Chapter 200: Guess How Long It Will Take for Me to Win Your Husband

Sadie’s behavior didn’t surprise me at all. Initially, she had no interest in Carter because he was disabled. But once she learned about his influential connections, realizing even Sadie had to tread carefully around him, she and Monica weren’t about to let such a good catch slip away. After all, aside from his leg issues, Carter had plenty to offer—money, status, or power—things other men couldn’t provide her.

So today, she came prepared, ready to seduce him. She purposely sprayed on “Garden of Desire,” a perfume with an undeniably flirtatious scent. She also wore a low-cut, body-hugging dress under her coat. When she took off her coat, her fair skin was impossible to ignore. Her crouched posture exposed a generous amount of cleavage. Did she really think Carter was the same kind of man as Ashley?

Carter had once told me he hadn’t been involved with any women before, but coming from a man in his thirties, that was hard to believe. I couldn’t help but have my doubts. So, I didn’t stop her from trying to flirt with Carter. Instead, I chose to observe and see if he would act like other men.

When Sadie deliberately tried to charm him, Carter remained unfazed. “Did you wash your hands before entering the room?” Sadie’s flirtatious smile froze. “I…” Carter gave her a dismissive glance. “I’m a bit of a germaphobe and dislike contact with filth. Ms. Gardner, please step back. Your perfume is nauseating.” His blunt words were like a harsh slap to Sadie’s face. Just like my mom, I found myself liking Carter more and more!

Monica quickly scolded Sadie, “Go wash your hands, lady!” As I chuckled quietly, Carter suddenly leaned in and bit into the grape I hadn’t finished peeling from my fingers. Startled, I blurted out, “I forgot to wash my hands too!”

“It’s fine. You smell lovely.” Trying to mask my embarrassment, I headed to the bathroom, only to run into Sadie. Her expression was smug and infuriating. “Zoey, don’t get too full of yourself. If I could steal your man once, I can do it again. How long do you think it’ll take me to win your husband over this time?”

Unfazed by her words, I squeezed some soap onto my hands and began rubbing them slowly. Sadie was such a fool. Did she really think Ashley had been with her because he was captivated by her beauty? Ashley had been with her because he saw far more benefits and value in her than in Zoey. Did she honestly believe she was some kind of irresistible beauty? When it came to looks, she couldn’t hold a candle to Zoey. And in terms of talent and abilities, how could she possibly measure up to someone like me, who had been trained like a soldier since childhood? My talents weren’t limited to painting; painting was merely a casual hobby. As someone handpicked by Jeffrey to be his future granddaughter-in-law, I wasn’t someone to be trifled with easily.

In my previous life, my crushing defeat wasn’t due to a lack of ability but to my underestimation of human nature. I had been too focused on honing survival skills and pursuing hobbies, neglecting the darker sides of people. This time, with Zoey’s looks combined with my maxed-out talents, I wasn’t about to lose so easily again! Sadie still believed she could easily make me uncomfortable. What a fool!

I played along and replied, “Oh?” “I stole Ashley from you in just three days. Three days, Zoey, are you upset? The night you were trapped in the library and asked Ashley to bring you an umbrella, we were having fun at the hotel next door.”

I smiled slyly. “Upset? It took you three days to get him into bed. How cheap is that? Ordering takeout probably costs more than having you in bed for a night, Sadie. You were the one who practically threw yourself at him and probably paid for the room, too. Are you proud of that? How ridiculous.”

She thought I’d react like Zoey, but I didn’t fall for her trick. I calmly shot back at Sadie, making her chest heave with anger. Her mouth gaped like a frog, and she was unable to find words to counter. “You…Just wait and see. In a month, I’ll win over Carter for sure!” “Then I wish you success.” I moved closer to her ear. “By the way, are you still in contact with Ashley?” “What’s it to you?” “We’re sisters, after all. Don’t say I didn’t warn you—men’s words aren’t to be trusted. If he betrayed me, he’ll betray you too. It’s just a matter of time.”

“Shut up. He wouldn’t have done that if it weren’t for your schemes.” I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorframe, looking at her lazily.

“Isk tsk, sounds like he’s been saying all sorts of sweet things to you, Sadie. I truly envy you.” Sadie tilted her head smugly. “Well, of course. I’ve always been Dad’s favorite. I—” “No, you’ve misunderstood me. I envy your naivete and foolishness. While Ashley keeps you dangling, he’s already having a baby with Anna. Who knows how many times he’s cheated on you behind your back? Meanwhile, Sadie, you’re still lost in your perfect little world. I really envy your simple-mindedness. You truly believed every word he said. If someone pitched you IQ-boosting health products, they’d be a top seller in no time!”

Sadie’s face changed drastically after hearing those words. I went straight for her weak spot. “You…What are you talking about? Anna’s pregnant? That’s impossible!” “Whether she’s pregnant or not, just check it for yourself.” I wiped my hands dry and turned to leave.

Sadie seemed lost in thought throughout the meal, likely mulling over what I had told her in the restroom earlier. Monica hadn’t forgotten their main objective for coming here. So, she kicked Sadie under the table. Sadie snapped out of her reverie and quickly ladled a bowl of soup, handing it to Carter. “Carter, I worked so hard to prepare this for you. Try it.”

Before I could speak, my mom slammed her utensils down on the table. “I spent hours cooking that soup, and you’re taking credit for it just like that? All you did was ladle it. What effort are you talking about?” “Oh, Philippa, don’t nitpick with Sadie. She’s just a kid and meant well.”

My mom had never been this furious. She had changed ever since Zoey’s suicide. She was no longer timid. She glared coldly at Monica. “If Carter wants soup, Zoey can serve him. Why does your daughter keep butting in? Do you think no one can see through her little tricks?”

Monica squirmed awkwardly. “Darling, look at Philippa…Sadie was just trying to be thoughtful, but she’s being so…” Watching her wriggle like a maggot was truly revolting.

Sadie smirked at me, clearly used to Bill siding with her every time. “You don’t need to blow this out of proportion. Sadie just served Carter a bowl of soup. You’re overreacting, making yourself look like a joke,” Monica sneered, her face full of smug disdain.

Unable to hold back her anger, my mom lashed out. “Monica has ruined my family and lorded over us for years, and I’ve never said a word. But today, she and Sadie are acting like wolves in sheep’s clothing. Who knows what they’re scheming? I didn’t invite them into my house. Eat if you want, or leave! Don’t pollute my home! If you insist on defending these hypocrites, you can leave with them.”

Overwhelmed with rage, my mom suddenly hurled the soup in her hand at Sadie and Monica. “Ah! Honey! Philippa’s gone mad!” “I am mad. My weakness is what drove Zoey to the point of suicide. Now that she’s finally started a new life, I won’t let you hurt my daughter again!”

Before she could finish her sentence, my mom clutched her mouth and retched violently. A chilling suspicion flickered through my mind.