Chapter 236
On the way, Megan threw a sideways glance at Felix’s hand still resting on her shoulder. “I have to say, nice move–getting reporters to film them so as to split up their families.”
Felix let go of her once they reached a quiet corner. “Rein in your attitude. Start thinking before you act, and avoid offending people, got it?”
Megan curled her lip. “You’re not my dad. I don’t need your lectures.”
Felix laughed in exasperation, “No good deed goes unpunished. You’re such a headache.”
Megan’s brows shot up. “I’m a headache? Those men are nothing but despicable, horny pigs.”
And so the argument started up again.
Elsewhere, Eliana finally spotted Harper in the dining area.
She saw Harper sitting at Cathy’s table, deep in conversation.
Deciding to observe first, Eliana took a nearby table.
After Cathy listened to Harper, her eyes welled up in disbelief. “Ms. Reynolds, are you saying Mr. Ford has been sponsoring my college education while keeping you as his mistress for years?”
Harper held a cigarette between her fingers, blowing a smoke ring with a sultry look. “Yep. Ashton says he loves me and wants to marry me, so you’d better wise up. Once you graduate, scram and stop pestering him.”
“No, this can’t be true.” Cathy gripped the table edge, her voice trembling. “Mr. Ford said he likes me, but since I’m still young, he wants to wait till t graduate to pursue me properly.”
A flicker of self–mockery crossed Harper’s eyes as she scoffed, “Men’s words are lies. Why are college girls these days so naive? You buy into his empty promises?”
Cathy’s face paled, but she held firm. “I believe Mr. Ford wouldn’t lie to me.”
“Then let me ask you, beyond your tuition, how much has he actually spent on you over the years?” Harper leaned back in her chair, gesturing to her
clothes and jewelry.
She continued, “Everything I’m wearing and every cent he’s dropped on me these past years could put you through college till you’re old and gray, sweetheart. Take it from me, when a man splurges on you, that’s real love. Everything else is just empty words.”
Cathy couldn’t hold back anymore. She shot to her feet, tears streaming. “I’m going to find Mr. Ford and get answers.”
“By all means, go.” Instead of flinching, Harper looked downright gleeful.
The second Cathy ran off blubbering, Harper finally connected with Eliana.
“Harper, mission accomplished?” Eliana asked.
“Yep.” Harper gave a wry smile, then sighed, “Feeling kinda shitty about shattering a pure girl’s love ideals.”
“Harper, have you sorted out an exit plan?”
“At worst, I’ll fly abroad. It just sucks that I don’t speak any foreign languages.” She rubbed her temples with her cigarette hand. “Walk with me outside
for a bit?”
“Sure,” Eliana said.
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Chapter 236
By then, the sun was dipping below the horizon. The cool sea breeze was perfectly soothing.
Harper tucked a messy lock behind her ear, about to speak, when a waiter approached. “Mrs. Russell, Mr. Russell has been searching for you everywhere.”
Harper sounded wistful. “He dotes on you. He can’t stand being away from you for a second.”
Knowing Harper was in a funk, Eliana told the waiter, “Please tell Mr. Russell I’ll stay here for now if it’s not an emergency.”
The waiter kept his gaze lowered. “But Mr. Russell insisted it’s urgent. He wouldn’t have us turning the place upside down otherwise.”
Hearing this, Harper said softly, “Go ahead, Ellie. We can meet up later just the same.”
“Okay, I’ll be quick.” With that, Eliana followed the waiter and departed.
By now, most people had gone to eat, leaving the deck almost deserted. The waiter led Eliana to a gangway, then hurried away.
“Theodore, I’m here. Quit hiding.” Eliana thought he was taking her scuba diving since that was what they’d planned before arriving.
But the second she turned, a pair of hands shoved her hard from behind, sending her crashing into the sea.
“Rot in hell!” After the ambush, Delilah was about to leave when she faced Marcus‘ stunned, ashen face.
“Della, have you lost your mind?” Marcus exclaimed.
Delilah said, “Marc, I can’t stand how Theodore dotes on her. I had to put her in her place.”
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