Faux Vows, True Desires

George wouldn't dare to call Lucinda "Lucy" anymore. The man had a grip that made George's wrist ache, and he could still feel it even now. Stefan chuckled coldly, and George's face turned beet-red. Stefan's scornful laugh was even more unbearable than direct mockery.

"Mr. Mitchell, you might wanna look in a mirror. Compared to me, your looks do fall a bit short. The term 'kept man' seems quite suitable for you." George was even more speechless.

Lucinda couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Stefan shot her a glance and she quickly covered her mouth, stifling her laughter.

George couldn't accept that Stefan had stolen his ex. He and Lucinda had four years of history together. He believed that Lucinda still had feelings for him. Standing tall, George challenged Stefan, "Can you provide a good life for Lucinda? Judging by your outfit, I doubt you even make 500 bucks a month. I've heard Lucinda has tens of thousands of dollars in debt. I can help her out right now. Can you?" Stefan didn't directly say how much he made, instead, he turned around and left.

The intrigued onlookers were a bit disappointed to see Stefan leave without putting up a fight against George.

Even Cecilia couldn't help but ask Lucinda, "How much does he make a month?"

Lucinda shook her head, whispering, "I don't know. He works at Ascend Global and lives in Diamond Ridge Estates. His rent and utilities alone are over five thousand dollars a month."

Who in their right mind would think that a resident of Diamond Ridge Estates makes only 500 bucks a month?

Cecilia tilted her head and looked at Lucinda. Didn't that gentleman say Lucinda was his wife? And Lucinda doesn't even know how much her own husband makes?

Cecilia fell silent when she realized that she spends every day with Lucinda and didn't even know she was married.

"Lucinda, he can't even help you pay off your debt, but I can. Can we start over? If you give me another chance, I'll pay off your debt right now."

Lucinda looked at George's smug expression and retorted coldly, "Mr. Mitchell, aren't you afraid your current girlfriend will find out you're helping me pay off my debt and clean you out?"

Lucinda thought to herself, this man, relying on the benefits gained from climbing social ladders, dares to show off in front of me.

George glanced nervously at the surrounding guests and whispered to Lucinda, "Lucinda, can we talk outside?" There were too many people here.

Lucinda, expressionless, said, "Sorry, I don't have time. Please leave, Mr. Mitchell. I have a business to run."

Just as George was about to say something, Stefan walked back in and whatever George was about to say got stuck in his throat.

Stefan had been gone for about ten minutes and came back carrying a box. Everyone immediately focused their attention on him, eager for the drama to continue.

Some people who were about to leave, quickly returned to their seats, ordered more coffee and cakes, and prepared to enjoy the show.

Lucinda came over and quietly said, "Stefan, you don't need to stoop to his level. It's not worth ruining your mood."

Stefan looked at her, his gaze deep, making it hard for Lucinda to read him.

"I'm not upset, but I can't let others laugh at you." If he didn't stand up for Lucinda, people would ridicule her for choosing a husband who barely made 500 bucks a month. Lucinda quickly said, "I don't care."

Stefan whispered, "But I do."

Lucinda replied, "...Okay, Stefan, go ahead. I'm watching."

George watched Stefan walk in with the box, a smug and scornful smile on his face. "I knew it. You dare to compete with me for Lucinda when you can't even make 500 bucks a month. Do you know how much I make in a month..."

Before he could finish, George was cut off as Stefan threw the box at his feet, startling George who jumped up in surprise.

The people around couldn't help but laugh.

George's face turned red. He wanted to rush at Stefan, but he didn't dare to actually do it. Stefan's grip on his wrist had made it clear that George was no match for him. "Open it!"

Stefan ordered.

George wanted to argue, but under Stefan's intense gaze, he found himself unable to come up with a retort. He obediently squatted down and opened the box.

The room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

It was a box full of cash. All new bills, bundled up. The sight was a punch in the gut for George.

Lucinda was shocked too. She stared at the box of cash, wondering if it was a prop from a movie set.

Stefan stood over the stunned George, his tone still gentle, but the words were like thorns, leaving George with nowhere to hide, "This is what I just took out of the bank." George wished he could find a hole and crawl into it to hide himself.

He thought his wealth made him superior, but Stefan had just given his ego a brutal beating. He was mortified.

Faced with such embarrassment, George hated Stefan more than ever. This man, whose name he didn't even know, had made him look like a fool. He would make Stefan regret this!

Stefan bent down, closed the box, picked it up, and asked George with a smile, "Mr. Mitchell, would you like to leave on your own, or do you want me to kick you out?"

George rose to his feet, incapable of meeting Stefan's gaze, his face flushed as he scurried out of the room.

Everyone thought, what a show!

Applause erupted around the room, even Lucinda clapped her hands.

Stefan scanned the room, his eyes finally landing on Lucinda, who was enthusiastically applauding. He shifted the case to his other hand, then lightly tapped Lucinda's forehead with the index finger of his right hand, "Lucinda, I did this all for you."

"I know, Stefan. You're amazing. I made the right choice choosing you. I've got such great taste!" Lucinda showered Stefan with compliments, all of which were heartfelt.

Stefan silently watched her.

Lucinda started to feel uneasy under his gaze.

"I'm going to go return the money. I borrowed it from a friend who works at a nearby bank," Stefan said, picking up the case and walking past Lucinda.

Lucinda and Cecilia exchanged surprised glances. So, the money was borrowed?

The onlookers all chimed in, to borrow such a large sum of money in a mere ten minutes to prove himself, he's still impressive!