Chapter 17 He Had Finally Given Up
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Then, one by one, the other three sent the exact same response: a single “heh. The more Clarissa read, the more guilty she felt.
Didn’t you say you wanted nothing to do with us? So, who’s the dog behind the keyboard now?” Christopher mocked.
The five of them had grown up together in the same village. However, after the Chandlers brought her to Imperia, things. between them started to fade. Later on, when she got together with Gregory, they tried to make her break up with him, which led to several huge fights.
Looking back now. Clarissa was convinced she must’ve been possessed–only someone out of their mind would throw away good friends over a se mbag like that.
She quickly typed another message I was wrong about everything before. Please don’t be mad anymore. I’ve really changed. When you all are free, let me take you out for a meal. How about that?‘
Alas, no one replied.
Clarissa let out a sigh. Winning their forgiveness was clearly going to take some time.
Meanwhile, in the separate four–person group chat, the discussion was heating up.
“What the hell’s gotten into her? Christopher typed. Why is she suddenly apologizing? Did someone mess with her?”
Probably got knocked down a peg. She’s got zero conscience anyway. If someone did mess with her, she had it coming.
Harsh as the words were, there was still a concern for Clarissa hidden between the lines.
Maybe she’s out of money. The Chandlers might’ve turned on her, and Gregory, too. I’ll ask around.
‘If she’s broke, we can just send her some cash on the side. Christopher, you do it.
I’m not sending anything. She cut ties with me herself–why should I be the one to give in? That’d be humiliating.
Despite what he just said, Christopher opened up the payment app and quietly sent Clarissa 20 million.
Clarissa looked at the incoming transfer notice and smiled.
Meanwhile, at the quiet and solemn Jefferson Manor, Jonathan was summoned to Gideon’s study the moment he returned.
“Kneel!” Gideon struck his cane hard against the floor.
Jonathan silently dropped to his knees, his back ramrod straight.
“Why were you late? Why did you stand Mr. Lawson up?” Gideon’s voice was cold and sharp. He was already over eighty, his hair completely white, but his eyes were still piercing, commanding a presence no one dared take lightly.
Jonathan knelt there, stiff and silent, offering no reply.
The sight only made Gideon angrier. He nearly slammed his cane down on him. Luckily, the butler, Edgar, stepped in to ease the tension. “Sir, the deal went through in the end, didn’t it? Let’s just leave it at that. Don’t get yourself too worked up.”
Leave it? Look at the mess this boy has caused!” Gideon’s voice boomed as he glared at Jonathan. “Do you know your uncle spent the whole afternoon here ranting about you? If that contract had fallen through today, the board would’ve jumped on the chance to force you out of the CEO position!”
They had only backed down after the news came through that the deal had been signed.
“Don’t think I don’t know where you were yesterday. “All this over a woman–one who doesn’t even love you! And you let that
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Chapter 17 He Had Finally Given Up
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mess jeopardize a deal this important? You really think you’ve made something of yourself now? Clarissa doesn’t love you. Why are you still clinging to her?”
Jonathan’s hands, resting at his sides, curled into fists. His back, which had been perfectly straight all this time, finally gave way. His posture sagged, just a little–defeated.
Gideon’s frustration only deepened. However, the anger wasn’t truly about Jonathan almost blowing the deal with Seamus. It was because of anger and care for Jonathan.
He was getting old. He couldn’t protect Jonathan much longer. His second son, Ryan Jefferson, had been eyeing Jonathan’s seat for years, just waiting for him to slip. Jonathan had been walking a tightrope for too long. And now, he’d gone and fallen for someone who didn’t even love him–chasing after her, breaking himself down over it just like his father had.
“I heard you returned the emerald pendant. Good. Calling off the engagement was the right move. That Chandler girl was blind to your worth. She’s not the one for you. It’s time you let her go. I’ll find you someone better.”
Yeah… It’s time to let go. Jonathan’s lashes trembled as he lowered his gaze. A bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. The girl who once cried and said she wanted to marry me… she changed. If she’s already moved on, then why am I still holding on? Everything we went through… she’s probably long forgotten by now.
Gideon spoke again. “I’ve arranged for you to meet another young lady tomorrow. Go meet her, alright?”
Jonathan’s brow twitched. He gave his answer….
The next day, Clarissa didn’t rise and emerge from her room until well past noon.
Penelope was clearly displeased. “You’re just waking up now? Your sister’s already finished reading two medical books! You’ve been back with us for so long, and you’re still as lazy as ever. Can’t you learn a thing or two from your sister?”
“Mom, it’s fine. If Clare likes sleeping in, let her. Even if she got up early, she’d just be sitting around anyway.”
The implication was clear: Clarissa was useless. Even if she woke up at the crack of dawn, she’d have nothing worthwhile to do. Not like her–Selina, the gifted prodigy studying at the Imperia University School of Medicine, with impressive skills and a dream of becoming a disciple of Christopher the Miracle Worker. Everyone said she was a rising star in the medical world.
Penelope shook her head in disappointment and walked off. Her frustration with Clarissa was obvious.
Selina turned to Clarissa and said gently, “Clare, Gregory’s been released. He’s staying at Albert’s hospital now. Chloe’s taking care of him. You should go visit him too.”
Gregory had been released? Clarissa’s eyes widened in disbelief. Jonathan actually let him go? I was hoping he’d suffer a little longer. And now he’s staying at Albert’s hospital like he owns the place? The audacity!
“You should bring a gift when you visit him,” Selina added with a warm smile. “Gregory would be really happy to see you.”
Huh! Oh, I’ll pay him a visit, alright. Who does he think he is, living in our hospital like he belongs there?!
“Sure, I’ll go see him.” Clarissa smiled coldly.
Selina smiled back. This girl is still the same clueless fool–chasing after him like a puppy.
Before heading to the hospital to kick Gregory out, Clarissa made a stop at the mall.
Selina had been right about one thing–it wouldn’t hurt to bring a gift. Since Jonathan had blocked her on WhatsApp, maybe a well–chosen present would be enough to get him to add her back.
Clarissa headed for the mall–her eldest brother’s mall.
“Miss Clarissa.” The store manager spotted her and came over immediately. “Shopping for clothes today?”
“Yup.” Clarissa nodded. “I’m looking for menswear.”
The manager gave a knowing smile. Clarissa often came here to buy clothes for Gregory. By now, it had become routine.
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Chapter 17 He Had Finally Given Up
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Among the three Chandler brothers and their polished younger sister Selina, Clarissa was the only outlier. Brought in from the countryside, uneducated, aimless, and hopelessly obsessed with romance.
Sometimes she wondered if Clarissa was even the madam’s real daughter. It felt more like Selina was the only true one.
The manager led Clarissa toward the men’s section. Just then, a voice called out.
“Clarissa? Is that you?!”
The familiar voice made Clarissa narrow her eyes. Well, well… Looks like even after getting a second shot at life, I still had to run into
you.
