Chapter 230: The Surprise
"Well… let's go then," Nancy conceded, her agreement coming from a place of shared discomfort. She found herself no more capable of enduring the situation than the others.However, just as they were on the brink of a hasty exit, Reese's voice wafted faintly from behind them. "Leaving so soon? Weren't you here fishing for a wealthy husband?" The biting remark left Dahlia's composure in shambles, her face reflecting a state of near collapse.Regret washed over Dahlia. Why had she ever dared to confront Reese? Had she not provoked her, perhaps none of this would have ensued, right?Suddenly, Malcolm's voice cut through the tension. "Since they are already here, let them stay." His words hung in the air, making the situation feel like a pointless standoff. Dahlia found herself envying Reese, perhaps more than she should.She wouldn't mind stirring the pot of jealousy just a touch more. But before Reese could even respond, Tartt lost his composure. His eyes blazed with unmistakable animosity as he fixed his gaze on Malcolm."Flynn, what on earth are you thinking? You should be kicking these troublemakers out, not letting them stick around to give Reese a hard time." Tartt couldn't fathom Malcolm's decision. He knew Reese didn't get along with these women, yet Malcolm chose to let them stay.Malcolm's gaze turned icy, particularly when he looked at Tartt. The chill was palpable. "Kindly refrain from calling her just 'Reese.' She's my wife now," Malcolm retorted, marking his territory.Unfazed, Tartt tilted his chin up defiantly. "So what? People get married and divorced all the time. What's your point?"Malcolm scoffed, shooting back without a hint of courtesy. "In my marriage, Mr. Tartt, there's only 'till death do us part' – no divorces."Reese, overhearing this, was baffled by Malcolm's domineering stance. Did he really think he could stop her if she wanted out? Yet, she had to admit, his words stirred something within her. Despite her initial ulterior motives for joining the Flynn family, Malcolm's unwavering kindness hadn't gone unnoticed.The problem wasn't with him; it was with her – resisting the urge to let down her guard and openly accept someone's generosity. Deep down, she feared that once he realized she wasn't as perfect as he had imagined, he would withdraw all the kindness he had shown her. That worry gnawed at her – could she even handle such a reversal if it came to pass?Nancy and Dahlia, standing to the side, were seething with frustration. How had Reese become the center of attention for two such outstanding men? It was baffling. A loner from the Backwoods – not particularly charming and even a bit distant at times – was incomparable to her own daughter. Yet, despite her apparent shortcomings, these desirable men seemed hell-bent on not letting her go.Just then, Justin approached, positioning himself beside Malcolm. "Mr. Flynn, everything is set up. We're ready to begin." "Alright," Malcolm affirmed. He then turned to his wife with a grin, "Honey, I've got a surprise for you today."Reese was genuinely taken aback, not expecting a surprise from Malcolm. She looked at him with a hint of astonishment. "You got a surprise for me... what is it?"In response, Justin wheeled over a covered object and with a swift motion, pulled back the cloth. A sleek new robot stood before Reese, leaving her momentarily speechless. Then realization dawned—this project must've been successfully clinched by Malcolm. No wonder...No wonder Calvin had been hitting dead ends in his search. If it was Malcolm behind it, he certainly had the means to conceal his involvement. Now, as for the project, Reese knew she was out of the picture. Although she was thrilled that the deal had been sealed so swiftly, the pang of not being the one who secured it made her feel a sudden drop in her spirits.Yet while she harbored her disappointment, envious glances were cast her way from those around her. "My God, isn't that the latest model robot? I heard rumors about someone snagging it, but no one seemed wealthy enough to pull it off... and then Mr. Flynn just waltzes in and lands the project with ease," someone observed with awe."Yeah, it's an untested venture, and the robot market isn't exactly booming. You wonder if it'll pay off, since most investors are just riding the trend, wary of backing a venture that could flop," another added. Malcolm's audacity in securing such a risky project was commendable and surprising to many."The real deal," someone pointed out, "is how Mr. Flynn is gifting the project to his wife as a surprise. Talk about a grand gesture."Dahlia and Nancy could hardly believe their eyes as they stared at the robot. Even though the technicalities were beyond them, they had heard the buzz.
Clutching Nancy's wrist, Dahlia could hardly contain her envy. "Mom, just look at Reese. Malcolm even gave her a robot, and those things cost a fortune. Some people go their entire lives without getting close to one."Despite the businessmen's lack of clout, Reese, unexpectedly, ended up with the prize. Nancy, steaming with frustration, couldn't stand how all the good fortunes seemed to befall Reese. But what could they do? Malcolm was willingly giving his all to her. All they had were feelings of envy.Yet Dahlia couldn't just stand by, especially upon seeing the adoring look Malcolm gave Reese—it was enough to make anyone burn with jealousy. She marched right up to them and blurted out in front of Malcolm. "Did you know that Reese used to mess around with a bunch of guys? She's far from a good girl, yet you hand over such a great opportunity to her, Mr. Flynn. Have you lost your mind over her?"Malcolm's face darkened instantly, as if a storm was brewing.
Seeing his mood shift, Dahlia's complexion turned ashen. She stumbled backward, terrified by Malcolm's displeasure, her face grew pale.
Nancy quickly went up to steady Dahlia.
"Dahlia, what are you talking about?"
But Dahlia just couldn't stand to see Reese thrive, as if Malcolm would actually care.
"Well, that's just how it is, she's always been..."
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