Reading Juicy Gossip in Her Mind - Chapter 254: Be In Love With

Clifford's expression changed at the news, as if worried Elaine might cause Zendaya trouble. However, recalling how Elaine had already put Zendaya in difficult situations for his sake, a deep sense of satisfaction welled up inside him.

"Elaine, I don't appreciate your aggressive behavior," Clifford said, lifting his chin. "And why are you seeking out my people?"

Elaine expressionlessly flipped him off.

Clifford's veins throbbed, but his satisfaction secretly intensified. Then, he heard laughter from behind. He spun around, surprised, but Zendaya had already stopped her mocking laughter. Stepping forward, she addressed Elaine: "We have a designated break room. If you please"

Before Clifford could react, Elaine and Zendaya had briskly walked away.

"Zendaya, have you lost your mind? You—" Clifford shouted.

"Mr. Clifford, perhaps you should return to the party. You are, after all, the star of the show," Zendaya replied without turning.

By the time Clifford tried to intervene, they had reached the elevator.

Clifford was bewildered. Shouldn't I be there? Zendaya is a fool! What if Elaine hurts her? How can I protect her like this?

Agitated and angry, he wanted to ignore Zendaya, yet he couldn't, deeply conflicted. He was unsure what he wanted. Returning to the party, he sought an opportunity to subtly hint to Isabella. Isn't Isabella protecting Zendaya? If she intervenes, Elaine will listen.

He found Isabella and Alexander by the pool. Their gazes were peculiar.

"Hey, Isabella," Clifford said directly. "Your little fan's been taken away by Elaine for a 'private chat.' I think she might be bullied."

Isabella opened her mouth, seemingly hesitant. Meanwhile, Alexander heard Isabella's inner cursing.

"Earlier, Elaine mentioned an instant connection with Zeya and plans to spend more time with her," Isabella replied.

"Huh?" Clifford scoffed. "You actually believe that?"

[Page Break]

Could Elaine really make things difficult for Zeya?

Clifford was taken aback, feeling his good intentions had been twisted. He started to speak, but then saw Isabella's fake smile. "No way," she said. "Don't tell me you think they're fighting over you? You're overthinking it."

Clifford was speechless. What does that mean? Aren't they fighting over me? Am I overthinking?

He wanted to retort, but past events inexplicably sapped his confidence. Still, he was stubborn. "If you don't understand, don't speak recklessly."

Isabella raised an eyebrow. "Rest assured, I do. She seems to favor Zeya. Don't you think so too, hubby?"

Isabella was using Alexander to bolster her credibility. Clifford glanced at Alexander, lacking confidence. Alexander nodded; it seemed that way.

Clifford's expression faltered. "Could it be that she likes" He stopped abruptly, appearing shaken.

Isabella and Alexander were speechless.

Hold on, Isabella thought. I don't think Clifford's "like" means what I think. Has his imagination run wild?

Alexander was equally shocked. He’d initially thought Clifford meant what he implied, but he reconsidered.

Isabella furrowed her brows. I see. Elaine once said she didn't want to define her sexuality, mentioning a potential for love with a woman. But she's never tried it. Clifford must have forgotten. Elaine's attitude toward Zendaya is different, hence the crisis, but it seems he's reconsidered. It is quite a leap, after all.

Clifford stopped himself. Even if Elaine is attracted to women, she wouldn't like someone so similar. It'd be ridiculous! I must have been misled by their strangely harmonious atmosphere.

Clifford still wanted to press Isabella, but she was uninterested, taking Alexander's hand and swimming to the center of the pool, using a large float.

Meanwhile, Isabella indulged in gossip, curious about Elaine's handling of the situation.

After leading Elaine away, Zendaya caught her breath and expressed gratitude.

[Page Break]

"I wasn't wrong. You're unhappy with his treatment of you," Elaine stated outright.

Zendaya nodded. "Of course."

Elaine chuckled. "Thank goodness. I worried that because of Clifford's foolishness, you'd hold a grudge against me."

Zendaya understood it concerned the substitute matter and awkwardly scratched her head. "Don't be upset! I really don't like him."

"I'm relieved. Thank goodness you're not into him, or else"

Zendaya looked at Elaine anxiously. She's still bothered—

Elaine continued, "I'd book you an appointment with an ophthalmologist and gift you a hundred pretty boys. That'd change your view of men."

Zendaya laughed.

Frankly, Elaine's remarks were rather blunt, but Zendaya didn't find them odd.

"Why were you acting as my substitute?" Elaine asked, genuinely concerned.

Zendaya was at a loss. After Clifford's prolonged bothering, she’d considered breaking the agreement. But Clifford might demand compensation, which was problematic since she’d donated all her money to an orphanage. She couldn't afford to offend wealthy people, nor shamelessly ask Isabella and Elaine for help. She had to endure.

Just as Zendaya was about to speak, Elaine blurted, "Could it be about money?"

Zendaya's reaction confirmed it.

Elaine scowled, but respectfully asked, "Was it voluntary?"

Zendaya nodded candidly. It was just a job. Clifford's craziness had helped her in a crisis, so her tolerance wasn't solely due to the contract, but also to avoid embarrassing her former boss. Elaine cursed Clifford silently, understanding Zendaya's hardship. She had to swallow her anger.

Zendaya cautiously began, "So, Ms. Graham, you also don't like—"

[Page Break]

"What did you call me?" Elaine asked.

Seeing Elaine's narrowed eyes, Zendaya immediately corrected herself. "Elaine."

Elaine felt inexplicably pleased. Her eyes sparkled. She casually lifted her hand to Zendaya's shoulder, smoothing a stray hair.