Chapter 258: Do You Like Her?
The crowd watched, momentarily stunned, as two women, strikingly similar in appearance and demeanor, seemingly united against Clifford. Their synchronized scolding was uncanny.
Clifford felt a pang of betrayal. He wasn't sure of his place in Elaine's heart, but he couldn't believe Zendaya, a young schoolgirl, wouldn't like him. "How could you not like me? You were by my side for so long! If you didn't like me, why did you agree to be Elaine's stand-in?" he demanded, desperately searching for validation.
The onlookers agreed; she'd only do that for personal gain—either because she liked him or sought a higher social standing. Otherwise, no one would endure such hardship. If she wanted status, she wouldn't refuse to be his mistress now. But if she liked him, things wouldn't have turned so sour. Confusion reigned.
Zendaya scoffed. "Since you mention it, this doesn't violate our agreement. Remember how we started? It was an employment contract. You hired me to impersonate Elaine for a monthly salary of five hundred thousand. I was doing my job. The orphanage needed the money; I wouldn't have taken the job otherwise. It was a business transaction. Why would I develop feelings for you? Are you blaming me for being convincing, for being dedicated? Furthermore, our contract ended, and yet you continue to harass me! That's excessive."
The revelation shocked everyone. They'd assumed Zendaya benefited from her association with Clifford. The contract changed everything.
"No way! Hilarious that Mr. Clifford forgot he hired her!" "So, she was paid monthly. No wonder she left so decisively." "That explains her behavior today. It's like seeing an old boss!" "Mr. Clifford thought they'd be fighting over him jealously! I can't stop laughing." "I thought Mr. Clifford was narcissistic, but this is unbelievable." "Of the three, is Lily the only one who actually likes Mr. Clifford?" "It was all a one-man show! I'm laughing just thinking about it."
The onlookers were thoroughly entertained, while Clifford's friends felt mortified. He'd boasted about his supposed romantic conquests, and they'd pitied Zendaya, believing her hopelessly in love with him. They were unaware this was a paid performance. Embarrassment and anger warred within them; they couldn't bear to look at Clifford. His self-deception was both infuriating and hilarious. Isabella was ecstatic.
"Finally, the truth is out! Oh my god, I was dying to know! Hahaha!"
Alexander hugged Isabella, who was practically bouncing in her chair with laughter. Alexander, however, was lost in her sparkling eyes—a shame those feelings weren't directed at him.
Clifford remained stunned by Zendaya's confession. He'd given her money, believing it would suppress any potential affection she might have. It was a negligible sum to him, but he hadn't considered the desperation that might drive someone to accept such work. He thought the money was a convenient way to avoid emotional entanglement, but he'd completely misinterpreted everything. His assumptions were mere wishful thinking. Even his limited intelligence couldn't miss the genuine disgust in Zendaya's eyes.
A wave of embarrassment and rage washed over him. Worse, he realized he'd fallen for her. He sprang up to confront her, demanding the truth, unable to accept the situation.
But Elaine stepped in front of him. "Why are you acting like this? I was your substitute. Shouldn't you dislike her?" Clifford was forced to confront reality: Elaine never opposed Zendaya; they were against him.
"Clifford," Elaine stated firmly, "you're the only one behaving disgustingly. You still want a harmonious harem? You're scum. I'm making this clear: neither she nor I like you. We despise you. If you get any closer, I'll slap you!"
Clifford's eyes blazed. He saw Elaine holding Zendaya's hand protectively, as if guarding a precious gem. The realization hit him—terrifying and shocking. "You can't be in love with her? That's why you're ganging up on me!"
His anger intensified; he felt doubly betrayed. The conversation around him died down.
"Hahaha! Does he really think that? He's as imaginative as ever!" Isabella laughed in Alexander's arms. Alexander, however, worried about their unresolved familial issues. They needed a private discussion, but the moment was lost…
The stifled laughter made Clifford realize no one believed him. He retorted angrily, "You've always liked women! You admitted it! Why are you so comfortable with someone you just met? You didn't even like people imitating you, let alone someone who looks so much like you! You defending her is strange. Do you like her? Are you attracted to her?"
His haphazard excuses began to raise doubts. Elaine's actions were unusual; she wouldn't go to such lengths to defend someone merely out of good will or righteousness.
Everyone's gaze shifted between Elaine and Zendaya. Elaine had been accused of liking men, but never women. She wasn't interested in women and didn't recall ever saying otherwise—if she did, it was a casual remark.
"Just as I thought, you need your head checked," Elaine said, exasperated.
"You deny it, but why are you so kind to her?" Clifford raged. "We were exes! You…" The implication was that Elaine, someone who prioritized personal connections over truth, should have defended him. She wouldn't have helped Zendaya target him. Even Isabella didn't intervene. The only explanation was a deep connection between Elaine and Zendaya.