Chapter 3 problem with me, just say it. Why are you making things difficult for her?”
To be fair, Benjamin and I had grown up together. We were childhood friends.
Despite his usual friendly demeanor, very few people could truly get close to him.
After all these years, this was the first time I had seen him so angry over a girl.
He stood in front of me, fuming with an ominous look in his eyes. “Gloria, we’re doing this welcome party for you because you’ve been abroad for two years. If you’re upset, fine, but why do you have to deliberately embarrass Kathy? It’s been two years, and your temper is still…”
Before he could finish, the hall fell silent, followed by the sharp sound of a slap
I rubbed my wrist. I couldn’t believe how thick–skinned he was.
me?”
Benjamin stopped mid–sentence, and the others gasped in shock, one after another.
Benjamin stared at me, his face in disbelief, clutching his cheek where I had slapped him, and asked, “Gloria, how dare you hit
I raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, I hit him. What’s the big deal? Was I supposed to wait for a special occasion?”
After two years abroad, I had done a good job of keeping my temper in check.
Today, I had at least spared them some face.
If this had happened before, I would’ve flipped the entire table.
Anyone who dared to provoke me, even if they ran three streets away, I’d chase them down.
But in just two years, they had forgotten how bad my temper used to be.
They even dared to cross my line, as if they were sure I wouldn’t get angry like I used to.
This was no joke.
Had they never heard the saying, “A leopard can’t change its spots“?
After twenty–six years of life, I had never managed to change my temper, so why on earth would they think two years abroad would do it?
Just then, Kathy started crying, her big, innocent eyes filling with tears.
“Ms. Johnson, it’s all my fault. I didn’t know you didn’t want to see me. If there’s a problem, take it up with me, but please don’t be mad at Mr. Clarke.”
Her nose was red, and she looked utterly pitiful.
But as she looked down to wipe away her tears, I caught a glimpse of the smile forming on her face.
That smile, I knew it all too well.
It was smug, taunting, and self–satisfied.
I had seen it countless times growing up.
But no one noticed that smile except for me, including Benjamin, whose gaze had turned as dark as a storm cloud.
It was as if he was meeting me for the first time, and through gritted teeth, he said, “Gloria, is this what you want?”
Even Gary stood by Kathy’s side, threatening to run to Grandpa and tell him.
He thought he could use Grandpa to punish me. That was a foolish idea.
I couldn’t help but laugh in frustration. I said directly, “Go ahead. Tell Grandpa. Let’s see if he punishes you or me.” Gary looked at me, his face filled with confidence, but hesitated.
I then shifted my gaze to Benjamin. “By the way, just so you know, our relationship is officially over now. We’re breaking up. Got it? From now on, feel free to go after Ms. Palmer or anyone else you want. Do whatever makes you happy. You’re so fond of her. Now, you can be together without hiding and avoid the label of the other woman interfering in someone else’s relationship. Right?”
I paused for a moment and then turned to Kathy, smiling in a way that showed I was in a good mood.
“By the way, as for you, did you really think I was some kind of fool, letting you play me like a puppet? I may have a bad temper, but I’m not unreasonable. I’m sure you didn’t know there are cameras here, right? I didn’t even touch the wine glass in your hand, and yet I managed to spill the wine all over your evening dress. If you want to act, I suggest you go back to an art school for some training. Otherwise, when you get older, you won’t even be able to find a decent job. After all, these rich men you’re after aren’t fools. They might play around with you when they’re bored, but if they actually married you, it’d be a joke.”
After delivering my attacks I felt much lighter
O
M
but in they actually married you, it’d be a joke.”
at.”
After delivering my attacks, I felt much lighter.
As for the expressions on the faces of the people opposite me… “Well, let’s just say they were pretty much unbearable to look
Gary’s face was dark with anger, Benjamin’s eyes were full of unspoken resentment, and even Kathy’s face was a complex mix. of anger, fear, and jealousy.
Thinking about it, I didn’t regret coming to this welcome party today.
“As for their feelings? Sorry, I never cared about that.”
I rolled my eyes dramatically and said a few more words before walking away.
“Oh, by the way, I’ll be telling Grandpa all about the interesting things that happened today when I get home. It’s been a while since I’ve heard such a fun story. I’m actually looking forward to it.”
With that, I turned and walked toward the door.
And I ran into a man coming in at the same time.
He was very tall, and in my high heels, I could barely reach his chin.
His nose was high, and his features were sharp and handsome, though his face looked a little unfamiliar.
I mentally ran through my memory, confirming that I didn’t recognize this handsome man at all.
If it were in the past, I might have been in the mood to tease him.
But today, I wasn’t in the best mood.
