Chapter 845
Howard noticed Yuri repeatedly glancing in the rearview mirror and shot him a sharp glare.
Yuri immediately flinched and helped lower the privacy panels between the front and back seats.
No peeking!
No eavesdropping!
As soon as the panels were down, Howard raised his hand again, delivering two more slaps with undiminished force.
Phoebe winced in pain, her upper body resting on Howard’s lap, pinned down by his hand on her
waist.
After a moment of daze, Phoebe belatedly realized what was happening.
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she felt deeply hurt.
“Howard, y–you’re resorting to violence against me!”
Howard sighed, his tone serious. “This is how I discipline a disobedient girl. It’s based on my love for you. When you’re being unreasonable, this is the only way I can make you see reason!”
“But who gave you the right to punish me?” Phoebe bit her lip, her eyes teary.
Hearing the hint of crying in her voice, Howard’s large hand gently rubbed her backside.
“Because you said you wanted to break up, but I haven’t agreed. You’re still living with me, so we’re still boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Phoebe deflated instantly, feeling embarrassed and annoyed by his gentle touch. However, his grip on
her waist remained tight, preventing her from moving.
Seeing her staying quiet, Howard continued massaging her, softly asking, “Phoebe, what’s going on with you? What have I done wrong recently that made you want to leave?”
Phoebe’s eyes grew increasingly red, tears welling up with grievance.
“You’ve repeatedly asked me to return to the Nicholls family because it’s the only way we can get married on equal footing and not be mocked by anyone. Howard, do you love me more, or do you love my status of being the Nicholls family’s heiress?”
Howard was taken aback.
So, that was the cause.
He had indeed tried to persuade her many times before to be recognized by the Nicholls family and take on the Nicholls surname, leading to several arguments between them.
Chapter 845
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Perhaps, he had chosen the wrong words.
He pondered seriously, then asked softly, “Phoebe, why do you hate the Nicholls family so much? They’re your true family after all.”
Phoebe chuckled bitterly. “Is a cage without love considered a home? Are people without familial affection truly family? In my eyes, they’re less important than Sheena.”
Some people, even without blood ties, would feel more like family. Yet, despite sharing the same blood, some would act colder than strangers.
“I have no desire to return to the Nicholls family. It’s not a happy place for me.”
Gabrielle had never welcomed her, hoping she would never return.
Romello, who seemed to care for her the most, was the coldest and most indifferent, treating family like subordinates and ordering them around.
Not to mention the secrets of the Nicholls residence.
In her eyes, it was a gloomy and terrifying place.
Bringing her thoughts back, Phoebe asked Howard, “So, is it impossible for us to get married unless I return to the Nicholls family and reveal my identity as a Nicholls?”
Howard sighed heavily. “Phoebe, I don’t care if you’re an orphan from an orphanage or the heiress of the Nicholls family. As long as you want to get married, I’m ready. Even if it means becoming a joke for the aristocratic families, I’m okay with it.”
He helped her up, seating her sideways on his lap.
Cupping her face in his hands, he spoke earnestly, “I’ve been urging you to return to the Nicholls family because I hope you can step out of your comfort zone and embrace your family.”
Howard took a deep breath, then continued, “I know that even though you try to forget, you’re still attached to the Nicholls family deep down. You were thrilled when you found out about your roots, but after spending some time there, you felt disconnected from that family and have been avoiding it. Phoebe, I want you to confront these issues and find true happiness. I’ll help you talk to the Nicholls family if that’s what you want.”
Phoebe lowered her gaze, lost in thought for a long time, staying silent.
Howard gently placed his hand on the back of her head, leaning in as if to give her a comforting kiss. However, Phoebe pushed him away.
