"When did they meet? Is Gwenda cheating on me?" Martin was reeling in shock. "Gwenda Evans! How dare you betray me?" He was enraged, glaring at her. His uninjured arm reached out to grab her, but Olivier swatted his hand away with a loud smack.

"Mr. Morel, I think you should realize that you betrayed Gwenda first. Therefore, it's no longer your business how she lives her life."

Olivier's face darkened. "If you harass her again, it will cost you more than just an arm." His frigid tone and piercing gaze instilled fear in Martin, who, apprehensive, didn't move until the door slammed shut.

Regaining his composure, Martin stared at the closed door. He replayed the scene of Olivier holding Gwenda, his uninjured hand clenching into a fist. He couldn't tell if he was jealous or unwilling to accept defeat. Gwenda Evans had betrayed him? "How could she do that!" he thought bitterly.

Inside the apartment, Olivier had his arm around Gwenda as he led her to the living room. Returning to her senses, Gwenda broke free and sat on the sofa. Olivier's eyes darkened slightly when his one-armed hug ended, but he smiled and approached the sofa, raising an eyebrow. "You'll dump me now that you're done using me?"

Gwenda blinked and said softly, "Thank you."

Olivier sat beside her, tucking her hair behind her ear. He smiled. "If he comes again, just call the police or tell me." The sudden act caused Gwenda to hold her breath; she nodded stiffly.

"Don't meet him alone again," he said. "You don't need to upset yourself." His right hand casually rested on the sofa behind her, as if he were still holding her. Gwenda subtly moved away. "His words don't anger me anymore. I've heard worse. 'Ill-tempered brat,' 'bullies the weak'—I'm used to it."

"You're not allowed to speak ill of yourself!" Olivier frowned at her self-deprecation.

Gwenda chuckled. "Mr. Petit, I'm not speaking ill of myself; I am that person in the eyes of others."

"But not to me!" Olivier pulled her closer, gazing intently at her. "To me, you are smart, brave, and kind. You are nothing like what they say."

Gwenda's heart pounded, but she quickly composed herself. Pursing her lips, she said, "Then you're wrong. I am what they say: attention-seeking, I bully classmates because of my wealth. I'm vain, materialistic, and I enjoy bullying the poor"

She tried to make him despise her, hoping he'd leave. However, he simply raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you done?"

Stunned, Gwenda said, "You didn't think I was joking, did you?"

"I know what you said is true," he replied. Gwenda was about to relax, but his next sentence stunned her again. "But it doesn't affect my reasons for liking you."