Chapter 136
"You were just talking so loud!" Rachel chuckled.
Everyone around them started laughing too. Meanwhile, Michael was standing off to the side, feeling all sorts of mixed emotions. They were supposed to be out here hiking and having fun, but somehow, he and Mandy always felt like the odd ones out. Even Joseph and James, who were usually his close buddies, seemed to be drifting away.
Mandy noticed his change in mood and asked softly, "What's on your mind?"
Michael snapped back to reality and shook his head gently. "Nothing, just feeling like we don't really fit in with them anymore."
"Yeah, I get that, but it's fine. Let's hit up that restaurant at the bottom of the mountain later. They've got some amazing food," Mandy said, leaning into Michael's arms.
Just as they were having this moment, Ella came over to grab some water and overheard them. She quickly ran back to the group and spilled the beans. "Guess what Mr. Smith said? To make Mandy happy, he even said he wasn't hungry and would go down the mountain to eat with her! How's that for love? He's like a puppet on strings!"
Joseph shook his water bottle. "You can't entirely blame him. Maybe for Mandy, benefits are the top priority. It might be unfair to Mr. Smith, but it fits her character."
The others nodded in agreement, even predicting that if some disaster struck, like an earthquake or tsunami, Mandy would ditch everyone without a second thought, even Michael.
Suddenly, a stone flew over and hit Mandy on the shoulder. She clutched the spot and screamed, "Who threw that?"
Michael tensed up immediately. "Who did it? Own up and apologize!"
Everyone around acted like nothing happened. Rachel took a sip of water, her gaze indifferent as she looked around. John, with his headphones on, was lost in his music, oblivious to the commotion.
Ella and Joseph were engrossed in their game, ignoring the tense atmosphere. Michael's eyes narrowed, finally landing on James, who looked a bit shifty. "James, step forward!"
James's eyes flashed with panic as he slowly stood up. "Are you talking to me?"
"Yes," Michael said coldly. "Apologize to Mandy."
James's face twisted in defiance. "Why should I apologize?" His tone was clearly resistant.
"Because you hurt her," Michael said firmly.
James shot back, "How can you prove it was me?" He widened his eyes, trying to look innocent.
John, who had been watching, put down his phone and walked over, gently patting James on the shoulder. "James, your little stunt was pretty obvious. Everyone saw it."
Under everyone's scrutinizing gaze, James was at a loss for words and could only blink helplessly. "Was it really that obvious?"
Rachel smiled, and even Ella and Joseph paused their game to look over, laughing. John shook his head and sighed. "Honest kids are hard to find these days."
James's face turned red. "I'm not stupid; I just don't lie as well as some people," he said, glaring at Mandy.
Mandy clenched her fists, wanting to teach James a lesson right then and there. She had planned to kick him and Emily out of the Smith Mansion after marrying Michael, but now she wanted them out of the Smith family entirely. This was the price for crossing her.
"James, apologize to Mandy now," Michael said impatiently.
James knew he was in the wrong and lowered his head. "I'm sorry," he muttered, still resentful.
Michael's gaze was cold. "James, be sincere."
James pouted and raised his voice. "I'm sorry, Mandy. Is that sincere enough?"
"It's fine," Mandy said quickly, waving her hand to show she forgave him.
James snorted and walked away, sulking. Watching him go, Michael's eyes darkened. He turned to Mandy. "Sorry, Mandy. James is just immature, you..."
"It's okay, I didn't take it to heart," Mandy interrupted with a smile.
Michael's frown eased a bit. "By the way, are you hurt?"
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