Chapter 343
Chapter 343
I followed Paula's gaze and saw Bobby immediately approaching Marlowe.
Marlowe was already ill, and Jason had arranged for her to have some freedom of movement rather than being handcuffed, considering her condition. She clearly wanted nothing to do with Bobby and tried to wheel herself away.
But Bobby, being deliberately cruel, held her wheelchair in place. He watched with amusement as she struggled to move, her pale hands gripping the wheels uselessly.
"Excuse me," she said with surprising politeness.
Paula leaned in and whispered, "She's usually so demanding with us, but look at her now—like a mouse cornered by a cat."
We moved slightly away to avoid being noticed while still able to overhear their conversation.
"Marlowe's smart," I whispered. "She knows someone like Bobby is trouble once he fixates on you. With his money and connections, plus his disgusting tactics, it's best to avoid confrontation."
Paula seemed relieved by my wariness of Bobby. Her concerned expression reminded me of my late parents, bringing a lump to my throat that I quickly swallowed back.
Bobby stood there looking smug, one hand on Marlowe's wheelchair, the other in his pocket—the picture of entitled arrogance. Even strangers passing by could sense something was wrong, and several people stopped to stare, making Marlowe even more uncomfortable.
"Look at you now," Bobby taunted. "How pathetic."
His words expressed pity, but his eyes revealed satisfaction at her misfortune.
"My situation is none of your business. Let me go, or you'll regret it," Marlowe threatened weakly.
Bobby licked his lips. "What are you going to do about it? Last time you threatened me, you were quite... enthusiastic."
The suggestive comment, spoken loudly enough for others to hear, drew attention from passersby. Bobby made it worse by reaching toward Marlowe's face with an inappropriate familiarity.
"You bastard!" Marlowe finally snapped.
"Really? That's not what you called me before. You rather enjoyed yourself, didn't you?" he said with a raised eyebrow.
When Bobby tried to touch her lips, Marlowe bit his hand hard enough to make him wince.
Paula and I exchanged glances.
"Those two are strange—they act like enemies and lovers at the same time," Paula said, forgetting to lower her voice.
Marlowe noticed us and redirected her anger. "Eavesdropping losers! Didn't your parents teach you any manners?"
Her harsh words stung, especially the mention of parents—mine had passed away, and Paula had lost her mother too.
Paula shot back, "You're making a scene in public and accusing us of eavesdropping? Everyone can see you. Funny how you weren't this bold with Bobby."
"Bitch!" Marlowe hissed.
"Takes one to know one," Paula replied calmly. "Come on, Melinda, let's go."
As we turned to leave, Marlowe suddenly wheeled herself in front of us.
"Paula, Melinda, don't you dare walk away!"
"What now? More insults? You're not very good at them anyway," Paula scoffed.
Marlowe glared at us. "You listen in and then try to escape? Apologize!"
Bobby approached me with what he probably thought was a charming smile. "Did you like what I sent you?"
Paula frowned, thinking he was addressing her. "Are you mental? I don't need anything from you. If you sent me something, it went straight to the trash."
Bobby's smile faltered. "As if I'd waste anything on you."
He turned to me with renewed charm. "I meant the lovely Ms. Turner. I'm sure you'll appreciate it."
Before I could respond, Paula exploded. "What the fuck? You're going after my Melinda? You've got some nerve..."
She launched at him with a flurry of punches and kicks before he could react. Bobby, all talk and no substance, crumpled to the floor with a crash loud enough to draw attention from throughout the building.
As he slowly got up, his face already swelling, Paula prepared for another round.
"Paula, stop! He's not worth the trouble," I warned, concerned about potential legal issues with the Owens family if this escalated further.