Chapter 248

Shirley tilted her head to look at Katrina.

Katrina began to share her strategies for captivating Caiden.

"You need to use strengths, Shirley. You're attractive and beautiful, but you have one flaw: you're too proud.You may attract those less fortunate men, but high-ranking men don't appreciate women like that. They prefer women who are simple."

Shirley was doubtful upon hearing this. "Really? I think Cedric actually prefers proud women. Look at how reserved Daniela is; he always makes the first move with her."

"What do you know?" Katrina scoffed. "Are you Daniela? Do you have the brains to be a CEO like her at Elite Lux? Or are you as beautiful as Daniela? You have nothing to boast about, yet you refuse to be humble.What advantage do you have?"

Shirley pressed her lips together. She knew how to attract men, but she was unsure how to approach someone as brilliant as Cedric.

Cedric's position was too high, unlike the men she could easily enchant with a simple smile. Except for Daniela,nothing seemed to catch his interest.

That day, during Caiden and Katrina's argument, the living room was buzzing with whispers.

Cedric was an exception. He didn't spare a glance for Caiden and Katrina; his eyes were fixed on Daniela,showing such deep admiration that Shirley felt a chill of hopelessness.

She thought she stood no chance. 0

Yet Cedric seemed too ideal, his status high, like the moon unreachable in the sky.

His gentle attention towards Daniela sparked envy in her; she longed for such devotion for herself.

Gritting her teeth, Shirley said to Katrina, "I'll try once more, but I may need your assistance." As she finished speaking, the door swung open.

Joyce walked in with a look of displeasure, and Katrina could see she had faced mistreatment by the Bennett family once again.

Initially, Katrina's attempt to pair Shirley with Cedric had been merely an experiment.

But now, if Joyce was indeed unsuccessful with the Bennett family, Katrina realized she would depend entirely on Shirley.

Katrina quickly devised a strategy and assured Shirley. "Alright, I'Il work with you on this."

Shirley nodded, her smile returning, and then she headed to the courtyard to call her family.

Her grandmother possessed an aphrodisiac that, once consumed, induced a strong physical urge, relieved only by having sex.

The aphrodisiac was powerful, needing just a small amount to be effective, and it was harmless, even beneficial to one's health.

Katrina was aware that Shirley planned to request this special aphrodisiac from her family. Joyce sat on the living room couch, sneering with disdain in her eyes.

Katrina, visibly irritated, asked, "What's the matter with you today?"

"What do you think? Alexander hasn't come home again. He was seen flirting with a celebrity on camera yesterday. Just look at the man you chose for me! I could have picked anyone in Olisvine and been better off.Do you know what people are saying about me? Even the servants of the Bennett family think I'm like a forgotten wife!"

Joyce's eyes drifted to Shirley in the courtyard, her emotions in turmoil, and she vented her frustration on Katrina. "Are you even my mother?"

Katrina sighed and asked, "Why the sarcasm? What are you trying to say?"

Joyce gestured towards Shirley outside. "Why do you let Shirley try to win over Cedric, but you forced me to marry Alexander? Why?" Everyone knew that Cedric was far superior to Alexander.

"If I had married Cedric, I'm sure he would have treated me well and never hurt me. Mom, I'm your daugter.Why would you offer such a good man to someone else?"

Katrina retorted, "Joyce, do you have any conscience? Didn't I encourage you to go after Cedric? You failed on your own, and now you blame me?"

Katrina was visibly exhausted. "You never reflect on yourself. Why do you always hold me responsible for everything? I think I've spoiled you far too much!"

Joyce had endured enough disrespectful stares from others recently. The last thing she expected was harsh criticism from Katrina at home.

She lost control, hurling objects around the house in her fury.

As she stormed out, she cast a heartbroken look at Katrina. "People say that once a daughter is married,she's no longer part of her original family. I never grasped that until now. It seems I'm not as dear to you as your niece!"

With those words, Joyce left, left a trail of mess behind her.

Caiden came downstairs, saw the chaos, and remained silent, as if unconcerned. He stepped around,avoiding the debris, turned on the television, and settled down to watch.

When Shirley returned indoors, she exchanged a glance with Katrina and gave a subtle nod. She whispered to Katrina, "My mom said she'll send it."

Katrina gazed at Shirley and felt that her future hopes now rested upon her.