Although the Wheeler family had never treated her well, they still served as a semnce of support when she was weak and helpless.


    Never mind that they were always unreliable.


    Leona was pleased by Lindsays apparentpliance.


    Afterforting her a bit more with empty words of concern, the olddy forged ahead with her main purpose.


    When Matthew gets here, ask him to put up a store for you.


    This is a promising opportunity, and you cant afford to miss it.


    Lindsay was startled, and it showed on her face.


    But I dont need a store, she said.


    I just want to stay by Matthews side.


    Im not interested in anything else, and Ive never even considered opening a business.


    You silly girl! Betsey scolded her.


    Why settle for a dead-end job when you can be your own boss? Even if the shop doesnt work out, you can always sell the property and make a profit out of it.


    Dont you realize that this is a Prosperity Group property? Just flipping it would make you a fortune. And if you really dont want it, you can always give it to Robin.


    Were all family.


    He will never let you suffer.


    Lindsay sneered inwardly at that, but she had to admit that Betseys proposal was rather tempting.


    She didnt have any assets of her own, after all, while Ste had her studio and a growingwork of influential connections.


    Lindsay needed to find a way to outshine her.


    Perhaps this store was just the opportunity she needed.


    Soon after, Matthew arrived.


    Hismanding presence instantly silenced the room.


    He walked to the table with steady, purposeful strides, and took a seat.


    His back was ramrod straight, and he exuded a cold and imposing aura.


    Robin shrank back like a frightened quail.


    Despite his usual arrogance, he instinctively felt small in the face of the forbidding Matthew. Betsey, too, was visibly daunted and didnt dare to make a sound.


    It was Leona who broke the silence first.


    She stered a smile on her face and said, Thank you for facilitating Robins release, Matthew.


    We didnt mean to cause so much trouble when we went to your grandparents house.


    Please consider this meal an apology from our family to yours.


    Matthews brows furrowed slightly.


    I had nothing to do with Robins release, he rified in an indifferent tone.


    Leona and Betsey exchanged a look of surprise.


    Across the table, Lindsay was just as stunned, though she quickly regained herposure.


    Their bewilderment did not escape Matthews notice.


    He found their reactions odd, but chose not to voice it out.


    It doesnt matter how it happened, Leona said, trying to smooth things over.


    The important thing is that Robin is free now. She deftly shifted the topic to Lindsay, saying, I had just joined the Wheeler family when Lindsay was sent to live with the rk family.


    Ive only seen her a handful of times.


    Back then, I wanted to take her back to raise her myself, but Lucia wouldnt allow it.


    I thought that… Well, the rk family didnt have many heirs, and Lucia did need someone by her side.


    Besides, it was thest wish of Lindsays grandmother before she died, so I reluctantly stepped back.


    Matthew listened in silence, his expression unreadable.


    As the seconds ticked by, the air in the room grew awkward, until it was thick and heavy with tension.


    Eager to end the meal, Robin said bluntly, Lindsay is nning to open a shop.


    You should help her, Matthew.


    His tone was demanding and unapologetic, as though it was a matter of course, even expected of Matthew.


    Matthews expression remained nk, but he slowly turned his gaze to Lindsay.


    Lindsay was horrified by Robins rudeness.


    When she caught Matthews nce, she didnt hesitate to scold Robin.


    How can you say that? Where are your manners?