Chapter 148 Look Down on Others
“Dad yours the agreement?” The call connected quickly, Rowan’s clear voice came from the other end.
“Yeah. What do you mean by this?” asked
“I’ve shown my parents the agreement, and they’re fine with it. It’s what owe you,” Rawan replied. “I might not be able to make up for the physical and mom, ut I‘ compensate you as much as tean materially.”
Rowen had never shortchanged any woman he was involved with, even these who were just rumored to have ties with him, so his reputation in this seged wax almost flawless.
I knew I should sign this agreement. How could be stupid mough to squabble over money? But once signed, it would seem lär he had compensated me for all the harm he’d caused, and I shouldn’t harbor any more anger or resentment
“I’ll think about it. Are you sure you won’t regret this? “I didn’t accept or refuse. I just countered with a question.
“Yeah, there’s nothing to regret. Call me when you’ve signed it come to pick it up,” Rowan said before hanging up
As soon as Thing up, Dad returned,
He happened to see the agreement in my hand, so he asked a couple of questions. I briefed him quickly on the matter.
Whenever Rowan was mentioned, Dad’s face darkened. He took the agreement and read through it, then snorted, “Hmpli! He’s generous in this regard, but too bad that’s the only aspect he acts human.”
Ididn’t know how to respond.
“hey, this is your decision to make. Our family can comfortably support you. Even if you remarry and bring in a live–in son–in–law, both your mons and I can afford in. It’s not about the money for us. Taking this money is justified, and not taking it shows integrity. Funderstand either way,” Dad said earnestly.
He was always tough and cared about his reputation Henever swallowed his pride for money. Initially, he didn’t even want to run the family business, tearing acou favoritism or using his position to benefit the company.
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Unfornately, Mom’s family had been in business for generations. She had a decent–sized company when she married Dad, and it was thriving, so shutting it down wasn’t an option
Thus, it continued to grow and prosper.
Even Uncle Alvin’s family was drawn into business by Mora, though they later focused on the international macker
“I’ve told How to love the agreement with me for now. I need to think it over “Inodded.
“Yeah, take your time. I’m just afraid others will think our family took advantage of him for money and gossip about our greed People are unpredictable.” Dad sighed.
After Mom finished cooking, she called us to lunch. Dad had time today to come back for lunch, so the spread was plentiful..
Watching my parents with their graying temples and smelling the aroma of the food in the air made me feel a bit dared Why could have been reborn to the year I was 17, the year love with Rawan at first sight?
Back then, my parents were young, and I was still young. Everything could have started new
After dinner, Dad went back to work. Mam made plans to play gin rummy with her friends, while lounged on the couch watching TV shows. Unintentionally, I dritted off to sleep When I woke up, it was already late aftemoon.
There were three missed call on my phone. All were from Benjamins.
I didn’t pick up, so he messaged me on Whats App. “Ivory, 1 know a great place where you can peles. Want to give it a try?”
Ever since Benjamin found out I was back, he had contacted me almost every day. We both tacitly avoided mentioning that hugofhis from before
Treplied, “Sure, send me the address.”
Benjamin must have been waiting for my response because he replied quickly. After I got the address, inded Mom and left.
Benjamin was waiting by the roadside. His eyes lit up when he saw me approach. “Hey, hary”
“Hi, so where’s this great place you know?” asked with a smile.
He scratched his head and lacked a bit embarrassed as he replied, “It’s a bit of a walk from here. There’s nobis that goes there.”
“Alright,t’s walk then,” said
Benjamin Jed me along as we chatted. Suddenly, had a feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Sure enough, before long, we arrived at Willow Garden, the recreational club wwel by Rowall
The prices here were high. If Benjamin really treated me to relax here, I was afraid several months‘ worth of his salary would be gone
“Benjamin, maybe we should go somewhere else,” I suggested, not wanting to go in
“Ivory, don’t worry, Mymanager brought me few days ago for a foot spa and massage. It felt really nice. He even gave me two spa coupons. You can try it later.” Benjamin’s eyes brightened “Ivery, I know you probably don’t need this stuff, but I thought you might like to try something nice!
1ltouched and abit helpless. Benjamin must know there was no future between us, yet he still tried to reach out in his own way.
“Okay, let’s give it a try then. This was my second time at Willow Carden. The first was when jean and Chester nearly got into a fight
As soon as we walked in, a staff member approached, asking if we were members. Benjamin shook his head “No”
To get a membership here required proof of funds. He couldn’t possibly be a member.
Upon seeing Benjamin’s attire, the staff member quickly surmised he was not well–off. Instantly, she showed a hint of disdain in her eyes. However, she maintained a polite smile and counteously asked us what services we needed.
Benjamin pilled out the coupons his manager had given him and said shyly, “We’d like to use these two coupons.”
The staff member took look and then pre meselok.
They wouldn’t recaptor me, as the club had several shareholders. Apart from high–ranking managers, many at the staff working here didn’t even know who the exact owner
Chapter 148 Look Down on others.
was, let alone recognize their boss‘ ex–wife
But anyone who liked to follow gossip online would have seen the recent buzz. Some netizens dug up a few of my old photos, so some might find me familar.
“What’s wrong“” 1 asked while meeting the staff member’s gaze calmly.
“I’m sorry, sir, ma’am. All our spa therapists are fully booked today. We can’t accommodate any spa treatments at the moment,” the staff member said with a smile, though I sensed some disdain.
Benjamin’s intentions were pure. He simply wanted to bring me here to experience something he found relaxing. But he had no idea about the harsh realities of life–how prople could be judged and categorized
His manager was rich, so he could bring Benjamin here to have fun.
However, Benjamin didn’t have much money. He could only come here with two discount coupons.
At this point, Benjamin was starting to feel the intentional condescension from the staff member. A hint of embarrassment and discomfort appeared on his face.
“You have facial treatments, body care, spa, massage, aromatherapy, and more. Are all the therapists fully booked? Are you sure? 1 asked coldly
“Yes, I’m sure.” The staff member’s smile faded a bit.
I glanced at the small name tag pinned to her chest. The number 17 was displayed.
Icouldn’t be bothered to talk further with such a minor staff member. I took Benjamin to nearby couch and said, “Bring me your manager.”
Number 17 stood nearby. She smiled and watched us without serving or responding to us. She remained motionless
Benjamin looked embarrassed. “Ivory, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have picked this place Shall we go somewhere else?”
Finally, Number 17 spoke up. “He’s right, ma’am. There are many places with more affordable options that you could go to. Our place might not be suitable for you.”
I pinched my brow, and my tone grew impatient. “Tasked you to fetch your manager. Can’t you understand?”
Just then, several figures entered from outside. Rowan was among them. He was dressed in a deep bhie shirt and gray trousers, which accentuated his tall and lean figure. The men accompanying him were older and dressed in suits, likely business associates.
Upon seeing Rowan, Number 17 immediately abandoned Benjamin and me. Sashaying over, she coquettishly greeted, “Good evening, gentlemen. How may I assist you?”
Rowan noticed me at once, then his gaze fell on Benjamin.
Benjamin naturally harbored resentment toward Rowan, the man who had once stolen his girlfriend. However, things had moved on, and now that he knew about Ashley’s actions, his face only showed a hint of caution.
In contrast, Rowan’s eyes held more hostility, like icy arrows, full of oppressive force.
“tvory, let’s go,” Benjamin said, grabbing my hand and standing up. “Let’s not cause any trouble because of the.”
But I sat back down and spoke up again. “Is Willow Garden really that impressive? Can’t the manager just come out to meet us?!
Number 17’s face stiffened, and she immediately replied with displeasure, “Ma’am, I’ve already informed you that we cannot accommodate any spa treatments today. You’re causing a scene. If you continue to disrupt our business, I will call the police.”
Rowan listened to our exchange with a frown. He then gestured to another staff member