Riches in Disguise

"Crystal, don't joke around," one of them said. "What could Lina possibly want from that poor loser?"

"Yeah, why would Lina flirt with that loser? This is just laughable!" another added.

Dorian's face twisted into an amused smirk. He then grabbed Lina's chin, forcing her to lift her head and look at me. "Honey, you'd better explain to Crystal what just happened. Did you seduce that poor loser, or did he make a move on you? You'd better make it clear, or I'll be embarrassed, and I'll take it out on you."

Lina's face went pale with fear, and her whole body trembled uncontrollably.

It was clear she now realized Dorian wasn't as affectionate as he pretended to be.noveldrama

In fact, he was downright dangerous. His gentle tone was laced with threats, and his grip on her chin was so tight it distorted her jaw and lips.

Lina stammered, "It was him. He a-assaulted me. I was just touching up my makeup in the bathroom, and he s-suddenly came over, said I looked pr-pretty, and-"

"That's bullshit!" Crystal interrupted. "I'll tell you the truth. William isn't my boyfriend because he hasn't agreed yet. I'm the one pursuing him! Even though I threw myself at him, he still won't accept me. Do you really think someone like him would be interested in someone like you? Stop flattering yourself!"

Her bold statement left the crowd stunned.

"What the hell? Did Crystal just say she's pursuing that loser, and he turned her down?"

"No way! Crystal's the number one beauty among heiresses!"

"Maybe it's some reverse psychology thing? However, if that guy could resist Crystal's charm, there's no way he'd go after Lina. Lina's pretty, but she doesn't quite match up to Crystal."

I couldn't help but feel grateful toward Crystal. I hadn't expected her to go so far just to clarify things for me. She had lowered herself to say in front of everyone that she was pursuing me. I owed her one.

Dorian's face turned ashen, and his muscles bulged with barely restrained rage. He lowered his head, glaring at Lina with bloodshot eyes. "Honey, what's going on? Tell me!"

Lina burst into tears as she pleaded, "No, that's not it! I admit I'm not as beautiful as Crystal, but William likes me! He tried to harass me because we used to date, and I dumped him. He's still not over it!"

Her words exploded like a bomb, leaving everyone in shock. Even Crystal turned to me with a look of astonishment.

I closed my eyes briefly and let out a long sigh.

Lina was too naive. Saying that only made Dorian hate her more. Instead of winning his sympathy, she would only make him more ruthless when he turned on her. How foolish.

Crystal bit her lip and asked me, "William, is that true?"

I didn't bother lying. "Yes, we used to date, but we broke up months ago. I've long since lost interest in her."

Crystal shook her head. A hint of hurt flickered in her gaze as she asked, "Why were you in the bathroom looking for her?"

I answered honestly, "I went to talk to her because I think she and Dorian are a bad match. I wanted to convince her to break up with him."

Lina shot me a deep look and silently lowered her head.

Dorian's face darkened even more. "She's not right for me, but do you really think she's right for a loser like you? Crystal, did you hear that? If he wasn't still hung up on my girlfriend, why would he come here and interfere in my business? I'm going to teach him a lesson. Are you still going to stop me?"