Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

As soon as Callum finished speaking, everyone fell silent.

As for Emma, her heart was throbbing in pain as she cried. “Even if you don’t like me anymore, Callum,” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. “We were once in love. Why are you being so cruel to me?”

Elspeth could not contain her sarcasm in response to Emma’s dishonest behavior. “You brought up your previous relationship with him while his current girlfriend was present. Three guesses as to why he was so vicious.”

What else is there to say besides being disgusted?

“I—” Emma ducked her head down, hiding the intense fury burning in her eyes. While she would love to slap Elspeth right then and there, everyone was watching. She had to make everyone think Elspeth was the bully.

However, to her surprise, Arthur decided to step up and calm everyone down. “It’s all in the past, so let’s leave it be,” he said with a smile. “After all, Callum is dating Elspeth now, and Emma is happy for them.”

Emma nodded with a look of gratitude on her face.

“Dad’s birthday party is happening in a few days,” he continued. “I plan on returning to do my duties as his son.”

Max’s hands clenched into fists as he retorted, “Return? Arthur, how can you say that without embarrassment? I have yet to deal with you for how badly you angered dad last time. You have the nerve to offer yourself up!”

Edmund shot Max a look as he coldly said, “Why do you care about someone like that? His skin was thicker than a city’s defenses. Who knows what he actually thinks about all this?”

Evidently, none of the Winthrops liked Arthur anymore.

However, Arthur acted as though he heard nothing as his smile remained gentle and calm. “Then, it’s settled. If that’s all, I have to go. See you the day after tomorrow.” Afterward, he stood up and left.

The other Winthrop men were only relaxed after he left the room.

To regain her dignity, Emma passed a plate of food to Max. “Don’t blank out. Here, I think you love this dish the most.”

“Thank you, sis,” he replied without thinking.

shot Elspeth a smug look as if it were proof

at Max. “What did you

then that Max noticed he had made a mistake. “I’m sorry for misspeaking,” he said, glancing

admit that Emma was successful in

food to others. If memory serves me right, I am paying for the meal. If I don’t like someone, I can ask her to leave immediately.” Elspeth narrowed her eyes as

could not hear the message, she would

pay now, so I think it shouldn’t

glanced at Callum, seated beside her, before asking him with a raised eyebrow, “Do you have a problem with paying when I am the host of the

calmly answered after wiping his mouth. Callum’s answer

she might die from anger and frustration. So, she rose

self-aware,” Elspeth languidly said. “Still, you’re a little slow

rude and disrespectful! Hence, Emma decided to let herself fall in Callum’s direction. While he no longer liked her, the situation was

Bam!

quick reflexes and extended foot saved Emma from

know I’ve made it clear where you stand among us, but you don’t need to stand on ceremony.

in an inappropriate manner. With great effort, she crawled

“Excuse me.”

even more hurried than Arthur’s, giving the impression

her to leave before lowering his head in apology. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call

waved the apology away. “It’s fine. You’re still

“I’m not a kid.

Yelena?” she then

since she last talked to Yelena. She wondered how

yet he’s constantly hovering around her door. Unable to deal with him any longer, she moved out and is currently staying in one of my mansions,”

together?” Elspeth