Goodbye Saintess (by Edelweiss W.S.) novel Chapter 74

“Shut your trap. You still think you have the upper hand? For God’s sake!” Howard’s voice cracked sharply, his chest heaving with fury as he glared across the room. “Mr. Grimwald? Miss? Please, just ignore that rabid dog over there. Once Miley shows up, we can all sit back and watch his sister personally tear him apart.”

Howard was far too sensible to waste his energy engaging with a seething Ezra. Instead, he chose to focus on spending time with Claire and me, which felt like a far better use of his evening.

“So, how have you been, Mr. Grimwald?” Howard asked, his tone polite and steady.

“I’ve been fine,” I replied curtly.

“Splendid!” Howard’s gaze shifted to Claire, who still held my hand with a firm but gentle grip. “Wow, your wife is as stunning as you are charming, Mr. Grimwald!”

Claire blushed slightly, a shy smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, you’re too kind, Mr. Wynn,” she said softly, as if she almost believed the compliment.

I opened my mouth to correct her. “Er, no. We’re—”

Before I could finish, her hand moved up and pressed gently against my lips. She leaned in close, her breath warm against my ear. “Shh! I’m your landlady, remember? You have to play along, Sebastian. See my friends over there? I told them you’re my boyfriend before you arrived, so now you have to act the part while they watch.”

She squeezed my arm lightly, a silent reminder.

That explained the icy glare Ezra had been shooting me the moment I stepped inside.

I turned to look. Claire’s friends had emerged from the next room, their eyes locked on us with curiosity and silent judgment. I could only nod in acknowledgment.

Claire smiled, clearly pleased, and withdrew her hand with a sense of triumph.

“After all that bragging, you mean nothing, Ezra!” one friend said triumphantly.

“Whoa, Cici’s boyfriend saved lives before! That’s seriously impressive!” another added.

“And he’s hot, too. Damn, they’re a perfect match!” a third chimed in, eyes sparkling with admiration.

Ezra’s face twisted with fury. He had spent the entire evening trying to prove his superiority, only to have it all crumble in front of everyone within minutes. “Shut up! Shut the fuck up!” he snarled, rage swallowing his reason.

He forced himself to stand, his voice booming as he shouted, “You normies have no right to look down on me! You think my sister’s the only backup I have? Ha!

“I was just hired as an assistant manager at Baron Inc.! I’m set for life, unlike you losers and ditch-squatters!”