Chapter 5

Marceline got up, walked over to Henry Dorian, and bent down to pour him a glass of wine. Henry's gaze lingered on her face. He was about to touch her waist when she smoothly dodged his hand with her wine glass. "Cheers, Mr. Dorian." Henry awkwardly retracted his hand and downed the drink. Marceline then returned to Shawn's side, instantly switching back to her docile, well-mannered demeanor. Soon, the middle-aged men finally began discussing the main topic of the evening. After their discussion was done, someone remarked, "I saw Curtis in the lobby earlier. His presence sure is overwhelming. Is the Wolfe family planning to make him their successor? Would their eldest son really be okay with that?" In truly wealthy families, sibling rivalry was no joke. "Mr. Zachary has that refined, gentlemanly air. He's completely different from Curtis, who rose from nothing. Curtis is practically ruthless, and the rest of the Wolfe family fears him. "I've heard Mr. Zachary actually indulges his younger brother, but who knows if it's genuine or just for show." "Heh, who knows what kind of twisted power games go on in those wealthy families. I handed Curtis my card once, and he didn't even glance at it." "You flattered the wrong person. I once complimented Ms. Farrell at a party, and he took my card immediately." Shawn, who was 39 that year, glanced at Marceline with a trace of sympathy in his eyes when he heard that. But Marceline was already used to this and simply listened in silence. "Curtis really treats Jenna well. She's been on his arm at every event for years now. I heard they nearly got married once, but some woman spiked his drink." "Speaking of which, has anyone actually seen the woman he married?" Everyone started making wild guesses about Curtis' wife, wondering whether he utterly loathed the disgraceful woman or if he had already torn her to pieces. Shawn chuckled. "Well, Ms. Ballard would know best. Why don't you tell us whether he has torn her to pieces or not, Ms. Ballard?" Marceline's eyelashes trembled slightly. She calmly scanned the curious faces around her and softly replied, "We live in a society governed by laws." They all burst out laughing and called her witty. Shawn laughed too, though his smile didn't reach his eyes. Unlike the others present, he was different since he had worked among Wolfe Group's top brass. Marceline smiled along, then excused herself to the restroom. She stood before the mirror in the restroom and looked at her pale face. Her head still hurt, and she felt nauseous, so she tried waking herself up by splashing cold water on her face. When she stepped out, she spotted Curtis leaning against the wall nearby. All the rooms on the fifth floor were average private rooms, so what was he doing here? But to Marceline, that wasn't what she wanted to know the most. She said, "Curtis, weren't you away on a business trip? Are you free tomorrow?" Curtis' gaze flicked across her face. "Tomorrow's the weekend. The courthouse isn't open. With that brain of yours, you might only be cut out for being a housewife." Accustomed to his constant jabs, Marceline barely reacted. She looked toward the private room where Shawn was and said, "I'll contact Ken on Monday then." She'd used to call Curtis often, but since he never answered, she eventually got used to calling Ken. Curtis scoffed. "Suit yourself." Without giving a response, Marceline turned to walk back toward the room. Then, Curtis said, "Isn't being a stay-at-home wife better than being surrounded by greasy old men? Marceline, didn't you use to have a lot of pride?" In their three years of marriage, Marceline could count on one hand the number of times he came home. All her pride had long been exhausted by years of depression, and she had only gotten better after trying various treatments for years. "Curtis, I have more dignity here than I ever did with you." The air around Curtis turned cold, and his eyes darkened terrifyingly. He strode toward Marceline and yanked her by the wrist. "What did you just say? Say that again!" His hand tightly gripped her jaw, but Marceline simply looked back at him with a calm face. Curtis' eyes were menacing. After a few seconds, he let go and slipped his hand into his pocket. "Then keep entertaining them. Don't come looking for me again. We should've ended this long ago, Marceline." "I know." Marceline sincerely nodded and smiled. "I won't ever go looking for you." Her words now contrasted to that of years ago, when she had clung to his hand and promised that no matter where he went, she would go to him. Curtis didn't spare her another glance and stormed off. Marceline wasn't delusional enough to think he'd come to this floor for her. Not giving it much thought, she opened the door to the private room and went back in. By then, Shawn had just wrapped up his conversations and was ready to leave. Henry gave him a look. Earlier, when Marceline had stepped out, he had suggested to Shawn that she should be the one to send him home. As for what kind of intentions were behind that, to everyone present, it was clear as day. These people were all tightly leashed by their families, so public-facing assistants had to be male, but in private, they all kept women. None of those women could compare to Marceline in terms of looks. To sleep with her even once would feel like being in heaven. Shawn gave Marceline a gentle shove. He didn't quite push her toward Henry, but his action was suggestive. "Look how smitten Mr. Dorian is with you, Ms. Ballard." Marceline naturally replied, "Oh, that's on me then. I'll treat Mr. Dorian to a drink next time. May I have your card, Mr. Dorian?" Henry, pleased, pulled out his business card and handed it over. Marceline thoughtfully accepted it, which pleased him. Right then and there, he agreed to cooperate with Shawn. Shawn then immediately pulled out a prepared contract and handed it to Marceline. Marceline looked hesitant. Henry, not wanting to see a beauty in distress, signed the contract immediately before giving her a pat on the shoulder. "Ms. Ballard, don't forget to call me. You young folks have a lot to learn." Marceline smiled. "Of course. I won't forget." By the time they reached the hotel lobby, Curtis had just stepped out of another elevator with his entourage. At his side were two of his close friends. One was James Lovell, a doctor, and the other was Nate Brody. None of them liked Marceline. Over the past few years, she hadn't attended a single event and had simply stayed at home. Though she didn't go over to say hello, James still spotted her and raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that Marceline?" All eyes turned to look. At that moment, Henry still had his hand on Marceline's shoulder. It was obvious to everyone that he was getting fresh with her. When Henry noticed that it was Curtis and the others, he immediately switched his demeanor and rushed over to them. "Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Brody, what an honor! Do you remember me, Mr. Wolfe? I gave you my card once." He was all bows and flattery, looking like he might even just get on his knees and lick their shoes. Curtis' gaze drifted past him and paused on Marceline. Marceline wasn't looking at him as she was saying something to Shawn. Although Shawn was almost 40, he still looked decent since he was one to take care of himself. With a grin, he met Curtis' eyes. Meanwhile, Marceline stood beside him, emotionless. Curtis couldn't quite remember when her smile had vanished entirely. The last time she truly smiled brightly had been so many years ago. His Adam's apple bobbed as he looked at Henry. "Get lost."