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.

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 as brazenly as you. However, I suppose it’s another trick you men employ

interfering with what belongs to me. I’m the only one who can say no to our marriage,” he declared. Having said his piece, Oscar stalked off, leaving

laughed scornfully, then slammed her fist onto the table with a resounding thud. She muttered hatefully, “Amelia, you’re an absolute vixen! You’ve got Carter protecting you, and even after seeing those shameful photos of yours, Oscar has even

never imagined that the effort she’d spent humiliating Amelia, and expelling her from the Clintons, would have been

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

Carter. She had planned to foster strong connections here, facilitating the import of their company’s products and easing their entry into the local market. Before she accomplished that, she had to be wary of displeasing Oscar. Jennifer couldn’t let all her efforts thus far

you to steal Carter

sumptuous dishes remained on the

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

couldn’t deny that anxiety had risen unbidden in his throat. At that moment, the only thought that had filled his

realize that the corners of his mouth had

window staring in for the longest time. All of a sudden, his phone rang shrilly with a call from Olivia. A moment later, the door of

asking, “Oscar, why didn’t you come

had been thoroughly exposed. However, his

“Mom.”

for?” Olivia demanded, chuckling. Tugging at his arm, she exclaimed, “Amelia, look

night had utterly cemented the conflict between them. The initial intimacy of their marriage had entirely evaporated, leaving behind two strangers in its

I have some unfinished drafts that my editor is harassing me over. I’ll leave to do them. Please take good

“You’ve cared for Amelia the whole day and gone to much trouble

Clinton! Amelia’s my good friend, so it’s only right that I take care of her. I’ll make

Olivia nodded.

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

and give me a call when you reach

gestured “OK” and left without so much as a glance in Oscar’s

a statue standing there. Amelia’s been in the hospital for a whole day, but you’ve only just arrived. Anyone in

avoided his gaze, saying, “Mom, you’ve accompanied me the entire afternoon. Please go

o’clock later. Oscar, Amelia’s pregnant,

Oscar nodded obediently.

I’ll be off then. Don’t think too much about the photographs. I’ll deal with that. Your priority now is to take care of yourself and the baby. The Clintons still have the ability to handle a few photographs,

replied, “Thank

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

care, Mom. Drive safe,” Amelia