Chapter 257: Suffering From Love Delusion

Elaine's arrival sparked a flicker of panic in Clifford's eyes. He quickly cleared his throat. "It's nothing. We were just talking."

Clifford felt guilty. He didn't want Elaine to discover his conversation with Zendaya. He vaguely hinted, "Zendaya, I need a clear answer from you." The others remained oblivious to the conversation's content.

Clifford assumed Zendaya wouldn't reveal their discussion; it wasn't something to boast about. He imagined her privately considering his proposal—initially heartbroken, but ultimately understanding his offer of love, a secure future, children, and a home, even without a formal title or public acknowledgment of their relationship. He believed this was the best outcome for her.

Brimming with confidence, Clifford felt he'd solved a significant problem and no longer needed to use Zendaya to provoke Elaine. His focus now shifted to reconciling with Elaine.

He turned to her, lowering his guard, ready to speak. But Elaine ignored him, frowning at Zendaya. "What's going on? What is he talking about?"

The crowd wondered if Elaine suspected Zendaya of trying to steal Clifford. Only Isabella and Alexander knew Elaine had received DNA test results confirming Zendaya was her half-sister.

"Wow, such a protective stance," Isabella smiled. "So, Elaine isn't angry at Zendaya; she's excited to find her sister. Impressive!"

Alexander grinned. "Indeed, her magnanimity is impressive."

Zendaya, however, remained upset, feeling a tightness in her chest. Clifford's proposal was repulsive; she was disgusted by his scheme to keep her as a mistress behind Elaine's back. While she'd previously rationalized his behavior as stemming from deep love for Elaine, she now felt sickened by his actions. Her gratitude for his high-paying job vanished.

Instead of answering Elaine, Zendaya sharply addressed Clifford. "Listen carefully. I don't need to think about it. I refuse."

Clifford was momentarily stunned. "What?"

Just as he was about to express impatience, Zendaya pulled Elaine aside. "He claims he wants to reconcile with you, marry you, and then have me as his mistress. He wants the best of both worlds!" Her loud declaration silenced the venue.

Everyone was stunned. They couldn't believe Clifford had made such a proposition and that Zendaya had exposed it publicly. They questioned her boldness, but her action proved her unwillingness to accept. Previously, they'd assumed Zendaya was hopelessly in love with Clifford, dismissing her earlier conflicts as feigned. Clifford's manipulative atmosphere had subtly brainwashed them, leaving them dumbstruck by this revelation. Their embarrassment was palpable. They were unsure whether to stay or leave, yet gossip held them captive. They waited with bated breath.

Isabella hugged Alexander, feigning surprise. "What? Why would Clifford do such a thing?" Alexander steadied her.

Clifford's friends were shocked. While aware of his unpredictable nature, they never expected this. They wouldn't have minded if he'd fallen for Zendaya, but his humiliation of Elaine was unacceptable.

Elaine was stunned for thirty seconds. She then mechanically turned to Clifford, who stood petrified. "How dare this idiot try to have both of us! I was foolish to fall for him. I've tarnished my reputation and hurt my sister!"

Elaine had mixed feelings about Zendaya—thrilled to find a sister, yet aware of the circumstances of Zendaya's birth. However, guilt over involving her sister in her past relationship with Clifford overshadowed any negative feelings.

"How dare this shameless jerk scheme against us and upset my sister! He's courting death!" She rushed forward and slapped him twice, sending him to the ground.

Clifford, dumbfounded, pressed his hand to his cheek. Elaine, almost reflexively, turned to Zendaya. "Are you out of your mind? Who asked you to spill the beans? Do you even want to be with me anymore?"

Isabella shook her head. "My goodness! Those slaps weren't enough!"

Zendaya's anger flared. "What's the matter? Don't you have the guts to take responsibility? Be with you? Can you clean out your brain? What makes you think I'd ever be interested in an idiot like you? Stop fantasizing! I've never liked you! If you keep harassing me, I'll call the police!"

This further shocked everyone. Previously, Clifford had dismissed Zendaya's words as sarcasm or anger. Now, she'd stripped him of his dignity and ego.

Clifford, clearly upset, retorted, "How dare you… You better not regret this!"

Elaine showed no mercy. "Zeya couldn't have been clearer, yet you think she's throwing a tantrum? I never realized you were so deranged. What does Zeya have to do to prove she's not into you? Are you so narcissistic that you'll believe she likes you no matter what? Get some help! You're suffering from love delusions!"