Chapter 23
The anger had been simmering in Philip all the way, so close to boiling over. For a hot minute, he’d almost roared over to the Shaw family’s place with his crew and smashed everything in sight.
But then he’d remembered–Daphne sull carried their name. A public scene would stain her reputation, and desperate people like the Shaw family might lash out at her. So he’d forced himself to cool down.
Now, with Daphne safely home and nothing holding him back. Philip was ready to get back in the dark and give the Shaw family a lesson that’d
stick.”
Philip had always been a bit of a rebel, but he still respected his dad. Edwin’s silence made him anxious. “So that’s a no? Come on, we’re family. Wi can’t just let them treat Daff like this, can we?”
Edwin frowned, “Watch your mouth, boy. When did I say we wouldn’t act?”
Philip blinked in surprise. Then why the silence?”
Edwin sighed, his ton blind.”
tone gentle but firm. “When will you learn patience? You want to lead this company? No one follows a leader who charges in
“I just couldn’t let it slide”
Philip scratched his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “I just
Edwin sighed and shook his head, his eyes distant. After a short while, he began, I was just thinking, Mason hit us up for a partnership recently, if i remember in night.”
Philip’s eyes widened, and he let out a short, incredulous laugh. Mason’s company might not be tiny, but next to the Sheppard Group, it was a drop in the ocean. “He wants to partner with us?” Philip scoffed. “Does he lose his mind or something?”
“Watch your mouth. Edwin warned with a sharp stare.
Philip quickly zipped his lips with an exaggerated gesture.
“The man’s delusional and confident, I’ll admit. Said his daughter’s gonna marry the CEO of the Goodman Group? That working with him now is like partnering with the Goodman empire?” Edwin sneered, his face scrunching up like he’d bitten a lemon.
Philip nearly choked–doubled over laughing against the car window, shoulders shaking. He was clearly amused by this statement
Then, with a smirk, he asked, “So, what’s the deal? Did we bite?“.
Edwin clicked his tongue, frowning. “How could we? His books are a mess–he can’t even manage his own finances. What makes him think he can handle a major deal like this?”
Philip raised an eyebrow. “His books? You ran a background check on him?”
“Of course,” Edwin replied, shaking his head. “You don’t go into business with someone without knowing what you’re getting into. Mason’s a real fool Can’t even keep his own house in order–she’s been running schemes right under bi nose, but he’s still clueless.”
Philip clapped. “Bqvo”
Edwin took a sip of his coffee and sighed, “I thought about giving him some advice. He is Daff’s dad, after all. But now…. Maybe it’s better to let him learn the hard way. He’s too cluries to be a good father”
Philip’s earlier frustration had faded. He leaned against the car window with a grin. “So, can I still go?”
Holding his cup, Edwin stepped back and nodded calmly. “Go ahead. Just don’t leave a trail“.
“Got it” Phillip slid back into the driver’s seat, flashing his dad a thumbs–up.
Edwin’s lips twitched into a half–smile. He’d heard that promise a hundred times before, and it usually ended in disaster. But he didn’t stop Philip Anyway, he’d got Philip’s back, and Mason wouldn’t do anything even if he knew Philip’s little trick.
A Philip pulled out of the driveway, he reached for his phone and called his friends. “Hey guys, he said, already grinning “Let’s go have some fun.
— someone must’ve asked about what for, and Philip snapped, “What to do! It doesn’t matter. But I promise it’ll be thrilling and fun. Come
His friend said something and then Philip replied, “Cut the crap. Yes or no?”
He must get a yes and then umiled. “Check your phone. The address’s sent. See you later”
Chapter 23
T’hilip hung up, his laughter fading into the night as he sped off into the darkness.
Daphne didn’t know Philip had gone out to settle her score. She trudged to her room, got ready for bed, and crashed into dreamland before her head hit the pillow.
These days, she’d been fighting heavy eyelids since the pregnancy, even with early bedtimes, she never stirred before noon.
The next morning, as she reached for her phone, a news alert caught her eye: a wealthy family in Aritial had been pranked, and there was a blurry photo of one of the suspects. The figure was tall and broad–shouldered–unmistakably Philip.
Oh. Philip Good for you, she thought:
She marched over to his room and knocked. After a few moments, the door creaked open, revealing Philip, who looked like he’d just been dragged out of a deep sleep.
“What’s going on, Duff His voice cracked, all traces of irritation dissolving when he saw her.
Daphine crossed her arms and smirked. Tough night! Maybe you should’ve stuck to counting sheep instead of pulling pranks.”
Philip’s eyes widened in surprise, and then be quickly tried to cover it up. “What! No way! I’m a good guy, remember?”
“Good guy?” Daphne burst out laughing and held up her phone, showing him the photo. Then take a look. Explain this”
He glanced at the photo and then quickly looked away, a hint of guilt flashing across his face. “Uh.. Can’t place this guy. The picture’s blurry. Could be anyone.
Daphne’s smile turned mischievous. “Sure it could. Maybe I show Aunt Emily. She’s great with Exces
Philip’s eyes widened in panic. “No way! Mom will kill me if she finds out!”
Daphne raised an eyebrow. “So much for playing dumb, huh?”
He threw up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! I just… mught the Shaw family a little lesson. No big deal. Dad knows everything, so you can ask him if you don’t believe me. Please don’t tell my mom
Daphne leaned against the doorframe, feeling a mix of amusement and gratitude. It took her a while to calm down and go on, I know you did this for me. I appreciate it really”
Philip grinned with a wave. “Anytime.”
But Daphne said seriously, “But I got this. Philip, you’re sweet, but I’m not that helpless little girl anymore. I’ve grown up; I can handle my own
batties now,
No relative could shield her forever. Daphne needed to stand on her own–that’s how she’d protect herself and protect the baby growing inside her.
Philip wiped the grin off His face and stood at full height, responding with matching sineboty. “I know you can, Daff, But you’re my family, and I’ll always be here for you, no matter what. Got it?”
Daphne felt a lump in her throat “Got it. And… Thanks, Philip”
He ruffled her hair affectionately. “My pleasure”
However, he promised inwardly, ‘She’s family–since when do we let family get kicked around? Look at her. She’s still that same little shrimp who nerded backup. She needs my love and support, always”
