Chapter 7 Arrangements

Jason didn't seem to hear, running away without looking back.

Behind him, Megan was crying like a tear-soaked mess.

"Megan, don't be afraid. I'm here. I'll protect you," Penelope embraced Megan, heartbroken at her distress. But her resentment toward Anna grew stronger.

Why did that damned girl suddenly return with the cripple from the Sterling family?

Damn it, she would deal with Anna sooner or later.

At Sterling Manor, Irene was delighted when the butler reported that William had returned with Anna.

"Wonderful news," she rose happily from her seat. "Let's go see them."

Victoria, observing Irene's excitement, sensed trouble brewing. She quietly asked Alexander, "What's happening?"

Alexander shook his head helplessly. "I don't know."

Victoria's expression immediately cooled. "Let's go and see how things play out."

Irene watched the pair enter the house together, growing increasingly pleased. These two really were a match made in heaven.

"You've returned," Irene's face radiated joy.

William maintained a cold expression. "From today, Anna will be living at Sterling Manor."

"Excellent! I knew you would like Anna. She's a lovely girl," Irene said, instructing the butler, "Quickly prepare a room and move Anna's luggage in."

Noticing Anna had only brought one bag, Irene addressed Victoria as she came downstairs. "Tomorrow, take Anna shopping for seasonal clothes."

Victoria was seething inside but forced a pleasant demeanor. "Of course."

Then she asked with confusion, "Didn't William just take Anna back to the Rice home? Why have they returned together?"

Fearing Irene's disapproval, she quickly added, "Mother, I'm just curious."

Irene showed no disapproval and instead followed Victoria's question. "William, did you come from the Rice house?"

William nodded, "Indeed. To demonstrate sincerity for the marriage alliance, the Rice family has decided to relinquish their advertising agency rights."

He delivered this fabricated story with such a straight face that Anna stood beside him, dumbfounded.

Before she could react, Alexander exclaimed, "Really? That's wonderful news!"

"William always finds a way. I said the price we offered the Rice family was too high. This will save us a considerable amount," Alexander said cheerfully, until he heard Victoria's warning cough. He suddenly realized he had accidentally spoken his true thoughts.

Clearing his throat, he put on an act. "William handled it excellently. I'll notify the legal department immediately to cancel the contract."

Irene looked suspicious. "The Rice family really agreed?"

William nodded firmly. "Yes."

Relieved, Irene sighed. "No wonder they raised such a sensible girl as Anna. The Rice family is truly remarkable."

She thought for a moment, then added, "Even though the contract is canceled, we shouldn't cut corners on the wedding gift we promised. Maybe we should add another fifty million to make it a round number. What do you think?"

At the mention of adding money, Victoria tensed, but before she could object, William interjected. "That's unnecessary. The Rice family wouldn't accept it. Grandmother, please don't insist."

"You're right," Irene considered and agreed. "If we keep offering money, it might seem crass."

She praised, "The Rice family truly has noble character. William, you must treat Anna well in the future."

"I will," he answered.

Anna studied William's expressionless face, reassessing her opinion of him. This man wasn't just sharp-tongued but also devious.

After dinner, the family dispersed. The main building of Sterling Manor was usually occupied only by William, while Irene lived in a villa in the back garden, and Alexander and Victoria resided on the upper east wing.

After everyone had returned to their rooms, Anna went upstairs. William's bedroom was predominantly black from the walls to the furniture, cold and cheerless without any warmth.

Anna glanced at the bed and asked, "Where do I sleep?"

William pointed. "Next door."

Anna nodded in agreement and turned to leave, but William called her back.

"Wait."

Anna turned around. "What is it?"

William nodded. "Now that you've entered the Sterling family, we should clarify the rules."

Anna raised an eyebrow, looking at him. "Go ahead."

William continued, "I'll have someone transfer money to you monthly. For going out, I'll provide a car and driver, but you are not to use the Sterling name to attract attention. Also, we're not real spouses. This is just a performance for my grandmother. If you want to leave, tell me in advance, and I'll make arrangements for you."

Anna nodded, "I understand. A contract marriage, right? Do we need to sign a formal agreement?"

William seemed surprised by her practical response, which differed from his expectations.

"Get out!" he snapped.

"Such rapid mood swings? That's not a good habit. You should work on that."

Anna opened the door to the adjacent room and was pleasantly surprised.

The room was spacious, with a living area covered in thick carpets and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden. The bedroom featured warm white and yellow tones, creating a cozy atmosphere. Anna immediately loved this welcoming environment.

This was likely the first room in Brighton Harbor that truly belonged to her.

Late at night, music still played in her room, and the noise eventually became unbearable for William.

He summoned the butler, demanding harshly, "Can't you hear the loud music next door?"

The butler hesitated, as he had indeed heard the noise but assumed William had permitted it.

"I'll address it immediately, Mr. Sterling."

Shortly after the butler left, the music stopped. William finally lay down to rest, only to hear more disturbances from next door. By the time everything finally quieted down, he found himself completely awake.

In the adjacent room, Anna felt uncomfortable in the unfamiliar environment, tossing and turning all night. She had hoped the music would help her sleep peacefully, but the butler had quickly put a stop to that.

The next morning, after a night of restlessness, she woke up early and found that someone had already gone downstairs before her.

"Good morning," she greeted cheerfully.

Seeing the culprit who had cost him a night's sleep so carefree, William instantly lost his appetite. He tossed aside his half-eaten bread and turned expressionlessly toward the door.

"Are you going out? Wait for me," Anna called, quickly taking a sip of milk before following him out.

"Why are you following me?" William asked.

Anna simply replied, "To accompany you."

"Unnecessary."

Ignoring his rejection, Anna got into the car. The driver nervously glanced between William and Anna, quietly asking, "Mr. Sterling, shall we depart?"

Seeing he couldn't shake her off, William responded coolly, "Drive."

When the car stopped at the entrance of Sterling International Medical Center, William's voice turned cold, "Get out."