Lost Love and New Beginnings

Sadie asked instead, "How about you? Were you being loving to me?"

Chad was taken aback. He frowned and replied, "Of course. You're the apple of my eye."

Sadie used to love his sweet talking, but all she felt now was disgust.

"Stop overanalyzing the situation. I'm not feeling well today, so I'd like to rest early. You should go back to your room."

When Sadie got him to leave again, Chad finally told her the reason he was there. "I have a business meeting with Mr. Umbridge tonight, Sadie. You know how difficult he can be. If you're not there, I might lose the contract."

Mr. Umbridge was from the real estate industry. He was known as a heavy drinker and a lecher. Even Sadie could not escape from being harassed every time they had dinner with him.

Chad ignored that she was not feeling well and still wanted her to socialize with him.

Her tired heart ached from the realization.

"I'm exhausted today. I don't feel like drinking."

Chad looked slightly shocked. He did not expect Sadie to reject him right away.

He tried to hold back his temper as he cajoled Sadie. "I'm sorry to brush your health aside, Sadie.

"But Mr. Umbridge holds the power to develop the land in your hometown. He is in contact with a major stock farming owner and plans to level the graveyards to build a pig farm. That's the reason why I'm eager to get the project. At the very least, I can help retain some memories of your home."

This took Sadie aback.

She could turn away from anything but her mother's grave. She had a right to that land. She could not allow this to happen.

While she was thinking about this, Sadie glanced at Chad. There was a chance that he did care about her.

Chad's thin lips tightened. "You should get some rest, Sadie. I'll talk to Mr. Umbridge and figure out a way to get the project."

"Wait! I'll go with you. Give me half an hour to prepare." Sadie got out of bed and dressed up within half an hour.

When she walked out of the bedroom, she saw Josie outside as well. Josie had put on exquisite makeup and looked like she was going to attend an event that night too.

Chad explained, "Josie is my secretary, and she needs to gain more experience. I'll be taking her along with us tonight to learn from you, Sadie."

"You've always helped Chad in business negotiations, Sadie. Let me share this burden with him now. You can stop worrying about it from now on."

Sadie was preoccupied with ways to convince Mr. Umbridge to stop the project, so she ignored Josie's words.

When they arrived at the venue, Chad pulled Josie away when she was about to sit next to Mr. Umbridge. He berated her angrily.

"Have some sense! That seat was never meant for you. It belongs to Sadie."

Chad moved to the side to reveal Sadie behind him. He gave her a slight push.

She sat right next to Mr. Umbridge.

Mr. Umbridge smiled widely at her. His expression was lewd. "You really have your ways, Mr. Simmons. I heard Miss Ellis has been recuperating at home for a while, but you still managed to get her to come here."

Chad was delighted at being praised. "You're much too kind, Mr. Umbridge. Sadie came to reconnect with you when she heard you were coming."

Mr. Umbridge was a plump man. He looked Sadie over lecherously. "How about a drink, Miss Ellis?"

Before Sadie could reply, Chad immediately answered. "She'd be delighted to drink with you."

Chad ordered a case of vodka for Sadie. He smiled and said, "We'll make sure you have fun tonight, Mr. Umbridge."

After that, Chad whispered to Sadie, "It's up to you to protect that piece of land now, Sadie. Don't mess this up."

Sadie was slightly taken aback and smiled bitterly.

Chad used to get upset when others gave her trouble while drinking. "I'm so sorry you have to suffer because of my incompetence, Sadie. You'll never have to humiliate yourself and drink with these men once I become successful."

He had gained traction in the business world now, but he had become even more adept at using Sadie to socialize for business.