Chapter 21: I Cannot Believe That Jerk Likes Dakota

Dakota wasn't alone; Camila was with her. Dakota looked unwell, yet she was forcefully pulled into a group of young women, including Camila and Audrey, who appeared poised to introduce a makeup artist to the others. Dakota avoided making eye contact, feeling uneasy and struggling to cope.

"Damn, Audrey," someone muttered, "your shamelessness knows no bounds. Are you really risking everything with these games? Aren't you afraid of the consequences? Do you really want to force this confrontation and destroy all their possibilities? This is so childish!" Isabella and the Quirks, who knew the truth, watched anxiously, confused by the unfolding situation.

Dakota refused to come downstairs to see Josiah, not only to avoid causing trouble at the event, but because she was disgusted by the truth and didn't want to face him. Even knowing he was present and might have seen her, she avoided him. But what could she do when they relentlessly pressured her to come down?

"Josiah, who are you looking at? Audrey or her cousin?" Clifford asked curiously. Everyone expected Josiah to argue with Isabella and Alexander, but he seemed distracted, having apparently seen someone. This was unusual for his temperament.

"Wait, that makeup artist" Zendaya, beside Clifford, interjected. Caught off guard, she momentarily forgot to feign innocence. Clifford should have warned her; he disliked opinionated rebound relationships after his first crush.

Isabella's curiosity was piqued. "Do you know her too?" she asked Zendaya.

Overlooking her boss's warning, Zendaya replied excitedly, "Yes! I met her at a hotel during the last reunion. Some of her makeup had your autograph, so we talked. She was working as a makeup artist that day." She quickly explained everything.

Josiah, unsure of Dakota's reaction since she hadn't looked up, was stunned by Zendaya's words. "She was there then?" he asked, frowning in disbelief. Well, well, well, someone thought, I bet he's wondering if that's when his true identity was revealed.

"What a coincidence," Damien said, frowning.

"Is she a well-known makeup artist in the entertainment world?" Ines asked, having been out of the country.

Deborah shook her head. "Never heard of her."

Roland turned to Isabella. "Your autograph? She's a fan? You mentioned knowing her—is that true?" The police are sharp, someone thought.

Josiah immediately turned to Isabella. "You know her too?" Apprehensive about anything related to her, he sensed trouble. Isabella's chilling glance sent a shiver down his spine. He felt her gaze was laden with obscenities. Isabella cursed inwardly, realizing something. This scum claims to be fond of Dakota, but I don't believe it. He's a jerk with no conscience.

"Oh, yes, we know each other," Isabella said with a playful smile. "She was on the makeup team for Christopher and me on that variety show a couple of months ago. What a coincidence."

Alexander, shocked, stared at Josiah in disbelief. Josiah looked astonished and dazed. He still has the audacity to look surprised? How can he not know Dakota and I worked together for two months? Even if he doesn't follow gossip, our show was popular! They lived together; did she not mention it? Or did he just ignore it? What a lack of interest in his own girlfriend!

The Quirks, having overheard Isabella's thoughts, also realized the absurdity. Christopher and Rosalie were speechless. Crew members' partners would know who they worked for, especially with a popular show. The fact that Josiah didn't know was preposterous. Even "speechless" didn't convey their disbelief.

Seeing Josiah's obliviousness, Isabella felt irritated. "Dakota is a nice person," she said. "Skilled, hardworking, and not afraid of hardship. She just has bad luck with money and men."

"Why do you say that?" Ines asked immediately.

Josiah glanced at her, curious and cautious. He suspected Dakota was badmouthing him, resentful of supporting him but venting her frustrations when away from him. He was afraid to acknowledge the previous mockery from Isabella and Alexander.

Isabella began to share the gossip, captivating the table. "During our collaboration, she borrowed money from her mentor because her boyfriend was in a car accident with a luxury car owner. Her hot-headed boyfriend escalated the conflict, leaving her with tens of thousands in debt. She worked day and night to repay it, almost fainting on set."

A shock ran through Josiah's eyes, as if a forgotten memory resurfaced. Conflicts were just conflicts to him; he assumed Dakota was well-off and never considered her expenses. "What? Her boyfriend is so irresponsible!" Ines exclaimed.

Deborah added, "Men who act tough and shirk responsibility are the worst."

"Expecting his girlfriend to shoulder the expense?" Aiden said disdainfully.

"Is Dakota a hopeless romantic? Why didn't she break up with him?" Damien laughed.

Josiah's face paled. His lips trembled. He never imagined this trivial matter could be twisted into such harsh judgments. Roland and Clifford froze, recognizing a familiar situation. Josiah had vented about the incident to them, dismissing the luxury car driver as nouveau riche.

Isabella continued, "Recently, she's had home issues and needed to borrow money. She tried everywhere, even her boyfriend, who ran away."