Chapter 20: Saving Face

With Vincent gone, the onlookers dispersed, leaving Clinton and his friends seething with anger.

"Clinton, are you just going to let Stanley pick on you like that today?" Darien asked.

Clinton clenched his fists, his face dark. "I know how to handle this matter. You guys don't need to worry about it."

But after suffering such humiliation today, he couldn't swallow his pride.

There would be plenty of opportunities in the future for him to vent his anger.

Soon, everyone had left.

Clinton was supposed to send Bethany home, but she coldly refused.

Bethany walked towards the estate gate, and Clinton followed, asking as he chased after her, "What's wrong with you? Even you are giving me the cold shoulder?"

Bethany couldn't be bothered to respond, just continuing to walk ahead.

Clinton grabbed her wrist and asked angrily, "After Stanley humiliated me like that, do you think I'm a coward?"

His grip was strong, causing Bethany to furrow her brows in pain. "You're hurting me, let go."

He refused to let go, and his eyes turned red as he insisted, "Answer me!"

Bethany had been enduring all along.

If not for worrying about Clinton's dignity, she would not have stood up for him, but she only received coldness in return.

Clinton not only didn't appreciate her, he even used her as a punching bag.

Bethany met Clinton's fierce gaze. "You're right. I do think you're useless. Even when someone rides on you, you don't dare to say a word, but then you turn on me!"

Clinton narrowed his eyes and questioned, "Do you look down on me?"

Bethany snorted coldly, "Not just me, look at everyone here. How many of them respect you?"

This remark deeply wounded Clinton's pride.

He forcefully pulled Bethany and said with a stern voice, "Why do you look down on me? I didn't even mind your frigidity, yet you're now giving me a hard time! Bethany, don't forget the situation your family is in now. If I don't marry you, your family will face bankruptcy!"

This was the first time he had spoken to Bethany so harshly since they had been together.

When he pursued her, Clinton wouldn't even speak loudly to her, for fear of upsetting her.

He had changed.

But when did it start?

Bethany couldn't remember for a moment, but everything seemed to have clues. What could be confirmed, however, was that Clinton had changed.

"Clinton, I now realize you're afraid of tough situations. Yes, my family is facing a crisis, but if you think you're my only savior, then you're too arrogant." Bethany looked coldly at him.

"You've always despised my illness. Since that's the case, you don't have to endure anymore."

These words hit Clinton like a blow.

Clinton asked blankly, "What do you mean?"

"We're not children anymore. We don't need to be so blunt. You figure it out yourself." With that, Bethany forcefully shook off Clinton.

She walked away into the cold wind, brushing past Clinton. "I'm going home. Don't bother me anymore."

Watching Bethany's retreating figure, Clinton angrily kicked his severely damaged car, then doubled over in pain and roared, "Bethany, we're done! I'll see what your fate will be without me!"

However, Bethany wasn't afraid of his threats.

She continued walking without a hint of hesitation or nostalgia.

This time, Clinton had messed up.