With a monthly salary of just two or three thousand yuan, it wasn't even enough for her to buy her usual cosmetics.

Othiel Evans didn't answer, squinting his drunken eyes at her. The next moment, he pulled her into his embrace...

「A City, Ruiz Family.」

Mrs. Ruiz sat in the courtyard, soaking up the sun, her well-maintained face nonetheless gloomy.

She had just returned from T City, bringing back a belly full of anger.

Her eldest son had thrown a fierce temper tantrum at her for Rachel Bailey's sake.

And that Glades Horne—truly terrifying, more so than even her father when he was young. Her father was involved in the underworld back in his day, while Samuel Horne wasn't, yet Samuel Horne possessed that terrifying aura. Even she, who had been through countless storms and lived a full life, was shaken by his presence. No wonder he was able to tame her son, who appeared gentle but was actually ruthless at heart.

Besides, she truly couldn't imagine how Rachel Bailey, with her background, had managed to get acquainted with the Horne Family's eldest daughter-in-law. Even so, she would not accept Rachel Bailey. No matter how much Hansen Ruiz raged or made threats, she could never accept Rachel Bailey in her heart. What help could rich and noble friends offer Rachel Bailey? Unless the Horne Family gave all their money to Rachel Bailey, only then could she accept Rachel Bailey into the family. But that was nothing more than wishful thinking!

Floyd Thomas stood behind her chair, his lips pursed, daring not to say a word.

In fact, they had only returned to A City that morning. Upon their return, Mrs. Ruiz had immediately started grumbling at Alwin Ruiz, the Second Young Master, and the Third Young Master. Those three gentlemen feared her the most. After enduring her complaints, they all found excuses to leave the Ruiz family's grand villa. At this moment, Mrs. Ruiz was the only master of the grand villa.

What followed next was uncertain because Mrs. Ruiz's expression was still forbidding.

"Floyd Thomas."

Mrs. Ruiz suddenly turned her head, staring intently at Floyd Thomas, who stood behind her. She called out gently, which sent a shiver down his spine, and he cautiously responded, "Madam, do you have any instructions for me?"

"It's nothing; I'm just not willing to let it go. My Ruiz family is of such noble standing. How can we allow a farmer's daughter to take the position of the eldest daughter-in-law? Tell me, how am I to stop it? Hansen has made fierce threats, so I can't act openly or in secret. Can you help me think of a perfect solution?" At this moment, Rachel Bailey is a thorn in my heart, and I won't be content until it's removed.

Every time I remember Hansen's threat to destroy the Ruiz Family because of Rachel Bailey, my dislike for Rachel Bailey intensifies.

She isn't even officially part of the family yet, and Hansen is already protecting her and opposing me. If Rachel really becomes part of the family, she'll surely climb over my head and boss me around. That little woman's mouth is far too sharp.

I will not allow another woman to ride over my head in the Ruiz Family.

"Madam, we all know the temperament of the Eldest Young Master. He has truly developed genuine feelings for Miss Bailey. Floyd Thomas thinks it's best for you not to interfere anymore. Let nature take its course," Floyd Thomas said, plucking up his courage to advise her.

He had clearly seen the Eldest Young Master's wrath that day and had distinctly heard the harsh threats Hansen had made. If Mrs. Ruiz were to interfere further and anger the Eldest Young Master, he might actually destroy the Ruiz family. After all, the wealth Hansen had amassed in T City was enough for him to continue living an affluent life. Further interference would only bring misfortune upon Mrs. Ruiz, Alwin Ruiz, and the young masters.

"But... Floyd Thomas, you saw that girl surnamed Bailey too—how short and unattractive she is, with a sharp tongue and a poor background. Having such an ugly duckling as the Ruiz Family's eldest daughter-in-law is something I simply cannot stand," Mrs. Ruiz spoke gently, but her expression remained somber. It seemed she was truly unable to accept Rachel Bailey.

If it weren't for Hansen protecting Rachel Bailey, I might not have disliked her so much and might have even felt a bit of admiration.

"I've thought of a plan." Mrs. Ruiz's eyes suddenly lit up, a cunning glint flashing in them, which made Floyd Thomas, who had been by her side for a long time and was familiar with her expressions, tremble inwardly. That look in her eyes definitely means trouble.

Mrs. Ruiz did not share her plan with Floyd Thomas, and he dared not ask. He only saw Mrs. Ruiz stand up and walk into the house, instructing him not to follow. Clearly, she didn't want Floyd Thomas to know her plan, probably fearing he would tip off Hansen Ruiz.

Hansen Ruiz had no idea that his mother was still scheming relentlessly to separate him from Rachel and prevent their relationship. After finishing the tasks assigned by Glades Horne, he drove out of habit towards Betra Street. First, he stopped by the 'Fashions and Accessories' clothing store but didn't see Rachel Bailey doing business. He knew she was still avoiding him because her phone was still switched off.

He could only drive to the front of Emerald Garden Building and stop his car. He sat inside, quietly gazing up at the eighth floor.

It was two in the afternoon. The sunshine grew lazier, the wind colder and stronger, and the temperature began to drop.

That heartless little woman! How could I not have known she was a deserter in love? Even if she can't accept me yet, she shouldn't be avoiding me like this, right?

Not the slightest bit of conscience!

Hansen Ruiz complained inwardly.

But... actually, I understand her feelings right now. I hid my real identity from her. She already felt that we were from different worlds and didn't believe that an outstanding man like me could truly love her. Knowing I concealed my identity, she must think I'm toying with her.

Women... sometimes they're truly hard to understand.

But if I had declared my identity from the start and told her, "I am the eldest son of the Ruiz Family in A City, my family owns assets worth billions. Would you like to be in a relationship with me?"

If I had said that, she would have assuredly swung her purse at me. Oh, no, that little woman's purse is now filled with money; she wouldn't bear to use her purse on me. She'd probably take off those high heels of hers—the ones that cost no more than a hundred yuan—and throw them at me, telling me to get as far away as possible. Her pride is immense; she always worries others will think she's after money.