“Tim is really thoughtful. He tried to celebrate your return and prepared a welcome dinner just for you. John, don’t let Tim’s kindness go to waste,” Stephanie said.
I also wanted to see what Timothy was really up to, so I agreed.
The dinner was quite large. Besides people from the company, there were also Stephanie’s business partners.
During these three years, her career had flourished. She met powerful elites from many industries and many of them had secretly received her help.
They repaid her in kind—when they became successful, they provided her with funding and support. It helped her company to grow even more.
As soon as I entered the celebration venue, two buckets of black pig's blood were dropped square at me.
“What are you doing?!” Stephanie shouted angrily at the waiters.
Timothy quickly stepped forward and explained timidly, “Steph, please don’t be mad. Johnny just got out yesterday and I heard that black pig’s blood can wash away bad luck. The prison isn't exactly a lucky place, right? My stomach hurt last night and I was worried it might affect the baby…”
“I was only thinking for Johnny’s sake. Even if no one says it out loud, people might still wishes bad things for him. So, throwing the blood at him is aimed to remove any bad energy and calm everyone down. But don’t worry—I’ve already prepared clean clothes for him. It’s a gift I bought specially.”
After hearing that, Stephanie’s anger eased a little. “Then I’ll take John to change first.”
But Timothy gently grabbed her hand. “Steph, your business partners are here today. If you don’t greet them first, they’ll think we’re being rude.”
“Tim, you’re so considerate.” Stephanie thought for a moment and nodded. “John, you go change yourself. I’ll wait downstairs.”
When I arrived, I was wearing a formal suit — long sleeves and long pants. But the clothes Timothy had prepared for me were a sleeveless vest and shorts.
When I came out wearing them, I finally understood his real plan.
Everyone’s eyes fell on the scars covering my body. Gasps spread through the room.
“Oh my God, is he really wearing that outfit for this event? Ugh, so disgusting — I think I’m going to lose my appetite.”
“Johnny just got out of prison. I heard he didn’t behave inside and got punished badly. Honestly, he deserved it, after what he did to Mr. White.”
“Honestly, how could someone like that deserve Director Bloom's hand in marriage? Mr. White and Director Bloom look much better together. Even though his leg is bad, he’s got that angelic face—unlike a certain unlawful guy over there. Director Bloom must've been wanting to get away from him.”
“Please don’t say that. My brother already knows his mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance.” Timothy blushed shyly, but his voice remained gentle and understanding.
He added, “And really, you can't compare me with Johnny? Stephanie even bought him a beautiful diamond watch. I’m nothing compared to him.”
He truly knew how to make himself look innocent and pitiful.
One of Stephanie’s business partners, who had never met me before, looked me up and down.
First his gaze stopped on Timothy, then turned toward me, full of disgust.
“Director Bloom, did I hear that right? That ugly criminal is actually his fiancé?”
Stephanie and I looked at each other quietly. A few seconds later, she turned her eyes away. “No, we were just a childhood friend.”
Those words were no different from announcing our breakup in public.
The whole room immediately burst into cheers for Stephanie and Timothy. “What a perfect couple! Just get together already!”
The other audiences nodded in agreement.
“I knew it! A beautiful woman like you, with that gorgeous diamond watch, could only be matched with a handsome man like Mr. White.”
