Chapter 246: Is She Swearing an Oath? Finished

Wow, what a blunt strategy. They're treating Zendaya like a scheming, pretentious woman, forcing her to declare her position and leaving her no escape. That was precisely Millie's intention.

Millie firmly believed Zendaya harbored feelings for Clifford. After all, this humble woman had been by Clifford's side for a long time, willingly playing the role of a rebound. It seemed impossible she hadn't developed feelings for him.

However, Zendaya denying any interest in Clifford to save face would only widen the rift between them. Admitting she wanted to get back with him would prove her previous actions were a calculated performance, revealing her cunning. She'd offend many and Clifford wouldn't appreciate such a woman.

Therefore, Millie's seemingly nonsensical question was actually the most effective way to deal with someone like Zendaya—but only if Zendaya actually liked Clifford and wanted to return to him.

Isabelle silently scoffed.

Millie's question instantly captivated everyone. After all, the "rebound" had been with Clifford the longest, and they sensed he still cared for Zendaya.

Initially, Clifford was annoyed by Millie's thoughtless remark. He wanted to gradually coax Zendaya into acknowledging her feelings and submitting to him, not pressure her directly. If she still harbored resentment and refused to return, wouldn't that complicate things further?

After considering it, he felt a surge of satisfaction. Perhaps Zendaya would succumb to her love for him, sacrificing her dignity and risking everyone's disapproval to admit she wanted him back. This thought fueled his vanity. He already envisioned her admission—he'd accept but remain aloof, preventing her from becoming complacent.

A smirk played on Clifford's lips. "Millie," he added, "what nonsense? It's not so easy to return after leaving." He raised an eyebrow at Zendaya.

Meanwhile, Millie felt Clifford didn't actually care much about the "rebound."

Zendaya was furious. What is this? she thought. How could she ask such a question? If I'd known my idiotic ex-boss was coming, I would have stayed away. How unlucky! Her ex-boss always assumed she was in love with him, despite her repeated denials. It was as if he couldn't understand her, living in his own delusional world. [The following sentence is indecipherable and appears to be a string of random words.] She no longer cared if he believed her. Given their unexpected reunion, he might think she couldn't let go. She felt wrongly accused. Are all wealthy people this delusional? she wondered. But her idol and her husband were wonderful people. Zendaya unleashed a silent torrent of criticism before responding with utmost seriousness, "I don't want to!"

Everyone was stunned. Many expected a "no," but her answer's power and decisiveness were surprising. Her tone was resolute, almost like an oath; solemn and dignified. They questioned her lack of hesitation, wondering why her demeanor didn't betray a lie before her denial.

Even Clifford seemed wounded by her unwavering resolve.

Isabelle finally burst out laughing.

Clifford's face flushed crimson. He quickly stood, admonishing, "Zendaya, even in anger, know your limits."

Zendaya rolled her eyes. "Mr. Clifford, I swear, I never intended to bother you, let alone return. Both you and your companion can rest assured!" If not for the confidentiality clause, she thought, I'd happily reveal everything. We're even, so how could they think I'd bother him? Despite her disgust, Clifford, oblivious, approached and reached for her hand.

"Shut up and come with me!" He tried to pull her away like an overbearing CEO.

Her harsh words had hurt him. He admitted to caring, and was willing to let her save face, but couldn't afford to lose his own. He needed a private discussion.

He struggled to pull her, but she wouldn't budge.

She was almost crouching, lowering her center of gravity, stubbornly resisting, as if she'd rather die than leave with him. Her expression made him look like a human trafficker.

Zendaya's strength from physical labor surprised him. His domineering attempt had backfired, leaving them in a stalemate. Onlookers watched in disbelief, unsure how to react.

Millie, just released by Clifford, almost fell off her chair. Seeing Clifford reach for another woman, she angrily intervened. "Mr. Clifford, your date tonight is—"

"Move!" Clifford, frustrated and sweating, was further irritated by her interruption.

This fueled Millie's anger. She tried to separate them.

The three-way struggle was unbelievable. It even overshadowed the grand entrance of an important figure.

Millie turned to Zendaya. "I see your game, you b*tch. You think playing hard to get will win Clifford. Don't be delusional. You're just a rebound. Do you really think he'd fall for you?"

Although everyone knew about the rebound, the blunt mention momentarily unsettled Clifford. His distraction loosened his grip, allowing Millie to forcefully separate them, shoving Zendaya away.

They were near the swimming pool. Zendaya stumbled backward, about to fall in. Isabelle yelled, "Watch out!"

But Zendaya was already falling. Roland sprang to catch her, but failed.

Suddenly, a woman appeared—tan, graceful, in a provocative swimsuit, vibrant red lips, wavy hair. She caught Zendaya, preventing her fall. Zendaya was stunned.

"Are you alright, Pretty?" a hearty voice boomed.

It was a cliché rescue scene. Everyone's expressions froze—it was quite a sight.

(Internal monologue) Huh? The real apple of his eye saving the rebound? What a twist! I'm about to laugh!