Devoted Love:The Billionaire's Precious Wife

"Trust me, he didn't want to penalize you guys in the first place."

"Yeah, right! I've been punished more times than I've had hot dinners over the years!"

Rosemary chuckled softly, passing the iPad across the table, "Do these choices look good to you? Should we add more?"

"C'mon, Rosemary, don't you go playing the penny-pincher with me. You've barely scratched the surface of this menu, and it's not like I can't afford a decent meal!" Cathy quickly pushed the iPad back, "Order

away, please don't hold back!"

"We can't overdo it though; hate to see good food go to waste," Rosemary replied with a gentle smile.

"It won't happen! But don't underestimate the depth of my pockets. Today is all about having a blast!"

Their private dining room door was ajar, and just then, a passerby caught a glimpse of Cathy and called out in surprise and delight, "Cathy?"

"Tabitha??" Cathy, spotting her and the younger girl beside her, greeted them with joy, "Theresa, are you two out for a meal today? Just the two of you?"

"Yeah, it's Theresa's birthday today. Mom and Dad are tied up, couldn't celebrate with her, so it's up to me, her big sis, to make her day special," Tabitha was a good friend of Cathy's, and Theresa was her

younger sister.

"Hey there, Cathy." Theresa greeted politely, the picture of youthful charm.

"Happy birthday, Theresa! I hope all your wishes come true," Cathy said, ruffling her hair with a beaming smile.

"Thanks, Cathy."

"Who are you dining with?" Tabitha peered curiously into Cathy's room and saw none other than Rosemary, the talk of the town and Cathy's cousin-in-law!

"Let me introduce you - this is my cousin-in-law Rosemary. Rosemary, this is my good friend Tabitha,"

Cathy introduced with enthusiasm.

"Pleased to meet you," Rosemary greeted with a smile that could light up the darkest room, her grace and beauty almost ethereal.

Tabitha was taken aback - Rosemary was even more stunning in person than she had been on the internet!

"Nice to meet you," Tabitha was still recovering from the shock. This girl was beyond gorgeous!

"Rosemary, it's Theresa's birthday today. I'm going to sing her a birthday song to celebrate. You'll join us in a bit, won't you?" Cathy said cheerfully.

"Of course," Rosemary smiled again, her demeanor warm enough to melt snow in winder, as refreshing as a summer breeze, captivating and soothing all at once.

As they left the room, Tabitha couldn't help but whisper to Cathy, "Rosemary is breathtaking! No wonder Romeo, who's as cold as they come, fell for her. I mean, casting aside her skills, with looks like that, I'd do anything for her! If I hadn't seen her with my own eyes today, I'd never believe someone so beautiful could exist. Suddenly, I feel like I'm just here to make up the numbers!"

"I think she's stunning too. Everything feels better with her around." Cathy grinned, squeezing her best friend's hand, "Rosemary has so many great qualities; I could go on for days. But you're gorgeous in your own right! Look at that smile and those dimples - totally sweet."

Laughing, Tabitha continued their chat as they walked away, "Speaking of which, how come your cousin isn't around today?"

"I called his assistant earlier, asked him to keep Romeo occupied for the day. I've tried to take Rosemary out a few times, but he always gets in the way!"

Tabitha laughed, "That just shows how much he adores her."

"But I adore her too! I want to spend more time with her as well."

Back in the room, Rosemary was finalizing the menu on the iPad when she heard her name called.

"Rosemary???"

Rosemary looked up, and before her stood a woman who exuded confidence and sophistication -one from some wealthy family.

She was dressed in a chic suit in limited edition and sporting a stylish beret; the pearl necklace around her neck only accentuated her grace and allure.

No sooner had she arrived than she sat opposite Rosemary, a smile of pride and superiority playing at her lips, "Let's talk."

Rosemary's mind drew a blank; she had no recollection of such a character.

The woman introduced herself, "My name is Harriet Monroe. I'm Romeo's childhood sweetheart."

Rosemary then remembered. Romeo had mentioned long ago that during the Earwood family's power struggle, Harriet, as the darling of the family, was said to have gone missing - a ruse to protect her from danger, while in reality, she had been sent to the safety of the McMillian family.

It just so happened that George and Jennifer were busy abroad at the time and couldn't stay home to look after her. Thus, for a brief period, it was only she and Romeo in the house. Her family's issues

were quickly resolved, and she was taken back home soon after.

But during the tumult at her family's estate, Romeo was the one who gave her a sense of security. And with his good looks, it was no wonder Harriet fell for him.

Although Romeo had rejected her affections more than once, Harriet frequently messaged him.

Considering she was a friend's sister and the Earwood family were allies of the McMillian family,Romeo hadn't blocked her, though he never responded.

"I didn't expect to bump into you here, so let's cut to the chase." Harriet pulled a check from her bag and slid it across the table to Rosemary, "I want you to leave Romeo. Fill in any amount; the Earwood

family can afford it."

"Ms. Monroe, are you trying to buy off the affection between Romeo and me with money?" Rosemary's lips curled into a captivating smile.

Harriet hadn't expected her to be so striking when smiling; her beauty surpassed even what the media had portrayed, no wonder Romeo was spellbound.

"I grew up with Romeo; no one knows him better than I do. I'm aware of all his likes and dislikes."

"If you're so clued in, then you should know he can't stand you. Who gave you the gall to sit here an speak to my cousin-in-law like this? This is the private room I reserved; did I invite you?"

The voice belonged to Cathy, who had just returned to overhear Harriet's attempt to buy Romeo and Rosemary's relationship, and she was not pleased, "Out! You're not welcome here."

"Cathy?" Harriet frowned, visibly annoyed, "Why must you and Luna always meddle? I'm talking to Rosemary; what's it to you?"

"You step into my room to talk to my cousin-in-law without my permission. Besides, she's part of our McMillian family. So tell me, do I have the right to intervene or not?"

With checks having a maximum limit, Harriet couldn't possibly cover the astronomical sum in question.

Harriet seethed.

"Rose's worth is countless times yours! It's not your place to flaunt wealth in front of her, you clown. Don't you feel shameless? I recall Rosemary mentioning last time you tried to seduce Romeo at McMillian Group and she set you straight. What, got over your bruised ego and ready to stir trouble

again?"