Love Together, Be With You Never

However, the show must go on!

I figured it out, so I smiled and held Kieran's arm. "Kieran, don't be mad. Today is the 20th anniversary of the Marvin Group. Let's watch the show!"

"Yes, Mr. Charles, please take it easy. It was so thoughtless of me that Rachael got wronged. It will never happen again!" Marvin put on an oily smile and fawned over Kieran.

But Kieran didn't even look at him.

"Dad, it has nothing to do with you. If I hadn't bumped into Mr. Barry and Mr. Lowery, Shania would not have noticed it. Then everything would be fine!" I said indifferently.

...

After I said that, Marvin immediately slapped Shania across the face. The sound filled the whole hall.

"What are you doing?" Shania was almost knocked down. Blood leaked from her mouth. She glared at Marvin in disbelief.

"Dad, why did you do it?" Alicia ran over to support Shania.

I smiled, but pretended to be surprised and worried. "Dad, what are you doing?"

Marvin snorted and glared at Shania. "If it weren't for your nonsense, those two old bastards would have respected Rachael much. Rachael is my daughter!"

Marvin just passed the buck to Shania and shirked his responsibilities. This was his style. Interest was his priority.

Shania turned to glare at me. She knew that she should not say anything now. She clenched her fists and then slapped herself again. "You're right. I said stupid things. Rachael, please don't get mad at me. You know I'm very clumsy!"

Alicia's face was ashen. She supported Shania tightly and stared at me with hatred. I saw it clearly. So, I smiled and walked over. "Shania, no. There are so many people who can testify. I'm just not as pretty and smart as Alicia. You're totally right!" I smiled at Shania and Alicia. "Shania, don't you think so?"

All the guests looked at Shania. They were not stupid. They knew that Shania had belittled me to praise her daughter Alicia. They didn't know the truth just now. So, they all agreed with her to flatter Marlon. Now they looked at Shania with disdain and began to discuss in a low voice.

"Clumsy? That was deliberate!"

"Yeah. Now she's not clumsy anymore? She becomes a smooth talker!"

"No wonder everyone said that you should not mess with your stepmother. Otherwise, you'll suffer!"

Marvin heard everything. His face went an ugly green as he slapped Shania again. "Remember it. Rachael is my favorite daughter. If you say stupid things again, I will not forgive you!" Shania was hit again. Rage swelled within her. But she could only grit her teeth and smile. "It's all my fault! I'm so sorry."

"Dad, what are you doing? Stop it!" I persuaded him indifferently.

Marvin took the chance to stop blaming Shania. He praised me. "Good girl. I'll listen to you!" Then, he turned to glare at Shania. "You should thank Rachael!"

Shania and Alicia looked up at me. Other people might not see it, but I was so close to them that I could see the rage burning in their eyes. It looked as if they wanted to tear me apart. Just as Alicia was about to say something, Shania pulled her back and walked to me. She subdued her anger and forced out a smile. "Rachael, thank you for letting it go!" "Oh, you don't have to do that. That's what I should do!" I smiled.

I stopped talking with Shania, so that Marvin could start his show. Kieran and I sat in the front rows for VIPs. Those things were only appetizers, and now here came the main dish! All the guests and media were seated. When the host stepped onto the stage and was about to speak, he saw Kieran and got a stutter. It took a long time for him to calm down. "Distinguished guests, it is a great honor to invite you to join us at this important moment of the Marvin Group. We are here to witness its 20th anniversary!" said the host. Alicia was beside me and giving me an icy glare all the time. I smiled and leaned over. "Alicia, what's wrong with your eyes? If you're uncomfortable, go to the doctor as soon as possible!" "Rachael, don't get cocky now. You'll regret it!" Without Marlon around, Alicia gritted her teeth and said to me angrily.

I tilted my head and smiled sweetly, "Alicia, I'm afraid you'll cry in a moment!"

"You...."

"Mr. Redford, you're here!" Just as Alicia was about to slap me, I raised my eyebrows and said mockingly. So, she immediately put down her hand and looked around in panic. Then she realized that I was lying to her. Her eyes turned red in anger, and she glared at me with flaming eyes.

"He's coming!" I pointed at Marlon, who was walking up to Alicia. She immediately subdued her anger, and turned to smile sweetly.

I also smiled at her. She changed so fast.

Marlon looked deeply at me. But I pretended not to see him. I turned around and talked to Kieran.

"Now, let's go over the twenty years of the Marvin Group." The host pointed at the huge screen behind him and bent to get down the stage.

The lights in the hall dimmed. People could only see the screen. They couldn't help but stare at it.

Marvin looked at the screen, his eyes shining with excitement and pride.

I glanced at his excited face. Then I leaned lazily to Kieran and said happily, "Kieran, the fun begins!"

Kieran looked at me and stroked my head with his slender fingers. His gaze ranged over me and came to rest on Marlon. They could not see each other clearly in the dim light. I didn't notice them at all. All my attention was focused on the screen, and I couldn't help but smile.

...

Suddenly, groans filled the large hall. There was a thunderstruck silence, which made the voice clearer.