But he had already promised Yvette that she would have full authority over Sarah’s marriage. Although Sarah was officially recognized by the Shelby Family, she was still his illegitimate daughter. He had already wronged his wife, Yvette Zimrman, over this. It would be unjustifiable to oppose her on sothing as trivial as Sarah’s marriage.
Besides, although Sarah was Cherie Rhodes’s biological daughter, Cherie herself had no official standing or status in the Shelby Family’s records. It was only natural, then, for the lady of the house to arrange the children’s marriages.
So, Evan Shelby acted as if he didn’t understand. He just patted Cherie Rhodes’s hand gently and said with a warm expression, "Don’t say that. That girl, Sarah, is close to . I’m fond of her, even if she can’t do anything for the Shelby Family."
Cherie Rhodes was disappointed she hadn’t gotten the result she wanted, but then she thought of how Evan Shelby ultimately doted on Sarah. ’Her future marriage shouldn’t be too bad, right?’
This thought put her at ease.
...
Upstairs, Yvette Zimrman helped Autumn Shelby sit down on the bed. Lovingly stroking her daughter’s long hair, she said with a hint of self-reproach, "Autumn, I’m sorry. I was a bit too hasty just now. I shouldn’t have pressured you."
"Autumn, no matter what, you have to believe that your father and I both love you. Our concern about you and Seth Quinn isn’t for the sake of the Shelby Family. It’s because you love him, and we want you to be happy. That’s why we’re so anxious for you two to make up."
She’d had a difficult labor when she gave birth to Autumn Shelby. Fortunately, both mother and daughter ended up safe and sound. But Yvette Zimrman was left unable to conceive again.
This was also why, back when she first found out about Cherie Rhodes and Sarah Shelby, she had ultimately accepted the mother and daughter, even though she despised Evan Shelby for his betrayal.
’Since I could never give him a son, I always felt that I had failed him and the Shelby Family ancestors.’
’Perhaps it was because I couldn’t give him a son that he found another woman, hoping to father an heir to inherit the family fortune?’
’Unfortunately for him, Cherie Rhodes also had a daughter!’
’Then again, I’m quite grateful she also had a daughter. It was the only way to protect my and Autumn’s interests and our status in the Shelby Family.’
’By graciously accepting them, I could not only keep Cherie Rhodes under my nose, but I could also make Evan Shelby feel both deeply grateful and terribly guilty toward . That would stop him from thinking about finding yet another mistress to try for a son.’
And so, with Autumn Shelby being her only daughter, Yvette Zimrman naturally put her first in all matters.
Even if Evan Shelby shouldered the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the Shelby Family and always had other considerations, she didn’t. When it ca to her daughter, she was a mother first, and a wife and the family’s matriarch second.
Autumn Shelby was still agitated. She frowned and pressed her temples, her tone still sharp. "Mom, I believe that you care about , I do. But Dad... all he ever considers are the Shelby Family’s interests, not his own daughter!"
Yvette Zimrman sighed. "Autumn, your dad is the Family Head; he has his own burdens. Besides, n tend to think about the bigger picture more than won do. Forgive him. At the end of the day, he’s your father, and he does love you."
"You need to remain calm and not rush into anything. Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet. If there are any complications, you won’t have an easy life even after you marry into the Quinn Family, you understand?"
Feeling her mother’s concern, Autumn Shelby finally began to calm down. She nodded at Yvette Zimrman. "Don’t worry, Mom. The doctor said there won’t be any issues. As for Seth Quinn, he will be mine! And Clara Grant?"
When she ntioned Clara Grant, Autumn Shelby’s face filled with scorn and contempt. "Hmph. She can step aside. She’s no match for !"
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