Chapter 53 I'm Already Married
The slap came as a shock to everyone.
Everyone gasped.
It was a revelation even for Eileen.
"Pearl, have you lost your mind? That's Haley you've slapped!" her colleague exclaimed in horror.
Haley's head jerked to the side, stunned for several seconds.
Pearl said, "You slapped Janetta. A slap deserves another. That was my reply to you!"
The young assistant panicked, pushing Pearl away, "You're crazy! How dare you hit our Ms. Haley..."
Pearl slapped back, "Learn some manners! Haley, it's no wonder you end up slapped having such a trouble-making assistant!"
"You... Pearl, you..."
The assistant was so furious she couldn't even speak clearly.
Haley covered her face, tears streaming down, and spoke softly, "Mae, let's just let it be. We can't provoke her..."
"Provoked? Provoked by who?"
Mrs. Brown hurried over, and upon seeing Haley in tears, she burst out in anger, "Pearl, it's you again. I'm not wrong this time. You're going behind my back, and Oscar's to bully Haley. You think because you're Oscar's secretary that you're a big deal when Haley's the one who's going to be my daughter-in-law!"
Haley had a knack for playing the victim, weeping into Mrs. Brown's embrace, "Auntie!"
In front of so many people, Mrs. Brown was bold enough to acknowledge Haley as the future daughter-in-law of the Brown family.
This acted as a public validation for Haley, confirming everyone's suspicions weren't unfounded.
Pearl felt a deep chill; she had been married into the Brown family for three years but had never been accepted, and this hurt her.
On the other hand, Haley and Mrs. Brown seemed to share a deep bond, almost like mother and daughter.
But Pearl was not one to back down and coldly said, "We need to talk about right and wrong, and it's not just whatever you say goes. Haley can do as she pleases, but don't bully my friend!"
Haley, through her tears, said, "I haven't done anything, Pearl. You're insulting me in front of all these people, and I haven't said a word. Don't go too far."
Mrs. Brown unconditionally believed Haley and glared furiously, "Haley is gentle, kind, and vulnerable. How could she bully you? I clearly saw you hit Haley, and now you're just trying to justify yourself. Pearl, I want you out, out of our Brown family!"
With so many people watching, Mrs. Brown did not spare Pearl any dignity.
Pearl understood her situation; she would not be treated fairly. So, with a scoff, she said, "Fine, I'm leaving."
She took Janetta and left.
Driving them away was exactly what Haley wanted.
Leaning on Mrs. Brown's shoulder, her tears fell, but the corners of her mouth curved into a smirk.
As long as Mrs. Brown didn't recognize her as a daughter-in-law, she would never have a good life in the Brown family.
Oscar would eventually grow tired of Pearl.
Just as Pearl stormed out, Oscar came in, his handsome face and a tall figure dressed in a sharp black suit, white shirt, and a checked tie.
It was the outfit Pearl had prepared for him that morning.
He had a well-proportioned physique, a natural model, exuding an innate regal presence that was both inviting and awe-inspiring.
Behind him were a group of influential figures.
He didn't know what had happened, only seeing Pearl's cold face. Considering their recent arguments, he didn't want to pry.
But after Pearl glanced at him, her demeanor grew colder, and despite this, he couldn't help but grab her hand, "What happened?"
Pearl was upset and didn’t care for the important figures behind him. Struggling, she flung off his hand, "Let go of me!"
Oscar, his brows furrowed, ignored the onlookers and didn’t let go, "Stop being unreasonable."
His words undoubtedly infuriated Pearl, but fortunately, Janetta quickly intervened, "Your mom defended Haley, scolded Pearl, and even told her to scram when, in fact, she was originally your... Why should she endure such bullying."
She wanted to blurt out Pearl's true status, but recalling what Pearl had previously mentioned, she held her tongue.
She didn't want to cause any more trouble for Pearl.
If Oscar had any conscience, he wouldn't let Pearl down.
Oscar understood, gripping Pearl's hand even tighter, "Today is an important day. Let's not act rashly."
Mrs. Brown and Haley arrived, and seeing them holding hands—with so many onlookers—Mrs. Brown feared others would discern their relationship and was immediately dissatisfied, "Oscar, don't hold hands with Pearl. If she has done something wrong, she needs to reflect on it properly. You always indulge her, and it only makes her bolder and more arrogant. She might even start walking all over you!"
Oscar looked at Mrs. Brown, then noticed Haley trailing behind her, his expression growing even colder, "Weren't you supposed to be taking care of the guests? What are you doing here backstage?"
Mrs. Brown's face stiffened, "I was concerned about Haley. I came to check on her, and I didn't expect to find Pearl bullying Haley. I..."
"She has seven or eight assistants; how could she be bullied?" Oscar said coldly. "You're worrying too much."
Mrs. Brown knew well that Haley had recently been discharged from the hospital and was frail; hence, she had asked Oscar to arrange for additional people to look after her.
With that said, she found herself at a loss for words.
The atmosphere turned awkward and silent for a moment. One of Oscar’s business partners, looking to break the ice and make a joke, chimed in, "I've heard rumors that Ms. Haley will be the future Mrs. President, that she’s Oscar's lady love. It's rare to see him so protective of someone. When's the wedding?"
Some rejoiced, while others were worried.
Haley was pleasantly surprised, exchanging a knowing look with Mrs. Brown, thrilled at the thought.
Yet, Pearl, the legitimate Mrs. Oscar at heart, had to restrain herself for the sake of propriety. She forced a smile, thinking Oscar was probably more eager to let the world know.
"CEO Yu is mistaken. Ms. Haley and I have a strictly professional relationship!"
His frank statement, without covering anything up, stunned Pearl. She looked up at him incredulously.
Why was he distancing himself so definitively?
Feeling her gaze, Oscar tightened his grip on her hand as if to offer her some reassurance.
CEO Yu was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his composure, "So all those rumors out there aren't true. I thought President Oscar had marriage on his mind."
The exchange would leave everyone speculating, but for Oscar and Pearl, their silent communication amid the bustling event spoke volumes about the unspoken truths and the unfounded rumors.
Oscar answered, "I've considered it for a while."
CEO Yu looked as if he'd stumbled upon an earth-shattering secret, curiosity piqued. "President Oscar, you've kept that close to your chest. I've never heard you mention it before. If it's not Ms. Haley, then who could it possibly be that made President Oscar want to settle down?"
"I'm already married!"
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