Chapter 113
The public lounge outside the venue was a quiet terrace, sparsely populated with only the night breeze and the bartender.
“Would you like a drink?”
The bartender skillfully juggled a glass while adding some ice cubes and whiskey, with droplets of water flying out like sparks.
Serena leaned lazily against the glass railing and raised a finger. “I don’t want to get drunk, so I’ll just have a glass of orange juice.”
“As you wish,” the bartender replied, maintaining a gentle smile.
The bright orange fruit landed in his hands, tumbling and spinning before being squeezed into the juicer.
Serena was idly wondering if all bartenders liked to show off their tricks when Wendy walked
over.
Wendy asked, “Hugh didn’t come today, did he? Is he worried that the media will take a photo of you two and that his wife will find out? Serena, is it so happy being the mistress of a rich man?”
Serena clicked her tongue. The true master of playing tricks had arrived.
The wind tousled both of their hair, and Wendy squinted as it blew into her eyes..
Serena smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’m quite satisfied with my life. Are you feeling envious?”
Wendy’s smile faltered, barely holding on.
Serena studied her face, remembering how she once looked.
In the past, Wendy had been just a girl from the countryside, with doe–like eyes and a face so gaunt that it seemed like she never had enough to eat.
ang of sympa
Serena had ta pang
sympathy for her. She had watched her clutch a tattered textbook, her shoes worn from walking rough paths and her shoulders hunched, hiding the resentment she felt toward life’s injustices.
So, she had helped her. She took her out of the countryside, dressed her in clean, neat school uniforms, and helped her settle in the warm dormitory.
But Wendy hadn’t excelled in her studies. Instead, she had shed her jacket, put on silk nightwear, and walked into the home she had shared with Zach, taking her place like an unwelcome presence, slowly spreading and contaminating everything around her.
Now, when Serena fooked at Wendy again, the soul that had once screamed at the unfairness. of the world was gone. All that remained was a body consumed by jealousy.
Serena finally pulled herself away from the glass railing and walked over to the bartender to collect her orange juice.
“Whether I want whiskey or orange juice, it’s my choice,” Serena said, her voice firm.
“You sip whiskey and drown in drunken dreams, but do you still remember what it feels like to be sober?”
As for her man, she was capable of making her own choices. She had the confidence her mother had given her and the ability to back it up
But Wendy, who was standing before her, was like a parasite–leeching off others and draining the life out of the host until there was nothing left. Serena couldn’t help but wonder what Wendy’s life would be like once the host had been drained dry.
Serena lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with mockery and disdain.
Wendy almost stumbled under Serena’s intense gaze.
Just as she was about to retort, the sound of footsteps in–polished shoes approached. She thought it was Zach coming to look for her, so she immediately changed her expression to one of feigned innocence.
“Serena, I really am just worried about you being targeted by Mrs. Larson. I-”
“Do you care so much about my family matters?” a low, cold voice interrupted from behind, sounding harsh and menacing.
It wasn’t Zach.
Wendy turned around, her body freezing as she met the icy glare of Hugh. A cold sweat broke out all over her as she realized she had just tried to sow discord between Hugh’s wife and his mistress in front of him.
It was over.
Her legs gave way, and she almost collapsed when Zach, who had followed Hugh, stepped forward. He s tly pulled Wendy behind him.
“Mr. Larson, Wendy and Serena are acquaintances. They were just having a casual
conversation. Wendy didn’t mean to interfere with your matters. Please allow me to apologize on her behalf.”
Chapter 14
