Chapter 571 Unpleasant Encounters

Since Sheryl was present, the two men pretended that they were meeting for the first time. But she felt the tense atmosphere as if the two were ready to beat each other up any time.

It irked Charles to see Anthony's hand on Sheryl's shoulder.

With a snort, he challenged,"Are you?"

His voice was full of contempt.

A sly smile had formed in his lips. Charles thought, 'She is Autumn, and she is still legally my wife. If I don't let her go, Sheryl will never get married to Anthony.'

Turning to Anthony, Sheryl suggested,"It's already late. How about we leave now?" With a frown, she went to get her daughter, but Shirley refused to leave and wanted to continue playing with Charlie and Amanda. It was the first time she had children to play with because, in America, Shirley had no friends.

"What's your name?" Charles suddenly asked the little girl. His mellow tone and loving look drew Shirley to him.

The little girl was not shy. Tilting her head, she surveyed the gentleman who had spoken from head to toe. Then she gave her name.

Charles stared at the cute girl with doting eyes. 'She is my child, I am sure of it. But where is the other?' he wondered.

"I learned that today is your birthday. Is that right?" He continued to speak gently.

"Yes," Shirley replied, her head bobbing up and down. There was no awakwardness between the man and little girl.

Turning to Sheryl, Charles proposed,"Now that your daughter is here, why don't you all stay so we can celebrate the children's birthdays together?"

He was doing everything possible to keep Sheryl with him and ensure she would never leave again.

"But…" Sheryl hesitated. She wanted to stay but looked at Anthony to check his reaction.

Charles looked at Anthony and extended the invitation. "Mr. Xiao, I hope you can stay. It is our first meeting. And please forgive me for not paying much attention to you," he said politely.

Anthony noted how Charles stressed the words "first meeting". 'What is he trying to do?' Anthony wondered. Laughing, he turned to Sheryl and said,"Sher, it's impolite to turn down Mr. Lu's kind invitation. Shirley is having fun now. So, how about we stay a little longer?" Sheryl looked at him in gratitude.

Giving his consent made Anthony feel that he was showing Charles how intimate his relationship with Sheryl was. 'Besides, she's my girlfriend now, ' he assured himself.

The tension between the two men was so palpable that everyone there felt it. And Sheryl, who sensed it quickly, coul

meal ended, and so did the two men's acrimonious debate. Sheryl and Anthony headed back to the hotel with Shirley. The child had fallen asleep on her mother's shoulder. Perhaps she was exhausted from jet lag.

Fearing Sheryl would get tired from carrying Shirley, Anthony offered,"Sher, let me help you with Shirley. You must be exhausted," he said worriedly.

"No, thank you. I can handle this," she refused firmly. She moved aside to continue walking.

"Are you mad at me?" Anthony finally asked. "What's wrong? Are you angry with me for coming over with Shirley without telling you?" he persisted.

Scowling, Sheryl retorted,"Anthony, your behavior at the party was quite rude. Did you know that?" She was trying to be calm but was already exasperated.

"I don't like that man," he finally admitted. "Sher, you're my girlfriend. I can't and won't allow another man to get close to you like we are. Besides, he likes you. And I can sense that," Anthony complained.

"Now that your show is over, we're going back to America. Our flight is for tomorrow morning," he declared presumptuously.

"You even bought tickets?" Sheryl asked dumbfounded. Anthony making decisions without asking her opinion was quite upsetting for Sheryl.

"Yes, I did," Anthony replied, not realizing his decision would displease his girlfriend. "I knew you've been busy these past several days, and I didn't want to bother you with these trivial matters," he explained.

Anthony never expected Sheryl to be so annoyed with him. She snorted in disgust. She took a deep breath, and then told him,"Why are you so unreasonable? If you want to leave, you can go. But I'm staying here."