Chapter 258: A Challenge?
A ripple of fear washed over Shirley, triggered by Reese’s ominous words, though she couldn’t quite decipher the source of her
dread.
A mere utterance from Reese had set Shirley’s heart pounding, her victorious countenance swiftly replaced by a pallor of apprehension.
Collecting herself, she squared off against Reese, who was now smirking with a knowing air.
What are you insinuating?” she demanded.
“In due time, you’ll understand. I’ve always made it clear that I don’t tolerate backstabbers. If you dare to meddle in my affairs and spread rumors, brace yourself for the repercussions.”
Reese was not one to endure quietly; she was known to retaliate when provoked.
Now cognizant of Reese’s reputation, Shirley tensed.
“What are you scheming?”
Reese cast her a dismissive look. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
The banquet that day was a trap specifically designed for her, a modern–day version of the treacherous feast.
Shirley despised suspense, and Reese’s cryptic words had heightened her curiosity to its zenith. As Reese turned to depart, Shirley, fueled by her agitation, seized her arm.
“Clarify your intentions! What’s this rumor? You’re eager to know how I gleaned a whisper of gossip and spun it into a media sensation, catapulting me to the top of the trending topics. But you’ve overlooked a crucial detail. Despite my name being in the limelight, it hasn’t impacted my life.”
Upon hearing Reese’s words, comprehension dawned on Shirley.
Indeed, why hadn’t the backlash affected Reese? She was the center of attention, the target of numerous trolls, yet in reality, no one
dared to confront her. Why?
Impatience was Shirley’s Achilles‘ heel. Her engagement with Reese was a meticulously planned trap.
“So, what’s the deal? Is Malcolm your knight in shining armor?”
Reese laughed, a derisive, scornful chuckle as she glanced at Shirley.
“Do you genuinely believe every woman requires a man’s support? Perhaps you do, but not me. Even without my husband, you’d never come close enough to harm me. But I… I could give you a taste of hell on earth.”
Her face was adorned with a captivating smile, but her voice was chilling, reminiscent of a demon emerging from the abyss.
Especially when Reese’s icy fingers grazed lightly along Shirley’s cheek.
Panic surged through Shirley, her pupils constricting in sudden fear, and she stumbled backward.
Watching her recoil only broadened the smile on Reese’s face.
“Just a few words from me and you’re coming undone. What will you do later, faint from sheer terror?”
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Chapter 258: A Challenge?
The more Reese maneuvered with confidence, the more terrified Shiley became.
That’s when Sawyer intervened, steadying Shirley with a firm hand. My dear, don’t fear her. With all this negative press accumulating, even without public outrage, the Flynns would never tolerate someone like her in the family. Reese, your days are
numbered.”
Reese dismissed the comment with a frosty laugh and shot Sawyer a piercing look.
“Oh, so you believe if I step down, your daughter will ascend? Let me clarify one thing: as long as I desire to be Reese, no one can force me to step aside!”
What audacity.
Listening, Shirley felt a wave of indignation and defiance, emotions that can impulsively drive one to act without considering the
consequences.
Without hesitation, she blurted out, “On what basis? Because you’re merely a nobody from a small town, clinging to this glamorous but hollow marriage? In our circles, we marry our equals. What could you possibly share with Malcolm, huh? And yet you stand here spouting nonsense. I’d be intrigued to meet the woman who raised someone as arrogant as you.”
No sooner had Shirley uttered these words did she regret them.
Reese’s aura ignited menacingly at that moment, and the air seemed heavy with the scent of gunpowder, particularly when one caught the icy glint in her eyes, sending a shiver down Shirley’s spine.
Before Shirley could even acclimate to Reese’s reaction, a sardonic, predatory smile curled at the corner of Reese’s lips.
“It appears you require a lesson in etiquette today,” Reese stated coolly.
In a flash, Reese closed the gap between them and delivered a series of slaps to Shirley’s delicate face.
The sharp sounds reverberated through the hall, punctuated by Shirley’s piercing screams.
“Ah… Reese, how dare you strike me! I’m going to bring you down!”
Ignoring the risks, Shirley lunged at Reese.
Reese, skilled enough to take on ten adversaries, easily evaded the amateurish attack. With a swift, icy smirk and a slight pivot, Shirley lunged at thin air.
The real calamity occurred when her high heels snagged on the hem of her dress, sending her tumbling to the ground.
A ripping sound echoed as her dress tore from the zipper down to her waist.
Most of the spectators were top business executives, middle–aged men who couldn’t suppress their excitement at the provocative scene, hooting with delight.
“Who knew the heiress of Sawyer Enterprises had such a figure.”
“I know, right? Look at that backline; I’d love to get my hands on it.
Someone in the crowd chuckled, “If you’ve got the courage, go ahead and try. Her dad will make mincemeat out of you.”
*Someone take a photo, she’s stunning!”
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Chapter 258: A Challenge?
“Yeah, yeah, don’t miss out of a view like this!”
As phones emerged, clicking away, Shirley’s scream pierced the air.
“Ah… stop taking photos, don’t you dare–Dad!*
Sawyer quickly shed his jacket to cover Shirley, then turned back and barked at the crowd.
“Stop taking photos! Do it again, and I’m calling the police!”
He hurried to help Shirley to her feet.
The sight of Shirley’s face, swollen and smeared with makeup, was a pitiful one, almost horrific to behold.
Shirley felt as if her entire reputation had been thrown into chaos, and the strange, intrusive stares of those around her crashed like tidal waves against the fragile shores of her composure. It was like standing exposed for the world to see, and she wished she could just disappear into the ground.
Tears streaming down her cheeks, she clung to Sawyer’s arm.
“Dad, do something, please. It’s all because of her. Make her vanish from my sight, right now!”
Reese stood off to the side with her arms crossed, observing Shirley’s predicament with an air of indifference.
“I’m not certain if you can get rid of me, but I can definitely make you leave this place immediately!”
Shirley, even in her disheveled state, was stubborn to the core.
“Big talk, Reese. Even if Malcolm were here, he wouldn’t have the authority to kick us out, much less you.”
Reese’s confidence remained unshaken as she arched an eyebrow slyly, “Care to wager?”
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