Chapter 174 Entangled with a Mistress

• Sheila's complexion shifted from ashen to flushed, betraying her inner turmoil as she struggled to maintain her composure. "She's jealous because she cares too much about you," she said, her voice trembling.
• Conrad, ever the picture of icy detachment, took a slow sip from his coffee cup. His voice, devoid of warmth, cut through the air. "I don't need a woman's affection. What I require is a wife who fulfills her duties. She should be virtuous, wise, and accommodating. She mustn't meddle in my affairs, but she should be adept at managing any issues that arise. Regardless of what I do outside, she must greet me with warmth and tenderness upon my return. Only when Wilhelmina can embody these qualities will I consider marrying her."
• Sheila's lips quivered, her frustration palpable.