She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 856

"No, no, no! It's not like that! You misunderstood!" Everett waved his hands frantically, desperate to clear his name.

Daphne slumped back into her chair, crossing her arms with a stony expression. "Then enlighten me. What did I misunderstand?"

"I... I..." Everett stammered, completely tongue-tied.

Daphne sighed in exasperation. Why had she lost her virginity to such an indecisive, fumbling mess of a man? Yet, as she looked at him, she remembered how he had stood up for her when Gavin Lockridge caused a scene. He had looked undeniably handsome in that moment. And later, when they had drank together and he poured his heart out, she had felt a surprising pang of sympathy for him.

"I didn't pay you for sex, and it definitely wasn't hush money," Everett finally managed to say, struggling to articulate his thoughts. "I just felt terrible about what I did. I know you said not to worry about it, but as a man... I can't just walk away without taking responsibility. I wanted to do something to make it right, but you refused everything. I didn't know what else to offer. All I had was the few thousand dollars in my account. I swear I wasn't trying to insult you. I just..."

His voice trailed off as he gestured helplessly, looking incredibly flustered and awkward.

To Daphne, he looked ridiculous—but also oddly endearing. She could tell he was telling the truth. Everett might have been quiet and easily overlooked, but he wasn't a scumbag. He was painfully sincere.

"You still shouldn't have given me cash," she muttered, her tone softening.

"But... what else could I give you?"

"You could give me yourself!" she blurted out.

When he let out a heavy sigh of relief, the ache in Daphne's chest intensified. She didn't understand why she felt so hurt. It was just a one-night stand. It meant nothing. She was the one who suggested they forget about it anyway.

Everett stood up, a genuine smile returning to his face. "You're a really good person, Daphne. I see why Melanie is friends with you."

"Yeah, yeah. Get out of here," she shooed him away.

His footsteps sounded significantly lighter as he walked out of the club. Daphne remained in her bedroom, staring at the empty space. As soon as she was alone, the memories of their night together came crashing over her like a tidal wave, suffocating her in their intensity.