As I got into the car, my heart started racing.
Why had Julian sought me out? Did he think I was an accomplice? Did he plan to exact revenge on me as well?
But I quickly calmed down. Even if Julian wanted to blame me, the chat records on my phone and the injuries on my body could prove that I had nothing to do with this. Despite his ruthless reputation, Julian was known to be a man of reason.
The car soon came to a stop. I looked up and realized we were at my family’s apartment building
Simon made a call, and Estel and our parents came downstairs shortly after. They were dressed to the nines.
They had clearly put effort into their appearances. They were wearing clothes that looked outrageously expensive. The three of them exuded an air of arrogance, especially Estel, who was acting as though she was already a wealthy socialite.
She even started bossing Simon around. “Simon, why would you pick me up in such a shabby car? From now on, don’t let me ride in anything worth less than 300 grand.”
My dad chimed in, “Exactly. My daughter is going to be the wife of the richest man. How could you treat us so casually?”
Listening to their words made my toes curl in embarrassment.
Simon, who was composed as usual, gave a polite smile and said, “My apologies for the oversight. But for now, let’s get in the car. Mr. Stewart is already waiting.”
Only then did Estel deign to get into the car. She acted as if she were granting everyone a favor. When she saw me inside, her expression soured.
“Esmeray, what are you doing here?” she demanded.
Before I could answer, Simon replied, “Ms. Esmeray is Mr. Stewart’s esteemed guest.”
Estel shot me a glare and sneered. “Esmeray, don’t you always pretend to be so virtuous? Now that there’s good news for the family, you’re running over faster than a rabbit.”
I pressed my lips together and responded coldly, “Who’s to say this is good news?”
“If it weren’t for your sister, you’d never have this kind of luck. Keep running your mouth, and you won’t be going anywhere.” After saying this, my dad, as if by instinct, raised his hand to slap me across the face.
I instinctively braced myself for the slap, but this time Simon caught my dad’s hand in mid–air. “Mr. Gage, I already told you–Ms. Esmeray is Mr. Stewart’s esteemed guest.”
11
The smile vanished from Simon’s face. It was replaced by a cold expression that filled the car with
tension.
My dad awkwardly withdrew his hand. “I was just joking.”
