Chubby Mommy: Scheming Daddy, Surrender Now!-Chapter 343: Go Home and Visit

Ruby Sullivan lay wearily on Ethan Sterling, letting him lead her in a swirl across the dance floor.

Since her relationship with Ethan Sterling had stabilized, she hadn’t felt this anxious about losing him. No matter what she did, she couldn’t calm the unease in her heart.

Even as she was immersed in the gentle dance, her face was shadowed with worry.

"I didn’t expect you to dance so well." Ethan Sterling, noticing his wife’s unhappiness, tried to distract her.

Thinking of the person who taught her to dance, a brief discomfort flashed across Ruby Sullivan’s face. "When I was out of shape, I really couldn’t, and I knew I looked clumsy dancing. So back then, when my father wanted me to learn a bit, I avoided it as much as I could."

Ethan Sterling regretted his choice of topic, realizing it was the dullest he could have picked. As he racked his brain to change the atmosphere, he saw her looking at him with a sudden determination in her eyes.

"Mr. Sterling, many of the skills I have now were taught by others, but I want you to know, from now on, I only want to dance with you. My efforts in perfumery are also to stand at the same height as you, to stand shoulder to shoulder and see the world together."

Ethan Sterling was momentarily stunned, struck by this unexpected confession. If it weren’t for the many eyes around, he would have kissed her breathless.

He smiled slightly, leaving a kiss on her forehead, "Thank you." In truth, you don’t need to tire yourself out. All I want is for you to be happy. But saying these words aloud felt contrived, so he kept them in his heart, believing she’d understand one day.

Oscar Hughes, the photographer outside the dance floor, happened to capture their tender gaze, habitually picking up his phone to perfectly preserve the moment.

Ethan Sterling’s gaze was gentle, and in the ripples of his eyes, only her silhouette resided. Ruby Sullivan’s lips curved subtly, slightly raising her head, filled with admiration and love.

How could such a couple possible be the supposedly frivolous and insubstantial dramatic pair rumored about?

Being VS’s designated photographer, taking photos of the two was purely out of professional habit, plus their previous collaboration had been delightful. There was no commercial intent, so he planned to print the pictures as gifts for them.

As the song ended, the lights in the venue suddenly dimmed. On stage, Rhonda Sullivan stood in the spotlight, smiling, though it was clear her mouth was slightly crooked to one side.

"Thank you all for attending today’s banquet." Rhonda Sullivan spoke slowly, making it evident that these aftereffects would never fully disappear.

No one knew how long The Sullivan Group would last after breaking away from Sterling, but the reason so many people showed up today was mainly to connect with Dr. L. The perfume godfather title was set aside; few present were truly interested in perfumery. What they valued was his position as the head of The Lawson Group.

"Many here may not know why I disappeared for so long. Of course, numerous reports claimed I went mad. Indeed, last year I suffered extreme emotional distress following an accidental miscarriage, but fortunately, I pulled through."

The crowd offered scattered applause, respecting this inspirational tale, though no one expected her to mention such matters at today’s event. Suddenly, there was a sense of spectators just watching events unfold.

Last year’s affair between her and Ethan Sterling had been wildly publicized. Later, rumors emerged that the eldest son of The Finn Family wanted to marry her. During the Sinclair-Finn trade war, The Finn Family didn’t even last as long as media speculated, quickly collapsing and vanishing. Reportedly, The Finn Family planned to move back home for a fresh start, but they tragically died in a car accident on the way, with no survivors.

The sole survivor was Yvonne Finn, who had early on sold her shares to Aidan Sinclair, severing all ties with The Finn Family, and moved abroad.

There were even claims that Yvonne Finn’s wedding incident was no accident. By then, Naomi Sinclair was terminally ill, and Aidan Sinclair had his eyes on The Finn Family. It was said he had long been planning this.

The truth of these matters was beyond outsiders’ knowledge. But following this incident, the business magnates of Ariston learned of the Sterling and Sinclair heirs’ ruthlessness, prompting added caution.

This year, Rhonda Sullivan returned to The Sullivan Group and boldly announced a collaboration with The Lawson Group. Given the previous major events, it inevitably sparked some anticipation.

The Sullivan Group, after all, was a long-established enterprise, and the veteran executives present with their juniors tonight genuinely didn’t wish to see The Sullivan Group quickly fade from the stage of history.

Over recent years, both The Sinclair Group and The Sterling Group expanded at intimidating speeds after the younger generation took over, with their swift and ruthless tactics bearing resemblances. Now, the two companies joined forces, reaching an untouchable status, and by ending all cooperation with Sterling at this time, The Sullivan Group garnered some goodwill.

Thus, as she recounted her experiences, everyone perked up their ears, eager for the truth. No one wanted to lead a life on edge, especially not bowing before the younger generation.

"Thank you, everyone," Rhonda Sullivan thanked them for their applause, continuing, "Here, I want to sincerely thank my sister and brother-in-law. Thank you for taking care of me during my illness, as well as caring for The Sullivan Group. I hope that, in the future, The Sullivan Group can tread a path of its own brilliance."

There was a rousing applause, although nobody truly understood what she meant. Somehow, it felt passionate, prompting an instinctual urge to clap along. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Amidst this applause, Rhonda Sullivan smiled as she descended the stage, walking towards Ruby Sullivan and Ethan Sterling.

Ruby Sullivan remained tense, furrowing her brow at Rhonda Sullivan, as if eyeing a ticking time bomb that could harm her at any moment.

Ethan Sterling sensed her tension and gently held her hand.

A moment later, Rhonda Sullivan reached Ruby Sullivan’s side, "Sister, thank you." With that, she stepped forward to embrace her.

Ruby Sullivan instinctively wanted to push her away, but Rhonda Sullivan withdrew on her own before she could.

"Dad misses you. When you have time... go home and visit," Rhonda Sullivan said, then turned to greet others.

Ruby Sullivan stood dumbfounded, unsure why she was acting like this.

"Are you okay?" Ethan Sterling asked, worried about her shocked expression.

Ruby Sullivan’s eyes settled on him, barely managing to steady her emotions as she forced a smile.

With so many people around, openly questioning her was impossible, no matter how many doubts lingered in her heart. Besides, everyone witnessed Rhonda Sullivan’s gratitude; no one knew she nearly knifed her own sister to death before that expression of thanks, wielding her nephews’ lives as leverage to seize The Sullivan Group.

A solid play on familial affection!

Whatever Rhonda Sullivan planned next, Ruby Sullivan felt a chill in her heart.

This woman, who just recently had thrown water all over her during a mall encounter, couldn’t possibly have suddenly realized the value of a sister.