Chapter 1: The Joke in Los Angeles

All the media outlets in the USA were spreading the news today about Benjamin Walker's fiancée running away from home once again. But when she actually moved out of the Walker family's villa with a gloomy face, the celebrities from the wealthy families in LA all came to witness this real-life version of Cinderella and the Prince, and they all laughed at the joke. For the past few years, she had been infatuated with Benjamin and had long lost herself. This was already well-known to everyone. With a sense of unwillingness in her heart, she carried her luggage and slowly descended the steps. The seaside villa had a natural advantage, conveniently allowing dozens of luxury cars to be parked. In front of the red sports car, that person crossed his arms and had a mocking and playful look on his face. Ever since the day Martina Martinez set aside her dignity and started chasing Benjamin, both Adam Paloma and many dandies in LA have looked down on her. Now, when these young people heard from the Walker family's maid that Martina was packing up and preparing to leave, they immediately put down their "work" and rushed over to see how she would get out of the Walker family in a pitiful state. After all, it was not often that one witnesses a beauty in such a destitute state, let alone being driven out by Elizabeth Walker, the hostess of the Walker family. With a slender and well-proportioned figure, excellent temperament, and a touch of firmness amidst her gentleness, Martina was standing there in a light-colored dress, waiting for her taxi to arrive. Coincidentally, she was face to face with Adam. Adam glanced at her luggage and lazily opened his mouth, "Miss Martinez, are you planning to return in a few days? How about we make a bet with me since I have been in a good mood?" He conveyed his mocking tone loudly, as if he was already well aware of Martina's tricks, to the other playboys. Soon, ironic laughter erupted from them. Adam's words reached Martina's ears, word for word. Martina looked at Adam expressionlessly and remarked, "Wouldn't it be a splendid idea to have your ailing sister replace me?" Martina had always regarded Adam's sister, Amy Paloma, with indifference. The arrogant and domineering demeanor of Amy was closely related to Adam. Adam's face instantly turned red with anger, but he still managed to restrain his emotions. "I never realized you had such a sharp tongue. No wonder Mrs. Elizabeth Walker doesn't like you," Adam snorted. In the eyes of everyone, Martina was seen as someone who had finally managed to catch the young master of the Walker family. How could she easily give up? Martina didn't want to become a spectacle after breaking up, so she took a deep breath and said, "I didn't argue with you before, but it was just because of Benjamin's sake." That's right! Previously, Martina had been obedient and submissive outside for the sake of Benjamin, fearing that she would tarnish his reputation. But now that they were going their separate ways, she was not going to indulge Adam. Over the years, she had threatened Benjamin multiple times with the threat of running away from home, demanding him to speak up for her, give her status and recognition, and provide her with enough love. Turned out, she was dispensable to Benjamin. It was truly heartbreaking anyway. Even though Martina had spent two months making up her mind, on the day of parting, she couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant. However, the reluctance she felt now was not the same as before, lacking the depth of genuine emotions and love. The mobile app showed that the taxi was still about 3 miles away, so Martina continued to wait while dragging her luggage. Adam gave Martina a penetrating gaze. He had always regarded her as a shameless woman, easy to manipulate. But he didn't expect that today's Martina was somewhat surprising. It was known to all that Martina so loved Benjamin that she could do anything to stay with him. She had been patient and enduring for these years. Adam fixed his gaze on her, speaking without restraint. Looking at her simple and clean appearance, with only a small luggage, he mocked again, "After being engaged for so many years, how come you have to call a taxi when you run away from home?" Martina furrowed her brows. She didn't expect Adam to be just as troublesome as his sister. Adam noticed the furrowed expression on Martina's face. The so-called celebrities in front of them burst into laughter instantly. Adam deliberately made things difficult for her. In the past six months, Benjamin had been mostly abroad, only returning occasionally. The family affairs were taken care of entirely by Elizabeth, who had always disliked Martina. Previously, when Benjamin's grandfather, Jack Walker, was still around, Elizabeth dared not to go to far. However, since Jack moved to the vacation resort in Orlando two months ago, her dislike and disgust towards Martina had grown even stronger. Martina wasn't provoked by Adam's words. Her exquisitely pretty face remained indifferent. She glanced at Adam's smug face and coldly smiled. "When you speak, be mindful of your words and beware of misdirected retribution for your wrongful deeds." "Even if you want to push Amy onto Benjamin's bed, she still needs to have her life before she can do that," Martina chuckled and said. Amy had always had a weak body and needed rest. This was a well-known fact among all people and a taboo for Adam. In the past, Martina would never have said such words. Adam never expected that Martina would say these things! His expression froze for a moment, and then a terrifying and chilling anger emerged on his face! He strode towards Martina, grabbing her arm and pulling the two of them closer. These people considered themselves unattainable and had never respected others, including Martina. Now, as Adam's anger surged and he prepared to strike her, no one dared to stop him, including the nanny who was watching the scene from behind. Martina slightly leaned aside but ultimately couldn't dodge the slap. "Martina, don't overestimate yourself. If it weren't for you shamelessly clinging to the Walker family, would Benjamin intentionally stay abroad and not come back?" Adam said, furiously. Indeed, it had been almost four months since Benjamin had returned. If they were to talk about the real reason, it might be because of her that he deliberately stayed overseas. Adam was a man after all, tall in stature, and his slap was heavy enough to make Martina feel the severe pain. Martina was thinking that if Benjamin had respected her a little bit, she wouldn't have been slapped today. Without shedding a tear, she retaliated by slapping Adam and boldly declared, "I will remember this slap, and I hope you remember mine as well." Adam was stunned for a moment after the slap. He had never been beaten by anyone before. He shouted out loud like a lion, "Die! Martina!" With a cold gaze, Martina confronted Adam, uttering, "Die? Have you already forgotten about Mr. Jack Walker? Well, then, give me a try." In a sudden change of mind, Adam withdrew his hands, which had been poised to strike Martina. Indeed, the previous slap was already inappropriate. If he were to continue, the consequences could be dire, especially when considering the implications for the Walker family. Therefore, he had to compose himself and calm down. Martina also understood that she was powerless to anyone at that moment, just like she was acutely aware that Benjamin did not love her. Benjamin's lack of love for her became apparent, and as a result, she was ultimately rejected and expelled from the Walker family. Adam and others regarded her as a worthless person who shamelessly stayed in the Walker family in spite of being despised by everyone. But now, Adam's slap accidentally awakened her, even the only bit of reluctance in her heart completely dissipated. Fortunately, the taxi arrived just in time. After Martina answered the call, she told the driver to drive straight into the gate. When she left, she didn't look back at the place she had lived for six years, walking away decisively and resolutely.