Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Caitlin was well aware that it was best not to make a big deal out of the situation. But seeing her torn and dirty dress, she couldn’t swallow her anger. With narrowed eyes, she said, “Even though you apologized, I don’t want to forgive you. If I were just an ordinary person from a humble background, would you think treating me like this is okay?”
Beth felt like lashing out at Caitlin. She had brought herself low to apologize, for crying out loud. What more did Caitlin want from her? Had it not been for Clayton, she would never have apologized.
Beth took a deep breath, trying to suppress her burning rage, and retorted, “But you’re just making assumptions. Besides, if you truly were just a regular person, you wouldn’t have been here, nor would our paths have crossed. Your argument doesn’t hold.”
Caitlin almost laughed with disdain.
“So, you think regular people aren’t even worthy of being bullied by you?”
Beth didn’t reply. However, her face said it all-that was exactly what she meant.
Gal no ve l s . com hosts your favorite stories
Beth turned to Clayton, her tone softening.
“Clayton, I’ve apologized for your sake. You don’t want to make a big deal out of this and embarrass both of us, right?”
Clayton couldn’t care less about Beth, but he couldn’t deny the truth in her words. After all, he had announced their upcoming engagement. For now, he needed their relationship to appear stable for his own interests. It was better not to let the situation escalate further.
With a faint smile, Clayton said to Caitlin, “My fianc?e has indeed behaved inappropriately and crossed the line, Miss Sinclair. As a form of apology, I will make sure some gifts are sent to you. Please consider putting this matter behind you. Also, I will ensure she stays clear of you during this period.”
Beth’s face turned pale at his words. His statement suggested she would be restricted to her room for the foreseeable future, with no permission to leave. A surge of resentment washed over Beth. As the only daughter of the Fletcher family, she had never faced such disgrace. But there was nothing she could do. She loved Clayton and couldn’t bear to let go of their relationship.
So, Beth merely shut her eyes and stayed quiet, as if drained of all her strength.
Caitlin turned her gaze away, feeling a pang of disappointment. She should have known not to expect much from these people.
Leila caught on to Caitlin’s thoughts and said, “Mr. Morgan, Caitlin’s earlier question was for Miss Fletcher. I hope you won’t speak for her. Moreover, my cousin seeks only fair treatment, not gifts.”
Beth’s patience wore thin, and she could no longer contain her fury.
“You’re going too far now! I’ve apologized, and gifts were offered. What more do you want?”
Clayton’s countenance changed slightly, but he decided to remain silent.
Caitlin stared at Leila, shocked. She hadn’t expected Leila’s firm support. She had assumed Leila would minimize the issue or even scold her later for creating a scene. Perhaps she had been wrong about Leila.
Sensing Caitlin’s gaze of surprise, Leila offered a comforting smile.
“It’s okay. Say what’s on your mind. I’ve got your back.”
Under Beth’s intense, angry stare, Caitlin took a deep breath and stated plainly, “I want her to look just as I do now.”
As Caitlin spoke, she motioned toward her ripped and soiled dress.
Beth took several deep breaths, trying hard to suppress her fury. Aware that she was at fault, she began to flaunt her wealth to intimidate Caitlin.
“Do you even realize how costly this dress I’m wearing is? Thirty million dollars! You couldn’t earn that amount in…”
“Your whole life. And Leila is a businesswoman. Do you think she would really fork out the money for you?”
Beth turned to Leila, her tone mocking.
“Would you actually part with thirty million just to make your cousin happy? Only a fool would do that.”
Leila waved her hand, and Trent immediately understood. He brought over a check, which she signed and handed to Beth.
“Thirty million dollars. Does that settle it?”
Beth’s eyes widened in disbelief. Leila was out of her mind. She was absolutely insane.
Clayton watched the exchange with keen interest. It looked like Leila truly cared about Caitlin. After all, Leila had no reason to put on a show before him.
Things were getting interesting.
Beth was rooted to the spot in shock.
Leila gently patted Caitlin’s shoulder, encouraging her.
“Go ahead. Don’t hold back. She won’t try anything funny here.”
Caitlin’s expression hardened with determination. She picked up the wine glass next to her and splashed its contents on Beth. Some of the wine splattered onto Beth’s perfectly styled hair. Caitlin then grabbed Beth’s dress.
Beth instinctively tried to pull back, but her efforts inadvertently helped Caitlin tear her dress.
Caitlin hadn’t intended to strip Beth. She only tore Beth’s sleeves.
Beth could no longer hold back and burst into real tears. It was the first time she had ever felt such deep humiliation in public.
Watching Beth crumble, Caitlin let out a sigh, and a subtle smile appeared on her face.
Caitlin’s smile made Clayton’s gaze flicker with a momentary daze.
His subtle expression didn’t escape Leila’s notice. She frowned slightly, sensing something was off.
After things calmed down, Leila took Caitlin’s hand and led her away.
As they walked, Leila immediately said, “Caitlin, I’m so sorry. I was paying so much attention to Elma that I didn’t see what was happening to you. I let you get hurt.”
Caitlin had mixed feelings about Leila at that moment. But she smiled and said, “It’s okay, Leila. It’s not a big deal.”
Leila sighed and gently touched Caitlin’s face.
“It looks like it hurt a lot. How can you say it’s nothing? Don’t worry. This won’t happen again.”
Caitlin’s expression turned conflicted.
“I guess it’s because I’m too weak,” she said.
“Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been bullied.”
Leila shook her head.
“That’s not true. It’s Beth’s fault, not yours.”
Caitlin smiled.
“I understand. Don’t worry, I won’t dwell on it. Now that I’ve gotten back at Beth, it’s behind me.”
Leila patted Caitlin’s shoulder.
“Go rest for a bit. I’ll have someone fix your makeup.”
Caitlin nodded and left the party hall.
As Caitlin walked away, Leila turned to Clayton, who was approaching, her expression becoming cold.
“Mr. Morgan, didn’t you say you wouldn’t cause any trouble? I’ve allowed you to attend the gathering because of Elma, but you’ve clearly disappointed me.”
Clayton blinked, feigning innocence.
“But it wasn’t I who caused a scene, and what happened was totally unexpected.”
“While you didn’t stir up trouble, the person you brought did.” Leila pointed at Beth, who was standing nearby, looking annoyed.