Chapter 3 The Pity Card

• Alanna was completely stunned. Her eyes filled with admiration.
• She had long heard that Eric was exceptionally handsome, and now that she saw him in person, she realized the rumors were not exaggerated in the slightest.
• Originally, Alanna was supposed to marry this man—this incredibly handsome, powerful man. Now, the one who benefited from it all was that fool!
• Demi took the initiative. She decided not to give Alanna a chance to explain what had just happened. She threw herself into Eric's arms, holding his narrow waist tightly. Raising her stunningly beautiful eyes, she gazed at him with a soft, pleading look.
• She looked so delicate and easily stirred compassion in others.
• "Boohoo! Honey, Alanna hit me!" Demi whimpered.
• As soon as she spoke, the delicate impression was shattered, revealing a trace of her foolishness.
• She was playing the role of a simpleton perfectly, giving the impression everyone expected from her.
• Those standing behind Eric couldn't help but sigh quietly. Such a beauty, yet she is a fool. What a shame!
• Although Demi knew their thoughts, she wanted this reaction. Right now, she was at a disadvantage, so she had to keep up the act.
• Eric, on the other hand, stiffened slightly at the soft form clinging desperately to him.
• This was their first meeting. He had feigned a vegetative state when she was married off to him, so they had never met. After driving out the power-hungry members of the second branch of the family, he had hurried abroad to expand his business, leaving no opportunity for them to meet.
• His body stiffened slightly as he felt the softness in his embrace.
• When no response came from him for a long time, Demi sniffled pitifully, her expression heart-wrenching.
• "Sob! Sob! It hurts so much!"
• Upon hearing the tearful tone in her voice, Eric finally turned his gaze to her face.
• The bright red slap mark on her tender cheek stood out vividly.
• The coldness radiating from Eric grew even more intense as his icy gaze landed on Alanna, completely ignoring the fact that her face was also swollen and bruised.
• "Ms. Hart, you struck my wife. Are you implying that the Snows have no one to stand up for her?"
• Although Eric wasn't particularly fond of Demi, it wasn't his choice to marry her. Regardless, she had become a part of the Snows.
• Striking Demi was as good as slapping the face of the Snows. Alanna, who was still lost in admiration for Eric's looks, was jolted back to reality by his icy words. Seeing his displeased expression, fear began to rise in her heart.
• She quickly forced a few tears, put on a pitiful look, and spoke in a sweet voice.
• "Mr. Eric, it's not like that. I didn't hit Demi. We just had a minor disagreement, but she's slandering me without any justification.
• Alanna was quite skilled at playing the victim, but she had forgotten that Demi had slapped her twice earlier. Her face was already swollen, making her current pitiful act both pitiful and ridiculous.
• Completely unaware of how she looked, she continued to bat her tear-filled eyes at Eric, hoping to win his sympathy.
• Impossible! There was no way I'm going to lose to that fool!
• And indeed, Eric withdrew his cold gaze. Alanna felt a wave of triumph, casting a smug, challenging glance at Demi.
• The more she observed, the more Demi's face seemed to bother her. She was a fool, yet she had such a breathtakingly beautiful face!
• Hmph!
• No matter how lovely she is, she's still an idiot.
• When the time comes, I'll get rid of this annoying fool and secure the position of Mrs. Snow.
• Alanna was basking in the thought of her imagined future when Eric's next words sent her plummeting straight into despair.
• "Throw her out! From now on, she's not allowed to set foot in Clotaire Villa again."
• The butler immediately responded respectfully, "Yes, Mr. Eric."
• Alanna's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Eric. Panic quickly replaced the joy she had felt just moments ago. How could I ever get close to him if they never let me into Clotaire Villa again?
• No, no, I couldn't let myself be thrown out!
• Desperately, Alanna tried to move toward Eric. As soon as she did, the pain in her dislocated arm made her wince in agony. She had no choice but to stop.
• Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Eric. She complained, "Mr. Eric, my arm—she dislocated my arm."
• Before she could finish, Demi, still clinging tightly to Eric's waist, spoke up again, her voice full of pitiful frustration.
• "Boohoo! It hurts so much! She hurt me so bad. I never want to see that awful woman again!"
• Eric's gaze flickered with an unreadable emotion as he glanced down at her before he let out a faint, cold smile.