In this chapter, Vincent betrays his childhood friend Marcelo by anonymously leaking scandalous photos that deepen the crisis for the Nygard family. When Marcelo confronts Vincent in a heated phone call, Vincent admits to the betrayal, explaining that it was his desperate attempt to escape an unwanted engagement arranged by his parents. Despite Marcelo’s anger and feelings of betrayal, Vincent tries to patch things up by suggesting they go out for drinks together, highlighting the complicated mix of resentment and reluctant camaraderie between them.
Meanwhile, Jeremy struggles with his own emotional turmoil as Amelia, the woman he cares about, refuses to respond to his messages. His frustration grows, especially since he suspects her silence is due to the awkward situation involving his fiancée, Sabrina, and the public scandal that unfolded on a variety show. Jeremy’s predicament is complicated by the fact that the engagement was forced upon him by his grandmother without his or his mother’s consent, and he had underestimated how much it would affect his relationship with Amelia.
Anderson, Jeremy’s friend and self-proclaimed dating expert, offers unsolicited advice on how Jeremy should win Amelia back. He suggests persistent attention, taking her out for drinks, and making a romantic move once she’s more relaxed. Jeremy, however, dismisses Anderson’s advice with skepticism and prefers to handle the situation on his own terms. The chapter ends with Anderson hopeful that Jeremy might finally take action to salvage his relationship.
Chapter 335 Collateral Damage
This moment seemed perfectly suited for Vincent to betray his childhood friend and classmate. After all, he was drowning in his own pain and didn’t hesitate to drag his friend down with him. The anonymous leak of those photos online had only deepened the crisis for the Nygard family, who were already teetering on the edge of ruin.
Shortly after the scandal broke, Marcelo’s call came through. Vincent answered without a trace of surprise, his voice steady and calm.
“You gave them the photos, didn’t you? Are you seriously trying to ruin me?” Marcelo’s voice erupted with anger the instant the call connected.
Marcelo had been under relentless pressure from his parents and older relatives all week, and this betrayal was the last straw. Those pictures were from two years ago, snapshots from a card game Vincent had organized. Since no one else had access to them, Marcelo was convinced Vincent was behind the leak.
Vincent didn’t bother denying it. Instead, he spoke plainly, “What choice did I have? My parents refuse to call off the engagement, so this was the only way out.”
He added with a bitter edge, “If the scandal gets worse, maybe my mom will end it herself. You have to help me here.”
Marcelo was so furious he could barely contain himself. “I’m no better off than you are!” he shouted.
“Exactly. We’re in this together. Come on, let’s go get a drink,” Vincent suggested, trying to sound casual.
The ridiculousness of the situation made Marcelo laugh bitterly despite himself. “You stab me in the back and now you want to drink with me?”
“Absolutely! Let’s toast to our early celebration. Here’s hoping we both escape this mess. And if Gianna gets kicked out, that’s just a bonus.”
Vincent’s words hit a nerve. “I know you’ve been holding it in. Isn’t it great that I’m helping you strike back?”
He shrugged as if accepting the damage was already done. “You’ll just be the subject of gossip for a while. I’m the one getting cheated on—and honestly, I’m not even mad about it.”
“So what exactly are you complaining about?” Vincent added with a smirk.
Marcelo sneered coldly, “Heh.”
“Come on, drinks are on me,” Vincent said, trying to lighten the mood.
Marcelo’s face darkened like a storm cloud, and in his mind, he cursed Vincent’s entire family tree. Still, after a long pause, he finally muttered, “Fine, I guess I’ll go.”
Then he ended the call.
“Tch, why is he acting so proud?” Vincent muttered under his breath.
Marcelo had always been like this since they were kids—pretending to be tough, but secretly wanting to be coaxed into coming along. He always acted hard to get, making a big show of it.
Such a ridiculous temper. Vincent wondered bitterly, who did he even get it from?
Meanwhile, Jeremy was the only one who consistently messaged Amelia every single day.
“Amelia, want to grab dinner? I’ll come pick you up.”
No response.
“Busy today? Want to talk?”
Still silence.
“The show’s ratings are great. As a shareholder, I’m making a good profit. Should I come by to discuss business?”
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