Chapter 42
I calmly replied, “Whether I’m worthy or not, you can ask Dad about it. If he agrees, make the change.”
Jacquelle’s expression shifted unpredictably when she heard my retort, looking particularly unpleasant. She gnashed her teeth, snapping at me, “Joshua, have you no shame? Are you threatening me? Who gave you that kind of nerve?”
From the side, Vernon kept adding fuel to the fire. “Racquelle, isn’t this guy your loyal dog? He actually bites back now?” The tutor shook his head, sneering in ridicule. “Adag Eke like this should be put down early or sold off. Otherwise, it will cause trouble sooner or later!”
Vernon’s words made Racquelle even angrier. She grabbed his hand and said seethingly, “Let’s go. Don’t bother with this guy.”
I locked the doorway, not letting them pass. Racquelle was furious. She slapped me and shouted, “Who let a worthless dog like you block the way? Move!” The look in her eyes seemed like she would gladly kill me with a single strike.
“Dad said I am to take you to the gala. If you don’t want to go, I can call him right now, and you can tell him yourself that you don’t want—”
Racquelle clenched her teeth but didn’t dare go against Gerald. She had no choice but to let go of Vernon’s hand, glaring at me with anger. “Hurry up and lead the way, then!”
“Racquelle—” Vernon felt slighted. His mood noticeably soured. He held her hand, asking in a small voice, “Racquelle, can I go with the two of you?”
With a sigh, Racquelle shook her head, looking at him helplessly. “If Dad agrees, I’ll let you go,” I responded calmly.
“I would love to bring you along, but… After what happened last time, my dad was left with a poor impression of you. So, you should sit this one out, alright?” Her gaze was solid; her face filled with affection as she looked at him.
Bringing this up only made Vernon look at me with even more resentment. He pointed at me furiously, cursing, “This is all your fault! If you hadn’t slandered me and refused to sign, this wouldn’t have happened! You’re downright horrible!” Protecting her lover fiercely, Racquelle saw that Vernon was fuming and slapped me twice. “That’s right. This is all your fault, you meddling soul.”
After hitting me several times, she took Vernon’s hand and asked gently, “How about now? Do you feel better?” Vernon nodded in satisfaction. “Yes, I feel better now.”
“Then, go back for now. I’ll see you—”
Once Racquelle reluctantly saw Vernon off, she climbed into my car with a stoic face. When we reached the venue, I had just stepped out of the car when I noticed Shanice getting out of a luxury vehicle nearby. She was clearly well-dressed for the event, down to the very perfectly styled hair.
Seeing me, she smiled and walked over to me. She approached in towering high heels, her steps graceful and alluring, drawing attention without even trying. She had an angelic face with a devilish figure.
“Joshua, so you did come to the gala.”
I nodded, responding politely, “Yes, I did.”
Beside me, Racquelle was immediately left out. As the beloved daughter of the Smith family, she was used to everyone greeting her first. However, after Shanice and I met the other night, her eyes were fixed on me alone. Racquelle couldn’t accept that. So, she turned to Shanice coldly and questioned, “Shanice, did you not see me? Why didn’t you greet me?”