Chapter 250: Realizing They Were in Cahoots

It was Millie’s first experience with such blatant insult, and she began to cry. "You're a crazy woman, Elaine! Can't you see what that bitch is up to?"

Elaine sneered. "I can see what you're up to. You wanted to pour that wine on me, didn't you?"

Millie felt a pang of guilt under Elaine’s piercing gaze. She had wanted to, but hadn't dared. Instead, she and Clifford had acted in concert, using Zendaya as a scapegoat. There were no repercussions for targeting Zendaya. Noticing Millie’s guilt, Elaine said, "Apologize."

"What?" Millie was taken aback.

"Apologize to her. What's wrong with you? Don't you understand plain English?" Elaine stood arms crossed, radiating an intimidating aura.

Zendaya looked up at Elaine in surprise, finding immense security in Elaine’s strong presence.

Overwhelmed by Elaine’s dominance and the scrutinizing stares of those around her, Millie couldn't cope. She turned to Clifford with a pained expression.

Clifford didn't understand why Elaine was again defending Zendaya. Seeing Millie near tears, he frowned.

"Why are you still so temperamental? It's a minor issue," he said to Elaine.

As he spoke, Zendaya looked up at him.

Guilt struck him; he avoided her gaze. Did I hurt her with my words? Well, it's her fault for being uncooperative! Besides, she's nowhere near Millie's social standing.

Standing beside Zendaya, Isabella felt Zendaya's resentment and inwardly cursed. Before this, Isabella hadn't thought much of Clifford using a replacement. Since he wasn't truly exploiting Zendaya, Isabella considered him merely narcissistic, delusional, and arrogant. However, Clifford's words revealed his true, intolerable nature. While he could offend Millie without consequence, he clearly maintained a social hierarchy. Even if he had feelings for Zendaya, he looked down on those lacking status. There were no consequences for mistreating Zendaya, so he didn't care. Standing up for her would only cause him trouble. The difference in values between these people was staggering. My Alexander is so much better.

Alexander listened to Isabella's criticisms of Clifford. Isabella’s final comment, however, short-circuited his thoughts. He looked at her, a warmth spreading through him. His thoughts were probably the only outlier in that tense situation.

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Chapter 250: Realizing They Were in Cahoots (continued)

Listening to Clifford’s response, Elaine chuckled in fury. She shrugged. "I'm glad we broke up. I always knew we weren't compatible."

This hit Clifford's weak point, and he scowled. "Elaine, you"

"Shut up. It's none of your business," Elaine cut him off. Clifford trembled with rage.

Elaine then turned to Millie, dissatisfied. "When you do something wrong, admit it. Why are you hiding, acting like I'm the bully?"

"Elaine, don't push it."

"So you can bully others, but no one can do the same to you?" Elaine scoffed. "I'm not bullying; I'm upholding justice."

Millie exploded. "Elaine, you're a fool! Can't you see, or are you pretending? She's your replacement, an imposter trying to take your place! Why are you defending such a lowlife? Don't you see how she's using her resemblance to charm Mr. Clifford? How else could a lowly worker like her stay by his side so long? You should teach her a lesson!"

Elaine fell silent, looking at Zendaya. The truth was known, but hearing it explicitly was awkward. Zendaya, under Elaine’s gaze, grew nervous. A strong emotion surged within her. She didn't want Elaine to dislike her, but understood that anyone would find their double irritating.

She expected, at worst, a slap from Elaine. She certainly didn't expect Elaine's defense. She found the situation unfortunate. She and Elaine were similar, and Elaine had been so kind to her. She admired Elaine and felt a special fondness. Elaine may have been out of her league, but she wondered if they’d met differently, they might have become best friends.

Since her parents' death, Zendaya hadn't felt such a strong desire for family until she met Elaine, despite her independence and lack of desire for a boyfriend.

"Um I never intended to replace you, or seduce anyone. I just" Zendaya stammered.

If it weren't for the non-disclosure agreement, Zendaya would have shouted that she was employed by Clifford. Sadly, I can't help her reveal that. The worst person here is Clifford. He spent that money and acts like he forgot! I hope Elaine doesn't misunderstand Zendaya, Isabella sighed.

Elaine was taken aback, then smiled resignedly. "Whether it's true or not, I suggest you pick someone else. This man's no good."

Isabella smirked. Wow, I like Elaine more and more. Clifford really isn't worthy of her.

Everyone was dumbfounded. This sounds like Elaine disapproves of her best friend's boyfriend and is lying to get them to break up. Isn't she supposed to have a strained relationship with Zendaya?

Elaine had assumed Clifford was attracted to her type, believing Zendaya’s resemblance to be a coincidence. However, watching Clifford and Millie interact with Zendaya had raised doubts.

Millie’s revelation had clarified Zendaya’s identity. Still, Elaine wasn't sure of Zendaya's feelings for Clifford. When uncertain, she followed her instincts. Liking Zendaya, she decided to protect her.

"Oh, yeah, you're right," Zendaya was stunned. "But I swear, I have no relationship with him!" Elaine smiled.

The conversation embarrassed Clifford. No one expected their alliance.

Clifford responded, "Elaine, Zendaya, you two"

Have you finally realized they're in cahoots? Ha! Isabella smirked.

Elaine glared at Clifford. "Why are you so talkative? Can't you, as a man, stay out of women's business? It's annoying."

She then turned to Millie. "It's your turn."

Millie, realizing Clifford’s unreliability, stepped back in shock.