Chapter 52

Shermaine pondered for a moment and concluded that it made sense, but she was getting a little impatient. She couldn’t wait to see how the challenge with the world champion would play out. All in all, she was looking forward to having a game with Trevor.

Joshua’s voice was low and smooth as he said, “Why don’t you take the car for a spin first?”

Shermaine thought it would be impolite and ungrateful to turn him down. After all, this wasn’t just any gift—it had cost a fortune. Given the choice between a game of chess and trying out the car, she didn’t hesitate long before decisively choosing the latter.

‘Joshua’s my fiancé. It’s natural to favor him,’ she told herself.

Shermaine took the car keys from Bradley, slid into the driver’s seat, and set her phone aside without ending the call. Then, she inserted the car key, started the engine, and the car’s AI system activated.

“Ms. Shue, you’re finally here. I’m Mimi, your adorable little buddy! Good evening. The moon looks stunning tonight. Just tell me where you want to go, and I’ll find the smoothest, most convenient route for you.”

Shermaine didn’t respond and instead started exploring the system. For the current level of technology, this AI was pretty impressive. Compared to the robotic vacuum cleaner at Joshua’s house, the system was far more responsive and advanced.

She soon noticed the car had two modes–one was the flashy, attention–grabbing design that would turn heads wherever it went. The other was a more understated, regular mode that blended in like any other sports car.

The combination of the two was a dream for sports car enthusiasts, but even people who weren’t into sports cars would probably appreciate it.

At that moment, Joshua spoke again, “Do you like it?”

“I do,” she replied simply.

“That’s all I needed to hear.”

Shermaine smiled faintly. Though the conversation wasn’t particularly meaningful, she liked listening to Joshua’s voice.

Meanwhile, Trevor wasn’t bothered by the delay. Chess players were practically synonymous with patience, and he was no exception. To kill time, he started a chess match against the computer. In contrast, the viewers were restless and impatient.

[When is Shermaine coming? I can’t wait to see the showdown between these two big names!]

[You’re not the only one!]

[Aww, Trevor’s so patient. Not a hint of rush. I’m impressed.]

Trevor’s challenge to an amateur chess master had sent shockwaves through the chess community. Many famous players had quietly entered the live stream under pseudonyms, though none of them had joined the conversation.

The engine roared to life.

Hearing the sound, Clyde, curious, stepped out of the house just in time to see the stunning sports car make a sharp turn and disappear from view. ‘That car’s insanely cool!’ he thought, envious. ‘Mr. York really is generous. The car screamed luxury.’

After driving around for just five minutes, Shermaine headed back, finding the experience exhilarating. If Trevor weren’t waiting for her, she would have driven around a bit longer before returning.

Joshua had already ended his call with Shermaine. Roy, who hadn’t left yet, glared at him with frustration written all over his face.

Joshua has no taste. He really doesn’t. He’s been smart his whole life, but this time, he made a huge mistake. That amazing sports car now belonged to that tasteless woman. What a shame, Roy thought.

Joshua lifted his eyes and caught sight of Roy’s gaze. Instantly annoyed, he barked, his eyes cold, “If you’re done eating, get back to work.”

Roy was speechless.

When Shermaine returned, Bradley had already left. She parked the car in the garage and went inside. Wendelyn was still live streaming, sharing skincare tips. She even pulled Ruth into the frame, and the two were chatting happily.

Janice, sitting nearby with a stern look, softened when she saw Shermaine. She walked over and asked, “Sheary, did Joshua give you a car as a gift?”

Shermaine nodded. “Yeah, Grandma. The car’s amazing.”

‘Amazing, huh? Then it must be more than amazing. Maybe even more impressive than the jewelry I gave Sheary,’ Janice thought.

Janice was more than pleased with Joshua as a future grandson–in–law. Sure, he was eleven years older than Shermaine, but that didn’t matter–not when he was so caring and devoted.

At the last family dinner, he’d been gentle, thoughtful, and protective toward Shermaine. If anyone tried to mess with her, he’d be the first to step in. That was more than enough.

Plus, he was just as good–looking as Shermaine. The two of them were a perfect visual match–and their kids would be gorgeous.

The thought of a great–grandchild made Janice’s heart flutter. She dreamed of having an adorable great–grandchild, though she wasn’t sure if she’d live long enough to.

Suddenly, Clyde, who had been watching Shermaine coldly, spoke up. “Shermaine, the car Mr. York gave you is the Phantom, worth 150 million dollars, right?”

Shermaine wasn’t sure if it was worth 150 million dollars, but it was indeed a Phantom. She glanced at him. “Why do you ask?”

Clyde, shameless as ever, grinned. “Let me take it for a spin!” He had just gotten his driver’s license this year and had been dying to try out one of those super expensive, high–performance cars.

Given his entitled attitude and the fact that Shermaine still held a grudge against him–especially since he didn’t like her–she wasn’t about to be forgiving with him and grant his wish. She flatly refused. “No.”

Clyde’s smile vanished instantly. “Fine, keep your precious car then. See if I care.”

Shermaine couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. Her mind was preoccupied with her upcoming chess match with Trevor. “Grandma, I’m heading upstairs,” she said.

“Go ahead,” Janice replied.

Once Shermaine was out of sight, Janice’s smile disappeared. Her sharp gaze suddenly fixed on Clyde. “You think you can handle that expensive car? If you crash it, do you even have the money to pay for it?”

“Grandma, even though I just got my license, I’ve been driving since I was sixteen,” argued Clyde.

“I know about your mess–ups, even though I was in the suburbs,” Janice scoffed.

She had long been dissatisfied with Clyde. She’d told him more than once that, even though Wendelyn shared the Jean surname, she was never truly part of the Jean family—and that no one could replace Shermaine. But Clyde refused to listen.

Instead of behaving like someone from a prominent family, he spent his time trying to please Wendelyn, which would do him no good. He needed to learn some proper manners and remember that Shermaine was the true family.

Janice continued her scolding. “And what’s with the tone you’re using when talking to your cousin? Did your parents raise you to set the tone?”

Clyde didn’t dare talk back. Wendelyn was still live–streaming, and if they started arguing, it would surely affect her.

Just then, Wendelyn approached them. “Grandma, please don’t be too hard on Clyde. He’s loved cars since he was a kid. The car Shermaine has is cool–it’s totally normal for him to be tempted.”

But Janice wasn’t having it. She snapped, “And who gave you the right to butt in while I’m disciplining my grandson?”

Her voice wasn’t loud, but all the viewers in the live stream heard it.

Wendelyn’s expression was pitiful as she replied, “Grandma, the live stream is still up.” She lowered her head, her eyes flashing with malice, and continued, “Besides, it’s just a car–a mere worldly possession. Surely family matters more, right?”

There was no denying she was scheming. Joshua had actually given Shermaine such an extravagant gift–a car worth 150 million dollars. It was enough to make anyone green with envy.

Janice shot back without hesitation, “Then why don’t you donate all the bags and jewelry your mother gave you? They’re just worldly possessions, and they don’t matter to you anyway.”

Then she couldn’t help but think, ‘So what if she’s still live–streaming? Why should I care what others think of her?

‘They can call me biased all they want–I don’t care. I’ve treated her this way for a reason. If she hadn’t been so calculating and hadn’t tried to replace Shermaine, I wouldn’t have been so harsh on her.’

“Grandma, why are you so harsh on Wendy? Can’t you treat her with the same kindness as others?” Clyde barked.

“You’re stupid, but I’m not.” Janice snorted, brushed past them, and went back to her room.

At this point, Ruth noticed that the live stream chat was flooded with comments standing up for Wendelyn.

[Ugh, I hate that old woman. How could she yell at Wendy again?]

[Is Wendy always treated harshly at home?]

[I can’t believe it. This is too much. I feel so bad for Wendy.]

Now that Janice was gone, Ruth took the chance to stir things up. She said, “My mother–in–law has always treated Wendy this way, even when she was little. I don’t know what she has against Wendy.

“Wendy is loving and obedient. Honestly, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have… Ah, forget it. This is just family business. Sorry you all had to hear this. Just let it go, okay?”

Wendelyn got back on camera and forced a smile even though she looked sad. “Sorry you had to see that.”

Shermaine went back to the room she had stayed in earlier. She immediately opened her laptop, visited the World Chess website, created an account, and then opened YouTube to enter Trevor’s live–stream.

The message “SpringSlumber entered the live stream” flew by in the chat.

To get Trevor’s attention, Shermaine decided to quiet the busy chat. Suddenly, the scrolling comments came to a stop.

The viewers were puzzled, and then they saw SpringSlumber’s second message: [I’m Shermaine. Invite me.]

Chapter 53