Chapter 35 Chapter 35: Who’s More Pitiful?
Laura’s loud outburst brought Amelia back to reality. She suppressed the chaotic emotions swirling inside her and quickly calmed her mother-in-law.
"Mother, calm down. The man standing before you is none other than the chairman of Winning Edge Enterprises."
Then she glanced at Selena, her eyes widening as she yelled:
"It’s you again? You scammer!"
Everyone’s eyes turned to Selena. Laura asked:
"Scammer? You know her?"
Amelia looked at Balthazar, trying to convince herself that he had been deceived by this woman. Now that she was exposing the woman’s true nature, surely he would feel guilty and love her even more.
"Mother, she’s the one who tricked Keith out of his money. Poor boy, who knows what else she’s deceived him into."
Laura, having heard that Balthazar was the chairman of Winning Edge Enterprises, hesitated slightly. She knew that even though her eldest son currently held temporary control of the Sterling family business, there were still many relatives lying in wait for an opportunity. If they found out she had caused a conflict with such an important figure, they’d surely use it against him.
However, Selena was different. It was obvious just by looking at her—she had no power or influence. She was probably just a lowly sugar baby, making her the perfect outlet for Laura’s fury. After all, the commotion was all because of her.
Laura lunged at Selena, swinging her hand as she cursed:
"So this bitch tricked my son! I’ll beat you to death… ouch!"
Just as Laura’s hand was about to strike Selena’s face, Selena swiftly grabbed it and squeezed tightly, causing her immense pain.
Seeing Balthazar standing frozen, Selena knew he had no intention of defending her in front of his ex-girlfriend. Normally, she might have feigned weakness to gain his sympathy, but she had endured enough mistreatment from this cruel mother-in-law. There was no way she would let herself be humiliated any further.
Looking straight at Amelia, Selena said:
"Falsely accusing someone is a crime. I haven’t scammed anyone. If you think I’m guilty, I’ll help you report it."
Before Amelia could react, Selena pulled out her phone, glanced at Balthazar, and added:
"Sigh, I’m just a small fish. If this disturbs the powers of the Sterling family, I’ll have to swallow my pride."
Hearing Selena mention William startled Amelia. If he found out she was meeting Balthazar here, he would definitely suspect they were secretly seeing each other. Even though she could explain, his suspicious nature would make it difficult for him to believe her.
So Amelia quickly stopped Selena from calling the police and pulled her mother-in-law back, whispering:
"We need to keep a good image in front of Grandpa. People like her cling on stubbornly. She’ll cause endless trouble for our family. It’s better to let it go for now. Once William has full control, we’ll make sure she pays."
Laura, still nursing her sore hand, fumed but listened to her daughter-in-law. She stopped demanding a beating and merely glared menacingly at Selena.
"Let’s go!" Laura bellowed.
Her voice was shrill, making Amelia shudder. She feigned fear, an act that didn’t go unnoticed by Balthazar, stirring his sympathy. He wondered if his ex-girlfriend had really suffered so much in the Sterling household.
Men are like that. The moment they see the woman they love in pain, all past grievances and faults she caused seem to vanish. In fact, it made him love her even more than before.
Seeing Balthazar soften, Amelia continued her attack with sorrowful eyes:
"You can’t blame my mother for this. She just really liked that brooch and grabbed it without thinking. I hope Chairman Winchester won’t take it to heart."
"No…"
Seeing Balthazar about to fall into Amelia’s trap, Selena quickly moved forward, wrapping her arms around his waist and cutting her off:
"It’s no big deal. Elderly people are like children, right? This was partly my fault too."
Selena then kissed Balthazar on the cheek and playfully said:
"My love, why don’t I buy that brooch as a gift for her?"
Amelia clenched her fists, her teeth grinding audibly. She knew this woman was intentionally seducing Balthazar. If they weren’t in public, she would have slapped her by now.
"No need."
Leaving those three words, Amelia quickly pulled her mother-in-law, who was about to open her mouth to scold Selena for calling her old. Amelia feared if she stayed any longer, she wouldn’t be able to hold back her tears and scream accusations at Balthazar.
Her chest ached terribly, and the love she had for Balthazar tormented her. He claimed to love her, yet why couldn’t he remain faithful to her?
Meanwhile, Selena watched the two people she despised disappear, but her mood didn’t improve. Before Balthazar could explode and push her away, she did so herself, stepping back a few paces to put distance between them. She picked up the brooch, paid for it, and said:
"I’m tired. I want to go home."
She turned and headed toward the elevator. Balthazar gritted his teeth and followed her.
As soon as they got into the car, Balthazar coldly asked:
"You knew she was my ex-girlfriend, didn’t you?"
Selena rested her hand on the car door, her gaze drifting through the window. She replied:
"Yes. After all, your photos with her are all over your personal page. A little digging and it’s easy to find out."
Balthazar had never hidden the woman he loved. When they were together, he often posted pictures of them on Instagram. Although his account was locked now, the cover photo was still of her.
Silence filled the car as Balthazar drove home. Once there, he said:
"I’ll give you whatever you want, but you need to know your limits. Otherwise, you won’t be able to bear the consequences."
Selena smirked and said:
"You’re really loyal, aren’t you? She left you to marry someone else, but you’re still pining for her…"
"Shut up!"
Balthazar suddenly erupted in anger, pinning Selena against the window.
"What right do you have to talk about her like that? Do you think you’re really my girlfriend? You’re just a paid escort, got it?"
Selena stared into his eyes, filled with rage, and then tears began to fall. She bit her lips tightly, refusing to let herself cry out loud.
Defeated, Balthazar lowered his head and muttered:
"Get out of the car before I cancel our contract."
He released her, and she quickly opened the door and stepped out. As he watched her walk away, all he could do was sigh.
"Why can’t you be as obedient as before? Why are you suddenly defying me?"
But as soon as she stepped into her house, hearing the car’s engine fade away, Selena wiped away her tears, her expression turning completely calm.
"Hmph, if she knows how to pretend to win his sympathy, why wouldn’t I?"