Chapter 69 Clara's Best Friend
Edward shook off Sabrina and strode away.
Sabrina looked like a discarded rag doll, crumpled on the ground. The quiet garden echoed with her stifled sobs.
What a heartbreaking sight!
Watching this unfold, I felt oddly satisfied. At the Rosewood family, Sabrina acted like she owned the place, with the four brothers treating her like a princess. But right now, she was groveling at another man's feet, all for access to his money to buy her life-saving medication.
I couldn't help feeling a twinge of sadness. All the cutting remarks I'd prepared to kick her while she was down stayed lodged in my throat.
I had to remember—I wasn't like Sabrina. If our positions were reversed, she wouldn't have hesitated to destroy me. But why should I become just like her?
I chose to leave, my mind churning through the information I'd just gathered. From Edward's words, they'd definitely reached some kind of agreement. But Sabrina just couldn't help herself—she'd actually dared to provoke the woman Edward clearly cherished.
This 'Anna' they mentioned might be the female lead. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Maybe this Anna could become an ally?
Lost in thought, I walked straight into someone's broad chest. I was about to apologize when I looked up and met a familiar face.
Nicholas looked down at me, our eyes meeting. Just as I was about to speak, footsteps approached. Nicholas reacted quickly, pulling me into hiding—right where I'd been standing moments before.
The footsteps belonged to a Johnson family servant. She seemed to be looking for someone. My heart jumped. Had we been spotted?
Nicholas must've sensed my tension because he pulled me tighter against him. Like a frightened quail, I stayed frozen in his arms, feeling his warm breath and strong heartbeat against me. Heat crept through my body.
The servant walked right past us and found Sabrina still sitting on the ground in the garden.
"Ms. Kingley, where is Mr. Johnson?"
The servant's tone was relatively polite. So she was looking for Edward. I breathed an internal sigh of relief.
Sabrina must've said something to her because the servant's tone turned sharp. "What?"
"In that case, please come with me. My employers are looking for you both."
Sabrina didn't dare refuse. She slowly got up and followed behind the servant.
The garden was suddenly empty except for Nicholas and me. I looked up at him, parting my lips to speak, but without warning, he lowered his head and kissed me.
The words died in my throat. Nicholas cradled my head with one hand while his other arm wrapped around my waist. This kiss was urgent and fierce. I tasted anger in it, along with long-suppressed need.
Why was he angry?
Before this, Nicholas's kisses had always been gentle, as if afraid of hurting me. This time was completely different—demanding. And somehow... intoxicating.
I tried to pull away several times, but his grip on my waist kept dragging me back. My limbs went boneless, and I felt myself melting toward the ground. Nicholas caught me, crushing me against his chest as if trying to merge us together.
I caught the scent of alcohol on him. He must've been drinking while networking.
"Nicholas, what's wrong?" I asked softly, trying to find a way through to him.
His voice came out muffled. "Where were you going?"
I froze for a moment. It belatedly hit me—he'd misunderstood.
I quickly explained, "I saw Sabrina chasing after someone and wanted to see what was going on. I was afraid I'd lose them, so I didn't tell you. I was just about to head back when you found me."
At that, Nicholas's grip loosened slightly.
"Let's go back." His voice was hoarse, carrying barely perceptible exhaustion.
I quickly followed. Nicholas didn't explain his behavior, and I didn't press.
Back at the gala, Nicholas was still in high demand.
"Mr. Harrington, where'd you go? We haven't finished discussing our collaboration!"
Nicholas responded smoothly, "Apologies. My date got lost in the garden. I went to find her."
I played along with an apologetic smile. The executive laughed good-naturedly and pulled Nicholas back into their conversation.
I couldn't really participate, but I also didn't want to wander too far and worry Nicholas. So I headed to a refreshment table within his line of sight.
I'd just picked up a glass of wine when—
"You're Catherine?"
I turned toward the voice. The speaker wore a red dress and looked stunningly beautiful. As she sized me up, I did the same to her.
"I am Catherine. And you are?"
Once my identity was confirmed, the woman scoffed and moved to throw her wine at me.
My body reacted before my brain could—I sidestepped, dodging the wine. Deep red liquid splattered across the floor. It didn't hit me directly, but my hem caught some of the spray.
"You dare dodge me!"
Without another word, she raised her hand to slap me. My expression hardened as I caught her wrist mid-swing.
"Miss, I have no idea what I did to offend you."
"Let go!" The woman's tone was vicious. "You commoner trash, how dare you touch me! Disgusting!"
I put distance between us while scanning the crowd for Nicholas. I had Sabrina's constant attacks to thank for my quick reflexes. But anyone bold enough to make a scene like this at such an event had to be someone important.
If I couldn't fight her, I could at least avoid her. Except she blocked my path after two steps.
"Did I say you could leave?"
My patience snapped. I looked at her coldly. "What do you want?"
"What do I want?" She laughed mockingly, looking at me like I was an insignificant insect. "Catherine, you should be asking yourself what you did."
Her stare made my skin crawl, but I kept my composure. "I don't recall knowing you. I haven't even talked to anyone at this gala. How exactly did I offend you?"
Seeing I had no clue what this was about, she seemed to find it boring and revealed her purpose.
"You don't deserve to know my name. I'm Clara's best friend, and I'm here specifically to teach you a lesson for her!"
My frown deepened. I still vividly remembered when Clara came to Nicholas's place and demanded I move out. As for how Nicholas handled it afterward? I had no idea.
When I didn't respond, she mistook it for guilt and grew even more arrogant.
"Catherine, let me tell you something—don't think Clara's a pushover. I don't know what tricks you used to get Nicholas to bring you here, but don't think you can use this to climb the social ladder!"
"Look, there's water right there. Take a good look at yourself and ask if you're even worthy."