Chapter 248: Abnormal Thinking - Finished
"Why didn't you tell me?" Clifford asked, displeasure evident in his tone. He was unsatisfied with the reunion, especially since Elaine had saved Zendaya. He felt they should be confronting each other, not engaging in this awkward standoff. "Had I known Elaine was coming, I would have used the opportunity."
His thoughts trailed off, replaced by a growing unease. His gaze involuntarily fell upon Zendaya, who stood quietly to the side, head bowed. I knew it, he thought. Despite her earlier words, Zendaya still only thought of him. Otherwise, she wouldn't have become so subdued upon seeing Elaine. He believed she realized her chances of reconciliation were slim now that Elaine had returned. She shouldn't have thrown a tantrum, he mused. Not everyone can play hard to get. Even if she cries now, I won't be swayed.
Isabella, noticing Clifford's furtive glances at Zendaya, decided to use her powers of observation. The result? She nearly fainted from suppressing her laughter. Zendaya was simply trying to avoid involvement, her head bowed awkwardly. Besides, she was on duty as a server. Now that the situation was resolved, it was natural for her to step aside and await further instructions. Is Clifford seriously expecting her to create a scene? Isabella thought. Zendaya, lift your head! Let him see if you're crying. Otherwise, you'll be open to slander, which is far worse than sexual rumors!
Alexander, with a numb expression, patted Isabella's back and answered Clifford's earlier question in a weary tone: "I mentioned it, but you didn't ask."
Clifford started to speak, but Isabella interrupted. She felt she would die from unshed laughter. "Are you all right, Zeya?"
Zendaya lifted her head, her face devoid of melancholy. "I'm fine," she said anxiously.
Isabella then said, "Can you please bring Elaine a glass of wine?"
Elaine smiled and ordered a drink, interacting naturally with Zendaya. Zendaya responded with a sweet smile and turned to prepare the drink.
The party atmosphere resumed as the guests realized the anticipated drama wasn't unfolding.
Clifford, however, was dumbfounded by the harmonious scene and the lack of conflict. This shouldn't be happening!
"I bet you're surprised," Isabella grinned. "Those two don't care about you. Stop the wild imaginings."
Ignoring Clifford, Elaine moved to Isabella's side, grinning as she showed a picture of a handsome man on her phone.
"Since you're in the entertainment industry, do you know him?" Elaine asked excitedly, her eyes sparkling.
Isabella was stunned by the sudden question.
Clifford, perceptive as ever, turned his blazing gaze toward the two women. The others followed suit.
Deborah's lips twitched upon seeing the photo; the man was exactly Elaine's type.
"This is why I was late," Elaine explained. "I ran into him. He's quite appealing, so I tried to chat, but his manager stopped me. Unfortunately, I don't know local celebrities. An introduction would be fantastic!" Elaine concluded, acting as if she was ready for a romantic pursuit. Her voice was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.
A heavy silence fell. Isabella hadn't anticipated this. She discreetly glanced around and saw others doing the same. It felt as if everyone could hear a heart shattering. K.O.! Clifford should get it now, Isabella thought.
As expected, Clifford's expression changed. Fire seemed to burn in his eyes as he stared at Elaine. Even Millie's attempts to pull him back were ignored.
Just then, Zendaya arrived with Elaine's drink.
As Elaine was about to thank her, she paused. Confusion and resignation crossed her face as she tapped her nails against the wine glass. Then, addressing Zendaya, who was about to leave, she said, "Could you pour me another cup, Pretty?"
Zendaya, already nervous, responded, "Is there a problem with this drink?"
Isabella was perplexed. Elaine seemed friendly with Zendaya earlier. Why is she dissatisfied now?
Before Elaine could answer, Clifford intervened, putting an arm around Zendaya's shoulder. He turned to Elaine, an "I knew it" expression on his face. His voice was cold. "What's the meaning of this? Why are you targeting her? Elaine, don't tell me you didn't know she's my girlfriend?"
The crowd mentally cheered, anticipating more gossip.
Did his brain short-circuit? Isabella thought. Does he think Elaine is using that picture to provoke jealousy and is therefore involving Zendaya? Goodness, who will curb his imagination? If he needs an accomplice, shouldn't it be Millie? He thinks Elaine is troubling Zendaya, so involving her is the most effective tactic. Damn. Smart or stupid, he's completely wrong! She furrowed her brows.
The sudden shift in the atmosphere made everyone uneasy. They'd all assumed Elaine would finally confront her "replacement." Clifford, meanwhile, was having a tiff with Elaine using Zendaya as a pawn. The world where only replacements and rebounds got hurt had arrived.
Alexander felt awkward for his friend, upon hearing Isabella's thoughts.
Elaine, dumbfounded, retorted, "Clifford, are you insane? First, I'm not targeting anyone. Second, isn't Millie your girlfriend? I saw you holding hands! You're clearly ganging up on her!" Zendaya, regaining her composure, swiftly moved away from Clifford's arm, as if avoiding a contagious disease, putting three steps between them, signifying a complete lack of connection. Deborah intervened, "The cocktail she ordered usually has lemon in our country, but not abroad. She probably forgot to mention it; she's allergic to lemons."
Zendaya, initially shocked, was now stunned. A flicker of something passed through her eyes. She wanted to speak, but remained silent.
Elaine playfully suggested, "Could you make me another without lemon? Don't waste this one. I think you'll like it. It's on me."
"All right. I'll make you a new one. But I can't drink on duty. I'll save it for after work. Thank you, Ms. Graham," Zendaya replied.
"Call me Elaine," Elaine said amiably.
Even Deborah sensed Elaine's apparent affection for Zendaya.
The crowd whispered, disappointed by the lack of confrontation and the apparent falsehood of the rumors.
Clifford, who moments ago was ready for a fight, was now a mere backdrop, ignored by everyone as Elaine and Zendaya conversed warmly.