she didn’t condone his affairs. She replied with a hint of scorn, “What do you mean? Isn’t this normal for us?”


    Shepard’s brow furrowed. “I’ve had too many social obligations over the years, but I’ve been declining themtely. Brenna, forgive me. I know it was wrong, but back…”


    then, your brothers were young, and the Harper Group depended on me. Please try to understand me.”


    .


    .


    .