Chapter 8

Ella eventually found out about Bethany's arranged marriage with the Brannon family's notorious playboy. "I heard your family is forming a marriage alliance with the Brannon family, Ella." Ella sneered, "It's not really my family. It's my stepsister." "Oh, you mean the daughter your stepmother had with her ex-husband?" When they were children, Ella's little clique had made life miserable for Bethany. Everyone had dressed to the nines for Ella's birthday party, while Bethany had shown up in her school uniform. Ella had smiled as she introduced her to everyone and promptly ignored her. Bethany, that country bumpkin, had been so nervous that she barely made a peep. She had hidden in a corner and sat quietly by herself. Ella had enjoyed taking Bethany to these gatherings. Coming from their family backgrounds, they were expected to be accustomed to small get-togethers, cocktail parties, and banquets from a young age. Ella had learned social etiquette since she was a child. Bethany, on the other hand, still looked completely out of place at every event, even though she had been given a lovely gown. After just a few times, Bethany had stopped hanging out with Ella altogether and had even taken the initiative to ask to move back to her old, run-down apartment. "So what if she's pretty? So what if she marries that womanizer? Does she really think that being alone is enough to step into high society?" Ella sneered inwardly. "Who here is close to Holly? Get her to hang out with us. Don't tell her I'm here. Better yet, have her bring her best friend along." Bethany's only way of getting close to high society was through her best friend, who happened to be Noah's niece. Ella wanted to see what Bethany would do once her dream of marrying into wealth was personally destroyed by her. Would Bethany still go through with the marriage, or would she back out? … Holly found out that Bethany had resigned from Noah's company. She remarked, "You were doing so well, Beth. Why did you leave?" Bethany had no intention of telling her about her clandestine relationship with Noah. If she did, she might not even be able to face her best friend afterward. Besides, it wasn't a relationship worth talking about. All she had to do was forget about it. Bethany simply said, "I just wanted a change of environment. I don't want to be a secretary anymore." Holly thought for a moment. "What do you want to do next? There's a get-together tomorrow, Beth. I'll take you with me so you can meet more people. Maybe one of their companies has a position that suits you!" Bethany wanted to turn her down, but Holly appeared to have read her mind. "You're not allowed to turn me down. I'm not opening any back doors for you, Beth. I'm just helping you get an interview. That's fair, right?" Bethany smiled. "Yeah, you're right." She still hadn't made up her mind about going back to the hotel, so she wasn't in a hurry to tell Holly yet. Besides, she couldn't bring herself to turn down Holly's kindness. … Cyrus Brannon had his arm around a woman in a white dress at an upscale private club. He'd had his fill of sultry women. So, someone sweet and simple was a welcome change. Ella walked in and witnessed Cyrus teasing the woman in his arms. The woman's soft pink lips were pressed against Cyrus' as the couple made out in public. Ella's eyes held complete disdain and ridicule. The real show would begin once Bethany arrived. "Ella's here, Mr. Brannon." Cyrus reluctantly pulled away from the woman's lips and arched his brow. "Well, if it isn't the heiress of the Reid family. Did you hear about that blind date I had with your sister last week?" Ella smiled. "She's not really my sister." Cyrus was well aware that Bethany was only Ella's stepsister. However, he hadn't expected Bethany to be so eager. It was their first meeting, yet she had already been willing to go to a hotel with him. Unfortunately, she wasn't his type. He thought that she was fine for a fling, but she wasn't someone he would commit to. Still, he felt that she would make a decent wife to keep at home and raise his children. "Well? Are you satisfied with my sister, Mr. Brannon?" Ella asked, smiling, though the smile didn't reach her eyes. "She's alright," Cyrus responded cryptically. "She's quite open-minded, though." Ella was about to press for more information when Noah walked in. "What are you doing here, Noah?" she asked sweetly before rushing over and looping her arm around his. Noah took a look around the private room. His brows drew together when he noticed Cyrus. "I have a business gathering next door. I just came over to sit for a bit." Ella hadn't expected Noah to show up. It would be even more interesting if Bethany arrived next. So, she waited by the door, eyes full of anticipation. To her surprise, Holly walked into the private room alone. Holly frowned and pursed her lips when she spotted the woman on the couch. Why was this woman here, too? Ella couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. "Did you come on your own, Holly? I heard you were bringing your best friend." Noah's brows twitched slightly. He knew that his niece's best friend was Bethany. Holly's lips twitched at the corner. "She went to the restroom. She'll be here soon." … Holly: "I'm so annoyed, Beth! My uncle and Ella are here too." When Bethany read that message in the restroom, she froze for a second before replying. "My bad, Hols. Something came up, and I have to leave. I'm terribly sorry!" Holly's brows knitted together as she stared at her phone. Noah glanced at her apathetically and sensed something was off. He asked, "What's wrong?" Holly shrugged. "My best friend has something to attend to, so she probably won't be joining me." Ella looked disappointed. "Is it that urgent? She could've at least come in and sat for a while." Noah rose from his seat and patted Ella's hand. "I still have a gathering to attend, Ella. I'll head off first. Have fun without me." Ella felt uneasy as she watched him walk away. She couldn't help but wonder whether he was returning to his gathering or going after Bethany. … Bethany hadn't expected to run into Noah the moment she stepped out of the restroom. She tried to sidestep him, but he boxed her against the wall. A small smile played on his lips as he lifted her chin. "What, did you miss me? You knew I was here, so you followed me, didn't you?" Bethany thought he was delusional. In a heartbeat, she slapped his hand away. "First of all, I didn't know you were here. If I had, I wouldn't have come. Secondly, who are you to ask me these questions, Mr. Vazquez?" Bethany bent down and slipped out of his hold. Yet, he yanked her back before she could go far. She snapped, "Unhand me!" Noah smirked. "What if I don't?" A second later, a resounding slap landed squarely on the right side of his face. Bethany's gaze was cold as she said, "I'm not part of whatever sick game you and Ella are playing, Noah. If you want to get handsy, I'll make you regret it!" Noah hadn't expected her to slap him. A cold, dangerous smile spread across his face as he grasped her chin. "Do you have any idea what happens when you piss me off, Bethany?" Bethany glared at him. "What, do you regret breaking up with me now, Mr. Vazquez?" He flung her chin away and sneered, "Me? Regret breaking up with the likes of you? I only regret not crushing all your fantasies sooner!" His black suit flared sharply as he spun on his heel and walked away without a hint of hesitation. Cyrus, who had come out to use the restroom, narrowed his eyes as he watched Noah walk toward the exit. He had heard rumors that Noah kept a mistress on the side. Stroking his chin, a sleazy smile crept onto his face. Could it be this woman?