- 2.
Probably to punish me for my rebellious act yesterday, Gideon brought the meticulously dressed Cora to the company’s anniversary celebration. Everyone looked at me with mocking eyes. Even the interns who just joined the company covered their mouths, waiting to see the joke of the infamous ‘gold–digger wife!
Ignoring their looks, I quietly stood aside, watching Gideon and Cora mingle with the partners. But in her self–importance, Cora forgot herself and cursed at a young woman who accidentally stepped on her dress.
“Are you blind?” “This dress is the only one in the city. You can’t afford it even if you sell your life!” Furious at the dirty hem, Cora pushed the young woman into the champagne tower. The tower toppled, drenching the woman in wine, and she began to cry.
The commotion caught the attention of Gideon and the partners. The main partner’s face turned pale, and he rushed over to help the young woman. He demanded, “Daughter, who did this to you?”
Under her finger, Cora’s face turned white. Instinctively, Gideon shielded Cora, demanding, “Adeline, apologize to this lady immediately.”
I was stunned, looking at his tense muscles, ready to comply. But the partner stopped me, displeased with Cora, “It was she who pushed my daughter. Why is Mrs. Gideon apologizing?”
The young woman, eyes red from crying, added, “Mr. Gideon, if she doesn’t apologize, I’ll have my father cancel the partnership with Gideon
Corporation.
“Facing the threat, Gideon rubbed Cora’s head to comfort her, then ordered me, “Adeline, even if you have to kneel, you must earn Mr. King and Miss King’s forgiveness.”
With that, he took Cora’s hand and left the hall. I vaguely heard their conversation. “Gideon, I was so scared. Fortunately, you were by my side.”‘ Gideon replied tenderly, “I can’t bear to see someone as pure as you get hurt.”
Watching them leave, I took a deep breath, turned to King, and forced a smile.
Picking up a freshly opened bottle of wine, I apologized, “Miss King, I’m sorry for what happened. I sincerely apologize.” Raising the bottle to drink, Miss King stopped me, her eyes full of pity.
She took the bottle from my hand, saying, “Mrs. Gideon, you don’t need to do this. Consider the matter closed, but our companies will never
cooperate again.
“Before leaving, she looked at me with disdain, changing her address, “Miss Summer, a man like that isn’t worth it.”
Her words left me with mixed feelings. The scene of Gideon and Cora leaving replayed in my mind. I touched the silver chain on my wrist and smiled bitterly.
