Chapter 184 (+25 BONUS)

She only began resenting Irene after that incident and had relentlessly targeted her ever since. Little did she expect that, at the graduation ball, Aaron would propose to Irene in front of everyone with the Verdigris Emerald ring. This was madness!

Irene's face reflected discomfort as she was surrounded by chanting students.

"Aaron, I'm sorry, but I can't say yes," she said helplessly.

"Why not? Irene, I've liked you for four years! Isn't that enough to prove my sincerity? I'm willing to sacrifice so much for you. Why won't you say yes?" Aaron lifted his head, his voice growing agitated. So many people were watching. He had spent a fortune on the Verdigris Emerald from the Central Harbor Auction House, and Irene's rejection felt like a public humiliation.

"Aaron, stop fixating on this. I simply don't like you!" Irene had no choice but to be honest.

Irene's words struck Aaron like lightning.

"Why? What's wrong with me? Did you fall for someone else?" he asked, refusing to let it go.

"There's nothing wrong with you, and no, I didn't fall for anyone else. But feelings can't be forced. Please take back your ring, and stop wasting your time on me," Irene said, trying to reason with him before leaving.

"Don't you dare walk away!" Aaron grabbed her wrist. His face was dark and menacing. "If you don't agree to marry me today, I'll kneel here forever!"

"Aaron, you—" Irene was caught between frustration and pity.

A calm but firm voice interrupted them. "If she doesn't like you, don't pester her."

Dustin walked over and easily pulled Irene from Aaron's grasp.

"Who the hell are you?" Aaron's face darkened immediately. Having spent the entire evening preparing for this grand proposal, he had no idea who this newcomer was.

"He's Dustin. He's my date," Irene said.

"Your date?!" Aaron's face twisted in jealousy, his gaze turning cold. He was furious. "I don't recall you ever having a dance partner!" Over the past four years, he had repeatedly asked Irene to be his date, only to be rejected every single time. How long had this guy been around? How was he already so close to her? Anger flared in his chest.

(+25 BONUS)

Phoebe chimed in, her voice laced with mockery as she sauntered over. "Don't you know? Just now, Irene and her date put on an absolutely flawless performance. Such chemistry can't be faked. It must've taken countless hours of practice together. Who knows how long they've been involved? And here you are, throwing yourself at her like a fool. Honestly, I pity you."

Aaron's eyes turned red. The woman he had pursued tirelessly for four years, whom he had barely even touched, had, in his mind, already given everything to someone else. His fists clenched, veins bulging on his forehead as fury overpowered him.

"Aaron, don't listen to her!" Irene said anxiously. "Dustin and I are completely innocent. My rejection of your proposal has nothing to do with him!"

But Aaron wasn't listening. Her words sounded like a weak attempt to cover up the truth. His gaze turned vicious as he glared at Dustin. His face twisted with rage.

"Who do you think you are? You dare to steal my woman?" he spat venomously in a low, cold voice. "No matter who you are, stay away from Irene. Leave Lannopolis immediately and never come near her again!"

Dustin smiled coldly. Was this guy out of his mind?