Chapter 2

After a long standoff, Selena Thorp was the first to give in. She stared at Adrian Thorp before her: he had corn-blond wavy hair that cascaded over his shoulders, a miniskirt so short it barely covered his thighs. His makeup was applied heavily, like a palette laid across his face, and his perfume was so strong it was almost overwhelming.

To be honest, Adrian Thorpe isn’t bad-looking at all. She has beautiful almond-shaped eyes that shine with charm, a straight nose, fair skin, and a height of 1.7 meters. She’s considered one of the most popular slender beauties these days. But unfortunately, all she wants is to marry into a wealthy family. All she cares about is money; nothing else matters to her.

Selena Thorp rubbed her swollen temples, her tone filled with resignation. “Money isn’t everything.”

“Having no money is absolutely unacceptable!” Adrian Thorpe retorted immediately, his tone firm and uncompromising.

“Having money doesn’t mean one will be happy.”

“Better to cry while sitting on a precious horse than to laugh while sitting at the back of a bicycle!”

Such arguments had happened countless times between the sisters, always ending in unhappiness. But this time, Selena Thorne refused to continue arguing.

She knew Adrian Thorpe all too well. The more he tried to suppress her, the more rebellious she became. Instead of letting her be like a headless fly, at the mercy of those wealthy people with ulterior motives, it was better for her to have someone help her find a reliable wealthy man—whoever that might be. At least that way, she wouldn’t have to go through so many detours.

“Alright, I’ll help you look for him together,” Serena Thorne conceded, her voice tired. But in her heart, she resolved to ensure that her sister wouldn’t fall into the hands of those playboys who only knew how to manipulate people’s emotions.

“Second sister, you’ve finally come to your senses!” Adrian Thorpe immediately stopped crying and smiled. He rushed over to hug Selina Thorpe, completely forgetting the argument they had just had. “I knew you loved me the most!”

Selena Thorne helplessly patted her back, allowing her to hold her.

“By the way, Second Sister, I have a request!” Adrian Thorpe released her, his eyes shining. “Don’t look for doctors, teachers, or police officers—people who work regular jobs. Instead, find wealthy young men who run big businesses. Only then can we truly enter high society and live the life I desire!”

Selena Thorne frowned, disapproving in her heart. Most wealthy young men were heartless and unreliable. But seeing her sister’s hopeful gaze, she nodded anyway. “I’ll try my best.”

Early the next morning, Selena Thorp arrived at work on time. In the obstetrics and gynecology department of Youai Hospital, the nurses were busy with their tasks when, suddenly, a tall figure entered the room, instantly catching everyone’s attention.

The man was over 1.8 meters tall, dressed in casual clothes. He had a tall and upright posture. He wore sunglasses on his straight nose, with a faint smile on his lips. He exuded a sunny demeanor, yet also a hint of cynicism. As he walked by, many nurses were so distracted by him that they almost bumped into the pillars beside them.

Eloise Rhodes was quite pleased with the stir she’d caused. The smile on her lips grew even wider. As the young head of the Rhodes Consortium in City A, she was handsome, came from a wealthy family, and had plenty of money. She was the perfect match for any woman. He was accustomed to being the object of everyone’s admiration.

He walked straight into the office of Madix Rhodes, the head of the obstetrics and gynecology department. He took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of eyes that could charm any girl: “Auntie.”

Maddix Rhodes looked up at him, his tone filled with disdain. “You brat, what woman have you brought here to get an abortion again?”

Eloise Rhodes rolled her eyes, looking exasperated. “Auntie, is my reputation really that bad? It’s those women who push themselves towards me, thinking that by bearing my children, they can marry into the Rhodes family. I can’t just let them have kids and ruin their lives, can I?”

He was indeed promiscuous, with women always around him. But he had his limits: he never forced anyone, nor did he let those women hold onto unrealistic hopes. To those who willingly slept with him, he would give them proper compensation later. As for those who became pregnant, he would advise them to have an abortion. After all, he never thought about getting married or having children.

“How dare you say that?” Maddix Rhodes glared at him. “Every time you come to me, it’s either to get a woman to have an abortion or to get away from trouble. Can’t you do something productive with your time?”

“I really didn’t bring any women with me this time.” Eloise Rhodes dropped her cynical tone and spoke in a more serious manner for once. “Grandfather asked me to come here in person, saying there’s something he needs to tell you.”

He was very annoyed. It was something that could’ve been explained over the phone, but Grandpa insisted he go in person, wasting his precious time. After all, he had plans to go racing with his friends today.

“What is it?” Maddix Rhodes was about to ask further, when there was a knock at the door.

Eloise Rhodes’s expression darkened. She quickly walked over to the balcony, pulled the curtains shut, and hid inside. She wasn’t used to having strangers interrupt her conversations with her family. Nor did she want to be recognized by people in the hospital, which could lead to a whole bunch of trouble.

Madix Rhodes shook her head helplessly. Her nephew was fine in every way, but he was too capricious and liked to act mysterious. She said loudly, “Come in.”

The door was pushed open, and Selina Thorpe stepped in. She seemed somewhat nervous, with an unnatural expression on her face. Her hands were tightly clenched around the hem of her dress.

“Sister Qi,” she whispered, keeping her head lowered, too afraid to look Madix Rhodes in the eyes.

Madix Rhodes understood a little better upon seeing her state. Selina Thorpe was introverted by nature. Unless it was related to work, she rarely took the initiative to approach Madix. When she became nervous like this, it was likely because she had some personal matter to discuss with her.

Madix Rhodes and Serena Thorp are very close friends. Madix really admires Serena’s kindness and dedication. At the same time, she feels sorry for Serena’s stubbornness and loneliness. She’s wanted to help Serena find a boyfriend for a long time, but Serena always refuses, saying she’s too busy with work. Over time, Madix stopped trying to persuade her.

“What’s wrong? Did you see another girl having an abortion and feel upset again?” Maddix Rhodes asked with a smile, his tone lighthearted, trying to ease her tension.

“No.” Selena Thorp shook her head, her face turning even redder. She stammered for a long time, but couldn’t say a complete sentence.

Outside on the balcony, Eloise Rhodes frowned impatiently at the conversation between the two people. She hated women who dawdled like that. If you had something to say, say it. Wasting time was nothing but a form of murder.

“Hmph.” He couldn’t help but let out a cold snort, his tone filled with disdain.

Selina Thorpe was too nervous to hear that snort. She continued to muster her courage inwardly. Maddix Rhodes glanced casually toward the balcony, sighed helplessly, and said to Selina Thorpe, “Just speak up if you have something to say. Why be polite with me?”

Selena Thorne took a deep breath, then finally raised her head, looking at Maddix Rhodes with determined eyes. “Sister Qi, you… you know quite a few wealthy unmarried men, right? I’d like to ask you for a favor.”

Outside on the balcony, Eloise Rhodes immediately became interested upon hearing these words. A wealthy unmarried man? In City A, who else met this description better than him? Suddenly, she felt like her trip wasn’t in vain—this procrastinating woman actually wanted to find a rich man?

He raised his eyebrows slightly and peeked at Selina Thorpe through the gaps in the curtains. His gaze was filled with disdain and amusement. How could this woman, who was less than 1.6 meters tall, dressed plainly and had minimal makeup, dare to dream of finding a wealthy man?

Eloise Rhodes made up her mind: since this woman wanted to marry into a wealthy family, he’d play along with her and show her that not every woman was qualified to marry into such a prominent household.

Meanwhile, back in the office, Selena Thorne had no idea that she had already caught someone’s attention. She continued to stare nervously at Maddix Rhodes, waiting for his reply. Unaware of it, her seemingly simple request would lead to a complicated relationship between her and that cynical wealthy man.