CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 120: KILLING THE CHICKEN TO WARN THE MONKEY

The rain is drizzling endlessly, accompanied by a bone-chilling wind.

Shannon Quinn donned her cotton coat earlier than previous years, partly for warmth and partly to cover her belly, though it hasn’t grown much, people might believe she gained weight.

Lately, because she has been taking care of Sheila Yardley, she’s been going to the studio more frequently than before.

Lynn Kendall also found a new assistant, claiming it’s a distant relative of hers, Yara Hughes and the others described them as two of a kind, sharing the same stench.

However, Lynn Kendall is much better to her new assistant than she used to be to Sheila Yardley; the two frequently meet clients privately to secure orders, doing quite well in the studio. But Shannon Quinn feels that since Lynn Kendall arrived, the work environment has become quite chaotic.

It’s better if some people openly dislike you. The most disgusting ones are those who pretend to be extra friendly on the surface but plot against you behind your back, even smiling and acting friendly when they meet you.

"Knock knock"

Lynn Kendall only symbolically knocked on the door, then directly pushed it open without waiting for Shannon Quinn’s response.

Shannon Quinn deliberately moved the chair opposite her desk away; Lynn Kendall simply perched on the edge of the table.

"Shannon, being a wealthy family’s daughter-in-law really is different, isn’t it?"

Shannon Quinn didn’t know why she sounded so sarcastic, just laughed and said, "How is it different?"

"You still don’t know? Several people who were spreading rumors have been caught! I told Mona at the time, you definitely aren’t like that, told her you definitely have your own difficulties, every family has its own issues. I told her not to spread bad things about you; luckily, this time she wasn’t implicated, but it served as a warning to others."

Shannon Quinn lowered her eyes in thought; during this period, she indeed hadn’t received any more anonymous letters. It was probably because she had told Vincent Rhodes last time, and Vincent had someone deal with it.

"Hey Shannon, why are you still working here after marrying into a wealthy family? Don’t fight for jobs with us commoners anymore."

Shannon Quinn smiled and simply replied, "It’s better for women to have their own job."

"That makes sense. I had a client who married a rich man, then quit to stay home with her kids, but when she got divorced, she couldn’t even fight for custody of the child without a job, had no control at all."

Shannon Quinn didn’t know if there was a hidden meaning in her words, but just smiled silently. She immediately explained herself, "Oh, I didn’t mean anything else, I wasn’t cursing you to get divorced or anything, I just..."

"Mm, I know you didn’t mean that. The LAN order seems quite urgent; aren’t you afraid Mr. Lockwood will scold you later for not going?"

"I’m just balancing work and rest, just came over to chat with you for a bit, I’m going now."

In the afternoon, because of the rain, Aidan Lockwood gave Sheila Yardley a ride to the studio after finishing his classes.

It wasn’t the first time, just happened to be convenient.

Initially, Yara and the others joked in the group chat, thinking Sheila Yardley was Aidan Lockwood’s girlfriend, which Shannon Quinn quickly clarified. Considering Sheila Yardley’s good relationship with Ryder Griffin, such rumors would be harmful.

"Oh, Sheila, you’re here to work again?" Lynn Kendall greeted enthusiastically at the door as Sheila Yardley bumped into her while she was getting water.

It was as if the night in the bar where Lynn tried to ruin Sheila hadn’t happened at all.

Sheila Yardley had only told Shannon Quinn about that night but had discerned Lynn Kendall’s true nature through the event.

Upon meeting, she just glanced at Lynn Kendall without responding, directly pushed open the studio door of Shannon Quinn.

Then Lynn Kendall’s voice was heard from behind, "This dog got a new high-status owner and became so arrogant, doesn’t even know it’s still a dog."

Sheila Yardley isn’t the kind to bicker or argue, yet hearing Lynn’s words almost made her retort. Fortunately, Shannon Quinn quickly intervened, smilingly saying to Lynn Kendall, "We’ve all been through similar things, no need to say things like that."

Lynn Kendall gave Sheila Yardley a cold look and said, "Considering Shannon’s sake, I won’t bother with you."

Watching Lynn Kendall walking toward the pantry with a cup, Shannon Quinn pulled Sheila Yardley inside, closing the office door.

"If you get upset with her, you’re falling into her trap. She is deliberately provoking you. If things get out of hand, she’ll bite back. She’s the small group leader here now, you’re just an intern; even if Professor Lockwood favors you, he’ll keep her for the bigger picture."

Sheila Yardley murmured discontentedly, "People like her are really annoying. I let go of the incident with her, and she still keeps bothering me."

Shannon Quinn chuckled and comforted her, "You’re still young, haven’t experienced much yet. Society isn’t full of kind-hearted people; there are many with ill intentions. If you get angry every time someone provokes you, won’t you end up making yourself upset?"

Shannon Quinn understood Sheila Yardley’s feelings; she had been through the same thing. After encountering it often, her mentality just naturally became more balanced.

She poured a cup of water and handed it to Sheila Yardley. "Warm yourself up a bit; is your mom feeling better?"

"Thanks, Shannon." Sheila Yardley took the cup and held it in her hands. "My mom’s spirits have been pretty good these days. The doctor said if a suitable kidney is found, and surgery can be done, she can live like a normal person afterward."

"That’s good."

"Oh, my brother said seeing mom in good condition these days, and just receiving his paycheck, he wants to take mom out for dinner tonight, mom even said to invite you along."

"Me?"

Sheila Yardley nodded, "Yes, you’ve helped us a lot lately; mom wants to thank you in person."

Shannon Quinn hesitated but agreed.

Though a certain doubt in her heart hadn’t been confirmed, she felt it was close to being true.

If that woman is indeed her mother, she doesn’t know if she could forgive her, but she definitely won’t call her "mom."

She still holds some grudges, especially the unpleasant experiences from childhood.

In the evening, the rain never ceased all day.

After work, Shannon Quinn drove to the hospital with Sheila Yardley.

They still needed to wait for Julian Yardley to finish work before heading to the restaurant.

Catherine Yardley’s complexion wasn’t as haggard as before; she looked younger and prettier. If age wasn’t considered, claiming they were mother and daughter, Catherine seemed more like Shannon’s sister.

"Mom, I brought Shannon along."

Catherine Yardley smiled and nodded, her gaze lingering more on Shannon Quinn. "Come sit for a while; Julian says he’ll be late."