Chapter 18 You are nothing
Awkward silence descended at Bruce’s enigmatic knowledge about such private matters. Cyril’s marriage likely wasn’t a love match but pragmatic. Even estranged couples kept up public pretenses. Yet Cyril had divorced and apparently planned to formally acknowledge this other woman? An open scandal viewed with distaste.
Furthermore, Bruce clearly knew about it which didn’t bode well for Cyril’s ambitions.
Admitting concealment was useless now, Cyril acknowledged it plainly. “Yes we divorced due to irreconcilable differences after years of discord.”
“Ex–wife.” Bruce emphasized coldly. “With how terribly she married down, their failed marriage should be considered the biggest stain of her life.”
Everyone grew intrigued over Bruce’s mysterious connection to Cyril’s ex–wife that he kept defending so staunchly.
Juliet meanwhile smiled brightly. “No wonder. What woman wouldn’t suffer misfortune being tied to such a man? Speaking of which, word is you’ve been busy handling Caroline’s scandals lately. Are those authentic? Because I used to know that director well. He begged desperately for my investment once. Considering what I heard of his proclivities, seems the rumors are factual?”
Stunned anew by her casually disparaging Caroline too, everyone understood now.
Compared to elite aristocracy like Bruce and Juliet, Caroline and the flashy entertainment circle remained utterly insignificant. Cyril involving himself so deeply indicated an intimacy beyond friendship.
Cyril’s expression darkened. Clearly Bruce and Juliet were deliberately provoking him.
“It’s my private business. Caroline is a friend. Of course I would help resolve unjust accusations.”
Latching onto it, Juliet persisted. “Oh? Which kind of ‘friend‘ exactly? Bedmates? Or marriage potential?”
“Either way, it’s not your place to pry into my personal affairs.” Cyril stated curtly. Before Juliet could retort, Bruce quickly led her away, declaring it was improper to create a scene as
visitors here.
Watching them depart, everyone glanced at Cyril curiously, wondering how he had offended- Bruce somehow.
“Bruce usually tolerates quite a bit before truly losing his temper. Last time was five years
Chapter 18 You are nothing
ago when someone tried drugging him. That family faced steep downfall afterwards. So what did you do to provoke his ire?” someone asked Cyril frankly.
2/2
Brooding in frustrated silence over the injustice, Cyril knew the elite aristocracy simply did as they pleased while everyone placated them.
Mingling aimlessly later, Cyril noticed Bruce by the buffet line with Juliet filling a plate angrily while Bruce placated her with desserts and soothing words.
Clearly she was pedigree stock to accompany Bruce publicly. Everything about her screamed doting pampering.
Approaching them, Cyril forged ahead before they could ignore him. “There are some things I’m unsure about and hope Mr Bruce can clarify my confusion.”
Glancing over impassively, Bruce waited.
“Very few people knew about my marriage or divorce. Yet you seem rather hostile over it. May I ask why? Or have I unknowingly offended you personally in some way?”
Just then, several others wandered over to exchange pleasantries. As they chatted amongst themselves, Bruce kept his attention fixed on Cyril.
“Because without your ex–wife, you would be nothing. I suggest not presuming too much self–importance.”
Privately over the years, Bruce had helped Cyril substantially for Sylvia’s sake though it was clearly misplaced effort in hindsight after seeing how terribly his family exploited and mistreated her. Like parasitic worms never displaying an ounce of gratitude.
Bruce’s blunt words plunged the area into stunned silence. But before anything else could happen, the host wandered over cheerfully, beaming as he greeted them.
The others quickly smiled back politely. After finishing his rounds, Host Wolford turned to Cyril smilingly.
“I don’t see your lovely wife here tonight? We have her to thank for our successful collaboration last time with her brilliant negotiation skills. Why didn’t you bring her along?”