Chapter 328 Compromise
Everyone was buzzing about where the book came from.
To the guys, it was just some self-help book for girls, but they totally missed the hidden message.
Only women get other women. When Jenny saw the book, her face went sour. She knew it was a sneaky jab at her shortcomings!
But Jane didn't spell it out, so Jenny couldn't blow up. That must've been torture for her, wanting to snap but having to keep it cool.
She shot me a death glare. In that moment, I saw pure hatred and a nasty grudge in her eyes.
Most folks there had no clue about the drama between the three of us. To them, it was just a book.
But Jenny knew exactly what she had done and got the message behind my gift. Getting called out like that in public must've stung. Not my problem; she always tried to mess with me. Payback's a b*tch.
"Thanks for the gift; I really like it." Jenny quickly pulled herself together, slapped on a fake smile, handed the book to Michael behind her. Holding her head high, she tried to look all classy. "My bad for not sending you an invite. But since you're here, join us. The banquet's about to start. We got lobsters flown in this morning; they're amazing."
I clenched my teeth. Jenny was hinting I crashed the party and couldn't afford fancy lobsters. She had the nerve to go after my boyfriend and still mess with me! Just 'cause she was richer? Did being a homewrecker make her feel that good?
I played dumb and smiled. "Brad and I are a package deal. Where he goes, I go. Invite or not, doesn't matter."
Jenny's face darkened; she didn't say a word.
Finally, some folks around us picked up on the weird vibe and made excuses to leave.
Once the crowd thinned out, Jenny dropped the act. She had Michael turn her wheelchair around and led the way into the hall, cold as ice. "Since you're here, come in. Today's dishes are top-notch. I picked a bunch myself. They're delicious, so try them all."
She said that just to rub it in. I was the only one not on her guest list. And after our Facebook spat yesterday, she definitely remembered. She wanted me there to make me feel small.
Right then, Jenny wanted to get even and hurt me. I was merely a simple student; words were her most effective weapon. But after all the crap I'd been through, I wasn't the same old Jane.
Just as I was about to clap back, Brad put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Jenny, we've dropped off the gift. Jane and I have other plans, so we're out. Happy birthday, see ya."
Without waiting for Jenny to react, Brad scooped me up and we bounced.
In that moment, Brad was my knight in shining armor.
Jenny freaked out when she heard this. She wheeled herself around in a hurry, begging Brad not to go.
Brad acted like he didn't hear a thing, holding my hand and speeding up.
I glanced back and saw Jenny in her wheelchair, biting her lip, looking crushed.
When Jenny caught me looking, her eyes, once full of longing, turned venomous, like I was her worst enemy.
In her desperate pursuit of a love that was never meant to be, Jenny had morphed into someone else entirely.
Seeing her glare, I knew our drama was just kicking off. Her unreturned love for Brad might turn into hate, and guess who she'd aim it at? Yep, me.
But for Brad, I'd put up with it. I mean, dating a guy like Brad, who had a fan club, came with its own set of problems. 'Jenny, no matter how tough it gets, I'm not letting go of Brad.'
We strolled out of the hotel lobby. Brad let go of my hand and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, slowing down to match my pace.
To the left of the lobby, there was a circle of leather sofas. My shoelace was coming undone, so Brad helped me sit down to fix it.
Behind a Pachira, a few people were lounging on the sofas, but I couldn't see who they were. I could only make out their shadows, whispering.
"What's Jenny's deal with this shindig today?"
"What do you think? Did you see Brad? She's trying to snag him."
"Did you see Brad's girl? She's a big shot at the Northern Institute of the Arts. She's even hotter now. Jenny usually looks good, but next to her? No contest. Why would Brad pick Jenny over that knockout? Plus, Jenny's leg is messed up. Who knows if it'll ever get better? Who'd want to be with someone who's paralyzed?"
"You're so naive. Ever heard of a thing called a conspiracy?"
"Is it worth it to force it?"
"Better than marrying some old dude. Don't be fooled by Brad's lack of a fancy background. The guy's got potential. Jenny's smart to target him."
"Is there more to this?"
"Jenny's an illegitimate kid. She's got the Taylor name, but the family doesn't really claim her. She's tried everything to become a legit Taylor, but no luck. Lately, I heard Mrs. Taylor's softened up; if Jenny marries the guy they pick, they'll let her in the family for real."
"Would she go for it?"
"She doesn't want to, but she's got no choice. Mrs. Taylor's a bulldozer. If Jenny doesn't marry, Mrs. Taylor's got a thousand ways to make her."
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