Chapter 30: This Filth
โMy face was dirty, so I went to the restroom to clean up,โ Anais explained, still awestruck from encountering a celebrity.
Luna noticed the redness around Anais's eyes. Recalling past incidents, she asked with concern, โBe honest, Anais. Did that man chase you again?โ
The other three researchers looked at Anais with a mix of anxiety and concern. The two men frowned deeply, recalling unpleasant experiences.
A shiver ran through Anais's heart. With a complex expression, she began, โLuna, youโฆโ
Isabella muttered, "Seeing this filth makes me want to throw up." Christopher, the only one who could hear her, gave her a puzzled look.
Anais's tone prompted Luna and the others to show disapproval. The two men remained silent, fearing further trouble. The female researcher advised, โAna, did he chase you and put on a show again? Donโt be fooled. You canโt be soft-hearted with him.โ
โButโฆโ Anais lowered her head. โWeโve been together for so many years. Maybe heโll really change. His expression seemed different.โ
Luna frowned. โAnais, his behavior indicates violent tendencies and paranoia. He might even hit you! If youโre giving up your opportunity to go abroad for himโฆโ
Isabella abruptly gripped Lunaโs hand, cutting her off. Luna was taken aback and sensed Anaisโs dissatisfaction.
โLuna, why speak of Zeke like that? Iโve known him since childhood. I know him better than anyone. What you said is unacceptable.โ
Despite the othersโ advice, Anais targeted Luna. Christopher reacted sharply. โHow could you say that? Luna meant well. Even if you disagree, be polite.โ The Quirk family was protective, and Luna was Christopherโs weak spot. He wouldnโt tolerate disrespect towards her.
His sudden shift from gentle to hostile was terrifying to Anais, a stranger to him. She shuddered, staring at him in shock. โNo, I meant no harm,โ she said. โNeither did Luna!โ
A confused look flickered across Anaisโs face. โWhy are you defending her? You donโt even know the whole story.โ
Christopher yearned to retort, โIf I donโt defend her, should I defend you? What nonsense!โ
โIโm happy to do it. Youโreโฆโ
Luna interrupted, โChristopher!โ Her harsher tone, transitioning from โMr. Christopherโ to โChristopher,โ sent shivers down his spine. He longed for her to call his name again.
Christopher looked attentively, appearing obedient. Isabella shuddered. Luna had stopped him because Anais was a team member, and it was inappropriate for Christopher to lecture her.
โAnais, our team is going abroad soon. You need to sort out your issues,โ Luna said wearily. She wouldnโt have intervened so much if not for the threats to Anaisโs safety. Being blamed only solidified her decision to stop trying.
Anaisโs gaze held doubt, even knowing Luna was going abroad. โForget it. Letโs not discuss this. I apologize for causing unhappiness.โ
The atmosphere improved. Anais then asked, โSo, Mr. Christopher, youโre here to invest? Why would a celebrity investโฆโ
Christopher disliked her but, out of respect for Luna, planned to give a plausible excuse.
Isabella suddenly commented, โOh, itโs because heโs Lunaโs former fiancรฉ.โ
Silence fell. Isabellaโs bluntness was unexpected. Luna looked at her in astonishment. Christopher frowned. He disliked the word "former" and disliked Isabellaโs actions. He tried bribing her to behave, but she mocked him inwardly, highlighting his status as Lunaโs former fiancรฉ. He realized she was targeting Anais.
โFormer fiancรฉ? Lunaโs?โ Anais was astonished.
Anais was unaware of their past relationship. Her gaze flitted between them in disbelief. โYou two arenโt a couple?โ
Christopher showed resistance.
โI was Lunaโs prospective sister-in-law, and now her sister-in-law,โ Isabella replied.
Anais's expression grew more complex. Feeling uneasy, Luna explained, โWe no longer have anything to do with each other. He happened to pass by, overheard our conversation, and was interested in the investment project.โ
Christopher glared at Luna but remained silent.
Isabella spoke again, โThatโs right. Christopher couldnโt hold onto Lunaโs heart and was dumped. He pathetically tried to orchestrate a chance encounter.โ
Everyone stared. Christopher was confused by Isabellaโs behavior.
Despite Anaisโs ashen face, Isabella smiled at Luna. โOh, youโre an outstanding researcher, and so beautiful. I wonder what kind of man will catch your eye. Heโll surely be more handsome, capable, wealthier, and have a stronger background than Christopher.โ
The researchers laughed.
Christopher grew anxious. Luna stared at Isabella with helplessness and bafflement.
Isabella turned to Anais, whose expression shifted between anger and embarrassment. โSo, whatever your ex-boyfriend said must be wrong. Luna wouldnโt even glance at a superstar like my brother-in-law, let alone have a secret crush on him.โ
Everyone was stunned. Anais trembled, her eyes reddening. Luna looked at Anais in disbelief. Christopherโs expression turned gloomy. He thought, "Itโs offensive to picture your boyfriend alongside Luna. He even dares to fantasize about Luna having a crush on him, and you nearly believed him, doubting Lunaโs help. Even zombies wouldnโt feast on hopeless romantics."
The final sentence about zombies was left as is, as it appears to be intentional stylistic choice.)