Chapter 3

I scoffed, ignored them, and left.

Naomi’s shrill, mocking words rang out behind me. “Throw it away! It’s worthless trash! No one should wear it.”

My colleagues ran after me. Lloyd, too, pretended to be concerned and followed them.

“Claude, I’m sorry, okay? Stop being mad. No matter what, you’re working closely with Naomi. Even if you’re throwing a tantrum, you shouldn’t cross a line.”

I turned around, grabbed his collar, and dragged him over.

When the others saw that, they immediately came forward to stop me.

However, this was just a feint. Before he wrapped his head fully around what was going on, I let go.

Since he did not have a stable footing, he staggered and fell. At that moment, he was almost unable to hide the hate on his face.

“Isn’t this what you want? Enjoy it, then.” I glared at him.

Suddenly, Naomi rushed over and shouted, “Claude, you piece of trash! Leave!”

With pity on her face, she helped Lloyd up. Her eyes were burning with hate.

I left without turning around, leaving the chattering crowd behind me.

It was snowing outside.

I leaned against the seaside railing and sucked in a deep breath to chase away some of the frustration in my heart.

Just then, my phone vibrated. Wendy had replied.

She sent me a location, along with a voice message.

Her voice brooked no argument as she said, “I’ll give you ten minutes.”

I wanted to explain to her why I sent those messages to her, but I thought that explaining it over the phone was not serious enough for the situation.

So, I got into the car and drove over to the location.

When I arrived, Wendy was drinking coffee on the first floor of the shopping mall.

To my surprise, her choice of attire made her appear gentle and demure.

She wore a knitted dress, stilettos, and wavy hair.

“Miss Clark.”

Just as I was about to explain myself, Wendy cast me a cool glance and stood up. “Come with me.”

I immediately went forward, but I always maintained a careful distance from her.

We then entered a jewelry shop.

There were not many customers in the shop at the moment, so it gave off a quiet atmosphere.

Wendy walked so slowly that she was practically stopping with every step she took. As she moved, she looked at the accessories in the cabinets whenever light shone on them.

When the light shone on a ruby ring, she tapped on the cabinet.

“Does it look good?”

Just as I was about to answer, I heard familiar voices from the entrance.

It was Naomi and Lloyd.

I sneered. The world was far too small.

Before I could even look up, I already saw them walk in while laughing and smiling.

They were walking shoulder to shoulder, and their heads were close to each other, giving them an air of intimacy that screamed no one else could be able to get between them.

Then, they saw Wendy and me.

Naomi stopped walking. Her face drained of color, and she widened her distance from Lloyd.

After taking a moment to compose herself, she put on a polite, professional smile and greeted Wendy. She said, “What a coincidence, Miss Clark!”

Meanwhile, with mockery in his voice, Lloyd said theatrically, “No way, Lloyd. I can’t believe you’d actually go for Miss Clark!”

He shook his head and sighed. “It’s just a game. Why are you taking it so seriously?”

There was an underlying meaning in his eyes, and it made Wendy’s gaze turn dark.

Naomi’s expression turned sour as well.

Lloyd snickered and gave Wendy a warning. He said, “Be careful, Miss Clark. Don’t get manipulated by a petty, delusional person. If you end up sleeping with him, you might get tainted.”

“Oh?”

Wendy’s gaze was sharp and calm. She did not speak loudly, but her voice carried great projection.

Stunned, Lloyd’s expression became much more restrained.

“Don’t mind him, Miss Clark. He was just running his mouth. I’ll apologize on his behalf.”

“Who is he to you? Why are you apologizing for him?” Wendy’s expression was cool, but her words were intimidating.

Naomi pursed her lips, and panic flashed in her eyes, as if the question stumped her.

Hope flashed on Lloyd’s face, but no matter how long he waited, he never got the answer he wanted.

In the end, he said shyly, “I’m her assistant.”

“An assistant who has slept with her?” Wendy smirked.