Chapter 256: Such a Request

Alexander blushed and stammered, "I—I saw you were about to fall asleep, and I was worried you might catch a cold." He whispered softly, "I'll let you hold me when we return."

Isabella, suddenly feeling awkward, thought, Why did I think I could hug him whenever I wanted? She avoided the topic, "True, I might catch a cold. I'll go up then."

Alexander didn't mind. His own situation was far from ideal. A brief embrace with his wife had ignited a restless heat throughout his body. He thought he was used to it, but their closeness had overwhelmed him. The intensity of his reaction left him embarrassed, fearing Isabella would notice. He hastily avoided her, but eventually calmed down.

When Isabella returned to the lounge chair, everything was perfectly arranged for her comfort, thanks to Alexander. Then, they saw others questioning Deborah about Elaine's disappearance. Deborah, unable to contact Elaine, led the conversation toward a love triangle. Zendaya, likely to avoid suspicion, remained with the service staff while Alexander and Isabella were present, only assisting others after the couple left the pool. The way people looked at Zendaya had changed, but she remained focused on her work, unfazed. Isabella and Alexander knew Elaine was dealing with an important matter, and they knew the outcome.

At that moment, Clifford returned, his expression serious. He immediately sought out Zendaya, wanting to speak privately.

"Hey" Isabella interjected.

"It's personal. Don't interfere," Clifford said, surprisingly serious and calm, taking Isabella aback.

Zendaya, rarely seeing Clifford so serious, hesitated before saying, "Let's talk here." She didn't want to be alone with him, so they moved aside and spoke quietly. Clifford didn't object. Once they were out of earshot, he said solemnly, "Zendaya, I've made up my mind. You have a place in my heart."

Zendaya was shocked. No way. My lunatic boss is in love with me? What did he see in me? Did he choose me because I resemble Elaine? Is he using me as a rebound? She said, "Mr. Clifford, if it's like before—"

"It's not like before. I will genuinely be with you this time. Be my woman," Clifford replied.

Zendaya thought, So before he paid me, now he wants my services for free? That's worse.

Isabella later eavesdropped using the system. Holy crap, is this real? He likes the substitute and wants a happy ending? Is this cliché?

Alexander was surprised; he expected Clifford to choose Elaine. Even Zendaya was baffled. She was about to refuse when Clifford said unexpectedly, "However, I will still get back together with Elaine. Perhaps I'll even marry her. I hope you won't obsess over titles." Zendaya's jaw dropped. "What? I didn't quite catch that."

Clifford, appearing distressed, explained, "This is the best solution. We must keep this from Elaine. She has a temper and wouldn't accept our relationship. For your sake, I'm wronging Elaine. As long as you behave, I'll provide money and some love. Children are possible, too. Aside from a title, I won't let you feel aggrieved."

Zendaya's expression became vacant. Remembering Elaine's kindness, she asked, "Are you suggesting you'll marry Elaine while supporting me as your mistress and hiding our relationship from her?"

"Don't make it sound so unpleasant. There's no other choice," Clifford said, believing it the best arrangement. He continued, "Both of them are fond of me, and I can't bear to part from either. My dad has several mistresses, and my mom has her outlets. Our family remained harmonious. Zendaya's an orphan, a perfect candidate. She's well-behaved, understands the status disparity, and is insecure. Her behavior today is unusual; she's afraid of losing my affection. I'll reassure her."

Clifford gazed intently at Zendaya, about to touch her face, worried she might cry from joy. Before he could, a slap echoed through the party.

Silence fell. Isabella, upset, sat up. Darn, why didn't I slap him? What is he thinking?

Alexander, serious, looked at Clifford. He hadn't expected this outcome. Clifford, hand red from the slap, wasn't angry. He warned the onlookers, who pretended they hadn't been eavesdropping. Then, he turned to Zendaya, "I understand your unwillingness, but this is the biggest concession I can make."

Zendaya glared at Clifford, eyes reddening. Beat him up! I got your back! Isabella wanted to intervene but Alexander stopped her, gesturing toward the distance.

Elaine approached briskly, excitedly holding documents. Seeing Zendaya's distress and Clifford, she assumed he was bullying her. She rushed over, pulled Zendaya away, and positioned herself protectively. "Clifford, what are you doing?"