Chapter 5

"Racquelle, is this the obedient lapdog from the Smith family you mentioned?" Vernon asked with an amused smirk as he glanced at me. With her arms crossed, she nodded, and her tone was disdainful. "Exactly. He doesn't fight back or talk back—always obedient. Move aside! Don't block my path!" She shoved me aside, almost causing me to stumble on the steps. Then, she climbed into the car with Vernon without a second glance. Lowering the window, she barked, "What are you standing around for? Get moving and take us to the party! If we're late, you'll pay the price." I managed to steady myself before nodding. "Yes, Ms. Smith." Since my last fainting spell from donating blood to Vernon, my health had weakened significantly. Even just gripping the steering wheel took a considerable amount of energy. When we hit a slight bump, Racquelle reached forward and slapped me hard across the face. "Can't you drive more carefully? Vernon just had surgery! You trying to reopen his stitches?" "Sorry." I suppressed the pain in my cheek as I tightened my grip on the wheel and focused on keeping the car steady. Behind me, Racquelle and Vernon exchanged sweet nothings, ignoring my presence in the car. Half an hour later, we arrived at our destination. Racquelle's face was flushed as she fixed her disheveled hair. She got out while pulling Vernon by the hand. "You, come with us." She pointed at me and tossed her expensive purse at me. I carefully held the bag worth over 200 thousand. Once, I hadn't caught her bag properly, and she had deducted half a year's pay from my salary to buy her a new one. With only a month left before I could leave, I didn't want to risk staying longer just because of a purse. The event was the annual business gala, attended by wealthy heirs and entrepreneurs. Dressed in custom suits, these people exuded confidence and sophistication and mingled easily. They radiated a confidence I deeply envied. I looked down at my casual, budget outfit and rubbed my cheek, still red from Racquelle's slap, feeling more out of place than ever. Stifling my discomfort, I went to the balcony for fresh air. A moment later, the door to the balcony opened, and Vernon stepped out with two glasses of wine. He smiled as he approached me. "Why not mingle around? Aren't you bored standing here alone?" I waved him off. "I'm not a fan of these events. There are too many people." "Oh?" He raised an eyebrow, looking at me curiously. "If I'm not mistaken, the renowned 'business prodigy' should be able to handle himself here just fine. What's changed?" He didn't wait for me to answer, smiling as he offered me a glass of wine. "Come on. Have a drink with me—to thank you for going out in that rain to get me salmon porridge." I declined politely. "Sorry, I don't drink." Vernon's expression shifted as he moved closer, lowering his voice. "You don't drink—or you just don't want to accept my gesture?" Before I could respond, he abruptly splashed his drink over himself. Then, he shattered his glass on the ground and fell with a loud yell.