3. An Old Lady

Wait. So that means not just watching, but we are actually gonna do it. Wow, I checked my heartbeat; it was erratic. I felt ashamed of myself for being so excited and ready to explode.

Arthur raised a gentle hand. The media understood, but they had to back off and reduce the intense shots.

"Thank you all for your attention. I've gathered the media to introduce my wife, Nina Amora."

Arthur held out his hand without a smile, staring intently at each camera. It seemed Arthur was determined to dispel any impression of friendliness, letting the public know he was disturbed by all the news.

"That's right. Previously, I was determined to protect my family's privacy. However, I've always been open to my wife's input and wishes. The rumors and gossip won't stop until we stop them," Arthur asserted.

"Why is it necessary to participate in academy training?" one of the reporters, who looked petite and the youngest, asked again.

The moment the corners of Arthur's lips tugged at each side, revealing rows of soothing lines along his gums, I couldn't blink anymore. I felt him squeeze my hand before turning to embrace me.

"My wife is tired of living in the shadows. I'm grateful she's not afraid to be herself and trusts me," Arthur said bluntly, gently stroking me. "Ah, yes! We're also determined to win Euphorotica this year!"

They all gaped, cheering enthusiastically. So I was forced to smile awkwardly, impatient to ask Arthur for an explanation about that particular event. Arthur nodded once. Then the bodyguards swiftly pushed the media back, while other questions continued to be fired. But the string of words merged into a single unit, becoming difficult to digest.

Arthur made sure my dress didn't get stepped on as he climbed on tiny hands. We stood between towering Corinthian columns, adorned with white marble and gold inlays. Statues of two cupids on either side aimed arrows at the one who had long since entered, embracing their hidden love.

The iconic S.X. building is indeed unique. But from the start, my eyes were drawn to the large dome, carved with an abstract garden relief. Would there be many outdoor spaces inside that would emphasize natural beauty beyond the luxurious lighting? My curiosity was piqued.

With just one step left, I followed Arthur's steps, turning momentarily and bowing slightly. His guard gripped the golden spiral doorknob. I took a breath as the majestic chandelier began to appear, shading the main hall. Arthur and I stepped in in unison.

"AAA!"

The crowd's brief screams were the most insane welcome ever. My vision was blurred entirely by the splash of red wine. Sticky and fishy, ​​my shaggy bangs still dripping with the liquid.

"You bitch! What are you doing in this honorable place, huh?"

Two guards violently held an old woman with a bun right in front of my nose. Arthur covered the wrinkled, gossiping woman, whispering a word to another guard. Close the door. Then, with a handkerchief, he busily wiped my face. "Do your eyes sting?"

I shook my head, still gleaming with confusion. It had happened so fast. I was about to ask: "Is she your stepmother?"But from the corner of the crowd of luxurious couples, a young man ran and took over the gossiping woman.

"Mom, oh my, mom! Why are you here?" he complained, "I'm sorry, my friend!" He spoke to Arthur until he finally noticed I was watching him.

"Oh, my! Are you our Grand-Lady? Arthur, is she your wife?" The man clutched her hair in panic. "Madam, on behalf of my mother, I am truly sorry."

"Just ignore it. I'll take care of it," Arthur said.

My breath hitched, something I could hardly control. Arthur finally turned around, staring intently at the old woman.

"Mrs. Carrol, aren't you here to see my stepmother? Marley told me she's waiting in my room. Jack, take your mother upstairs."

The man named Jack nodded casually. "Come on, Mom."

"Wait," I snapped, "I need to hear why you're treating me this way, Mrs… Carrol?"

The old woman's nostrils flared. "This is why you should have stayed where you are, behind the scenes. Look! You don't even realize that your presence has a huge impact on other academics!"

"Shhh… Mom, stop it. It's no use!"

I was drawn to follow Mrs. Carrol to observe my surroundings. The women's cold gazes were indeed piercing. Meanwhile, the billionaire men scanned my body from head to toe and lifted their chins.

"Mr. Arthur, it's certain that you'll be the winning Euphorotica pair, right? You both get half of S.X. So, why hold it again? Besides becoming chairman, you also managed to become the largest shareholder—that's your goal, right? Ha! How cunning and outrageous are you in exploiting us?!" Mrs. Carroll fumed.

Several questions now emerge. The Euphorotica event is just the tip of the iceberg. Is this some kind of competition? It certainly involves company shares.

Arthur crossed his arms across his chest. "The company board members have decided that Euphorotica will be held without a jury. Everything will be judged purely based on real-time scores. SO, ALL OF YOU—" Arthur spoke harshly. "It's better to pay attention to your partners than to attack my wife. Personal attacks result in the absolute cancellation of the partnership."

"What about you, Jack? I heard your partner ran away?"

Jack's jaw clenched. "Mom, come on!" he called out louder.

Only after being humiliated did Jack manage to drag Mrs. Carroll away. The entire academy couple dispersed, their faces scrunched up, expressions of anxiety and annoyance.

"Come on, let's get you changed," Arthur suggested. I was so preoccupied that I didn't even notice Arthur staring at my wet dress.

"I should probably take a shower and rewash my hair."

"Let me do it."

"EH? What do you mean? Bathe me?"

"Hmm." The mature man nodded innocently, making me reflexively glare and shout, "Why do you keep wanting to do this and that?!"

Arthur smiled faintly. "You've really learned to be sassy, haven't you?"