Chapter 151 Your Retribution Has Arrived
Shirley, along with Mr. Sawyer and the surrounding socialites, was utterly stunned. "Malcolm got married?"
"What's the point in asking me? I'm clueless."
"I heard a thing or two, but can't vouch for its truth. Rumor has it that Sir Flynn once made a childhood engagement, and now it's time for Malcolm to honor that agreement."
"That makes sense. With Malcolm being the way he was, who else would have married into the Flynn family? Only this woman would."
"Well, she must be somebody, right? Even if her family isn't on par with the Flynns, her poise says otherwise."
Shirley, already looking quite displeased, shot them a glare as soon as she heard their words.
The group of high society ladies immediately fell silent, not daring to make another peep.
Sawyer, a seasoned business veteran, quickly caught on to the situation.
"I heard Mr. Flynn arranged an engagement for you, but I didn't realize you'd already gotten married. Which family's daughter is Miss Reese from?"
Someone nearby reminded him, "Don't you remember, Mr. Sawyer? The Brooks family, Kenneth’s daughter."
Sawyer suddenly had an epiphany, saying, 'Ah, Kenneth’s daughter, of course.
Reese's smile dimmed a touch.
"Sorry, my dad and I aren't really in touch, so there's no need to associate me with the Brooks family."
She didn't want anything to do with the Brooks family either.
Reese's statement, hinting at disassociation with Kenneth, drew disapproving glances from some bystanders.
But she didn't care. She intended to live her life according to her own principles, unconcerned with others' opinions.
After all, if these insignificant people could dictate her thoughts and life, she'd be living for others, not herself.
Just as the atmosphere was turning tense, Malcolm suddenly wrapped his arm around Reese, his eyes filled with adoration, his voice exceptionally patient.
"My wife is with me now, not associated with the Brooks family."
His bold declaration of sovereignty made everyone around feel that Reese was truly fortunate at that moment.
Knowing Malcolm, a man of his usually stoic and proud demeanor, such words were not spoken lightly.
Initially unaffected, Reese now found herself oddly comforted by Malcolm's protective stance.
There was no need to put up a front; she could rely entirely on him, trusting that he would stand up for her against any danger or disparaging remark.
This feeling of being safeguarded was something she hadn't experienced in over twenty years, except in the presence of her grandmother.
Even her own mother resented her for being a daughter, blaming her for Kenneth's lack of interest.
Yet Nancy also had a daughter Why should Reese bear such unfair blame? What had she done wrong?
Just because she was a daughter, was she inferior to sons?
Now, not only was she not inferior to someone's daughter, she was excelling beyond many of the men present.
Aside from her husband, who among them dared to match her in terms of ability?
With Malcolm by her side, others didn’t dare to trouble her further and wisely kept their mouths shut.
He could tell Reese was uncomfortable and didn't want her to endure the event a moment longer, so he leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered.
"Honey, why don't you go browse around, and I'll catch up with you in a bit."
Reese nodded, giving a brief "Mhm."
Before leaving, she managed to save Malcolm’s face, excusing herself politely to the folks who had been sizing her up earlier.
"I'll be taking my leave now."
Reese turned and walked towards the end of the corridor. She needed to get some fresh air. It was getting stuffy inside.
Shirley found herself being ushered away by Sawyer for much the same reason – to avoid further embarrassment.
In a huff, Shirley headed to the restroom, only to run into Dahlia.
With feigned concern, Dahlia approached Shirley.
"Miss Shirley, must be tough watching someone you've fancied for years being swept up by someone else," she said.
Since Shirley had never met Dahlia, she naturally inquired, "I'm sorry, you are...?"
"Don't worry about who I am. I just want to know if you'd like to get some revenge?"
She had witnessed the whole scene, never expecting such a bombshell at this significant event.
Malcolm had brought Reese, that good-for-nothing girl, to such a high-profile gathering. Seeing them together, the center of attention, filled her with an uncontrollable rage.
It should've been her, Dahlia, by Malcolm's side, being addressed as Mrs. Flynn. But now, Reese had stolen that honor and Dahlia's fury was far from quelled.
Shirley was no fool to be manipulated so easily.
Feigning helplessness, she said, "What can I do? Miss Reese must be something special, or Malcolm wouldn't be interested."
A sly smile crept into Dahlia's eyes.
"Wait until I tell you Reese's true background, then you'll see if she's really worthy of Malcolm."
She motioned Shirley closer with a beckoning gesture, and Shirley's curiosity was certainly piqued.
Once Dahlia had embellished Reese's past, Shirley's mouth gaped, as if she could fit an entire egg in it.
"How is that possible? How could Malcolm marry a country girl? She's completely mismatched."
"That's what I mean. You and Malcolm are a much better fit. If it weren't for Reese's relentless chasing and despicable tactics, the Flynn family would never have considered her," Dahlia added with a scowl.
Seeing Shirley on the verge of biting, Dahlia's triumph grew. Just a little more nudging, and the fool would fall right into her trap, becoming the perfect weapon in her hand.
She wouldn't have to lift a finger to see Reese humiliated. Why wouldn't she relish the thought?
Once Reese's reputation plummeted, the Flynns would suffer too. Would Malcolm still favor Reese after such a scandal?
Men are fickle with their affections, and once he tires of her, Reese will revert to her true, pitiful self. Then, Dahlia would savor a good laugh at the girl's expense.
Stung by Dahlia's words, Shirley's sense of injustice flared. Despite her own merits, Malcolm barely noticed her, always defending that country bumpkin. Beyond her looks, what did Reese have that Shirley didn't?
The audacity of that girl claiming she'd replaced Reese! No, she couldn't let that slide. She had to set that arrogant woman straight.
She would reclaim Malcolm from Reese's clutches.
Gripping her fists tightly, Shirley turned to Dahlia.
"Where is she now?"
"I think I saw her head to the backyard just a moment ago."
With rage quickening her steps, Shirley stormed off, while Dahlia smiled slyly.
Reese, your comeuppance is at hand.
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