Chapter 187 Do You Not Like Them Young?
If she had revealed it from the start, she and Charles might not have crossed paths, or at least not in the way they did.
Even if Charles had wanted to do something, he might have had to consider the partnership between their families among other things.
With these thoughts, Mr. Murphy's feelings grew more complex.
"I wouldn't," Daphne said with conviction.
Mr. Murphy looked at her.
Daphne knew what he was thinking and added, "Even if I were with Charles as Daphne of the Murphy family, if he wanted a divorce, no one could stop him, and the outcome wouldn't change."
Like her, Charles lacked nothing.
Even knowing she was the heiress of the Murphy Group; he would not hesitate to divorce when the time came.
"Daffy..." Mr. Murphy always felt he hadn't taken good care of her.
"What's done is done," Daphne didn't want him to dwell on it, "I have never regretted any path or choice in my life."
Even if her marriage ended miserably, she had no regrets. She tried and fought for a better ending, and when it didn't work out, she was ready to choose a different path.
Life is a single road moving forward. Even if it may offer many paths, and at each crossroads, you choose one and proceed without regret.
"Don't overthink it," Daphne comforted him, "I am very happy."
Mr. Murphy looked at her, but ultimately said nothing more.
Soon, evening arrived. Daphne changed into a more formal dress to accompany Mr. Murphy to a birthday celebration at a hotel.
Unlike the usual business dinners they attended, the people at Marcus's birthday celebration were there purely to offer their good wishes and not to negotiate business deals.
As Daphne and Mr. Murphy entered, Charles and the others immediately took notice. Hayden and Laura approached to greet them proactively.
Their motives were clear. Their son had left a poor impression, and they could not let that stand.
The two were chatting with Mr. Murphy, talking about company matters one moment and discussing Charles and Daphne's issues the next. Mr. Murphy hadn't anticipated such a turn of events.
"Mr. Murphy, let's sit over there for a chat," Hayden offered with a slight smile, a picture of gentlemanly charm. "My father's been looking forward to meeting you for a long time."
Mr. Murphy glanced back at Daphne reflexively. He couldn't just leave her here.
"Daphne has Charles and Rex with her," Laura spoke softly. "You don't have to worry."
What Mr. Murphy really wanted to say was that it was precisely because Charles was with her that he was concerned. But he couldn't voice such things in front of their parents.
"Why don't you go over and greet Marcus first?" Daphne, knowing what he was worried about, took the initiative. "I'll come over in a bit."
"All right, then." And so, Mr. Murphy was compelled to walk away.
The gift from the Murphy Group for Marcus had already been sent ahead by the secretary. There was no need to bring anything now that they were all here.
Watching Mr. Murphy leave, Daphne decided to find a quiet spot to sit and turn invisible until fewer people were crowding around Marcus. Many were there to celebrate his birthday, keeping him quite busy.
As soon as she stepped away, Charles, who had been standing by her side, grabbed her arm, his eyes darkening with intensity. From the moment she walked in, she hadn't even glanced at him.
"What do you want?" Daphne pulled her arm free, her face clearly showing her detachment.
"My parents asked me to take care of you," Charles said, his breath cool despite the probing depth of his gaze. "I have to stay close to you tonight."
Daphne looked at him briefly, "Suit yourself."
She didn't believe for a second that he could entertain her if she chose to remain silent. Finding a secluded spot, she expected some peace. However, to her surprise, Charles just couldn't take his eyes off her.
Ten minutes later, Daphne turned her gaze directly to him and said bluntly, "Can you stop staring at me?"
"Unless you want to feel indebted, you might as well have a normal conversation with me," Charles replied, his expression unreadable.
Standing up to move away, Daphne was cut off as Charles spoke first, "Roger likes you, and if you don't stay with me, he'll come looking for you immediately."
"Is that so?" Daphne retorted.
"Yes," Charles's voice was deep.
"Then why should I stay with you?" Daphne shot back, leaving Charles speechless. "Isn't it more comfortable to be with someone who likes me than with you, my ex-husband?"
Charles's demeanor suddenly grew cold, "Daphne!"
"You could yell a little louder," Daphne said pointedly, "It would be better if your mom heard, so she could see how well you're taking care of me."
She emphasized the words "taking care of" as if to target something he'd said earlier.
Charles bristled with irritation at her words. But Daphne didn't care about his reaction. She stood up and moved to another seat far away from him.
Ever since Daphne had arrived, Roger couldn't help but glance at her from time to time. He could not pretend that seeing her with Charles left him unaffected.
He had thought about joining Jasper and the others to distract himself but then noticed that Daphne had moved away from Charles.
And it was Daphne who had taken the initiative!
At that moment, Roger felt like his opportunity had come. He didn't care if he would offend Charles; he straightened up and walked over to Daphne.
Charles was still fuming, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Roger sit down next to Daphne. In an instant, a chill ran down his spine. ‘That guy was really... asking for it.’
"Daphne!" Roger greeted her warmly, looking very polite. "May I sit here?"
"Sure," Daphne paused when she saw him coming but still agreed. She didn’t have the habit of preoccupying herself with her phone whenever she had a spare moment, she only occasionally checked on the situation with Mr. Murphy.
Roger sat down but seemed restless, unsure if he should ask what was on his mind.
As time passed, Daphne couldn't help but notice.
It was impossible to ignore the presence of a person sitting beside her. After seeing his hesitant attempts to speak several times, she asked, "Is something the matter?"
"I... um," Roger stumbled over his words, "there is something."
"Go on," she urged.
"Do you still like Charles?" Roger mustered his courage to ask, and to ensure Daphne knew whom he was referring to, he added, "Charles as in your ex-husband Charles."
Daphne paused, not expecting this question.
Just as she was about to respond, Charles approached and spoke, "You just don’t give up, do you, Roger?"
Roger was startled. He turned to the sound and tensed up on seeing Charles.
‘How did Charles get here?’
"Didn't I tell you she doesn't like someone as young as you?" Charles said coolly, with a sly tone, "If we truly get down to it, you're even a few months younger than her."
"Do you not like younger guys?" Roger still wanted to confirm with Daphne.
Daphne paused again.
A direct confession would have gotten a 'thank you' and a rejection from her. But with this kind of questioning, she was somewhat at a loss for words. After a moment, she said, "Whether I like someone or not is something you find out after getting to know them. It has nothing to do with age or appearance."
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