Chapter 8
When I returned home, my parents held a grand welcome dinner for
- me.
During my time abroad, I had helped my family expand into
international markets, and our overseas sales had multiplied several
times over.
My parents were practically semi–retired at this point, and this time, they officially introduced me as the successor to the family to their social circle.
As soon as the news broke, Los Angeles‘ elite rushed to get close to me, eager to get close to me as their financial sponsor.
After years of less work pressure and more time spent traveling, my parents looked even younger than they did a few years ago.
As I embraced them, the warmth of their touch nearly brought me to
tears.
Recalling their fate in my past life, I couldn’t help but sigh.
A male waiter was about to approach but was abruptly pushed aside.
Suddenly, Cheryl, in a cheap gown with a wine glass in hand, walked up to me.
“Ms. Wilson, welcome back!”
She wore a fawning smile, and I froze for a moment. Mom whispered,
Chapter
“She’s been hooking up with someone else–your dad’s friend, Liam Smith.”
I barely managed to hide my shock.
Liam was over fifty and known for chasing young girls.
I pretended not to notice the bruises on Cheryl’s arm and smiled politely.
“Ms. Johnson, you’re just as slick as I remember.”
She caught the sarcasm in my voice but didn’t flinch; just grabbed my hand with fake warmth.
“Ms. Wilson, you always misunderstood me. We’re the same kind of people. We could’ve been close, real friends if it hadn’t been for that worthless man getting in the way-”
She didn’t even finish her words before someone appeared and slapped her to the ground.
Turns out the waiter from earlier was Caden.
He glared down at Cheryl, who was sprawled on the floor.
“Slut!
“You drained my savings and now you’re out here throwing yourself at other men!
“That dress you’re wearing–I worked three jobs to buy it! Have you no shame?”
Cheryl climbed to her feet, covered her face, and snapped back,
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Chapter
“Caden, take a look at yourself–you’re just a waiter! And you think you have the right to say that to me?
“I’ve already done more for you than you deserved! What do you have to offer me?
“You’re nothing but a sewer rat now–someone to be ashamed of!”
Caden couldn’t keep up with Cheryl’s sharp tongue and was quickly overwhelmed..
He kept pointing at her, sputtering “You-” while his chest heaving with rage, but not a single word followed.
As more people gathered around, Cheryl threw herself into Liam’s arms, slipping into a damsel–in–distress act.
“Darling, he hit me!”
Liam’s wrinkled face was full of concern as he gently patted Cheryl’s smooth back, frowning as he called for security.
The guards quickly pinned Caden to the floor, leaving him unable to
move.
He struggled to lift his head, his eyes meeting mine.”
“Luna, help me…”
I ignored him, deliberately stepping on his outstretched hand as I turned and walked away.
