Chapter 282 The Recording
AMY
+5 Pearls
“You need people to feel sorry for you. That’s the only way you function.” I crossed my arms. “And it’s getting old.”
Clara’s face twisted. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I know,” I said. “It must bother you.”
Daniel stood up.
Clara tried to reach for Mark’s arm again, but he stepped slightly away from her, uncomfortable. He knew exactly what she was doing. And it embarrassed him.
I leaned closer to Clara, voice low. “If you want a scene, pick another target. I don’t play your games anymore.”
Her jaw trembled in anger. “You’re acting like you’re better than me.”
I smiled. “I am.”
That pushed her over the edge. She lunged–just a step but Daniel moved instantly, blocking her.
The host noticed the commotion from the stage. “Ladies, is everything okay over there?”
Clara fixed her expression into a wounded pout instantly. “Everything is fine,” she said, voice suddenly soft again. “I’ll… go clean up.”
She rushed off, dragging Mark with her.
The hall slowly returned to normal, though eyes still lingered on me.
I sat back down. My heartbeat was steady. My breathing was controlled.
Daniel sat beside me and whispered, “You handled that better than I would have.”
“She wanted to embarrass me,” I said. “But she doesn’t know who she’s dealing with.”
Daniel smirked. “She’s going to regret that.”
“She already does.”
I didn’t lose control. I didn’t shout. I didn’t break character. I remained composed. And I made sure she
knew it.
Tonight wasn’t about Clara.
Tonight was about power.
And I had more than she ever would.
I didn’t even get a chance to stand up from my seat when Mark suddenly appeared at my side. I caught the faint scent of Clara’s perfume clinging to him, which already annoyed me, but I waited for him to speak
first.
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11:35 Mon, Feb 2
Chapter 282 The Recording
65%
+5 Pearls
He cleared his throat the same way he always did when he was uncomfortable. “Amy… I’m really sorry about what happened back there.”
I stared at him for a few seconds, letting the silence work on him, because people like Mark usually needed the silence more than the words. Eventually, I said, “How long do you plan to keep being so dumb, Mark?”
He blinked, stunned, like he didn’t expect me to word it that plainly in public. I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms. “You keep letting Clara rub her stupidity and shameless behavior all over you. Do you even hear yourself these days?”
A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I wish I had an answer for you,” he said quietly. “I just feel like I need to be there for her. She’s slipping into something dark, and I’m trying to make sure she doesn’t fall too deep.”
I shook my head. “I’d honestly like to see how that turns out.” I didn’t hide my skepticism. He heard it loud
and clear.
He gave a slow nod, eyes dropping for a moment. “I know you don’t believe it, but I’m trying.”
“I know,” I replied. “But effort doesn’t erase stupidity.”
His smile widened slightly, more genuine now. “Fair enough.” He apologized again, then excused himself and walked away, probably to chase after Clara’s tantrum.
I exhaled and rose from my seat. I needed to speak to the host before I lost my chance. Daniel offered me
wanted in his hand, but I told him I’d be quick and slipped away toward the man everyone in this room
their corner–Mr. Harrison.
He was standing near the far end of the hall, surrounded by a group of investors. People moved aside when I approached, probably because of the title I held, but also because Daniel’s presence earlier had made my arrival tonight something people actually noticed.
Harrison gave me a warm smile. “Luna of the Year. I’m honored.”
“I appreciate the recognition,” I told him. “But I actually came to ask for a small favor.”
He raised a brow. “For you, that depends entirely on what the favor is.”
I leaned in just enough to keep the conversation private.
His expression didn’t shift, but I saw the curiosity flicker in his eyes. “You’re sure?”
“Yes,” I said. “I’d rather let the truth speak for itself.”
He nodded once. “Consider it done.”
“Thank you,” I replied.
I returned to my table, and Daniel looked at me like he already suspected something. “So that’s why you went to talk to him.”
“I didn’t want you to know,” I said, lowering myself into the chair again. “If I told you, you would’ve reacted, and people would’ve paid attention.”
Before he could respond, Clara returned from the restroom. She had managed to change her dress–or
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