You More than Anything in the World (Arissa)

Oscar gave her a grim look, saying, “Ms. Larson, you’re prettier than I imagined, but I detest your character. I don’t like women like you. You’re miles behind Amelia.”

Jennifer’s lovely face turned menacing.

“Jennifer, the reason I called you here today was to warn you not to touch Amelia. I won’t permit anyone to interfere with my marriage. Whether she cheats on me or divorces me is my own affair. Mind your own business. The Larsons may have a strong base overseas, but they are nothing compared to the Clintons here. Get this into your head,” Oscar threatened.

Jennifer gaped at Oscar incredulously. “Mr. Clinton, what’s so good about Amelia? You’ve seen the photos, yet you’re still willing to let her stay by your side?”

“Ms. Larson, that’s between Amelia and me. I don’t have to explain anything to you,” Oscar replied icily.

Jennifer crossed her arms, scoffing, “Who would’ve thought that a prominent figure, like yourself, would still be tied to your wife’s apron strings?”

“You don’t have to concern yourself with me,” Oscar retorted. “Watch out for yourself. If these photos are leaked, you know what the consequences are.”

Jennifer snickered. “Don’t worry, Mr. Clinton. I’m not that clueless. But in terms of mutual compatibility, I think Cassie Yard’s a more suitable match for you. You’ve known Cassie for so many years, almost got married, and now she’s even carrying your child! Wouldn’t you say your destiny is more aligned with Cassie’s than Amelia’s?”

Oscar’s face darkened. “How do you know Cassie?”

Jennifer took a sip of her tea and made as if to speak. Just then, the door opened, and a few handsome waiters swarmed into the room. They quickly filled the table with multiple dishes.

“Mr. Clinton, Ms. Larson, the food you ordered has arrived. Please enjoy your meal,” one of the young men said politely.

Oscar picked out a couple of bills from his wallet and handed them to the waiter. “Your tip.”

The young man who had spoken received them and thanked Oscar profusely. “Thank you. Mr. Clinton. If there are no other requests, we’ll head back downstairs.”

Oscar nodded.

After the waiters had made their exit, Jennifer remarked, “Mr. Clinton, you sure are magnanimous towards working-class folk.”

“How do you know Cassie?” Like a dog with a bone, Oscar refused to let Jennifer change the subject.

“I don’t know Cassie; I merely didn’t see what was so fantastic about Amelia, so I went about my own investigation into the matter. I was rather astonished to find out along the way that you’re quite the hopeless romantic at heart,” Jennifer replied snarkily.

“Don’t you dare touch Cassie either, or I’ll see that you regret it,” Oscar warned.

Mr. Clinton. I’ve got nothing against Ms. Yard. Don’t you think that it’s a little greedy of you, trying to have the best of both worlds, though? It’s rather uncommon to see someone cheat

to me. I’m the only one who can say no to

“Amelia, you’re an absolute vixen! You’ve got Carter protecting you,

that the effort she’d spent humiliating Amelia, and expelling her from the Clintons, would have been so easily negated

Oscar had pointed out, the Larsons were rich but were out of their depth here. Their tremendous power and influence overseas was ultimately no match for the Clintons’ home advantage. Jennifer didn’t want to risk angering Oscar, who might

facilitating the import of their company’s products and easing their entry into the local market. Before she accomplished

is no way I will allow you to

The sumptuous dishes remained on the table, gradually

Amelia’s room, peals of laughter drifted out from it. Through the glass, he saw Tiffany dancing comically for Amelia, who was lying on the bed. Olivia sat in a corner preparing

collapse unconscious in Tiffany’s arms the previous night, Oscar couldn’t deny that anxiety had

scene before him, Oscar did not realize that the corners

at the window staring in for the longest time. All of a sudden, his

in the doorway, asking, “Oscar, why didn’t you come in? Amelia’s waited for you

However, his

“Mom.”

Olivia demanded, chuckling. Tugging

utterly cemented the conflict between them.

and said, “Mrs. Clinton, I have some unfinished drafts that my editor is harassing me over.

whole day and gone to much trouble yourself. When Amelia is discharged, I’ll whip up a few dishes to thank you

so it’s only right that

Olivia nodded.

if there’s anything, okay? It’s not healthy for you

care and give me a

gestured “OK” and left without so much

arrived. Anyone in

you’ve accompanied me the entire afternoon. Please go home and

pregnant, so you must be sure to take good care of her. I won’t forgive you if anything happens to her

Oscar nodded obediently.

Your priority

replied,

head fondly, then remarked, “Have a good rest. Don’t

Drive