Sean and Catherine exchanged whispers like others were not present in the room.

Pearl pinched her hands so hard that it bleeds. She tried too hard to keep her act together that she was bleeding in her heart every time she heard Catherine saying "honey." But she was nothing and had no right to ask about them.

​​

"Sean, what are you talking about?"

Sean looked up at Iris coldly.

Iris felt guilty. But on second thought, she knew she did nothing wrong. So she kept saying, "Catherine is feeling better? I heard you asked for sick leave. Are you okay?"

Iris didn't see Catherine the other day. Now she did. But Catherine's skin was smooth and tender. Iris could hardly imagine she had face rashes. She was annoyed.

How could there be no scars left on her face? Iris thought. So she would have the reason to be mean.

"I'm better now. Thanks, Iris. I'm touched."

Iris wasn't concerned about her health and was offended that her intentions were taken the wrong way.

"But I heard you had rashes. Wouldn't you have scars?"

"Of course not. My health is perfect, and I recover fast. There are no side effects at all."

Iris was more annoyed because Catherine was true.

"Good. You have to stay in shape. Sean likes kids, what if..."Iris didn't continue.

Catherine said, "Don't worry. I'm okay. No matter how many kids Sean wants, I can give them to him. But I heard that Pearl was sick too. She is a fragile one and should have plenty of rest."

This was Catherine's way to fight back. The winner was yet to be seen.

Pearl smiled, "I didn't ask for sick leave. It's family matters that keep me busy. Thanks for asking, Catherine."

"No wonder you look so pale. This family matter must be tough."

Sean caressed her head and smiled. What a naughty girl, he thought.

"It is tough. The cruelty surprises me."Pearl said, making a shot at Sean.

"Do you know who it is?" asked Catherine.

"I don't know. Maybe and maybe not." Pearl said,

"Really? If so, I'm impressed you find time to come to our house. I thought you'd be so busy that you don't have time to sleep."

Catherine wondered how much money Taylor Inwood lost since a whole line was destroyed. If they had the drafts, they could make it to the release of the fall/winter collection. But too bad.

Catherine couldn't help shaking. Luckily, she decided not to go against Sean. He turned into a man with no mercy while locking the target and initiating an attack.

Pearl and Dora were family friends with Vivian, which he took into no consideration. He destroyed Taylor Inwood completely.

"No matter how busy you are, you find time to visit grandma and Vivian," Catherine said, implying their true intentions.

Pearl looked awkward. And Dora was murdering Catherine with her look.

Dora couldn't find any opportunity to talk to Sean. They were nodding acquaintances. Actually, Sean was so indifferent that he treated Dora like a stranger.

Dora came up with the idea because she was friends with Vivian. She heard that Thomas and Antonio were coming back. So she knew Sean must be home too. That was why she brought Pearl here.

Vivian could tell Dora's embarrassment. She said, "Whatever help you need, just tell me. We have been friends for decades."

This was what Dora has been waiting for. She was so glad she could cry.

Ava said, "Yeah, Dora, our family has been friends all the time. Don't feel shy. A friend in need is a friend indeed."

Dora felt more certain since Ava said so.

"You have to forgive my manners. I know better than to trouble you with my family trouble. But this is so hard. I have to ask for your help."

"If money can take care of your problems, it is nothing."

"It's about money. We invested a lot of money in the winter/fall collection. It was all gone before we saw any profits. And we had to pay for violating the contract. We..."

Dora didn't have the courage to say "poor."

Pearl was embarrassed too. She had the life of a princess growing up and never had to be bothered with money. She felt self-conscious that they had to borrow money from Blair's family.

Dora and Karl tried Leydon's family and Brad's family. Pearl was reluctant to go to Blair. But the other two families they talked to wouldn't help like they made an agreement.

Dora felt desperate. But she couldn't know that Sean pressured Leydon and Brad not to help the Johnson family out. He even threatened them with ending their friendship.

Leydon and Brad knew instantly something was wrong. They asked about it, and Sean told them how Pearl set up Catherine. Sean had to revenge, so he destroyed Taylor Inwood.

Pearl was struggling for a long time and finally decided to look up at Sean. It was a look of begging and pity. She said, "Sean, please help us out."

Pearl was a gorgeous girl. Few men could say no when she begged for help with such looks.

But Sean was an exception.

"Help you with what?" asked Sean.

"Help us bring Taylor Inwood back on track."

Sean was capable. But Pearl wasn't sure whether he would help. Pearl really wanted to ask Sean to show mercy. But if so, everyone would know Sean was behind it. Pearl didn't want Sean to be accused. Something must be said in private.

Sean sat there calmly and indifferently. He finally looked up at Pearl. Ignoring her sad look, he kept feeding Catherine.

Sean was peeling the grapes and handed the crystal flesh to Catherine. He said gently, "Open up."

Catherine looked up at him. She couldn't say no and ate the grape.

Catherine was getting on with a public display of their intimacy.

Pearl was awkward.

Sean wiped his hands and grabbed Catherine on his knees. He held her waist with both hands and put his chin on her shoulders, "Catherine, what do you think?"

"What?" asked Catherine.

"Do you think we should help?" asked Sean.

"Pearl was asking you. Why are you asking me?"

"I'll help them if you say no. Whatever you say."

Catherine didn't know what to say. He was making her a public target. She could see how terrible Iris' and Vivian's looks got. And her sister-in-law turned away.