"There was a small problem at home," Clare took a sip of red wine, forcing a stiff smile. Tammy and Skyla caused such a huge disaster that dragged the entire Hipps Family down into the abyss.
The more Clare thought about it, the angrier he became. His fingers holding onto his wine glass turned white with rage and his chest heaved with fury. He wanted nothing more than to rush back there immediately.
But he had signed a contract to be a judge in the piano competition's final round. If he broke it unilaterally, he would have to pay compensation fees. It didn't matter how much money it was; damaging his reputation because of this would not be worth it.
Especially when breaking contracts in international competitions could affect his position in the industry as well.
So despite feeling restless inside, Clare still attended this banquet while suppressing his impatience.
"Tomorrow... just make it through tomorrow," he thought.
Sylvia raised an eyebrow and glanced at him calmly. The Hipps Family had deep roots in Aettosa, especially since Clare was set to inherit their title soon enough.
She knew what Clare had been doing for the past year - studying under Air Force Department and achieving remarkable results - which added great support towards inheriting his title eventually.
In due time, they would hold an inheritance ceremony where Aettosa's president himself would crown him; if something went wrong now...
It might add yet another obstacle on his path towards inheriting the title again!
But what exactly happened?
Sylvia scanned everyone present before sending Franklin a message on Facebook. "I've heard some rumors about Hipps Family's situation here; can you tell me more when I'm back?"
The man quickly replied, "I've heard some things too but let's talk later."
Sylvia didn't reply but continued walking around with Louis and Jenna inside the banquet hall while Ashlyn caught sight of him from afar. She took a deep breath before approaching him gently with warm smiles on her face:
"Mr. Hipps... I really admire your talents! Could we exchange contacts?"
This woman definitely wanted something from him again just by looking at her expression - which annoyed Claire greatly!
"I can't." He interrupted Ashlyn rudely before she could finish speaking - knowing full well that she probably wanted his Facebook or phone number or something similar again!
"Mr. Hipps..." Ashlyn looked hurt by his response as she gazed up pitifully into those handsome eyes of hers once more. "I haven't finished speaking yet! All I want is your Facebook!"
"I'm sorry, but you're not my type." Clare's face was grim. He was already in a bad mood, and this woman just had to come and provoke him.
Ashlyn turned pale. She had grown up being praised for her looks, and she was extremely confident in herself. This was the first time someone had called her ugly.
She tried to control her anger and frustration, pinching the palm of her hand with her fingers. "Mr. Hipps, if you don't like me, there's no need to humiliate me like this. It's very uncivilized."
She had always admired Clare and worked hard at playing the piano because he was a genius pianist - someone she wanted to touch.
Now he stood before her, but he had just insulted her so harshly! Her admiration shattered into countless pieces.
"It's too much!" Her eyes were red from pain as she thought of Sylvia talking behind her back earlier at the party. "Did Sylvia say something bad about me? Did she make you hate me on purpose?"
"Don't listen to that wicked woman Sylvia," Ashlyn continued desperately trying to explain herself while tears streamed down from eyes, "she'll keep bullying me."
"You dare mention Sylvia?" Clare sneered at Ashlyn who looked like a clown with all of that makeup on; his disgust only growing stronger by each passing moment they spoke together.
"She wants to bully you? And yet here you are still standing in front of everyone without any dignity left."
Clare could be just as venomous as anyone else when it came down it.
Ashlyn felt dizzy listening to him speak; each word felt like another stab wound.
This wasn't just humiliation anymore; it felt more like being treated worse than an ant underfoot!
Their argument attracted many guests' attention at the party including Mrs. Ritter who was discussing Ashlyn's future plans with Mr. Guzman until she noticed that her daughter had disappeared.
Mrs. Ritter frowned as she began searching for Ashlyn only then finding out what happened between them both.
She couldn't believe how embarrassing this situation has become!
Grabbing onto Ashyln's arm tightly, Mrs. Ritter scolded,"What are you doing here? Confessing your love for some man during such an important event? Are you crazy?"
If Mr. Guzman saw this...
Mrs. Ritter couldn't help but feel her heart sink as she saw Mr. Guzman's face turn grim.
She quickly tried to explain, "Mr. Guzman, my daughter Ashlyn had a slight crush on Mr. Hipps... but I'm sure she won't anymore in the future."
Mrs. Ritter tugged on Ashlyn's arm and scolded her in a low voice, "Aren't you going to apologize to Mr. Guzman?"
Ashlyn looked at Mrs. Ritter with shock and said, "What's wrong with liking Clare? Why should I apologize to the teacher? He was being so rude just now... if anyone should apologize it should be Clare!"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: After divorce, Ex-wife Revealed Identities
I just started to read this because it said it is "finished". Np I am stuck on the middle of it. What it is all about?...
there is update for quite while....
Please update. I still hope to finish this story. I really like it....
Story says complete but it is incomplete...
please let franklin and sylvia back together. thanks...
Update please. Any chance of more than one update a day? Thankies....
Is there no chance of getting more than 1 chapter a day please?...
I hope his not getting parasite love poison too. And get untangle with other women....
I'm just wondering is this the last chapter? I know that this book is not finished but it does say completed. I love it and don't want it to stop just like that....