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Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Chapter 42 Scathing Tirade
Osborne couldn’t help but laugh, sneering. “Wesley, I called you out by name, and you still have the nerve to ask who the lapdog is? Did you leave your brain at home? The way you grovel, isn’t that exactly what a lapdog does?
“And I was clearly insulting you, so how did it become an insult to Ms. Radcliffe in your twisted mind? Do you think Ms. Radcliffe lacks intelligence like you?
“Vulgar? So what if I’m vulgar? What are you going to do? Bite me?”
Osborne’s face contorted in disgust as he unleashed a scathing tirade against Wesley, leaving both Wesley and Ophelia stunned. Wesley, in particular, was seething with anger, wanting to retort and insult Osborne back.
But glancing at Clarissa, he restrained himself.
He thought, “I endure! I must maintain my composure! I absolutely cannot act as recklessly as Osborne, who’s like a rabid dog, embarrassing himself in front of Ms. Radcliffe!”
Clutching his teeth together, Wesley simmered with suppressed
rage.
Little did he know, Clarissa was observing the situation with curiosity, her beautiful eyes reflecting genuine interest in
Chapter 42 Scathing Tirade Osborne.
For her, the typical flattery she received from people like Wesley was nothing new. Many individuals with even more prestigious. backgrounds than Wesley went to greater lengths to flatter her.
However, encountering someone like Osborne, who dared to use harsh language and insult others in her presence, was entirely novel to her.
This novelty intrigued Clarissa.
She found Osborne’s unfiltered reactions refreshing and authentic – a stark contrast to the restrained gentlemanly facades put on by others when challenged.
In fact, she felt a surge of fondness towards Osborne rather than revulsion at his “vulgarity“.
If Wesley knew, he would probably be fuming with jealousy.
Alas, he remained unaware of Clarissa’s thoughts, still convinced that Osborne’s crude words had turned her against Osborne.
As Osborne looked back at him icily, Wesley returned to his seat, glaring at Osborne.
Ignoring Wesley as if he didn’t exist, Osborne mulled over how to broach the subject of becoming Clarissa’s bodyguard.
Soon, the formal lunch began.
Chapter 42 Scathing Tirade
Ophelia and Wesley continued their efforts to impress Clarissa. Ophelia demonstrated more tact than Wesley, wisely avoiding provoking Osborne.
After their flattery session, Clarissa surprisingly warmed up to Ophelia, even exchanging contact information with her.
This thrilled Ophelia, fueling her efforts to please even more.
Osborne remained mostly silent, observing Ophelia’s performance with detached amusement.
To his surprise, his proud ex–wife was now bending over backward to please someone else.
“Indeed, the power of influence!” Osborne thought inwardly, studying Clarissa with a watchful eye.
He noticed that, contrary to her cool exterior, she was unexpectedly approachable. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Although of noble status, she wasn’t aloof.
However, a sense of distance always lingered around her.
As the banquet neared its end, Osborne knew he couldn’t wait any longer.
“It’s time to act!”
Just as he prepared to make a move, Clarissa said first, “Mr. Augustine, did you bring that painting with you? Could I see it
Chapter 42 Scathing Tirade
again?”
Osborne froze, halting his preparations and retrieving the artwork.
Clarissa took it carefully as if holding the most precious treasure, her beautiful eyes filled with nostalgia and tenderness.
This surprised Ophelia.
To her, the painting seemed quite ordinary, so much so that even knowing Clarissa painted it, she didn’t know how to praise
1. it.
After a moment of hesitation, Ophelia asked, “Ms. Radcliffe, does this painting hold any special meaning for you? You seem to care a lot about it.”
Clarissa smiled faintly and nodded.
“It does have a special meaning for me because it’s the first painting I ever did. The content on it represents the most cherished memory of my life.”
Before Ophelia could ask more, Clarissa continued, “I was only five years old that year. I was born into the Radcliffe family, and while my parents and elders loved me dearly, I felt like a canary trapped in a cage.
“I had to learn so many things, piano, violin, various languages, all of which I didn’t enjoy. In reality, I just wanted to be like other children, with many friends my age, free to play in the
Chapter 42 Scathing Tirade
fields without a care in the world.
“That day, my father told me he had hired a famous painter to teach me how to paint, and I couldn’t take it anymore. So, I sneaked out.”
As she spoke, Clarissa seemed lost in her memories.
Ophelia, Wesley, and Osborne remained silent, listening intently.
“The escape that day is a memory I can never forget. It was unforgettable because I was in danger. I got lost in a dark alley, terrified.
“But then, a group of terrifying wolves appeared out of nowhere, snarling at me with sharp teeth. I was scared, crying, frozen in fear, thinking I was going to die.”
Ophelia gasped, exclaiming, “Wolves?
“The wolves in the painting?”