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Chapter_113
Simon’s hand froze mid-air, the coffee cup hovering just above the saucer as a frown tugged at his features. His eyes darkened slightly as he pieced things together in his mind. So this is her plan, he thought, already anticipating Nellie’s next move. Really? She just got Yvette back, and now she wants to embarrass her in front of everyone? What kind of feeble plan is this?
Initially, Simon had no intention of attending the Chambers family’s banquet. He and Tobias were supposed to return home to deal with some family matters. But as the thought of Nellie’s schemes lingered, something shifted within him. He couldn’t let Yvette face it alone.
He’d go to the banquet—not because he wanted to, but because he couldn’t afford for anything bad to happen to her. If Jeremiah were going, Simon wouldn’t have worried so much. But, knowing Jeremiah, he probably wouldn’t attend. Crowds were never his thing. In all his years in Betrico, Jeremiah had hardly ever graced a social event, and a small gathering like the one in Seacrity would likely do nothing to change that. Simon sighed deeply, his mind drifting to the past.
“Nellie isn’t easy to deal with,” Simon began, his voice low, as he set his cup down. “When she was younger, she was known for being spoiled and stubborn. After your mom passed, she got pregnant with your dad’s child, and it caused quite the scandal among the high society.”
He paused, eyes narrowing. “Mr. Matthew Chambers practically threatened to end his own life if your father didn’t agree to the marriage. Your dad eventually caved in. So, Nellie got what she wanted. She married into the Chambers family. Over time, she cleaned up her act, and people started to forget her past.”
Simon’s gaze turned distant, a tinge of bitterness in his tone as he continued. “These days, she has a solid reputation in high society. But don’t be fooled. People change, but you can never really know their true intentions. If she’s planning to host both events at the same banquet, I’d advise you to be cautious. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Yvette paused, her hand halfway to her coffee cup, a flicker of surprise crossing her usually calm expression. She tapped the cup thoughtfully, then nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind, Mr. Sunderland. Thanks.”
Later that night, in the Argrol University library, Andrew had been pestering Jeremiah for over two hours, trying to convince him to go to the bar. Jeremiah remained unwavering, his eyes scanning the pages of a classic novel, completely unphased by Andrew’s relentless chatter.
Andrew’s smile was plastered on his face as he tried one last time. “Jeremiah, I was wrong. I really didn’t know Yvette would leave right after the competition. Come on, be the bigger person. Let it slide, just this once.”
Finally, Jeremiah closed his book, his movements slow and deliberate. He stood up, dressed impeccably in pressed pants, no wrinkle in sight. Andrew’s hope flared up again, thinking that he might finally win.
But the words that left Jeremiah’s mouth killed that hope in an instant. “No,” he said, his voice flat.
Andrew’s smile faltered, and he cursed under his breath. All Arnold’s fault for making me babysit Jeremiah, he thought. If Arnold found out that Andrew had gone to the bar again, there would be hell to pay. He’d been dragged back to Betrico once before for a beating that had kept him in bed for days. He had no desire for a repeat performance.
Desperate, Andrew tried another tactic. He moved around Jeremiah, eyes lighting up with a sudden idea. “Come on, Jeremiah! Let me go just this once. Keep it quiet, and I swear, whatever you need, I’m there. I’d even take a bullet for you!”
Andrew almost convinced himself with his own words, but Jeremiah’s face remained indifferent. “No,” he repeated, unmoved.
Andrew slumped, the energy drained from him. Fine. If he says no, it’s no, he thought bitterly. Jeremiah’s just being petty because I didn’t tell him about Yvette leaving. Choosing a girl over your best friend… typical.
Outside the library, Winona stood in the cold night air, her body shivering despite the white V-neck dress she wore, leaving her legs exposed just below the knee. She had carefully applied her makeup, hoping to attract attention. But as the chilly breeze cut through her, she wrapped her arms around herself for warmth, looking pitiful in the process.
When Jeremiah and Andrew emerged from the library, they spotted her standing by the door, her face flushed from the cold. As they approached, Winona subtly shifted in their direction, pretending not to notice them. She “accidentally” tripped over a small stone, stumbling as if she were about to fall into Jeremiah’s arms.
But her plan didn’t unfold as she’d hoped. Instead of catching her, Jeremiah effortlessly sidestepped, leaving her to continue her fall. Winona’s eyes widened in shock as she tried to stop herself, but the momentum had already taken over. She hit the ground hard, the sound of her fall echoing in the quiet night. Her white dress tore and got dirty. The pain was sharp and real this time, and tears welled up in her eyes.
She looked up at Jeremiah, her tear-filled gaze pleading for sympathy, but he didn’t even glance in her direction. Andrew, standing a few feet away, couldn’t help but snort. This trick? he thought, shaking his head. Winona doesn’t realize this act is so overplayed in high society. She’s not fooling anyone.
Jeremiah, however, remained unfazed. He’d seen plenty of women—far more beautiful and interesting—who tried to use such tactics. None of them had ever caught his attention.
Winona, still on the ground, her eyes brimming with tears, called out in her usual soft voice, “Mr. Chavez, I’ve twisted my ankle. Could you help me?”
Jeremiah pulled out his phone without a word, his long fingers tapping out a quick message to Yvette. He completely ignored Winona’s plea. Andrew struggled to suppress a laugh, crossing his arms as he watched Winona’s failed performance.
Winona, though embarrassed, felt a twisted satisfaction in her heart. Only a man like him is worthy of me. I’ll do whatever it takes to win him over, she thought, her mind already working on her next move.
When Jeremiah finished texting, he finally glanced down at her. Winona’s heart leaped, her face lighting up in hope. She looked even more pitiable, as though she might burst into tears at any moment. “Mr. Chavez, please help me. My ankle hurts so much,” she said, her voice fragile.
Jeremiah didn’t move. He pulled a tissue from his pocket, wiped his hands slowly, and then tossed it casually onto her torn dress. In a lazy tone, he said, “Sorry, I don’t pick up trash.”
Winona’s face drained of color, her hands trembling with rage as the sting of humiliation burned inside her. What did he just say? she thought, unable to process the words. I thought Jeremiah would treat me with gentleness, with compassion, even admiration, but… he’s being so cold. Her mind reeled. How could someone so powerful and mysterious be so heartless?
But she refused to believe it. She swallowed her anger, unwilling to accept that Jeremiah could be indifferent to a woman throwing herself at him. Even if he’s with Yvette, does he really plan to stay faithful to her forever? she thought, determination bubbling up inside her. I won’t accept this humiliation.
When she looked up again, her face was still full of a pitiful expression, but her eyes were hard with resolve. “Mr. Chavez, if you don’t want to help me, that’s fine. But why insult me?” she asked softly, the change in her tone almost imperceptible.
She was already preparing to shift tactics. Since Jeremiah didn’t respond to her previous approach, she’d try something new. After all, she had pretended for years, playing the role that Victor wanted her to. Pretending for Jeremiah wouldn’t be so different.
Andrew, watching her effortlessly change emotional gears, was almost impressed. She’s like a character from a role-playing game, he thought, watching the transformation unfold. But unfortunately for her, this is Jeremiah. And he’s not playing along.
Jeremiah’s expression remained unreadable as he looked down at her. His voice, when he spoke, was devoid of any warmth. “You want me to help you?”
Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise. No way! Is Jeremiah actually falling for this? he thought, watching Winona with rapt attention.
Winona’s heart soared with hope as she thought, So he’s not immune after all. She bit her lip, keeping her resolve strong, but deep inside, she couldn’t help but wonder: Would Jeremiah finally give in?
