Chapter 78 I Am The Boyfriend.
Just thinking about Henry brought a tender shine to Crystal’s eyes.
Being at the cusp between girlhood and womanhood, her emotions had only served to enhance her allure.
Meanwhile, Robert remained seated.
His old classmates crowded around him, addressing him respectfully.
Among them were beautiful women adept at flattery, the kind he might have chosen for a dalliance in the past and gifted with gifts after.
However, Robert couldn’t bother to spare them a single glance right now.
None of them could hold a candle to Crystal.
As Robert idly sipped on his liquor, his gaze never strayed from Crystal.
On the other hand, Crystal and Madison contributed their share of the money, which Clementine promptly accepted with a faux grin.
“I’m truly sorry for this, Crystal. Given your family’s dire circumstances, it must be difficult. for you to foot the bill. Why don’t we let everyone chip in instead?” she asked, loud enough. for everyone to hear.
It was obvious that she was looking to humiliate Crystal.
“No need. I can afford it,” Crystal replied with a mild smile.
Clementine tallied the money that Crystal handed her and cast a surprised glance at the latter. “You’re paying for two? Are you seriously bringing that old man to our class reunion?”
Before Crystal could reply, Clementine covered her mouth and giggled. “It seems that sugar daddy is rather possessive!”
A hushed silence enveloped the hall. The look on everyone’s faces reflected their own. interpretation of those words.
your
Crystal was the campus belle of the Royal Academy of Music and came from a well-off family. Why had she fallen to such disrepute? They hadn’t believed the rumors spreading on their academy’s web forum. However, Clementine had just affirmed the gossip.
Unlock succeeded spreading online must be true.
Their reactions varied from sympathy to mockery, even blatant ostracism. Those originally seated at the same table as Crystal had discreetly requested for a change in their seats.
The thin veneer of camaraderie peeled away, exposing the chilly indifference that had always lurked underneath.
Even the academic dignitaries from the Royal Academy of Music found themselves silently. lamenting the harsh realities of the world, unlike the simplicity of life in the Royal Academy
of Music.
A smirk of satisfaction slid across Clementine’s face as she basked in the awkward tension.
She had played her cards right, dealing a blow to Crystal’s reputation.
After all, who would respect a woman who had ended up with an old man?
Robert’s brows furrowed in disapproval. Who has given her such confidence that she felt she could trample all over Crystal like that?
Just as he was about to stand up to intervene, the elevator doors slid open, and out walked Henry.
Tall, handsome, and radiating an aura of cold elegance, his mere presence sent shockwaves through the banquet hall.
They were in awe, unable to believe that they were in the presence of the Henry Miller.
Oh my goodness! He’s even more stunning than the magazines make him out to be!
The poise, the legs, and oh, that prominent nose! But… what is Henry Miller doing here?
The Royal Academy of Music and Terra Lake University directors and parents of prominent. students were now up on their feet, clamoring to meet Henry.
After all, being in the good graces of the Millers in Barnwood equated to prosperity.
Even though Henry was known for his aloof nature, getting a glimpse of him was always considered an advantage. After all, familiarity bred fondness.
Yet, shockingly, Henry was unusually amiable that day.
However, he drew his lines quite clearly and politely refused the cigarettes offered to him. “My girlfriend disapproves of smoking. She doesn’t like the smell of the smoke.”
Huh? He has a girlfriend?
Gently, Henry wrapped an arm around Crystal’s shoulders, the intimate gesture freezing the
onlookers in their tracks. “Let’s not stand on ceremony here. I’m just like you, here for the food. Crystal doesn’t like me smoking at home.”
The room fell into stunned silence.
The implications of Henry’s words were like a punch to the gut.
Crystal? Did he just refer to Crystal as his girlfriend? The same woman we’ve been ridiculing for being
with an old man?
A pin-drop silence ensued in the banquet hall.
With a captivating smile. Henry turned to Robert and said, “Robert, it seems like you guys are quite taken aback that I’m dating Crystal.”
Robert stood there, rigid as stone, as if he was paralyzed.
How ridiculous of me. I was just gearing up to defend Crystal, but not only does she already have someone looking after her, but that man is also the most powerful man in Barnwood.
Picking up his glass, Robert downed the drink in one swift movement and managed a slight smile. “A match made in heaven, indeed.”
At his words, every man in the room extinguished their cigarettes, as Henry had mentioned that his girlfriend disliked the smell of smoke.
Belonging naturally to the metropolitan elite with a plethora of properties registered to his name, Henry Miller was the preeminent attorney in the country. Nevertheless, he also assumed an additional role—Robert's forthcoming brother-in-law. Crystal hesitated momentarily, but then she mused, If Robert can cheat on me, why can't I indulge and enjoy myself too?Instead of pushing Henry away, she held onto him even tighter as she was beautiful and had an attractive figure.
