The True Heiress's Return

Sean, barely awake and a bit drunk, mumbled, "You finally made it."

Xanthe, rolling her eyes, sat beside him and pointed at his beer. Just a few sips, and you're already out cold?"

Sean, feeling humiliated, shot back, "I'm totally fine!"

Xanthe sighed, not wanting to argue with a drunk.

Suddenly, Sean leaned in close, staring intently at her. Xanthe felt flustered and tried to push him away, but he wouldn't

move.

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"Xanthe! You tricked me! You knew Shakira was with Walter!" Sean exclaimed, frustration bubbling.

Taking a deep breath, Xanthe replied, "I owe you an apology. I know you're upset. I'll accept any punishment, just not too harsh."

Xanthe added, "But I need to say: Shakira and Mr. Lopez are a great match!"

Sean protested loudly, "How can that be? Shakira is beautiful and smart, while Walter is grumpy and can barely move. They don't belong together!"

Xanthe thought, 'How dare you trash my favorite couple!'

Fuming, she shot back, "Walter's temperament shows his love for Shakira. He protects and cares for her! Even with his challenges, he's more reliable than some able-bodied men! Why are you still so stubbornly prejudiced?" Sean stared at her, momentarily shocked by her passion. After a beat, he opened his mouth, feeling frustrated and unable to express his feelings.

Sean stared at Xanthe's lively face, frustration flooding his mind. He recalled their accidental kiss in the mountaintop cabin, her shocked blush still vivid in his memory.

Sean leaned in, wanting to kiss her again. When Xanthe saw his face getting closer, her heart raced. But as their lips met, she jolted back and elbowed him in the head.

"Ouch!" he yelled, falling to the floor. Thank goodness for the carpet; otherwise, he would've really hurt himself.

"Xanthe, are you trying to kill me?" Sean groaned.

Xanthe rubbed her elbow. "Your mom gave me money, but that kiss comes at a different cost."

Sean thought, 'What a cruel woman! Which man will be able to suffer alongside her?' The alcohol wore off, and he sat on the floor, head down. Finally, he muttered, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I won't drink again!"

He rarely drank and had never been this reckless before. He lost control. Seeing his remorse, Xanthe forgave him. "It wasn't a big deal. Let's leave it at that." She glanced at him, curious. "Are you that upset about Shakira and Mr. Lopez?"

"Of course!" Sean replied instantly. It felt like watching his prized cabbage trampled by a pig. No one accepts that lightly. Seeing his anger Xanthe felt helpless. She never expected Sean to care so deeply for Shakira beneath his carefree facade. With a sigh, she pulled him back onto the sofa. "They love each other. Your anger won't help. It's better to accept it and focus on your happiness."

"That sounds nice, but how can I just accept it? It hurts!" Sean grimaced. 89%1

Xanthe frowned. "What are you planning to do? Break them up

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Sean shrank back. "I wouldn't dare!" Though he had objections, they were just that. He wouldn't interfere with Shakira's choices.

Xanthe nodded, relieved by his humanity. Then Sean clenched his fists. "I can wait! I'll wait for them to break up!"

Xanthe thought, "That day will never come! They're in it for life!

She said, "I understand your discomfort. Maybe I can help ease your pain for a bit."

Sean eyed her suspiciously. "What are you planning now?"

Xanthe encouraged him, "You can't just hold onto anger. Think about what you lack compared to Mr. Lopez. Are you not caring or charming enough?"

Sean scoffed, "Why should I compare myself to Walter? I'm clearly better!"

Xanthe rolled her eyes.

Sean asked, "How can you look at me like that? You think I'm worse than Walter?"

"If you were better, wouldn't Shakira choose you instead of him?"This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Uh, what does that even mean?"

"You can't wait and do nothing. If Shakira does break up, you'll still miss your chance. Since I took your mom's money, I might as well help you learn how to pursue a girl."

Finally, Sean realized Xanthe thought he liked Shakira. He was frustrated-he saw Shakira as family. How could it go so wrong? Sean laughed with irritation. "Thanks, but I don't need your help." Xanthe shrugged. "Alright, it's up to you."

With her lightening his mood, Sean felt less down. He wiped his face, got up, and grabbed his car keys. "Let's go; I'll drive you home."

'Xanthe smirked. "With how you are, I'd rather take a cab!"

As she grabbed a bottle of his fine red wine and waved goodbye, Sean realized he'd been looked down on again. "You think you can teach me? You'd probably lead me astray!"

That morning, Shakira got a message from Maris, telling her to arrive early for a meeting. March had just started to warm up, but a cold rain had set in.

Walter was busy arranging her scarf when he noticed the message and frowned. "Have Brian limit messages outside work hours." Shakira looked up, amused. "Lopez Group is your company, Can't you at least make some money?"

Walter shrugged it off. "Lopez Group doesn't sweat the small stuff. If we did, it'd mean we're inefficient." Shakira laughed. "Today's different, especially after you canceled the Norpa Technology deal yesterday." She gently touched the corner of Walter's mouth. "Mr. Lopez, don't be upset now." Walter huffed, falling silent.

When Shakira reached her workstation, she found it empty. She entered the meeting room with her notebook. "Sorry, I'm late." As she opened the door, she spotted Yvette sitting right in front.