Chapter 3

Indeed, as soon as the words were sent, Colin quickly replied. He said, "The party will end around eight in the evening. Send me the address of your party."

It seemed my friend's advice about "playing the damsel in distress" wasn't as effective as I thought. Sometimes, a "little threat" worked even better.

Feeling delighted, I waved my hand and sent Colin, "Be safe on the road. It's okay if you're a bit late~ Love you!"

Yes, a mix of tough love and kindness was necessary.

To avoid giving those waiting for my downfall any satisfaction, I started getting ready at noon for the six o'clock birthday party and took a taxi there.

There were a few girls in our class who had a crush on Jarrod. I had already anticipated what lines they might say, and it would probably be about me being a brown-noser, mocking me for getting nothing after all this time, At that point, I can say that my feelings for Feng Hong are just a mentor's care for a mentee.

If Jarrod refuted it, even better. Colin could then walk in and say, "Watch your words, she's your future sister-in-law."

Yes, that was perfect! No wonder I specifically told Colin he could arrive a bit later.

I couldn't help but laugh out loud, which made the taxi driver sneak a few glances at me.

There was a bit of traffic, and by the time I arrived, most people had already gotten there, and when they saw me walk in, they just greeted me normally, without the usual eagerness to watch a spectacle.

I scanned the crowd and noticed some people who usually didn't like me were present, but they didn't make any trouble for me.

The atmosphere felt a bit off, and I furrowed my brows as I found a place to sit.

I took out my phone to text my friend, as sitting alone felt too awkward.

"What's going on? Why isn't anyone mocking me? This isn't how it's supposed to be!" I sent the message to ask.

"Why care so much about them? Just treat it like you're here for a free meal. Eat if there's food." My best friend replied to me.

That was why she was my best friend, always getting straight to the point! because focusing on unnecessary things was just a waste of time and energy.

That was what I thought, but some people just couldn't let me off so easily.

"Clare Rowe, why are you sitting so far from Jarrod today? The cake's about to be served, shouldn't you go help him cut it?" someone said.

Once someone started, others chimed in immediately, saying, "Cutting the cake is nothing. Clare would prefer to be the one taking care of everyone, serving drinks, and helping with the food, right?"

"Some people are just born to serve others," someone added.

If it weren't for the fact that they all wanted to cozy up to Jarrod and failed, I would almost think they were disappointed in me.

I wiped my mouth, ready to retort fiercely when Jarrod suddenly spoke up, "You guys, aren't you tired of chattering? If you want to argue, take it outside. Don't do it at my birthday party."

His words silenced the room, and even I was surprised, because Jarrod usually enjoyed watching people mock me, so why he suddenly changed today?

Still, Jarrod's words were effective, and those mocking me just glared at me angrily without saying more.

From their occasional glances, I could tell they were holding back their frustration, and seeing them uncomfortable made me happy.

I immediately shared this joy with my friend, and then she replied, "Don't you find anything strange?"

Strange? it was a bit odd...

But Jarrod saying "stop arguing" at his own birthday party seemed reasonable, right? I sent my thoughts to my best friend.

My friend replied with a speechless emoji, and added, "Be careful, or you'll be left with nothing."

Tsk, how could she underestimate me like that?

The notification bar popped up at the top of the chat with a message from Colin, asking which room I was in.

Thinking about the recent back-and-forth with Colin, my fighting spirit ignited. I sent a fiery emoji to my friend and replied, "Bet on a big meal! Just wait, I'll win Colin over tonight!"

While I was replying, Colin arrived.

Seeing Colin walking in, Jarrod immediately frowned and said, "Why are you here?"

Colin loosened his tie with one hand, drawing a collective gasp from the onlookers, and he raised an eyebrow at Jarrod, saying, "Why can't I be here? I'm not here for you."

Given the reputation of these two brothers, there were very few people present who didn't know about their relationship, moreover, compared to Jarrod, Colin's charm was greater, capturing all the girls' attention as soon as he appeared.

So when Colin sat down next to me, they all wore expressions of disbelief, especially those who mocked me earlier, they were so angry they could grind their teeth to dust.

In high spirits, I peeled an orange and fed it to Colin.

Seeing this, they started to get envious again.

"Flattering the younger to the older brother. Shameless!" someone said. The person thought he spoke quietly, but with so few people talking, Colin still heard it.

Colin served me a piece of fish and thoughtfully removed the bones, and then replied without looking up, "Isn't it normal for a sister-in-law to care for her brother-in-law? Instead of worrying about others, focus on yourself. If you have nothing better to do, go to the hospital for a check-up. Wasting so much time might give you high blood pressure."

Hearing this, someone burst out laughing.

Seeing those jealous people, with their angry yet helpless expressions, filled me with secret joy.

I happily picked some dishes for Colin and quietly thanked him.

Colin glanced at me, saying, "Just saying thanks? That's not very sincere."

"What do you want then?" I said.

Colin put down his fork, wiped his hands with a napkin, leaned back, and started browsing through his phone.

To others, it seemed like he was just sitting with me, but I knew better. This rascal had placed his other hand under the table, lifting my skirt!

I instinctively pressed my legs together, trapping Colin's hand with my knees, and asked, "What are you doing?"

Colin sighed, leaning closer to my ear, and with that movement, his hand ventured further, saying, "Didn't you say you wanted to thank me?"

I nervously glanced around and said, "Not here!"

Colin deliberately blew into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine, and leaving me weak.

My knees parted, and Colin chuckled softly, saying, "Be good, relax your legs. You wouldn't want anyone to notice what's happening under the table, would you?"