Chapter 10
Joseph’s unusual behavior went unnoticed by those around him, who collectively believed that he was merely overcome with excitement.
It was then that someone eventually retrieved the recording device, hidden at the very bottom of the gift box, and pressed its play button. That moment was the equivalent of opening Pandora’s box, and from then on, everything rapidly escalated beyond anyone’s power to stop it.
In truth, this recording device functioned more like a projector. The person holding it coincidentally aimed its lens toward the expansive screen.
Then, following a brief burst of static, an image gradually materialized before the assembled onlookers. The footage seemed rather shaky, likely due to it being a covert recording.
It wasn’t long before the camera panned deeper into the room. As the camera closed in, a pair of intertwined figures slowly came into focus for all the onlookers. Then, a familiar face snapped into view. It was none other than Queenie, the hostess of the birthday party. Yet, the man locked in an embrace with her was someone they didn’t know. He had a repulsive, sleazy look about him.
It was a sudden bombshell that left the crowd aghast. The dozens of invited reporters, sensing a major scoop, immediately directed their cameras toward the massive screen, firing off shots frantically.
“Oh my goodness! I figured that this would be just another ordinary birthday celebration, but what a juicy piece of scandal this turned out to be!”
“I have a feeling that this is absolutely going to blow up!”
“You should just cut the talk and start shooting! It might disappear any second now!”
Those on stage, previously overjoyed, suddenly became rigid, casting uneasy glances at the hosts of the birthday party. Joseph and Queenie, too, were rooted to the spot. One was completely caught off guard while sheer terror paralyzed the other.
In the meantime, the video continued rolling on the screen. In the room, the man only released Queenie when she was gasping for air from the kiss. He grinned wickedly as he chuckled.
“Why shouldn’t I be here? I’m the biological father of your unborn child, after all! You’re truly impressive, darling! You actually spun a quick tale that not only alienated Joseph and Winona as a couple but also convinced him to willingly raise our son. You know, once our child becomes the heir, we’ll make our move to get rid of that man!”
Just then, the sudden crash of a porcelain vase shattered the two’s amorous exchange within, followed by a fierce yell, and the screen abruptly went dark.
It was then that Joseph’s friend, who was holding the recording device, suddenly realized that he had made a colossal mistake. He quickly tossed away the device as if it were a live grenade. Yet, the instant it hit the floor, it activated the loop function, causing the video to play again.
“No! Turn it off right now!” Queenie bellowed. It was only then that she fully comprehended the situation, her beautiful features contorting into a look of
pure rage.
Yet, not a single person moved to help. They only drew back in silence, observing her descent into frenzy.
Then, as if a thought struck her, Queenie abruptly rushed to Joseph’s side. She then clutched his hand with tears welling up in her eyes, saying, “It’s not what it looks like, Joseph. It’s entirely fabricated! How could I possibly commit such an act when I love you so deeply? You have to believe me, Joseph!”
Joseph’s gaze remained fixed on her. It was utterly cold and brimming with malevolence, as if the person before him were dead to him. In a swift, brutal movement, he then hurled the abortion medical report he held directly at Queenie’s face, its sharp edge cutting her fair cheek and leaving a deep, bloody gash.
His eyes fell upon Queenie, who was still reeling from the strike, and a wave of profound sorrow and outrage washed over him.
He had persistently viewed Queenie as the same pure–hearted and benevolent childhood sweetheart he had always known. They had grown up side by side, with her always clinging to him.
Then, when the Reed family’s status dwindled, he had patiently put up with her, all because her grandfather had once saved his own. He never expected her to be so scheming!
He could no longer restrain himself. He delivered a resounding slap across Queenie’s face that sent her sprawling to the floor. “You fucking bitch!”
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