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.

little greedy of you, trying to have the best of

only one who can say

You’ve got Carter protecting you, and even after seeing those shameful photos

and expelling

around him. As 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

their entry into the local market. Before she accomplished that, she had to be wary of displeasing

there is no way I will allow you to steal Carter away from

bag and left. The sumptuous dishes

of laughter drifted out from it. Through the glass, he

the previous night, Oscar couldn’t deny that anxiety had risen unbidden in his throat. At that moment, the only thought that had filled his mind was, I’ll willingly put up with a million of those photos, as long as Amelia and the

him, Oscar did not realize that the corners of his

intended to drop by, but he remained at the 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 the room was wrenched open from

you come in? Amelia’s waited for you the whole

However, his embarrassment

“Mom.”

you still standing there for?” Olivia demanded, chuckling. Tugging at his arm, she

and Amelia glanced at each other awkwardly. The photographs from last night had utterly cemented the conflict between them. The initial intimacy of their marriage had entirely evaporated, leaving behind two strangers

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

to much trouble yourself. When Amelia is discharged, I’ll whip up a few

courtesies, Mrs. Clinton! Amelia’s my good friend, so it’s only

Olivia nodded.

anything, okay? It’s not healthy for you to keep

it,” Amelia replied. “Take care and give me a call when you

gestured “OK” and left without so much as a glance

whole day, but you’ve only just arrived. Anyone in her position would have given you a tongue-lashing. Apologize to her right away! Don’t let this become a source of unhappiness between

looked over at Amelia. However, she avoided his gaze, saying, “Mom, you’ve accompanied me the entire afternoon.

at ten o’clock later. Oscar, Amelia’s pregnant, so

Oscar nodded obediently.

said, “Amelia, 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

gratefully replied,

head fondly, then remarked, “Have a good rest.

Drive safe,” Amelia