Chapter 214: I Do Not Deserve This

“What just happened? Did I hear correctly? Mr. Josiah has been living off her?” “Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” “Are they really boyfriend and girlfriend?”

Josiah’s lack of response spurred whispers and discussions among the guests. What’s going on? All bark and no bite?

Alexander felt this was the first time Dakota had treated him this way, and it had clearly agitated Josiah. Dakota gave Josiah a frosty look, which he seemed unable to meet. He was momentarily speechless.

Camila, seething with anger, approached Dakota, standing uncomfortably close. “Ms. Meadows, are you Josiah’s girlfriend? Why didn’t you tell us?”

She’s acting suspiciously nice, offering uncharacteristic attention. What is she trying to do?

“There’s nothing to tell.” Because of Camila’s closeness, Dakota stepped to the side.

Josiah’s gaze sharpened, fixing intently on Dakota. Dakota wanted to avoid a scene and preferred to discuss their breakup later.

Camila moved closer. “It’s such an important matter. Of course you have to tell us.” She pouted, pretending to lean toward Dakota.

Darn it, there’s a tower of wine glasses next to her.

Beside their seating area, a tower of eight layers of wine glasses stood near the descending steps. Dakota, already teetering on the edge because of Camila’s proximity, was in danger of falling if nudged again. The thought was terrifying.

“Watch out!” Isabella shouted from her seat, too late to intervene. Alexander, some distance away, could only pray Dakota would steady herself. She was wearing high heels.

Suddenly, a figure moved swiftly. The clatter of shattering wine glasses and a woman’s scream filled the room.

“Camila!” Audrey exclaimed, disbelievingly glaring at the unharmed Dakota.

Dakota was equally astonished. She turned to see who had saved her.

Damn, I thought some knight in shining armor rescued her, but it’s just you, Christopher! How did you appear out of nowhere?

Christopher thought, How is this not heroic? Isabella’s plea had spurred the three siblings to act, pulling Dakota back just in time. Ironically, Camila, having lost her balance, was the one who fell, toppling the wine glasses.

“Everyone, stay back.” Caleb rushed to the scene. Camila was crying uncontrollably, thankfully clear of the broken glass, though drenched in wine.

“Audrey, take Camila to clean up,” Caleb urged. Audrey reluctantly retreated with her cousin.

“What were you doing? Have you lost your mind?” Audrey rebuked quietly.

“I…I heard you mention embarrassing her at the banquet to force the Hamptons to sever ties with them.”

“Tsk, there was no need for your meddling.” Camila realized Audrey had a plan.

The friends dispersed. As Dakota thanked Christopher, Josiah approached, grabbing her wrist and pulling her away from Christopher. He had just learned of Dakota’s two-month collaboration with Christopher and resented Christopher's heroic act. Dakota tried to pull free.

Caleb saw Josiah acting foolishly. “Josiah, what are you doing with Ms. Meadows?”

Annoyed, Josiah glared at Dakota, then at Caleb. “She’s my girlfriend. Is it wrong for me to want her to meet my friends?”

Even Caleb was surprised. “Girlfriend?”

“Yes.” Josiah seemed to want Dakota to greet Caleb, but she was uncooperative.

Caleb cut to the chase. “Just treat her well. Don’t stir up trouble. Once the party is over, introduce your girlfriend to Mom and Dad.” He apologized and returned to his duties.

Dakota was led to their table, the silence punctuated by anticipation. The Quirk siblings observed intently from a nearby bar.

Josiah seated Dakota. She felt uncomfortable. “Can you let go of me? I’m still working…”

Josiah’s temper flared. “Are you defying me? There’s a limit to your tantrums.”

He’s hopeless. Alexander and his siblings agreed. David and Selena, overhearing only the emotional cries, exclaimed, “What? Who’s hopeless?”

Dakota turned to Josiah. “I’ve signed a contract with your sister-in-law for two hundred thousand. I need to do makeup; I don’t have time to sit here.” Josiah didn’t question if it was a scam.

“Did you know who I was before this?” Josiah asked, confused.

“I did,” Dakota said coldly. “Your ‘beloved’ sister-in-law hired me for your class reunion. I saw you there, Mr. Josiah.”

Josiah missed her sarcasm. “Then why didn’t you question me or get angry? Why ask for money?”

Dakota laughed scornfully. “I didn’t want to borrow money before we sorted out our feelings. But I had no other options. I thought even if you were deceiving me, you still cared. I believed you’d help me, but you didn’t.”

Josiah’s face paled. He recalled rejecting her and felt suffocated. He hadn’t meant to hurt her.

“There might have been a misunderstanding. I can give you the money now.”

“It’s too late. I’ve received my payment. I don’t need your help, nor you,” Dakota declared. Josiah was stunned. “What do you mean?”

“You ask why I didn’t lay my cards on the table? Because I was waiting for you to come clean. That was my last chance.”

Last chance? The thing I was planning to tell her on her birthday…

“What do you mean?” Josiah exploded.

“I intended to discuss this privately, but since the person I’m supposedly in a relationship with doesn’t seem to exist, it’s as if I’ve never been in love. Mr. Josiah, stop claiming you’re my boyfriend.”

Dakota’s unwavering gaze unsettled Josiah.

“What do you mean I don’t exist? Shouldn’t you be…”

“You wouldn’t think that after you fooled me for two years by pretending to be poor, I’d be overjoyed to find out you’re rich, right?”

Josiah’s complexion changed. His voice trembled. “Is it wrong for me to want you to have a better life?”

“Mr. Josiah, I crave love, but yours is too insincere. I aspire to a better life, but not with you. I’ll be departing from your world, and I’d appreciate it if you could refrain from bothering me.”

Dakota took a bracelet from her bag and placed it on the table. “I don’t deserve this. I’m giving it back.”

Deborah gasped, recognizing the bracelet. Damien quickly pulled her back, fearing her reaction. He was speechless at Josiah’s actions.

As Dakota stood, someone shouted from the stairs, “Oh no, Audrey’s necklace has been stolen! Where’s the makeup artist?”