Chapter 168

Chapter168.

It was Gloria. I hadn’t seen her in a while. As always, she was both sweet and alluring. She waved to me, “Darling, come over here.”

Gloria’s sweet call drew attention; everyone looked at her. The whole city knew about the huge drama between me, the Shaws, and the Crowes. These people knew even more than the average internet user.

Olivia’s relationship with Evan was impressive; they all wanted to be close to her. If it weren’t for the drama with the Shaw and Crowe families, they would’ve tried to flatter her.

But they were also afraid of offending the Shaws and Crowes. Remaining neutral was the best choice.

That was the thought of most people there: flattering Evan didn’t necessarily have to be through Olivia, but offending the Crowes could be easily achieved by being friendly with Olivia in public.

Gloria didn’t care what others thought; they were all cowards. She’d seen a lot in her life; her world only contained those she liked and those she didn’t.

“Gloria-”

I greeted her warmly. Whispering to Evan that I’d be back in a moment, I walked toward her.

Everyone, seeing me leave, eagerly prepared to approach Evan. It was rare to see him socialize. But Evan followed me.“Why are you walking so fast?”

I wasn’t; I just went to chat with a friend.

He continued to ask, “You think I’d embarrass you?”

Mr. Jones, we’re in public! Don’t sound like we are dating! People will think I put a love spell on you!

Those nearby heard some of this and were so shocked they dropped their glasses.

See? Accidentally scared a bystander.

Gloria also widened her eyes. So... Olivia is now Evan’s girlfriend? My girl, you’re amazing! I admire you!

At first it was just an ordinary business party, but not it was like Evan and I were meeting our parents... That was really awkward.

I reached Gloria.

“Mr. Jones,” Gloria greeted Evan enthusiastically.

He responded and chatted with her for a few minutes. I grabbed two drinks, handing one to Evan.

Mark approached. After a brief conversation, Mark invited Evan inside. Before going in, he said to Gloria, “Take care of her.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take excellent care of her,” Gloria said, smiling like a matchmaker.

Evan left. I felt everyone’s gaze. I felt like a Tyrannosaurus Rex... or why were their expressions so terrified?

Gloria put her arm around me, looking proudly.“Girl, how did you make this happen? This is huge.”

“Let’s chat outside.”

“Okay!”

We went to the outdoor terrace. I saw two mutual friends of Julian and me. They smiled and raised their glasses upon seeing me, but didn’t come over.

“Count this as courtesy,” Gloria patted my wrist.“Daring, without Evan Jones‘ aura, these vultures would feast on your 16.43 94.9%

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bones. That toast is their version of humanitarian aid.”

That was true. Without Evan’s gravitational pull, I’d be cosmic static in their social constellation.

“His halo chafes rather nicely,” I sipped my drink, watching condensation slide down the crystal like liquid time.

“These people are very shrewd. Don’t blame them. Who knows if there are any spies from the Shaw or Crowe families here today? Sec...” Gloria pointed to a woman in a purple top in the distance.“That’s one.”

I looked in that direction. It was Susan Lawrence.

“Her husband licks crumbs from the Crowe family. That lapdog’s barking keeps their penthouse heated,” Gloria whispered.

Susan seemed to sense our gaze. Turning to look at me, her expression was awkward. We weren’t enemies; we were friends before. But after Julian’s affair with Rita, she deliberately called me to a club and made me overhear that conversation.

Lapdog? How fitting.

Susan turned away, stiffening her back.

I coldly smiled and sipped my drink.

We found a small table on the terrace. Then, a discussion started downstairs.

“Evan likes her now, but what about later?”

“Exactly. Do you remember that Julian had a falling–out with his family to be with her? His love was unyielding, but he still cheated.”

“Evan’s affection won’t last long.”

“She still dreams about being Mrs. Jones. That’s hilarious.”

“You tell me. I don’t think the Jones family would accept a divorced woman who made a fuss about her husband’s affair.”

Humans balance jealousy by dragging others down in the mud.

I simply smiled at these words. Gloria angrily stood up to go upstairs, but I pulled her back.“Let them choke on their envy.

Slander’s their emotional dialysis.”

“Are you angry at all...?”

Gloria admired that. We sat back down.

As I picked up my drink, I heard another voice upstairs, “But I heard she’s draining Mr. Jones’s stamina! Rumor says he . needs IV drips between board meetings!”

“...Cough cough.”

I almost choked. Since when do rumors have to be erotic?

I was about to stand up when Gloria stopped me and quietly comforted me, “Let them choke on their envy. Slander’s their emotional dialysis...” she paused, curiously asking, “Is that true?”

“Of course not!!!”

I roared in exasperation.

Gloria successfully amused me, covering her mouth to laugh.“So he’s still energetic, huh?”

“I’m working for him, not sleeping with him.”

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Menu So, not just my colleagues and enemies, but the entire world assume that by becoming Evan’s secretary, I’m sleeping with him?

And that I’ve succeeded?

I didn’t know I was that great.

Gloria nudged me.“People think this way because he’s repeatedly intervened in your conflicts with the Shaws and Crowes. Plus, he’s been clinging to you tonight. It’s natural for them to speculate.”

“...”

I gave up arguing.

“Hey, what’s with that expression? There’s no loss in having a rumored relationship with him.”

“...I’m so honored, I’m going to get a banner made tomorrow!”

I was finally crazy.

In the innermost room.

Evan asked, “Did she come?”

Mark smiled.“Of course, otherwise, I wouldn’t have called you at the last minute.”

Evan smiled knowingly.“Thank you so much, Mr. Keller. I owe you one. Just tell me if you ever need anything.”

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