Chapter 2

The crowd roared with laughter.

These were the same people who used to follow Brandon around, bullying others in college. It was clear they hadn't changed at all after graduation, only gotten worse.

"They're giving you a chance, why aren't you taking it? One 'Daddy' could get you a lifetime of luxury!"

"Why aren't you on your knees licking his shoes and calling him 'Daddy' yet? This isn't the time to be stupid, don't do something you'll regret again!"

"Exactly, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don't let your pride make you forget why you're here!"

"Our Mr. Pierce doesn't just let anyone in, you know. He's clearly doing you a favor."

.....

I knew arguing with these kinds of people was pointless, so I stayed silent, fixing my gaze on Chloe.

"I told you I wanted to take you to meet my parents, and you turned me down, saying you needed to spend the holidays with your family. So why are you here? Is Brandon your family now?"

Brandon feigned surprise. "Oh, that's why you're at my place? Looking for the 'goddess' Chloe?"

As he said this, Brandon hugged Chloe tighter, showing her off.

"Honey, didn't you say you were single and only loved me? Why is this broke scrub saying such things?"

Chloe's face had been dark ever since she saw me.

Hearing Brandon's question, she spat at me, then gritted her teeth and said, "God, you're disgusting. Couldn't you tell I was politely rejecting you? Did you really have to stalk me like this? I'd never be with a broke loser like you!"

"I've been nice, for old times' sake, not calling the police, not embarrassing you, but how can you be so incredibly self-absorbed? Why would I turn down Brandon to go see your parents who work construction?"

"Let me tell you, Brandon is a thousand, a million times better than you. You're not even worthy of the dirt on his shoes! This is my final warning: we are OVER. If you keep stalking me like a creep, don't blame me for calling the police and having you arrested!"

Brandon beamed, planting a kiss on Chloe. "That's my girl! I love how you know what's good for you!"

Chloe didn't look embarrassed at all. In fact, she looked relieved, as if she was afraid Brandon might misunderstand her relationship with me.

I found it even more ridiculous.

I'd thought my questions would make Chloe feel guilty, but I never imagined she'd belittle me like this, painting me as some twisted stalker.

The image of the cool, aloof goddess she'd always presented to me shattered instantly.

I felt ashamed that I'd fallen for a woman like this, wishing I could slap myself.

Seeing my anger, Brandon found it even more amusing.

He signaled to a few classmates, who immediately pushed and pulled me closer to him.

Brandon put down the microphone and whispered in my ear, "Ever heard the saying, 'Revenge is a dish best served cold'? You screwed me over and then just disappeared, leaving me to flunk and be ridiculed. You should've seen this day coming!"

"I did this on purpose, you know. I knew you liked Chloe, that you were her simp, so I deliberately went after her. But she's smarter than you; the moment she realized I was richer, she practically ripped off her clothes and jumped into my bed."

"I heard you and Chloe had a Platonic relationship? Never even slept together? Then you must have no idea how wild she is in bed, right?"

I could tell Brandon wanted to provoke me into making a scene.

Naturally, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

I just smiled. "You know, I actually have to thank you. Thank you for helping me see Chloe, the gold digger, for who she really is."

"Because I was never Chloe's simp, and I'm definitely not a stalker. She's the one who's been chasing me. It's actually pretty funny, considering I even successfully proposed to her recently."