Chapter 152
Zack had to entertain some guests at lunch, so he couldn’t really spend time with his close friends.
Before the meal was even over, he made a point to come over from the main table and greet them
Tve got something planned for tonight. Don’t head out yet just go wait for me at the winery next door,” Zack said.
The Clark family’s winery was right next to the estate.
Everyone could tell Zack wasn’t in the best mood, so nobody brought up leaving.
Marina glanced at Daron beside her and noticed he wasn’t planning to leave either. She leaned in and whispered. “If Elnora decides to leave later, I’ll just go with her. No need for you to give me a ride”
Daron lowered his gaze, shot her a look, and said in a low voice, “Suit yourself.”
Marina caught the irritation in his tone and bit her lip.
She’d come with him, so leaving without him now would be kind of disrespectful.
Remembering how much Daron had looked out for her today, Marina felt a little guilty and whispered again, hoping to make it up to him.
“Don’t be mad. I’ll treat you to dinner tomorrow.”
Honestly, if Daron hadn’t brought her here today, there was no way she would’ve won that much money.
“Alright,” Daron replied.
Seeing the indifference fade from his eyes as he replied, Marina finally felt a bit more at ease.
Daron was her benefactor, so she couldn’t afford to get on his bad side.
Joyce sat right across from them, watching Daron and Marina get all wrapped up in each other, totally oblivious to everyone else. She suddenly felt so left out, she couldn’t even bring herself to eat another bite.
After dinner, the guests began to trickle out in small groups.
People at the main table were still deep in conversation.
Since Zack hadn’t gotten up yet, they figured they’d just head over to the winery first and wait for him there.
Once they arrived at the winery, Marina headed to the restroom.
She was just washing her hands at the sink when she looked up and saw Mallory coming up behind her, reflected in the
mirror.
“Marina, I never would’ve guessed you had it in you. You got Daron wrapped around your finger like that,” Mallory sneered.
She sidled up to the sink next to Marina, shooting her a sideways look full of mockery.
Marina finished washing her hands, pulled a paper towel from the dispenser, and started drying her fingers. She kept her eyes on her own reflection in the mirror and said softly.
“Thanks for the compliment,” she said.
Mallory hadn’t expected Marina to be so shameless. Her face darkened, and she didn’t bother to hide her contempt
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Chapter 152
anymore, snapping through gritted teeth.
Let me give you some advice. Know your place. The Finley family’s status in Vrufield these days isn’t even good enough to shine the Milner family’s shoes.”
Marina kept her eyes on the mirror, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her car.
“So, does that mean Joyce gave you the honor of shining her shoes? Well, congratulations, Marina said.
Mallory’s tace darkened with fury, and she swung her hand, aiming to hit Marina.
But Marina was faster. She instantly grabbed Mallory’s wrist.
“We were just talking, and now you want to throw hands? Did I hit a sore spot? Or is it that Joyce won’t even let you shine her shoes?” Marina shot back.
“That can’t be right. You brown–nose her so much. Does she really think that little of you?”
Marina’s questions came at Mallory like blows, leaving her struggling to catch her breath.
She never would’ve guessed that Marina, the one the Finley family had groomed to be their socialite poster girl, could be so savage with her words.
Mallory clenched her jaw, barely able to get the words out.
“You really have no shame,” she spat.
Marina arched her brow, shoved Mallory away, and released her grip.
“Even if I am shameless, who are you to lecture me? What makes you think you have the right to warn me?” Marina shot back.
Mallory stumbled back a couple of steps before steadying herself. The way Marina had gripped her wrist just now made it painfully clear that she was no match for her.
Even though she was burning up inside, Mallory didn’t dare try anything with Marina again.
“Do you even know that my cousin is about to get engaged to Daron? You’re just the other woman,” Mallory spat.
“Daron’s only into you because you’re new and shiny. How long do you think that’ll last? With the Finley family on its last legs, you really think you could ever marry into the Zamora family? Keep dreaming,” she sneered.
Marina’s lips curled into a bright, almost mischievous smile as she leaned in a little closer to Mallory, her voice dropping to a whisper.
“You know Daron’s willing to spoil me right now, and you still dare to come over and lecture me? Aren’t you worried I’ll do a little pillow talk with him tonight?” Marina shot back.
Mallory’s face twisted with rage as she glared daggers at Marina, spat the word through clenched teeth.
“Bitch,” she hissed.
Marina’s smile widened as she looked away from Mallory, her voice calm and dismissive.
“Deep down, you know who’s really a bitch,” she said.
“You come running over here just to lecture me. Aren’t you really just dying for a shot at being the real bitch?”
“But honestly, Daron’s way more into me. He doesn’t even bother to look your way,” Marina taunted.
\anx
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Mallory’s face went paper white, Totally crushed by Marina’s words
“That’s not true!” Mallory shot back.
“You”
Seeing Mallory on the verge of snapping. Marina raised a finger to her lips and gave her a quiet “shh.”
Elnora’s already pissed off today. If you go crazy here and blow things up, trust me. The only one losing face out there will be you.” Marina said.
Mallory froze, her face going rigid.
Marina gave her a cold smile and turned to leave.
When Marina first came back to Vrufield, she played nice with Mallory, mostly for old times‘ sake since they used to be classmates.
W
But after Mallory kept provoking her over and over, if Marina kept playing nice, she’d just be letting herself get walked all
over.
Mallory glared at Marina’s retreating back, took a deep breath, trying to swallow her anger. All that rage bottled up with nowhere to go.
She’d been keeping an eye on Marina all day, finally caught her alone hoping to teach her a lesson, but in the end, she was the one who got schooled instead.
When Marina walked back into the winery’s main hall, she caught sight of Joyce and Daron sitting together at the bar
counter.
Joyce was all smiles, chatting with Daron, her eyes soft and full of gentle warmth.
Daron had a faint smile on his lips, and one could tell he was in a pretty good mood.
As soon as he noticed Marina, his gaze landed on her, that smile still hanging on his face.
Clearly, he was having a great time talking with Joyce, so much so that he even flashed a smile at Marina when she walked in.
Marina quietly averted her gaze and didn’t go over to them. Instead, she headed over to Elnora, who’d come in with Zack and the others.
Daron watched as she changed direction, his deep eyes darkening instantly.
Joyce caught the shift in Daron’s expression, her fingers tightening around her wine glass.
After Marina went to the restroom, Daron had followed her, but he came back out in no time, looking pretty pleased with himself.
Joyce had been worried that Mallory might say something in the restroom that would upset Daron and drag her into it.
So when Daron came out, Joyce went over and tried to probe him with a few questions, but he just smiled and didn’t answer. He was obviously in a good mood.
Now, with Marina walking straight over to Elnora without even glancing his way, Daron’s face instantly darkened.
Joyce could read the room. She knew exactly what that meant.
What she couldn’t figure out was how Marina managed to get under Daron’s skin like that.
and
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She’d been by his side for years, but all she ever got was the label of “just a friend
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
