"Let me down," said Catherine. She knew seniors were too conserved to accept the public display of infection.

Although Catherine wouldn't mind it at all, actually, she would like to get under Pearl's skin, Iris and Vivian's presence made things difficult. They would not blame their son/grandson for indecency.

​​

"This is fine." Sean wouldn't let go of Catherine.

"They're watching us," said Catherine.

"Let them be," Sean answered.

They were husband and wife and should get close. Sean would defy anybody to raise a different opinion.

Actually, Sean was being a little childish. He acted like everyone had to listen to him.

Catherine could feel the invisible blades Vivian and Iris threw at her. They must think of her as a seducing bitch.

"Sean, we're all here. This isn't appropriate," said Vivian.

Sean said, "What's wrong with it? Catherine is my wife."

"Sean, you're better than this," said Vivian.

"What's better than holding my wife?" asked Sean.

Vivian didn't know what to respond to. She couldn't win any dispute with her indifferent son.

"Grandma is watching. Sean, you can't hold her all the time," said Iris.

"None of your business."

Iris got annoyed and targeted her anger at Catherine, "Someone, as a grownup, snuggles in a man's arms. That's shameful."

Catherine smiled, "You know how Sean is like."

"Who has something to say?" asked Sean.

He continued, "She's my wife, and I can hug her whenever I want."

That wasn't supposed to be what Sean had to say. He wasn't like this. In the past, he was indifferent to everyone, including his own family. But things have changed ever since he married Catherine.

He started getting intimate with Catherine in public, which was something they would never imagine or expect him to do.

Ava said, "It's okay. They're close, and getting affectionate is normal. Don't blame them."

Ava thought this was a good thing. She wouldn't want them to fight.

"Grandma, look how indecent they are!"

Ava smiled, "You may do the same, or even more than them when you get married one day."

Iris said, "No, I won't."

"Who can tell about the future?"

As they started talking about marriage, Pearl's question was ignored. She thought Sean and Catherine were being intimate on purpose, to get to her. She was sure it was a fake because Sean wouldn't be so nice to anyone. He married Catherine shortly after he met her. How much could he possibly know about her?

Pearl thought Sean was putting on a show. He was using her to get to his end. It must be it, Pearl thought.

"Sean, Pearl is waiting for your answer." Iris cleared her throat.

Sean said, "As I have told you, Catherine is the one making decisions."

Iris got mad and said, "Why her? She doesn't have the money and knows anything. Sean, there must be a limit to your spoiling."

"I do whatever I like," said Sean.

Iris was so mad, but she couldn't vent.

Sean was doing so to show his family how important Catherine was. For him, Catherine was a priority, which meant she was more important than Iris.

Vivian frowned, "Sean, how could you let her make such a huge decision? You're the CEO, and you should make a decision. Actually, I'll make it for you. We have to help Dora out."

"I decide whether I help. And Catherine decides whether I'm in the mood."

It all came down to Catherine.

Dora's look changed. So did Pearl. Begging for Catherine's help was the last thing Pearl wanted to do.

Catherine named her conditions that day on the phone. But Pearl wouldn't agree to do so no matter what. It would be foolish to say yes.

Since she hit a dead end with Catherine, Pearl decided to go to Ava to force Sean to say yes.

As long as Ava said yes, Sean had to because she was her beloved grandma.

Pearl wasn't only after the money, but the drafts too.

Catherine sighed in her mind. She knew Sean did everything for her. It was Pearl's fault that Catherine had the allergy. Now, if she wanted help, she had to beg Catherine.

This soothed Pearl's feathers and elevated her status in Blair's family. So everyone would know how much she meant to Sean. She was a part of the family.

"Catherine, what do you think?"

Catherine said, "We're family friends with Mrs. Johnson. How could we turn against them in their hours of need? We can't watch as they decline."

Pearl wanted Catherine to take back her handouts. But if she said no, her family would have nothing. She decided to put up with her for her family. But she would get revenge.

"Why are you so kind?" said Sean. His voice wasn't loud. But Pearl knew he was talking to her. That made her the opposite of kindness.

"We all have kinds of problems in life. We're in a position of helping out, so I think we should. Maybe it's a small favor. But it would help them a lot."

"Nice girl." Sean petted her head with a pampering smile.

"Pearl is your sister too. We should help her," said Catherine.

"Okay," Sean said.

Although Sean agreed to help, Pearl didn't want it because he only offered to help since Catherine said so.

Catherine was so moved to hear Sean's gentle voice. He let her make the decision, which made her feel respected. Catherine had the urge to cry.

Ava kept smiling like they were just fooling around.

Pearl struggled for a moment and decided to say thank you.

Catherine smiled, "It's okay. Sean is like your brother. We should help a family out."

Catherine was more glad about seeing Pearl's look.

Amanda heard the sound of vehicles pulling in, "I'll see if it's them."

Catherine heard Bentley calling daddy and grandpa. The men of Blair's family were home.

Catherine didn't know much about Mayor Blair. She used to see him on TV and in newspapers. Later, she caught a glimpse of him at the wedding. She missed him twice when she came home. He must be very busy.

As for Antonio, she didn't recall his looks. But he must look like Sean.

"Do we have to go out to meet them?"

"No."

"Okay. Let me down. They can't see us like this."

They did it to get to Pearl. But they couldn't act out in front of Sean's father.

Sean let go of Catherine.

Catherine whispered in Sean's ears, "Thanks. I feel so much better."