Chapter 24
Lauren craned her neck to look, and the girl who said she was a dancer crowded over too.
Rebecca had no idea why Desmond had her wedding video. It had been a private ceremony, nothing extravagant, and she never shared it on any social media.
But it was indeed her wedding video. She had smiled so brilliantly back then, having truly loved Vance and truly wanted to walk through life with him.
Now it felt like a lifetime ago, so long that she had forgotten what it felt like to smile heartily. The video also showed something she had missed.
It was Vance’s despondent expression, as if his life had reached its end. Why bother?
Every eye was now on Vance and Catherine. With the video right there, no more denial was possible.
Catherine had already dissolved into tears. Vance, on the other hand, displayed immense responsibility, subconsciously shielding Catherine. “I’m sorry for the spectacle, everyone. It’s my fault. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, and I don’t want to ruin the mood. Please excuse us.”
He looked at Rebecca, his gaze inscrutable. She felt a sharp sourness in her heart.
It turned out he could stand up for others in public, and this was how he protected his own.
Lauren, ever upright and fair, spoke. “Mr. Bradford, I think you’ve misunderstood. We are not that close. You don’t need to apologize to us. The person you should apologize to is your wife.”
Vance’s gaze softened, and he whispered, “Come on. Let’s go home.”
Rebecca’s heart soured to the point she wanted to laugh. He sounded like he was going to take both Catherine and her home.
“No, I’m staying.” She shook her head firmly, then added, “As Lauren’s student.”
Her implication was clear. She was not there as his wife.
Vance’s eyes flickered, and he finally nodded. “Alright.”
He then turned to Pascal. “It’s regrettable to end our potential collaboration this way. I hope…”
He paused, letting out a bitter laugh. “There probably won’t be a next time, so farewell.”
He led Catherine to walk past everyone. Near the door, Catherine suddenly wrenched free and returned, bowing deeply to Pascal. “Mr. Lemke, please don’t abandon the collaboration with Vance. It’s all my fault. I took the initiative because we knew you and Mrs. Lemke have such a deep marital bond, and value husband-wife harmony above all. But Rebecca…”
She glanced at Rebecca and continued, “She doesn’t like socializing, so in a moment of impulse, when you misunderstood me, I didn’t explain. I wanted to help Vance promote your collaboration. Vance is truly excellent. You won’t regret working with him.”
“Cathy!” Vance came back to interrupt her. “That’s enough. Let’s go.”
He always stood with her, no matter what, but Catherine was unwilling to give up.
The rims of her eyes reddened, and she pleaded, “Please don’t go. It’s all my fault. I don’t want your business to be affected because of me.”
1/2
“It has nothing to do with you,” he sighed. “Let’s go.”
The pair’s affectionate performance was so absurd that it shocked everyone.
Lauren finally reacted, suppressing her temper to issue an eviction. “Leave as you like. Don’t drag it out.”
+25 Bonus
