Chapter 111
Chapter 111
Lauren burst out the door, but Josefina was nowhere to be seen. She ended up just choking on the exhaust from Xavier’s car as it sped away, leaving her fuming.
When Lauren returned to the banquet hall, the guests had all but gone, leaving only Billy and Ruby behind.
Billy’s face was a stormy shade of thunder as he glared at Ruby. “Look at the fine mess you’ve made! You’ve completely tarnished my reputation!”
Ruby was on the verge of tears. “Dad, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen…”
“You didn’t mean for it? Do you think that changes anything? It’s your vanity, Ruby! You can’t hold a candle to Josefina!”
Lauren marched up, her stance protective of Ruby. “Billy, why are you still laying into her? She’s a victim here! If Josefina were so sneaky, would our Ruby ever fall for her scheme?”
Billy retorted, his anger palpable, “If she hadn’t flunked with a 250, would we be in this mess? She can’t blame others for her own lack of abilities!”
Lauren, standing firmly by Ruby’s side, shot a piercing look at Billy. “Ruby is my daughter, and I won’t let anyone bully her!”
Billy was so enraged he was lost for words, thinking Lauren was beyond hope. Ruby was her daughter, not some goddess to be worshipped and believed in so blindly.
Billy couldn't stand it anymore. Shaking his head, he walked away.
It was a disgrace, a complete and utter disgrace! Had he made a mistake? Should he not have driven Josefina away?
If Josefina hadn’t been sent away, he’d be the proud father of a valedictorian right now!
The more Billy thought, the more it pained him. He got into his car and drove off into the night.
…
Josefina raised her glass, celebrating with everyone around.
Lena was picking at her food, her joy as absent as flavor in wax. She looked up to see Oliver peeling a shrimp and placing it on Josefina’s plate. He then served her a generous helping of vegetables, asking tenderly if she wanted some soup.
Josefina leaned in, whispering, “Stop fussing over me. I can serve myself. You should eat.”
They were close, and as Oliver turned his head to listen, it looked as though they were kissing from Lena’s angle.
Oliver inhaled the subtle scent coming from Josefina. It was not like perfume but something more natural. Her warm breath on his ear sent a shiver down his spine, and her voice was so soft and delicate. Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.
Oliver’s lips curved into a smile, his voice low and seductive. “Alright.”
Josefina had barely let out a sigh of relief when Oliver ladled her a bowl of soup. Despite his words, he continued to dote on Josefina like a boyfriend straight out of a fairy tale.
Brandon was sitting next to Robert, chuckling as he spoke, “Garrett, just look at our grandchildren. They’re a match made in heaven. Our families know each other well. Wouldn’t this make for a perfect marriage?”
Robert silently observed the two lovebirds. “Brandon, you’re still as cunning as ever.”
Brandon just chuckled, the image of a kind-hearted grandfather. He nudged Robert with his elbow. “You’ve watched Oliver grow up. Come on, give me your honest opinion about the lad.”
Robert remained silent. Even though he thought highly of Oliver, his granddaughter Josie, was still so young.
“Josie is still young. Let’s talk about marriage later. Besides, our family isn’t interested in a business alliance. We’ll support Josie’s choice.”
Brandon leaned in closer to Robert, whispering, “How do you know Josie doesn’t fancy Oliver?”
Robert didn’t want to speak to the overbearing Brandon anymore, not one bit. Turning to Garrett, he said, “We’ve had our fill. Let’s head home.”