Chapter 416 Liking Her Even More
"Phoebe, surrender the fight. A wise person knows when the battle is futile," one voice implored.
"Escalating this situation won't benefit your family," another chimed in.
"I'll handle the financial aspect for you, Phoebe. Just extend an apology to him," a third voice suggested.
"Please, Phoebe," they pleaded.
...
In the midst of the hushed whispers, Samantha cast an irritated glance at Abella. "Such a typical small-town mindset, always eager to squeeze out every penny, isn't it?" she retorted. "Money isn't an issue for me. I have plenty! Here, take this million – keep the change!"
With a flourish, she scribbled the amount on a check, ripped it from the book, and tossed it dismissively at Jay's feet. The check fluttered to the ground, Samantha refusing to demean herself by handing it over directly. She stood tall and proud, radiating an air of royalty.
"Pick it up," Abella commanded coldly, her patience wearing thin. "Make your choice: call the police or offer a sincere apology."
"Phoebe, please... just apologize to him, alright?"
"Please, Phoebe."
Samantha crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. "How can you expect me to apologize to a mere server?" she scoffed, her refusal to admit any wrongdoing evident. She was willing to part with her money, but to apologize to someone she considered beneath her? That was out of the question.
"An occupation is simply a means to earn a living. If we were to cast you out into the world, you wouldn't survive a day, yet you have the audacity to belittle others?"
"You..."
"He earns his keep with his own sweat and toil, unlike you who frivolously spend your parents' fortune and still believe you're superior to everyone else."
Samantha glared at Abella, her face a mask of fury. "No matter how eloquently you argue, you can't change the fact that they are second-class citizens."
"Wait staff are second-class citizens?"
"If you're not born into wealth and have to work for a living, what else would you be?"
"Your family's corporation, would you be standing here, spewing your contempt if it wasn't for the hardworking people behind your success? Dare to look down on them, but let's see you dismiss them all in one fell swoop!"
"You..."
"I've recorded everything you've said." Abella raised her phone. "Imagine the repercussions if your staff hears you calling them second-class. How many would resign? How much would your stock plummet? How severely would it impact the Golding family?"
"You..." Samantha seethed, her teeth grinding together.
"Pick it up. Apologize. I won't repeat myself," Abella's gaze was frosty. "You deem their profession inferior, they find your character lacking. If word gets out about Miss Golding's arrogance and dismissiveness, imagine the backlash against the Golding family upbringing."
Despite her rage, Samantha ultimately bent down to retrieve the check, muttering an apology under the persuasion of her friends.
Just as everyone thought the issue was resolved, Abella posed another question. "Who pushed the manager?"
In no time, Max confessed. He didn't want to face another round of Abella's wrath.
"Abella, you'll pay for this!" Samantha couldn't resist throwing a threat over her shoulder as she stormed off.
Once the group of classmates had dispersed, applause filled the club. Abella glanced at the manager’s attendant, Jay, who sported a gash on his head. "Perhaps he should take some time off to get checked out?"
"Of course, I'll arrange a ride to the hospital... Abella, thank you once again for standing up for us..."
This wasn't the first time Abella had stepped in like this.
Abella nodded slightly, "I must leave now."
The club manager hurried to the elevator and pressed the button for her. "Allow me to escort you... We would have been at a loss without you today..."
As the throng began to disperse, an unnoticed couple nestled in a corner, their attention riveted on Abella. "Darling, we made the right choice. This girl is truly remarkable," the middle-aged man murmured, his surprise evident. He had not anticipated such integrity, bravery, and kindness from the young woman. Her adept handling of the situation was nothing short of impressive.
His wife, a striking figure in their society, was deeply touched by Abella's courage. Such valor was a rarity in their time. The sight of her in action was simply... extraordinary. The woman found herself wishing she had another son who could pursue this remarkable young lady. What a shame! Such a regrettable loss!
The club manager, a note of worry in his voice, escorted Abella to her car. "If you encounter an ambush or any trouble on the road, Abella, come to me. The club has a secret room where you can hide undetected. I also have some connections on the streets..."
Abella noticed the club manager's unusual behavior that night. His escort to the garage and his strange ramblings were out of the ordinary. "Is something wrong?" she inquired.
"No..." he responded, not daring to disclose that the twisted Phillipe had taken an interest in her, fearing that Phillipe might have her intercepted on her way home.
"Just be careful, Abella."
"Okay."
After settling into her car, Abella dialed Phillipe's number. "Did you deliver the music sheet?" Phillipe asked, concern lacing his voice. "Did everything go smoothly?"
"Yes, it went well. They were pleased with the music sheet," she replied, leaving out the part about the altercation. "I'm on my way back now."
"Alright, drive slowly and be careful."
"Will do."
Once the call ended, Abella concentrated on the road.
After Abella's departure, the club manager hastily gathered the waitstaff. "None of you are to breathe a word about tonight's incident to Phillipe! Anyone who does will be fired!"
The staff exchanged bewildered glances, clearly not understanding the reason. Wasn't this Phillipe's club? If trouble had transpired that evening, shouldn't they report it to Phillipe?
"Just follow my orders, and you'll be safe."
The club manager feared that if Phillipe discovered Abella's involvement in the club brawl, he'd seize the opportunity to harass her, to manipulate her into doing things she didn't want to. Given Phillipe's influence and volatile temper, caution was the best approach.
Back at his home, Phillipe had prepared some late-night snacks. With nothing better to do, he decided to call the club manager. "Nothing happened tonight, right?"
The manager jumped at Phillipe's question, guilt washing over him. Had Phillipe heard something? Had a staff member secretly informed him?
"Why the silence?"
The manager grew anxious, "No, nothing's wrong..."
Phillipe, with his keen instincts, detected the lie. "You should know the consequences of deceit."
Realizing he couldn't hide the truth any longer, the manager blurted out, "Phillipe, if you're angry, take it out on me. It was my fault for letting Abella get into a fight. It has nothing to do with her..."
"You let her?" Phillipe raised an eyebrow. "She got into a fight?"
"The others were just too much..." The manager hastily relayed the story of Lee being attacked and how Abella had intervened to stand up for the bullied.
"The waiter she was defending, was he particularly handsome?" Phillipe asked.
The club manager was taken aback, not expecting Phillipe to ask such a question. Hurriedly, he replied, "No, no, not at all, not even close to you, oh no, there's absolutely no comparison..."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
