The people around me pinched their noses and sized me up, their eyes filled with disdain. "That shabby-looking woman is supposed to be Mr. Stellan's ex? Look at her outfit. She looks like someone's maid. I can smell her from here!"
"This is a high-society event hosted by the most prestigious family in Daxton. Since when could just any random stray sneak in? What's security even doing?"
"She's probably a janitor here. Maybe she heard Mr. Stellan was coming and snuck in just to catch a glimpse of him ... "
I calmly put the half-eaten pastry in my hand and smiled politely at Mark. There wasn't even a hint of embarrassment on my face, which only annoyed Mark. He mocked me with a cold smirk. "Westlyn, was breaking up with me so suddenly part of your plan to end up cleaning floors at events like this?"
As soon as Mark finished speaking, another round of laughter erupted. Everyone was waiting to see me humiliated and fleeing disgracefully, but I didn't take it to heart. Instead, I maintained my polite smile.
"Westlyn, don't you have any sense of shame? If I were you, I would turn around and leave right now!" Mark felt like he was punching a pillow and couldn't help but get angry.
Sarah linked her arm with his, comforting him softly, "Alright, Mark, don't get upset. She must be heartbroken to have missed out on you. Why make her embarrass herself in public."
Then, she pretended to reach for my hand. "You're Westlyn Storm, right? Don't blame Mark. After all, the way you left him really did hurt his pride. But Mark was right about one thing: this kind of cleaning job is justn't right for a young woman like you. A woman's hands are her second face, you know? And yours ... honestly, they're rougher than some men's."
"And working yourself to the bone for just a few bucks all month? Totally not worth it. Why not just apologize to Mark? He might tip you a million or two if he's in a good mood. That's more than you'd make in your whole life." She spoke as if offering heartfelt advice, but her eyes kept sneaking glances at Mark. Seeing him soaking it all in with a satisfied look, she finally relaxed.
Mark raised his chin and pulled out a check, waving it at me with his usual arrogance. "Since Sarah wants to help you, here's the deal. Westlyn, apologize for what happened back then. Say you regret it and this million is yours."
I stared at him, stunned. I couldn't believe he actually had the nerve to ask me to apologize. I met Mark while secretly working as an intern at a company under my family's group. He was just starting out in the entertainment industry, full of ambition but frustrated. He was too proud to play the fame game like everyone else. "Westlyn, I can't stand those pretty boys who climb up by getting cozy with rich sponsors. There's no difference between them and nightclub escorts."
I had planned to use my family's influence to help him, but his scornful tone made me swallow my words. Instead, I supported him from the shadows. I feared revealing my identity would affect his career, so I stayed quiet. I endured a secret relationship for three years, doing everything I could to boost his popularity. Eventually, he became one of the most promising rising stars.
I planned to reveal my identity to him, but he publicly embraced Sarah on the day he won the Best Newcomer Award. He made a high-profile announcement of their relationship. He sent me a breakup text and ended our three-year relationship with a single stroke.
I used many connections to track him to his new address and ask why. Alas, he smiled slyly. "How dare you ask why I broke up with you, Westlyn Storm? Why don't you ask yourself? Sarah Bane brings me exposure, awards and connections to powerful investors. And you? You're just a broke assistant. What do you have to offer me?"
