Chapter 119 I'm No Saint
Reese glanced down and checked her phone to see how Sofia was doing. Though Reese generally didn't meddle in other people's affairs, she remembered those who were kind to her.
She could imagine the scene—once she was gone, Holly and her cronies would probably start mocking Sofia again. Sofia had supported her at the reunion earlier that day, and in Reese's mind, she owed her a favor.
But when Reese finished checking up on Sofia's circumstances, she couldn't help but frown.
Ever since graduation, Sofia had been hitting one wall after another, and with her adoptive parents constantly in debt, Sofia's earnings from her jobs always went to settling their bills. Reese roughly knew about her situation — Sofia had shared a bit during their college days.
A challenging family environment often bred low self-esteem and timidity. It was no wonder Sofia was often bullied even during school; without someone in her corner at home, any misfortune would be hers alone to bear.
Reese could relate to Sofia's plight; it was not unlike her own childhood. At least she had her grandmother, who taught her never to give in to fate. The more life tried to knock her down, the stronger she had to stand.
She didn't know about others, but Reese lived by the creed: "I am the master of my own fate."
Sofia still didn't have a stable job, and after reviewing her resume, Reese realized that a position in one of her own companies might not be the best fit. Besides, she had heard that Sofia's adoptive parents often caused scenes at her workplace.
Reese wasn't afraid of trouble. People like that needed to be set straight—thinking they could make endless demands of their child just because they raised her.
She tapped Malcolm on the shoulder, her eyes narrowing.
"Could you do me a favor?"
Malcolm's eyes softened as he glanced at her; his voice gentle as he asked, "What is it you need from your husband?"
Reese's eyes widened. "Who said I was asking you?"
"How can your husband help?" Malcolm quickly corrected himself.
Reese's expression eased up a bit, her stubborn nature shining through. In this world, there probably wasn't anyone who could put up with her for long.
"Think you can hook my friend up with a job? Got any openings at your company that might suit her?"
Malcolm took Reese's phone and glanced at Sofia's resume and photo with raised eyebrows; he was clearly surprised.
"Since when did you start playing the good Samaritan?" He teased.
Reese pouted, "When have I ever not been the good guy?"
"In my book, you're not exactly the poster child for sainthood."
Despite her icy exterior that kept people at bay, Reese knew all too well what should and shouldn't be said better than anyone else.
But she was a soft touch when it came to people who showed kindness to her; any act of goodwill could trigger a sense of guilt and an urge to repay the favor.
Reese, indeed, had no desire to be seen as a saint or to act like one.
She looked down and let out a soft chuckle—an unexpected and gentle smile without any edge. It was the first time Malcolm had seen such warmth in her demeanor, and it put him at ease.
"Just think of it as me paying back a favor. After all, she did help me out during the reunion."
"Yeah, I'll take a look when I get back to the office and give it some thought."
Malcolm couldn't conveniently review Sofia's details in the car; he'd check once he was back and then get back to Reese with an answer.
"Alright."
"That reunion was kind of a drag, honestly. The same people, just strutting around without a clue. Boring."
Malcolm had caught a glimpse of the attendees when he went to pick up Reese—none too impressive, especially compared to his own wife's grace and beauty.
While leaning her elbow on the car window, Reese sighed.
"Pretty dull event."
"But hey, I did make you look good today. Maybe consider a little reward for your husband when we get home?"
"Reward? I fixed your leg and never asked for anything in return."
How shameless could he be, expecting a reward?
"Haven't I already rewarded you? I'm all yours, after all."
Malcolm's smirk was devilishly suggestive, making Reese's heartbeat race. She quickly turned her face away; thankful they were nearing the Flynn estate, where she could change the subject.
"You're not getting out early, are you?"
"No, I'll stop up ahead."
Malcolm parked by the curb further up and swapped seats with Reese before the car rolled into the Flynn estate.
Once they got out, Reese put on a show, helping Malcolm into a wheelchair and wheeling him inside. Vincent's gaze lingered on them; his eyes seemed to hold a deeper meaning .
Alyssa came out with desserts and immediately went to serve them upon spotting Reese.
"Reese..."
"Alyssa, what are you doing?" Everly hastily intervened.
"I'm getting Reese some dessert."
"Can't she get it herself if she wants some? Why do you need to bring it to her?"
Everly had never liked people like Reese, who, despite lacking family connections or background, acted with an air of undeserved confidence, almost as if she owned the place.
Alyssa, on the other hand, could not sing Reese's praises enough lately.
"Come on, it's no big deal. She's Reese; we should show her some respect. Plus, she helped me gain a ton of followers a few days ago, and my earnings have been skyrocketing."
Alyssa seemed to light up at the mere mention of money; her eyes sparkled like someone who had struck gold.
Everly scowled; she was clearly annoyed. "Is Grandpa not giving you enough pocket money, or did the company fail to pay your salary, forcing you to stream for cash?"
Alyssa pouted and retorted to Everly, "You don't get it. It's a hobby of mine; it’s not about the money."
"I can't even talk to you," Everly always felt Alyssa was like a child who never grew up—naïve and easily swayed by appearances.
Alyssa trotted back to Reese with the dessert in hand. "Here you go, Reese; I saved this especially for you."
Everly remarked sarcastically from the side, "Isn't it just because you had too much to eat?"
Caught in her fib, Alyssa's face flashed a momentary awkwardness but quickly recovered. "No worries, I haven't touched it. Reese, you wouldn't mind, right?"
Reese glanced at the sweets; her brow slightly furrowed as she decisively declined. "I don't have a sweet tooth."
Alyssa, surprised, looked at Reese, "How can there be a girl who doesn't like desserts? Reese, you must have had too much bitterness in life. Have something sweet to ease it."
As she attempted to push a small cake towards Reese's mouth, Reese swiftly dodged. Alyssa, caught off guard, ended up poking Malcolm in the mouth with it instead.
Time seemed to freeze as Alyssa watched in horror as Malcolm’s expression darkened.
Alyssa bit her hand, her pupils dilating with the sudden realization: Malcolm was definitely going to be furious.
Everyone knew Malcolm hated sweets; even his coffee was always sugar-free.
Reese, witnessing the scene, fought back a laugh, especially after seeing Malcolm's face clouded with anger as he struggled to keep his composure with Alyssa.
Acting on impulse, Reese stepped forward and gently grasped his jaw, preventing him from spitting out the cake.
"Who said you don't like sweets, Malcolm? Just yesterday, you told me you have a real sweet tooth, right, honey?" Reese said, as she took a cream-filled cupcake from the plate Alyssa was holding and lovingly brought it to Malcolm's lips with a warm smile.
"Come on, dear, have another."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
