When Justin returned to Tideview Manor, his clothes were soaked through as if he had swum in them, drenched in the pouring rain.
Wilma hurried over with a towel, trying to dry him off, but he pushed it away with an angry gesture and slowly walked upstairs.
“What happened? Who offended him?” Wilma asked Ian, her worry evident.
“If you have time, you should comfort him later.
He’s been tricked,” Ian responded, his voice tinged with concern.
“What? He’s so smart—how could he fall for a scam? Have you called the police? Report it immediately!” Wilma was genuinely frightened by the news.
Ian shook his head.
“No, it’s a complicated case.
The police won’t be able to help.
Mr.
Salvador has finally met his match.
”
“I told him to download an anti-fraud app, but he never listened to me.
Now look at him… he’s been scammed…”
Ian couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
Mr.
Salvador has finally met someone he couldn’t handle.
He thought.
Justin would rather be deceived than to have his self-esteem hurt.
Justin walked upstairs with a pale face, looking more like a ghost than a man.
He looked like he hadn’t slept in days, his face drawn and hollow.
“Young Master Justin, Ms.
Gold is here.
The chairman wants you to meet her in the study,” a maid informed him respectfully.
Justin remained silent, his lips pressed into a thin line as he made his way to Gregory’s study.
“Justin! You’re finally back!” Rosalind exclaimed as soon as she saw him.
She rushed over, practically throwing herself into his arms.
Justin didn’t immediately respond to her embrace as he had done before.
His face remained pale, and there was a shadow in his eyes.
Gregory looked at Justin, his tone serious.
“How did things go? Have you met Ms.
Thompson?”
Although Gregory was the chairman of Salvador Corporation and had many pressing matters to attend to, this issue was important to him.
His impatience with Shannon’s nightly pestering made him more eager to have this situation resolved.
“Justin will certainly protect Rosalind’s family.
After all, he loves her.
If he talks to Ms.
Thompson, they’ll likely let it go.
We’re a big company.
The Thompsons won’t be able to gain anything in Savrow by offending us,” Shannon added, her voice filled with confidence.
Shannon’s strategy was always to praise Justin excessively, raising expectations so high that, when something went wrong, Gregory would shift the blame onto his son.
“Dad, Aunt Shannon, let’s stop helping the Gold Corporation,” Justin said, his voice devoid of emotion.
“What do you mean by that?” Gregory frowned, surprised by his son’s coldness.
“I won’t meddle in the Golds’ business anymore.
”
Without waiting for a response, Justin turned and walked out, his footsteps echoing in the silence of the room.
Gregory, Shannon, and Rosalind stood frozen, stunned by his words.
“Greg, is Justin joking?” Shannon asked, her smile faltering as anxiety crept in.
Gregory’s face darkened, but he remained silent.
Meanwhile, Justin returned to his bedroom, still soaked, but he had no intention of changing or showering.
His mind kept racing with thoughts of how he had been tricked by Bella Thompson.
Why didn’t you see me in person, Bella Thompson? Are you shy, or do you think I’m not worth your time? His mind kept spiraling in frustration.
“Justin! Why?! Why don’t you want to help us?” Rosalind’s voice broke through his thoughts.
She chased after him, grabbing his arm with both hands, her face desperate.
“All of our orders have been canceled.
Our warehouses are full, and we can’t pay the workers’ wages.
If this continues, we’ll go bankrupt!”
Rosalind’s worry for her family business overtook her usual demure demeanor.
Justin sighed tiredly.
“It’s late.
I’ll ask Ian to take you home.
”
“Justin! What happened? What made you change your mind? Please, tell me!”
Justin felt utterly exhausted after the chaotic day, and he didn’t want to talk.