Chapter 2 Shame

• After Cecilia finished her report, Harrison looked at her.
• His expression was cold as he said, "Got it, you may leave now."
• Cecilia returned to her workstation, continuing her busy yet repetitive day.
• Later that evening, she packed up and left work, like all the other employees.
• She took a moment to go home and handed the bank card to Jennie Young, "Mom, this is the last sum of money I can borrow this month. Use it to pay off his gambling debt.
• "After I get my salary next month, I'll pay Sean's school fees and medical expenses. Then I'll find a storefront for both of you to start a small business. Remember, don't ever give the money to him!"
• Jennie promised repeatedly before Cecilia left the rented, rundown house that didn't feel like home to her.
• Scarcely had she entered her apartment when she received a call from Jennie, "Cecilia, someone took your father away!
• "I'm sorry, Cecilia. I didn't keep an eye on your father. He went gambling again and borrowed from loan sharks.
• "800 thousand dollars! If we don't pay the money, they'll cut off your father's fingers…"
• Jennie was sobbing on the phone.
• "Cecilia, you're our only hope! We need 800 thousand dollars to bring your father back…"
• This was not the first time.
• For the past four years, Cecilia had been pressured again and again to help pay off Zac Yate's gambling debts!
• "I don't have any more money," she replied coldly.
• "Cecilia, you're the head secretary of Grant Business! You've given us so much money over the years! I'm sure…"
• Cecilia smiled as tears started to flow from her eyes.
• Just as the woman stopped, she asked in a soft voice, "Mom, I think you've already guessed how I managed to earn such sums of money."
• After a long pause, Jennie apologized. "I'm sorry, Cecilia…"
• Twenty two years ago, Jennie was unmarried and pregnant. She gave birth to a child of unknown paternity. When Jennie turned ten, she married Zac.
• Zac was originally a chef. After marrying Jennie, the two opened a restaurant.
• He was honest and kind. Plus, he treated Jennie and Cecilia very well. He was undoubtedly a good husband and father.
• Even after having Sean Yate with Jennie, he never mistreated Cecilia. He treated Cecilia as his daughter, giving her more attention than his son!
• Their family, though not very wealthy, was happy and sweet.
• That is until everything changed four years ago…
• Her mother was in tears. Cecilia had wanted to reject her.
• In the end, she gave up. Once again giving in to her love for her family.
• "I'll find a way to raise 300 thousand dollars. I won't let them do anything to him."
• Harrison did not come to the apartment that night.
• Cecilia phoned him.
• Within seconds, the man answered the phone. His voice was cold, "Is there something you need?"
• "…" Cecilia was hesitant as she was about to ask him for another sum of money.
• Before she could speak, she heard a woman's voice saying, "Harrison, come here."
• "Okay," the man responded gently.
• Without a word, he hung up the phone on Cecilia.
• The next day, Cecilia didn't mention anything to him. He had told her to avoid bringing up personal matters with him at the company.
• At 4:00 pm, Jennie called, "Cecilia, have you got the money? Those people still have your father locked up when I went to see him today. They beat and starved him…"
• Cecilia was in a dilemma.
• She told her mother, "I'll bring you the money as soon as I can!"
• She hung up the phone and hesitated for a moment. Eventually, she knocked on the door of the CEO's office.
• Standing before the man, she lowered her head. Her voice was low as she asked, "Mr. Grant, can you lend me another 300 thousand dollars?"
• Harrison looked up at her, his gaze as cold as ever.
• "Lend? How much money have you taken from me? Have you ever repaid me? What can you use to repay me, hm?"
• Cecilia, with her head still lowered, remained silent.
• "Hmph," the man chuckled coldly.
• As though he had seen through everything, he looked at her and said, "Yes, Cecilia Young. Though I'm interested in you, you're not worthy of it!"
• Hadn't he just warned her?
• Still, she hung her head low, not saying a word. She felt exposed and ashamed. She was despicable, and she deserved it.
• She bit her lip, her hands clenched tightly at her side. She felt wronged, yet she didn't want to give up.
• "Damn it!"