Filed to story: The Regretful Billionaire: An Unpredicted Reunion
“Eustace, Dr. Zellweger, are you going out to eat? Let’s go together.” Faye smiled, having already calmed down.
Eustace frowned and was about to get angry when Faye spoke up in time, “My brother will also come. Eustace, haven’t you always wanted to know what happened back then? My brother will tell you.”
A Worthy Death
At the restaurant, what was originally meant to be a date between two people turned into a meal for four instead. It was supposed to be a cheerful meal for a happy couple, but it became a somber and serious occasion.
Danika looked across the table at Anthony, the person who had saved Eustace’s life according to what he had told her. He should have died many years ago.
He and Faye actually looked quite similar. They weren’t particularly outstanding in appearance. With their thick eyebrows and big eyes, they had the kind of appearance that wouldn’t stand out if they were in a crowd.
“Mr. Quincey,” Anthony said, his tone indifferent. He no longer had the humility typical of a bodyguard.
Eustace chuckled and commented internally, “I guess things are different now.”
He didn’t really mind as he leaned back and said, “So, tell me. What exactly happened back then?’
“Even if I don’t say anything, with your current ability, you should be able to find out quickly.” Eustace assumed that he was dead and hadn’t thought of investigating previously. If he intended to personally look into the matter, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to discover the truth.
Eustace didn’t say a word. While it was true that he could find it out by himself, he still wanted to hear it from Anthony’s mouth. After all, he’d been racked with guilt about Anthony’s death for many years.
Anthony took a sip of wine and slowly said, “Actually, there’s nothing much to say. Back then, it was just a matter of circumstances. I couldn’t save Faye, so I could only ask you to save her.”
“So, you staged your own death and used that as a reason to entrust Faye to me, just so that I could cure her?” Eustace asked.
Anthony nodded straightforwardly. At this point, there was no point hiding anything any longer. “Yes. At that time, given the circumstances, I had no other choice.”
“Well said. ‘No other choice,’ huh? What a great excuse,” Eustace sneered.
His mocking laugh made Anthony’s face fall slightly, but he kept his emotions in check. “Mr. Quincey, do you know? I really envied you in the past.
I thought you were born into a good family and had everything you wanted. You weren’t like me, a bottom feeder. Well, I didn’t really mind living like that. Life was just tougher and more tiring, but at least I could still survive.” Right after saying that, he took another sip of wine.
“But fate messed with me. Faye fell ill at this time. I didn’t have enough money for her treatment, and our parents were even less likely to have the money. If I didn’t find a way, I could only watch her die.”
As he said that, Faye started crying. When she found out about everything, she had very complicated feelings. However, most of those feelings consisted of her gratitude toward her brother. Without his plan, she wouldn’t have had a chance to survive, let alone spend so many years by Eustace’s side.
Eustace was silent and unresponsive when faced with Anthony’s confession and Faye’s tears.
“At that time, I thought that if I could exchange my life for Faye’s, I’d gladly do so. But then, was my life even worth anything?” Anthony asked rhetorically. “Considering that, I had to choose a way to die that would make my life worth something. If I died to save you and entrusted Faye to you during my death, you would definitely find a way to save her. As it turns out, my guess was correct,” he elaborated. He then looked up and finished his drink.
Eustace also took a sip of his drink and felt his throat burning painfully. “Why didn’t you just tell me back then? Maybe you didn’t have to do this, and I would have saved her anyway.”
“It’s not the same thing. Even if you could lend me money, how much would you lend me? Can you lend me money for a lifetime?” Anthony sneered. Even if Eustace were willing, he wouldn’t want to live a life in debt.
He’d been feeling inferior because he was a subordinate, and if he had taken Eustace’s money, he would have even less of a chance of standing on equal footing with him.
But the money he received for dying to save Eustace was different. It was a fair exchange, and no one would think that Faye did not deserve it.
What Are You So Proud Of?
Eustace looked at Anthony and remained silent for a long time. He’d never expected such an answer. Was it necessary to weave such a big lie just to keep Faye alive?
Moreover, how did Anthony know that he wouldn’t be willing to pay for Faye’s treatment? At that time, Anthony was his confidant, and as long as he spoke up, Eustace wouldn’t refuse.
While he was silent, Anthony continued speaking, “Actually, I have my own selfish motives for doing this. You always act so high and mighty, like you’re a god from the heavens. But I thought even someone as extraordinary as you could be outsmarted. This at least proves that I’m not inferior to you- l’m just not as fortunate as you in my birth status.”
Upon hearing this, Eustace, who was feeling a little sorry, instantly regained his composure. He looked at Anthony coldly and said, “So, you think that now that you’re in charge of the Wardleys, you’re qualified to sit here and talk to me?”
Eustace had been in Bardoff City for some time now, and if Anthony had wanted to show himself, he would’ve done so long ago. But he didn’t do that until now. It was a testament to how patient Anthony was to be able to wait that long to appear before Eustace.
“You’re right. The Wardleys and the Quinceys are both part of the Ten Elites in Bardoff City. I don’t think I’m any worse than you.” Since he took over the Wardley family, Anthony felt that he’d worked hard to elevate the family’s status. The Wardleys were thriving now, so he was definitely qualified to sit across from Eustace.
Eustace chuckled and didn’t hide his disdain. It made Anthony very unhappy.” Eustace, what are you so proud of? What do you have to bolster your arrogance?”
Eustace didn’t say anything. He just felt that talking to this person was a waste of time.
However, Danika wouldn’t allow anyone to bully Eustace. She countered in a cold voice, “Stop pretending. Even if you become the one in charge of the Wardleys, so what? Don’t you feel very insecure inside? You don’t think you can match up to Eustace. That’s why you’re acting so tough.”
Insecurity wasn’t something that could be changed overnight. Even if one’s status changed, the underlying sense of inferiority wouldn’t just disappear.
Anthony’s expression changed almost instantly, as if he’d been poked in a sore spot. He pointed at Danika and said, “Shut up! Who do you think you are to talk to me like that? I’ve made it this far with my own abilities. Unlike you, who just got lucky. If it weren’t for that, you wouldn’t even be qualified to sit here today!”
“Why did she say I was acting tough? Why did she look at me with pity in her eyes?” Anthony raged internally.
Danika smiled and said, “Your own abilities? Didn’t Faye survive because of Eustace’s help? Didn’t you come to where you are today because of your birthright? If you hadn’t been brought back to the Wardley family, you would still be washing dishes in some restaurant now, right?”
“You…”
“Don’t make yourself sound so noble. You’re also a beneficiary of your identity. Don’t act like you’re so superior,” Danika interrupted him, her eyes full of contempt.
Anthony couldn’t say anything for a while because he knew very well that what Danika said was true. If the Wardleys hadn’t taken him back, he would still have nothing today.
Seeing Anthony’s reaction, Faye was a little worried and said, “Don’t listen to her nonsense. Even if the Wardleys took us back in, you achieved your position today with your own abilities.”
The Wardley family wasn’t exactly peaceful. When Anthony first returned, no one paid much attention to him. He was able to become the head of the family because he was indeed capable.
I’ll Monitor Her
Danika glanced at Faye and said bluntly, “Whether or not I am talking nonsense is not important. What’s important is what are you playing at? Your brother doesn’t think highly of Eustace, so why are you bugging him? I don’t understand you and your brother’s logic.”
Faye’s expression stiffened. In fact, Anthony didn’t agree with her coming to find Eustace.
“This is my business. It has nothing to do with my brother,” Faye spoke up and gave Danika a cold glare.
Danika was unbothered as she sneered, “This has nothing to do with your brother? You’ve really taken your brother’s efforts for granted. You should know that he spent so many years pretending to be dead for your sake. And now you treat him like this?”
“Danika!”
“If I were your brother, I would regret saving you in the first place. If I knew things would come to this, I would’ve let you die,” Danika continued, ignoring how livid Faye looked.
Faye’s face became all the more ashen. It was obvious that she was also afraid that Anthony would think this way. She looked a bit uneasy as she turned to Anthony, who was sitting next to her.
“Anthony…”
“That’s none of your business, Miss Zellweger. Faye is my sister, so, of course, I have to save her. As for her liking Eustace, that’s her choice. Although I don’t agree with it, I won’t stop her,” Anthony retorted.
He wasn’t stupid. How could he not see that Danika was deliberately trying to sow discord between him and Faye?
Danika didn’t care if he saw through her intentions and kindly reminded him, “I think you should still stop her. After all, stealing my man would make me very unhappy.”
“Oh? Are you planning to take action, Miss Zellweger?” Anthony wasn’t afraid of her. The Wardleys were not inferior to the Zellwegers.
Danika held her chin with one hand and replied thoughtfully, ‘Indeed, the Wardley family is quite a big deal, and the Zellweger family alone wouldn’t be able to do you any harm. However, you should know that I’m not alone. If I were to give the word, the Zellwegers, Quinceys, Windsors, and even the Watkins would make a move against the Wardleys. Are you sure you can handle all of us?”
Danika stared straight at Anthony, and his visibly strained expression showed that he’d only considered making an enemy out of the Zellwegers and Quinceys. He thought he could team up with the other two families without any problem, and maybe even benefit from his retaliation.
When he heard Danika’s words, he was reminded that James Windsor had a good relationship with Danika, and Danika’s sister was still with the Windsors.
As for the Watkins, rumor had it that they were also in chaos now. The eldest daughter of the Watkins suddenly began to fight for control over the family, and many believed that the Quinceys were supporting her behind the scenes. Judging from Danika’s words, it seemed those rumors weren’t unfounded.
With such a lineup, the Wardleys would be in a very weak position.
Originally, Anthony was confident he could persuade other families to join forces with him to deal with the Zellwegers and Quinceys. But once those four families joined forces, no one would be willing to get involved in this mess.
Seeing Anthony’s face turn pale, Faye was a little worried. “Anthony.”
“Thank you for your reminder, Miss Zellweger. I’ll monitor Faye and won’t let her disturb you two.” Anthony was well aware of the big picture. He wouldn’t confront Danika directly, at least not openly.
When Faye heard that, she became anxious. ‘Anthony!”
“Listen to me, and don’t argue.” Anthony didn’t care what she thought and sternly rebuked her, not letting her say anything more.
Faye was extremely aggrieved, but she didn’t dare to speak again. Even though Anthony was still her brother, he now had another identity. He was the head of the Wardleys, and he couldn’t let her indulge in her whims anymore.
For a moment, Faye didn’t know whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.
“Hearing you say that, I feel more relieved, Mr. Wardley.” Danika nodded in satisfaction. She didn’t expect Anthony to be so shrewd.
Divorce? Dream On!
When Danika was talking with Anthony, Eustace didn’t interrupt. To him, Danika’s thoughts were his thoughts, so he didn’t need to repeat them.
After Anthony and Faye left, the dishes on the table were barely touched. Danika smiled and looked at Eustace. “Now, no one will disturb us while we eat. n
“Yeah.” Eustace nodded; his gaze toward Danika was extremely tender. “Danika, I really liked the way you stood up for me just now.”
Danika smiled and put some food on Eustace’s plate. “You’re my boyfriend now. Of course, I have to speak up for you.”
“You’re so overprotective of me when I’m just your boyfriend. When I become your husband, you’ll wage wars for me, wont you?” Eustace teased.
Danika didn’t answer the question and silently ate her food. She thought there was still a long way to go before she would become his wife.
“Do you think Anthony will really be able to control Faye?’ Danika changed the topic, suddenly feeling curious about it.
Eustace’s face darkened a bit at her words. “He’d better be able to control her. Otherwise, I don’t mind teaching her a lesson.”
“Oh? Are you willing to lay a hand on Faye?” Danika didn’t believe him.