Chapter 327 The Perfect Woman's Guide
Jenny thought everyone was just like her, ready to do anything for cash and clout.
But Brad? Nah, he wasn't on the same page. Her moves just made him despise her more.
Gotta admit, Jenny's words really ticked Brad off.
I watched Brad's face, nervous he'd blow up and embarrass Jenny in front of everyone, wrecking the birthday bash she worked so hard on. I mean, she probably dropped a ton of cash on it, and I hadn't even given her my gift yet.
I suddenly got excited thinking about Jenny's reaction when she opened my gift in front of everyone. Hopefully, she wouldn't lose it.
And yep, Brad was pissed.
Brad was usually the chillest guy, always keeping it cool. Nothing really got to him. His anger, joy, jealousy, and worries? Only I got to see those.
I once asked him why, and he kissed my nose, saying all his feelings came from his heart, and his heart was mine. So, he wouldn't waste his emotions on people who didn't matter. That made me happy for a long time.
But Jenny's words were too much. Even though Brad was usually composed, he couldn't stand being hinted at that he needed a woman to get ahead.
"Save your help for someone else. I'm capable and smart. Everything you mentioned, I can do on my own. All my past achievements are because of my own efforts, not you. Don't take credit for them; it's gross," Brad said, eyes full of disdain. "And your so-called help? I don't need it."
Brad stared at Jenny, his eyes cold and indifferent, which even freaked me out.
A few people nearby had been teasing Jenny about finally snagging Brad as her boyfriend. Brad's words shocked everyone. Their looks at Jenny were now a mix of curiosity and subtle mockery.
Jenny's family was loaded and powerful, so she was used to people sucking up to her. But Brad, young and already killing it in academia, had landed a teaching gig at National Capital University all on his own.
If Jenny had known when to change the topic, her birthday could have been a lot more decent. She was rich and hot; plenty of people, especially guys, would still kiss up to her.
But seeing things not going her way, Jenny didn't want to let Brad off the hook. She forced a laugh. "I was just joking. Why so serious? Brad, it's my birthday today; I'm so happy you came. But..."
Jenny tried to play it cool, flipping her hair to dodge the awkwardness. Then she smiled, held out her hand, and said, "So, where's my gift? You didn't come empty-handed, did you?"
I was lurking behind Brad, watching Jenny's every move like a hawk. When she brought up the gift, you could see the anticipation all over her face.
Jenny's eyes were glued to Brad, her affection obvious. She probably thought Brad, feeling grateful for her saving his life, would give her something amazing.
I knew she had feelings for Brad, but love isn't something you can share. No matter how much she cared for him, I wasn't about to let her take him from me.
"Of course, we got you a gift. How could we not on your birthday?" I stepped out from behind Brad, keeping a polite smile, and handed her the beautifully wrapped box.
Jenny looked at me, shock, jealousy, and anger flashing in her eyes, turning her forced smile into a sneer. She frowned and didn't take the gift, her disgust clear.
"Hey, isn't this Jane from the Art Department? You look even prettier than before," a guy who just walked over said. "What did you bring? Jenny, you girls always make a big deal out of birthdays. With such fancy wrapping, it must be something good. Open it and show us."
Someone else quickly chimed in.
I shot a grateful glance at the guy who spoke up. He nodded politely at me. If he hadn't said anything, who knows what would have happened during the gift-giving.
I couldn't get why Jenny couldn't just enjoy her birthday. Why did she have to make everything so complicated? And Brad had told her a million times he wasn't into her. Why did she keep chasing him?
Jenny forced a smile and took the gift from me. With everyone urging her on, she started unwrapping it.
I suddenly felt uneasy and glanced back at Brad.
Sure, Jenny had crossed the line many times, but she did save Brad's life. Was I going too far?
For a moment, I wanted to snatch the gift back.
Brad winked at me, his big hand on my shoulder, comforting me.
Inside the wrapping was a light green box. When Jenny opened it, it revealed a beautifully bound collector's edition of "The Perfect Woman's Guide."
The crowd gasped, "Oh my! This is a recent bestseller, and I heard it's hard to get. You really went all out, Jane."
Everyone started chatting excitedly about how rare the book was, not realizing the deeper meaning behind it.
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