Chapter 1104
“It’s not like that! It’s not like that!”
Witnessing Sheila Murray being unjustly accused, Lily vigorously shook her head, offering various explanations, “You’ve misunderstood. Brother Dustin isn’t a malevolent person. You can’t make baseless claims here!”
“Sensible girl, you’re still young. Some wrongdoers conceal themselves so cunningly that it’s hard to discern. Only an astute eye like my father’s can spot the signs at once,” Caden stated solemnly.
“Yes, Sheila, Dustin clearly harbours ill intentions. Don’t let yourself be fooled by him,” everyone urged.
“I don’t believe it… I don’t believe it! Brother Dustin would never harm anyone!”
Sheila Murray was so distressed that her eyes turned red, imploring Lily, “Mum, please say something! Brother Dustin saved me once, and now he’s cured Dad’s ailment. You’ve seen it all, Chase, you can vouch for it, can’t you?”
“Brother Caden, could there be a misunderstanding?” Lily attempted to mediate.
“Confused!”
Caden furrowed his brow, “Sheila may not see through, but do you think you can’t? Over these years, what sorts of people haven’t I encountered? To curry favour with us, to climb the social ladder, these lower-level individuals will stop at nothing. I’ve long grown accustomed to this kind of gratitude-seeking behaviour!”
“But…”
Lily was about to say something, but was brusquely cut off by Caden, “What? Do you think I’m mistaken in my judgment? Or do you not trust my word?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Lily looked abashed and could only choose to stay silent.
Although she felt Caden was a touch arbitrary, she wouldn’t cross her husband for an outsider like Dustin.
Not worth it.
“Dad, Mum, why are you like this?” Sheila Murray was a tad dissatisfied.
Dustin clearly saved lives, yet in the end, he still had to bear this stigma.
Isn’t this repaying kindness with resentment?
“Sheila, I know you have feelings for that lad Dustin, but don’t let infatuation cloud your judgement.”
Caden cautioned with a stern expression, “That lad is penniless, lacks standing, and has no pedigree. He’s utterly unsuitable for you. The difference between you is like night and day, and you can never be together.”
“Dad! What are you saying?” Sheila Murray was both ashamed and indignant.
“I’m saying it for your own good. Your future husband must be a formidable and accomplished young man. If not, he must hail from a wealthy family. A lad like Dustin, with no shoes on his feet, is entirely unfit!” Caden declared, his disdain undisguised.
What right does a village doctor have to be his son-in-law?
It’s simply preposterous!
“Sheila, I think what my second uncle said holds merit. Dustin and us, we’re from different worlds. If you force him into our circle, it’ll only end in misery for both you and him,” Garrett spoke gravely.
“Yes, Sheila, please snap out of it. This Dustin chap only knows how to sweet-talk and will do anything to curry your favour. It’s really quite unnerving!” Vivian added, fanning the flames.
“Sheila, we’re all your kin and friends. We can’t bear to see you harmed. Listen to our counsel and keep your distance from Dustin in the future. It’s best to sever ties,” Chase Johnson advised.
“Enough… please, enough!”
Sheila Murray covered her ears and shook her head vigorously, feeling thoroughly distressed.
She refused to believe that Chase Dustin was a malefactor, and she was even less willing to accept the chasm in their standings.
Didn’t she have the right to choose her friends?
“Sheila, while the words may be a tad harsh, they are nonetheless an unchangeable reality.”
Lily advised gently, “It’s fine for you and Dustin to be casual friends, but don’t become too entangled. In this world, some people are destined for greatness, while others live like weeds. The difference in status is more than just a word—it can’t be easily bridged.”
She thanked Dustin for his treatment, but that didn’t mean she’d endorse their relationship.
“Enough, please, enough… I won’t listen, I won’t listen… You’re all deceitful!”
Sheila Murray was so overwhelmed that she burst into tears on the spot and rushed out of the door.
The opposition from her family and the admonitions from her friends were like daggers to her heart.
Could it be that she was truly mistaken?
Should she not care for Dustin?
“Sheila!”
Seeing Sheila Murray bolt out, Lily was about to follow, but was restrained by Caden, “Leave her be for now. Let her find solace on her own. One day, she’ll learn to mature and can’t be so headstrong anymore.”
“I wonder if this kid will come to his senses,” Lily sighed softly.
Love, in her view, was futile.
She’d witnessed many affluent ladies who risked everything for so-called love, only to end up battered and bruised.
