Chapter 36 Chapter 36 The Jean family's success in Basterel was built on the foundation laid by their ancestors . By the time Janice's husband took charge , the Jean family had reached its peak . However , when the family business fell into the hands of Jameson and his siblings , they faced a near collapse due to the financial crisis and pressure from their competitors , According to Ross , the Jean family only managed to syve the crisis because their mother , Huth , stepped in and saved the day . So , even though Jameson and Ruth's marriage had long since lost its spunk , they never divorced . After all , Ruth still held 15 % of the family shares To Shermaine , her mother , Ruth , seemed utterly clueless - definitely not the type to succeed in business . She even wondered if Ruth had become less talented and woe due to aging . Shermaine had the driver take her straight to the Jean residence . Tonight's family dinner wasn't just a gathering of familiar faces ; there was also shanger present . He was a tall , lean young man with refined features and was sitting next to Andrew's son , Clyde . The two were discussing a math competition problem . " hen they couldn't figure it out , they turned to Wendelyn for help . After taking a look at the problem , Wendelyn joined the discussion . As Shermaine entered the house , her attention immediately went to the elderly woman with white hair sitting on the sofa . She appeared quite thin , likely a consequence of a serious illness she had suffered . However , her bright red outfit , painted lips , and diamond earrings and bracelets gave her a surprisingly vibrant and spirited look . Janice smiled warmly . " You must be Sheary , right ? I'm your grandmother , Janice . Come here and let me take a good look at you , dear . " Shermaine was surprised by her welcoming demeanor . She walked over and sat down beside Janice . " Grandma ," she greeted politely . Janice's face it up with joy . " You look just like your brother . Thank goodness he found you and brought you home . Otherwise , I'd never have gotten the chance to meet you , sweetheart . " She held Shermaine's hand , tears welling up in her eyes . " I'm sorry for what you have been through out there . " Shermaine , never one to warm up quickly to people , felt a bit overwhelmed by her grandmother's enthusiastic affection . But she still gave a small , genuine smile , thinking . ' So Ross wasn't lying - Grandma really has loved me from the moment I was bor Aber some more small talk , Janice introduced Shermaine to Brandon and his family . Brandon greeted Shermaine with a big smile and even had his son , Leon - who had just started middle school - hand her the gift he had prepared . Leon , a studious - looking boy with glasses , carried himself with a humble demeanor , likely thanks to his father's good upbringing . " Sheary , this is a gift my dad and I picked out for you . " For the second time since arriving at the Jean family residence , Shermaine smiled genuinely . Her eyes brightened as she took the gift . " Thank you . " " You're welcome , " replied Leon " I didn't bring a gift for you today , but here's a lollipop . Let's call it a down payment - I'll make it up to you next time . " Shermaine handed him a lollipop Leon took the lollipop and smiled , flashing twb adorable dimples , " Sheary is so nice . I don't know why people say she's scary - she's so beautiful and so kind ; he thought However , this warm scene felt like a slap in Wendelyn's face . 1/4 13:54 Sun , 1 dun Chapter 36 Although Brandon and his family weren't highly valued by the Jean family , they were still part of it . Yet , none of them had ever treated Wendelyn with Bach warmth . And Janice had never acknowledged Wendelyn as a member of the family , always treating her like some long term pomst . But now , they were so kind to Shermaine . Wendelys had witnessed many times how the other family members had been mean to Sharmaine , so seeing The unexpected warmth boward Shermaine upset her deeply . Andrew asked . " Shermäine , why didn't you being Joshua along ? This is a family dinner , aber all understand he's busy , but he should at least show his fare . As your fance , he's not exactly making you a priority . " Jameson didn't seem concerned . Shemaine smirked and shot back , " Unde Andrew , I think what you said is untale , if Joshy didn't care about me , why would he help me with my problems ? And never said he wasn't coming . He's just really bany with work and will be a little late. " Andrew's expression changed slightly . " I didn't mean anything by it . I'm just worried that Mr. York might bail on you " " He won "L " Shermline kald femly Just then , the young man sitting next to Clyde leaned over and whispered , " That's Shermaine ? " Clyde quietly replied , " Yeah , the one stirring up all the drama in the Basterel lately . She's a senior at Brightwater Academy , just like you . " He leaned in closer and added , " Leslie , if you ever see her at school , don't bother with her . She can't do anything right , but sure knows how to cause Leslie thought , I've heard about her - the prettiest girl in our school now , and everyone's been raving about her . She's gorgeous , the type that could make a man's heart race with just a glance . Unfortunately , her reputation isn't exactly spotless , but it isn't a huge deal . The real problems , she's engaged . Her fiancé is Joshua , a high - profile figure in Basterol - someone every man dreams of surpassing . But he's much older than her , so I don't think it's gonna work ." Others may not have heard , but Shermaine's hearing was sharp , and she caught every word Clyde said about her . Clyde was just like his father - always looking down on people based on their status . Janice , ever kind and approachable , said , " I've got a gift for you too , Sheary . Come with me to my room . " " Okay ," Shermaine replied softly Janice had trouble moving around , so she lived on the ground floor . She held Shermaine's hand as they made their way to her room , her steps slow but full of purpose , Ruth knew that Wendelyn was uncomfortable , but there was nothing she could do , Janice had opposed Ruth bringing Wendelyn into the family from the very beginning . The fallout had been so bad that Janice had moved to the suburbs and barely ever came back to the city . Ruth silently cursed , " If only she'd died a while ago , then she wouldn't be here making things difficult for Wendy and me ! But what happened next was even more infuriating for Ruth and Wendelyn , Janice gave Shermaine a full set of diamond jewelry worth over 15 million dollars . When Ruth and Wendelyn saw the bracelet on Shermaine's wrist and the necklace around her neck , they were instantly consumed with envy . In all these years , they hadn't even received jewelry worth a few hundred thousand dollars , they had hardly ever received any worth tens of thousands of dollars . Andrew and his family were also burning with prvy . They were furious that Janice had just given such expensive jewelry to Shermaine , who they thought didn't deserve something that beautiful .. Andrew's face darkened . " Mom , that set of jewelry was something Dad gave you years ago . How could you just give it to Shermaine ? She's only 19- wearing something so valuable is just not right . " 2/4 113:54 Sun , 1907 Chapter 36 Ruth chimed in , " Yeah , Janice , Shermaine's usually a bit clumsy , it's not quite suitable for her to wear such expensive jewelry " கு Janice didn't care about their complaints . With a commanding air , she declared , " That's enough . It's mine , and I'm giving it to Shermaine . End of story Don't even think about trying to take it . " At that moment , Shermaine's affection for Janice grew more intense . It felt so good to be protected by family . Andrew deeply regretted not having a daughter . In the Jean family , Jameson had one son and one daughter , plus an adopted daughter . But both Andrew and Brandon only had one son each , So Shermaine was the only true heiress of this family . Although Wendelyn was legally a part of the family , Janice had never seen her as one of her own . Ruth felt she had to stand up for Wendelyn . She said , " Janice , this is really undair In Wendy , She's been in this family for so many years , and you've never even given her any decent jewelry . " Yet now , in front of her , you give Shermaine something so expensive . How do you think she'll feel ? Janice , you can't be so biased . " Then , she turned to Jameson and asked , " Jamie , don't you think so ? " Jameson was in an awkward spot . Although Janice wasn't his biological mother , she had treated him well over the years , so he respected her deeply . But it was true that Janice hadn't been fair to Wendelyn . Aher some thought , Jameson said , " Mom , I think Ruth has a point . How about you give the earrings to Wendy instead ? Janice shot him a sharp look and sneered , " Not a chance . That whole set is for Sheary . I've told you all before - I don't recognize Wendy as my granddaughter . If you love her so much , you can buy her your own gifts . " My poor granddaughter has been lost all these years . I'm just giving her a set of jewelry worth 15 million , and now you all can't handle it ? If she'd grown up with us , she'd have jewelry worth tens of millions of dollars ." The room fell silent . Despite their resentment , no one dared to argue further . Wendelyn lowered her head and said , " Dad , Mom , Grandma's right . I'm just grateful to be your daughter . Besides , I have plenty of jewelry , and I don't usually wear any fancy jewelry unless I'm attending events ." " She then turned to Shermaine and said with a smile , " Shermaine , that set of jewelry looks great on you . " Shermaine raised her wrist and smiled . " Oh , I didn't know you could be so sweet . Thanks for the compliment , Lagree . It does look great . " Wendelyn didn't respond , trying hard to hide her anger . Shermine then poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Janice , " Grandma , have some coffee . You've been talking for a while , you must be thirsty . " " Sheary , you're so thoughtful , " Janice said , smiling as she took the coffee and began drinking it slowly Ruth , realizing she couldn't gain any favor from Janice , had no choice but to hold back her frustration . She then shifted the topic . " Leslie , you and Sheary go to the same high school , right ? " Leslie , who had been quietly observing the scene , replied , " Yes , Mrs. Jean " " I heard you do exceptionally well in school . And your dream school is Basterel University , right ? " said Ruth . " I am ," Leslie replied . He was aiming to become the top scorer in their school . Ruth smiled again . " Well , Shermaine is also at Brightwater Academy , but her grades aren't that great . Could you maybe help her out a bit at school ? " Just moments ago , she was trying to gain favor for Wendelyn , and now she was pretending to care about Shermaine . Shermaine despised her for her hypocrisy Leslie hesitated , glancing at Semaine Shermaine sensed his gaze and looked up at him casually . 3/4 Chapter 36 Ruth chimed in . " Yeah , Janice , Shermaine's usually a bit clumsy , It's not quite suitable for her to wear such expensive jewelry " Janice didn't care about their complaints . With a commanding air , she declared , " That's enough . It's mina , and I'm giving it to Shermaine , End of story Don't even think about trying to take it . " At that moment , Shermaine's affection for Janice pew more intense . It felt so good to be protected by family . Andrew deeply regretted not having a daughter , in the Jean family , Jameson had one ton and one daughter , plus an adopted daughter . But both Andrew and Brandon only had one son each . So Shermaine was the only true heiress of this family . Although Wendelyn was legally a part of the family , Janice had never seen her as one of her own . Ruth felt she had to stand up for Wendelyn . She said , " Janice , this is really unfair to Wendy . She's been in this family for so many years , and you've never even given her any decent jewelry . " et now , in front of her , you give Shermaine something so expensive . How do you think she'll feel ? Janice , you can't be so biased . " Then , she turned to Jameson and asked , " Jamie , don't you think so ? " Jameson was in an awkward spot . Although Janice wasn't his biological mother , she had treated him well over the years , so he respected her deeply . But it was true that Janice hadn't been fair to Wendelyn After some thought , Jameson said , " Mom , I think Ruth has a point . How about you give the earrings to Wendy instead ! " Janice shot him a sharp look and sneered , " Not a chance . That whole set is for Sheary , I've told you all before - I don't recognize Wendy as my granddaughter . If you love her so much , you can buy her your own . " My poor granddaughter has been lost all these years . I'm just giving her a set of jewelry worth 15 million , and now you all can't handle it ? if she'd grown up with us , she'd have jewelry worth tens of millions of dollars . " The room fell silent . Despite their resentment , no one dared to argue further . Wendelyn lowered her head and said , " Dad , Mom , Grandma's right . I'm just grateful to be your daughter . Besides , I have plenty of jewelry , and I don't usually wear any fancy jewelry unless I'm attending events . " She then turned to Shermaine and said with a smile , " Shermaine , that set of jewelry looks great on you . " Shermaine raised her wrist and smiled . " Oh , I didn't know you could be so sweet . Thanks for the compliment agree . It does look great . " Wendelyn didn't respond , trying hard to hide her anger . Shermaine then poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Janice " Grandma , have some coffee . You've been talking for a while ; you must be thirsty . " " Sheary , you're so thoughtful Janice said , smiling as she took the coffee and began drinking it slowly . Ruth , realizing she couldn't gain any favor from Janice , had no choice but to hold back her frustration . She then shifted the topic " Leslie , you and Sheary go to the same high school , right ? " Leslie , who had been quietly observing the scene , replied , " Yes , Mrs. Jean ." " I heard you do exceptionally well in school . And your dream school is Basterel University , right ?" said Ruth . " I am , " Leslie replied . He was aiming to become the top scorer in their school . Ruth smiled again . " Well , Shermaine is also at Brightwater Academy , but her grades aren't that great . Could you maybe help her out a bit at school ? " Just moments ago , she was trying to gain favor for Wendelyn , and now she was pretending to care about Shermaine . Shermaine despised her for her hypocrisy Leslie hesitated , glancing at Shermaine . Sharmaine sensed his gaze and looked up at him casually . 3/4 ୦ Chapter 36 Captivated by her stunning face , Leslie thought , ' If she were my girlfiend , even though she had any shortcomings , I would still spend time guiding and shaping her , helping her become better over time . After all , she's the Jean family's true heiress . He nodded and said , " Sure , Mrs. Jean , " " Thank you so much for being willing to help Sheary , " Ruth said . Just then , Joshua walked in and happened to overhear the conversation . " Help Sheary with what ? " he asked , Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!