Chapter 249: Never Learn From Mistakes
Clifford knew Elaine was allergic to lemons. He’d forgotten, his mind preoccupied. The resulting misunderstanding left him frustrated and embarrassed. However, even after this, Clifford didn't believe Elaine didn't care for him; he attributed her behavior to her temperament. He also believed she'd deliberately flaunted her interest in other men to make him jealous.
He didn't realize Elaine had always been this way abroad. Back home, he was her only ex-boyfriend. After their breakup, she left the country, preventing him from seeing this side of her.
From Elaine's perspective, breakups should be clean. Navigating shared social circles after a split was too troublesome. Her carefree attitude was well-known abroad; gatherings often included over a dozen of her ex-boyfriends, all getting along amicably.
Clifford, however, whether due to narcissism or fear of embarrassment, failed to think rationally. Even after Elaine's return, she refused to apologize, maintaining her infuriating temper. He mused that if they married, she'd need to change.
He had a bad temper too; otherwise, he wouldn't have cursed her instead of asking her to stay or accompany him abroad. He consistently chose the confrontational route, wanting to see who would back down first.
Commandingly, he gestured to Zendaya, who was about to replace the wine. "Leave that to someone else. Come here."
The others turned to watch. Millie, beside Clifford, glared fiercely at Zendaya, seemingly ready to attack.
Isabella was surprised by Clifford's blatant maneuver. He seemed to ignore Zendaya's avoidance and the exposure of his lies. She thought, Is this typical spoiled-brat behavior? Living only in his own world, expecting Zendaya to cooperate? He never learns! Does he still believe he holds a place in her heart? Why choose her over the nearly red-eyed, jealous Millie, who could easily handle the task? Clifford's stubbornness made Isabella want to intervene. Alexander couldn't believe his reckless friend's self-destructive behavior.
Zendaya, however, unwilling to offend the host, responded professionally. "Sir, I'm currently assisting Ms. Jeannet. If you require assistance, I can call a colleague."
Clifford's disbelief was palpable. Zendaya's repeated refusal angered him. He found it infuriating that both Elaine and Zendaya defied him. Is she upset because she realized I planned to use her to provoke Elaine? I don't care! he thought, then spoke sternly. "Zendaya, my patience has limits. Remember who you are and come here!"
Zendaya forced a smile. "Sir, I'm service staff. Please don't make my job difficult." She thought, I'm so unlucky! My former boss is a jerk. Even after I left, he oversteps boundaries. He knows who I am, yet the contract is over! He wants free work. Even capitalists aren't this stupid!
Clifford was stunned by her continued defiance. His fury grew, and he trembled. I can't control Elaine, and not even Zendaya? Ha! He realized he'd been deceiving himself about Zendaya’s true nature. Isabella smirked.
Millie, equally enraged, could no longer contain herself. Despising both Zendaya and Elaine for stealing the spotlight at her party, she acted. While she wouldn't confront Elaine, she feared Zendaya less. Zendaya's refusal fueled Millie's embarrassment, feeling insulted that what she couldn't obtain was being flaunted. I might not beat Elaine, but I'm better than Zendaya! They shared this sentiment. Millie, feeling like a mere bystander, snatched the wine glass from Zendaya's tray and splashed her with wine.
Satisfied, Millie watched. Clifford instinctively moved to intervene, but hesitated, sneering. It's Zendaya's fault. Spoiling her allowed this. This lesson will teach her who to rely on!
"You!" Zendaya nearly exploded.
Millie spat, "Mr. Clifford showed you respect, and you should be grateful. You acted arrogantly. Who do you think you are? Here, you're less than an ant. Don't think past kindness entitles you to recklessness. You're a lowly worker. I can't stand your attitude. Speak out of turn again, and you'll regret it!"
Zendaya, unused to such treatment, began to cry.
Isabella and Elaine reacted immediately. Isabella gave Zendaya a towel. Elaine pushed Millie away, scolding, "If you want to act crazy, do it elsewhere. Is Clifford ignoring you really that devastating?"