“You — ” Isaac tried to keep his rage in checked, but it was not working. He had never seen someone as irritating and arrogant as the woman in front of him. “How dare you!?”
“Are you saying that I am wrong?” The smile on Lily’s face did not disappear. Seeing Isaac’s ugly scowl only made her smile more brilliant.
“This is the reason why I would never approve of you as my grandson’s wife!”
Lily snorted in response. “What makes you think that you have a say in his life? Did you think… seeing him for the first time would give you the right to dictate him? Fool.” She sneered. Seeing Isaac’s face turned purple, Lily shifted her eyes at the silent attendant. “Bring in the entertainers. I’m sure everyone would love to enjoy some music as we continue talking about being virtuous and marriage.” She would like to enjoy the show as much as possible and wait until the fish will take their bait.
“What a disrespectful woman. He is your husband’s grandfather. Can’t you at least respect him?” Adrian decided to speak his mind as Lily was really making his blood boil in anger. Adrian grew up in a place where women always follow the words of their men. This has been embedded in his brain since he was a child.
How could Adrian stand the presence of a woman like Lily?
He opened his mouth to say something, only to stop when he saw the entertainers come inside. Everyone eyed the men bringing various types of equipment for their performance. Not long after, Zhou Jingren strode inside. He sat next to Lily.
“I have an emergency meeting with my subordinates. I have to go back to my hotel.” His face was stern.
“Is everything all right?” Lily asked.
“Yes. We ran into a small problem and I have to inform the executives about it. Don’t worry too much. I will come and get you later once the dinner is done.” He eyed everyone and bid them his goodbye as well.
A cunning smile escaped Isaac’s lips as he met Thomas’ eyes. The smile left his face was quickly as it arrived. He turned back to his stern expression as he tried to show some concern towards Zhou Jingren. Unbeknownst to him and Thomas, Lily was observing their expression like an eagle observing her prey.
“Please enjoy the entertainment. I am taking going to call someone.” Lily uttered. His gaze lingered at the old man before she stood and walked towards the terrace of the restaurant. She then opened her phone and as expected, Zhou Jingren sent her a text about the fish biting the bait.
Lily pretended to call someone. She dialed Yang Mi’s number and asked her to help out Secretary Go with whatever problem that the Zhou Capital is currently facing. She also informed her to talk to Qin Yuanfeng and try to convince him to help them. After all, he is an expert on computers.
“You know, he hates women like you.”
Lily turned to face the woman speaking to her. She quickly bid Yang Mi goodbye and smiled at Demi. She is already expecting the latter to follow her out. “And that is supposed to bother me?” she asked.
“He is the grandfather of your husband. Once he earns the respect of your husband, Zhou Jingren will surely make him a priority. We always value filial piety and I’m sure Zhou Jingren is like that too. I am sure you are already aware of that.” Demi said. The meekness that she showed earlier was gonee. She met Lily’s eyes and gave her a mocking smile. “Showing your true colors will get you nowhere. Sometimes you have to soften yourself and adjust. Blend in. You are too brilliant for them to like you.”
Lily snorted. “Do I look like someone that would beg people to like me, Miss Liang?”
“You have a point.” Demi nodded. “But this is a world ruled by men. If you want something… you should learn how to stroke their egos.” Seeing Lily stare at her, she added. “As you can see… I can have whatever I want because I am smart enough to blend in. His grandfather like me and I will slowly work my way inside his mother’s heart.”
“Since his grandfather likes you so much… why don’t you just marry the old man, instead? I mean…” Lily covered her mouth as she laughed. “It would suit you. Staying at home, taking care of an old and rich husband, suits you.”
“I see…” Demi nodded. “I can see that you do not see me as a threat.” Seeing Lily mocked her like this is just too infuriating. Demi had the urge to slap her, but she would not go that low. “Beware Miss Lily… I am a very persistent person. He might not like me now… but the world is round. I won’t just give up and let you win without a fight. Do not underestimate a woman like me, Miss Lily. I am a worthy rival.”
“Delusional,” Luly uttered. “Did a donkey hit your head? A rival? Really?” She snorted. “I don’t even consider you as my equal. What makes you think that you qualify as my rival?”
“Rival means having a competition.” Slowly, Lily’s lips lifted into a smile as her eyes trailed down towards Demi’s dress, then back into her face. “There is no competition, here.”
“How arrogant,” Demi sneered before she looked behind Lily’s back. As if on cue, tears immediately started falling in her eyes. “Miss Lily, you are ruthless. I did nothing to offend you! I only wanted to know you better.”
Lily turned her head and smiled at the group of people coming towards them.
“How could you slap me like that?” Demi clutched her cheeks as she started sobbing. “I don’t remember offending you. This is the first time that we saw each other. I don’t understand your animosity toward me.”
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
“Amazing,” Lily smiled. “What a praiseworthy acting.”
“Lily!” Thomas raised his voice as he walked passed Lily and held the crying Demi in his arms. “What the hell is wrong with you, woman?” He glared at Lily, brows knitted into a frown.
