The Day I Kissed An Older Man novel Chapter 2854

"Don't you know that those are all just baseless rumors spread by other people? I simply want the people I care about to see me for who I am. Why do you place so much importance on the opinions of those who barely know you? Why do you act like they're such a significant part of your life? You've always been too concerned with keeping up appearances."

"This isn't just about keeping up appearances. I'm worried about you! Like it or not, I've already reached out to his family, and they've already agreed to the marriage. All you have to do is wait. You should know that I've gone through a lot of trouble to get to this point. You don't have a choice right now. Besides, you should also consider whether Sherman would agree to you rejecting him."

"You're a manipulator, Dad! How could you stoop so low? This isn't the kind of thing a father should do. Do you genuinely care about my happiness and future, or are you more concerned about the Russells' future and the capital from the Parrs? If there are issues with the Russells, I'm more than willing to help with the investment. But I won't accept having to go through this sort of method, and I refuse to be used as a bargaining chip! I'm your daughter, for goodness' sake!"

Vince's expression soured. "I didn't raise you all these years just to have you talk back to me. Just accept what I've arranged for you. I don't need you to use your influence to attract investment for me, especially when you've been overestimating your abilities."

Rita looked at Vince in anguish. "You've become a stranger in my eyes."

"I feel the same way looking at your irrational behavior. I raised you for all your life, but it feels to me as if I've raised another person's daughter. I planned things out perfectly for you, but you seem to think that I've betrayed you. It's incredibly disappointing."

In any case, it would be wise for him to remain vigilant. Rita had become more unpredictable in her two years as a reporter, and he could not discount the possibility that she might act on an impulse. He needed to make sure that nothing happened to her, at least until she was officially married to Sherman.

As Sadie was being escorted back by a burly man, she happened to run into Rita who emerged from Vince's study in a state of distress. Karen rushed to Sadie's side after witnessing the scene, but before she could check on Sadie's well-being, Sadie broke free from her and went up to scold Rita.

"You hoe! You'll stop at nothing to achieve your goals. You have some nerve to continue this entire charade in front of Sherman. Do you think he's blind to your true nature? Why are you dropping the act right now?"