Editor: Henyee Translations
In the distance, Keira and Erin both frowned as they watched the situation unfold.
The two turned to Ryan simultaneously, only to find his expression as calm as ever. However, his gaze, fixed ahead, had become sharper, with a hint of menace in his eyes.
âLooks like this is the first time Ryanâs actually showing some emotion,â Erin whispered to Keira.
Before Keira could respond, a tall figure suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking her view of Ryan.
She paused, glancing up at Lewis. His face was as neutral as ever, and the move seemed almost unintentional. But knowing his jealous streak, Keira couldnât help but laugh softly to herself and turned her gaze back to the scene ahead.
Unaware of what they were about to face, Darien and Mollie were still smiling. Darien looked at Ellie, patted her on the shoulder, and said casually, âYou better behave from now on, got it?â
Ellie remained silent.
Mollie spoke up. âDarien, I donât think she even listens to you. Why keep someone like that around? You should just fire her! Whatâs the point of keeping her in your house?â
Others began to chime in. âYeah, Darien, just fire her!â
âHaving someone like that around only brings bad vibes.â
As the group mocked her, Ellie wiped her face and let out a sarcastic smile.
For some reason, a bad feeling started creeping up on Darien as he looked at her. His brows furrowed as he glanced down at the glass in his hand.
âDid I take the joke too far this time?
âNo, that canât be. Iâve done worse before, and Ellie never complained. So why would she be mad now?
âBut even if she is, who cares? Sheâll come crawling back like always once I say a few nice thingsâ¦â
With that thought, Darien let out a chuckle and looked at her. âEllie, whatâs with that look? Iâm warning you, if you donât straighten up, I might just stop talking to you.â
Not talking to herâthat was his biggest weapon.
Ellie suddenly wondered how she could have been so pathetic all this time.
Her fists clenched as she stared at him, lost for words. She pitied her past self.
Yeah, in the past, whenever Darien ignored her, sheâd chase after him like a lost puppy. Sheâd do anything to win him back. Anything.
Now, looking back, it was beyond pathetic.
How could she not have seen him for what he really was? Heâd never even bothered to hide his disdain or indifference toward her.
But sheâd been too wrapped up in some fairytale fantasy where Darien was the hero whoâd come to her rescue. She just didnât want to wake up.
Even her brother had warned her about Darien, but sheâd never listened. She thought her brother was just being a snob, judging Darien for his background.
She hadnât allowed anyone to look down on Darien. Not until today.
If Keira hadnât given her that earpiece or forced her to listen, she wouldâve never known just how awful this man truly was.
Lowering her gaze, Ellie let out a soft chuckle.
Darien, growing impatient, asked, âWhatâs so funny?â
Ellie reached for a few napkins from the table, wiped her face and hair, then crumpled them up and tossed them into the trash.
Raising her head, she looked Darien straight in the eye. âDarien, weâre done. Iâm breaking up with you.â
Mollie snorted. âBreak up? Since when were you two even together? Youâve got some nerve saying âbreak up.â Youâre nothing but a homewrecker!â
Mollie stormed forward, hand raised to slap Ellie, but Ellie quickly grabbed her wrist.
Without hesitation, Ellie slapped Mollie across the face.
Smack!
The sharp sound echoed through the room, leaving Darien and everyone else stunned.
Darien gaped. âEllie, have you lost your mind?!â
Ellie only smiled. âI was out of my mind before, but Iâm fine now.â
Darien pulled Mollie close, his anger rising. âYouâd better apologize to Mollie right now! Or I swear Iâll never speak to you again!â
Ellie lowered her gaze. âAnd then what?â
âWhat do you mean, âand thenâ? After that, youâll need to get Mollie a proper apology gift. And if it doesnât make her happy, I wonât forgive you.â
Ellie blinked, her mind drifting. She remembered last year when Darien had said something similar, and sheâd bought Mollie an Hermès bag as an apologyâa bag worth nearly a hundred thousand dollars.
She laughed. âOh, donât worry. Iâve already prepared a gift.â
Darien smirked. âAnd what would that be?â
At that moment, the manager approached with a bill in hand. Ellie took it and handed it to Darien. âThis.â