Chapter 30: This Filth

“My face was dirty, so I went to the restroom to clean up,” Anais explained, still awestruck from encountering a celebrity.

Luna noticed the redness around Anais's eyes. Recalling past incidents, she asked with concern, “Be honest, Anais. Did that man chase you again?”

The other three researchers looked at Anais with a mix of anxiety and concern. The two men frowned deeply, recalling unpleasant experiences.

A shiver ran through Anais's heart. With a complex expression, she began, “Luna, you…”

Isabella muttered, "Seeing this filth makes me want to throw up." Christopher, the only one who could hear her, gave her a puzzled look.

Anais's tone prompted Luna and the others to show disapproval. The two men remained silent, fearing further trouble. The female researcher advised, “Ana, did he chase you and put on a show again? Don’t be fooled. You can’t be soft-hearted with him.”

“But…” Anais lowered her head. “We’ve been together for so many years. Maybe he’ll really change. His expression seemed different.”

Luna frowned. “Anais, his behavior indicates violent tendencies and paranoia. He might even hit you! If you’re giving up your opportunity to go abroad for him…”

Isabella abruptly gripped Luna’s hand, cutting her off. Luna was taken aback and sensed Anais’s dissatisfaction.

“Luna, why speak of Zeke like that? I’ve known him since childhood. I know him better than anyone. What you said is unacceptable.”

Despite the others’ advice, Anais targeted Luna. Christopher reacted sharply. “How could you say that? Luna meant well. Even if you disagree, be polite.” The Quirk family was protective, and Luna was Christopher’s weak spot. He wouldn’t tolerate disrespect towards her.

His sudden shift from gentle to hostile was terrifying to Anais, a stranger to him. She shuddered, staring at him in shock. “No, I meant no harm,” she said. “Neither did Luna!”

A confused look flickered across Anais’s face. “Why are you defending her? You don’t even know the whole story.”

Christopher yearned to retort, “If I don’t defend her, should I defend you? What nonsense!”

“I’m happy to do it. You’re…”

Luna interrupted, “Christopher!” Her harsher tone, transitioning from “Mr. Christopher” to “Christopher,” sent shivers down his spine. He longed for her to call his name again.

Christopher looked attentively, appearing obedient. Isabella shuddered. Luna had stopped him because Anais was a team member, and it was inappropriate for Christopher to lecture her.

“Anais, our team is going abroad soon. You need to sort out your issues,” Luna said wearily. She wouldn’t have intervened so much if not for the threats to Anais’s safety. Being blamed only solidified her decision to stop trying.

Anais’s gaze held doubt, even knowing Luna was going abroad. “Forget it. Let’s not discuss this. I apologize for causing unhappiness.”

The atmosphere improved. Anais then asked, “So, Mr. Christopher, you’re here to invest? Why would a celebrity invest…”

Christopher disliked her but, out of respect for Luna, planned to give a plausible excuse.

Isabella suddenly commented, “Oh, it’s because he’s Luna’s former fiancé.”

Silence fell. Isabella’s bluntness was unexpected. Luna looked at her in astonishment. Christopher frowned. He disliked the word "former" and disliked Isabella’s actions. He tried bribing her to behave, but she mocked him inwardly, highlighting his status as Luna’s former fiancé. He realized she was targeting Anais.

“Former fiancé? Luna’s?” Anais was astonished.

Anais was unaware of their past relationship. Her gaze flitted between them in disbelief. “You two aren’t a couple?”

Christopher showed resistance.

“I was Luna’s prospective sister-in-law, and now her sister-in-law,” Isabella replied.

Anais's expression grew more complex. Feeling uneasy, Luna explained, “We no longer have anything to do with each other. He happened to pass by, overheard our conversation, and was interested in the investment project.”

Christopher glared at Luna but remained silent.

Isabella spoke again, “That’s right. Christopher couldn’t hold onto Luna’s heart and was dumped. He pathetically tried to orchestrate a chance encounter.”

Everyone stared. Christopher was confused by Isabella’s behavior.

Despite Anais’s ashen face, Isabella smiled at Luna. “Oh, you’re an outstanding researcher, and so beautiful. I wonder what kind of man will catch your eye. He’ll surely be more handsome, capable, wealthier, and have a stronger background than Christopher.”

The researchers laughed.

Christopher grew anxious. Luna stared at Isabella with helplessness and bafflement.

Isabella turned to Anais, whose expression shifted between anger and embarrassment. “So, whatever your ex-boyfriend said must be wrong. Luna wouldn’t even glance at a superstar like my brother-in-law, let alone have a secret crush on him.”

Everyone was stunned. Anais trembled, her eyes reddening. Luna looked at Anais in disbelief. Christopher’s expression turned gloomy. He thought, "It’s offensive to picture your boyfriend alongside Luna. He even dares to fantasize about Luna having a crush on him, and you nearly believed him, doubting Luna’s help. Even zombies wouldn’t feast on hopeless romantics."

(Note: The final sentence about zombies was left as is, as it appears to be intentional stylistic choice.)