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Chapter 13

That night, when she got home, for the first time, Maya didn't search through Kimberly's mistakes like flipping through a book, then scold her and punish her. Instead, she told her to go to her room, take a bath, and rest well.

Kimberly knew very well that Maya had tasted a lot of sweetness today, so of course, she was happy.

Halfway up the stairs, Maya called out to her from downstairs, "As for Vincent, although it's unlikely you can serve him well enough to marry into the Watson Family, while he's still interested in you, try to get more money and connections. At least that way, you won't lose out too much when he gets tired of you."

Hearing this, a strong sense of disgust rose in Kimberly's heart, making her feel suffocated, but she still maintained a formulaic smile, "I understand."

Then she quickly went upstairs and returned to her room.

Leaning against the door, she slowly slid to the ground, her eyes dull. Outside, Maya was like an elegant and dignified lady, every word and action showing high quality. But at home, she spoke crudely, using vulgar adjectives without hesitation, creating a stark contrast.

This was Maya's strength. How many people could maintain two completely different faces without slipping up?

After changing clothes, removing her makeup, and taking a shower, Kimberly felt much less irritated and tired, her whole body relaxing significantly.

After tidying up, she walked towards her bed, her eyes falling on the jacket hanging on the chair. She picked it up on a whim and instinctively sniffed it. It still carried Vincent's unique scent.

The various flirtations of the night echoed in Kimberly's mind, so thrilling and exciting.

Lying on the bed, Kimberly opened WhatsApp and sent Vincent a message.

"I'm home."

A reply came quickly, "OK."

A simple "OK" was indeed in line with Vincent's character.

She sent a few more messages, but Vincent's responses were very brief, just two or three words, and then he stopped replying.

Looking at the time, it was almost 2 AM. He must have fallen asleep. He had been drugged that night, so he must be feeling very uncomfortable now.

Putting down her phone, Kimberly also crawled into bed and fell asleep.

For several days, Kimberly stayed in her room, not even stepping out of it. Susan brought her meals, and Maya didn't come to disturb her, giving Kimberly a few peaceful days.

Maya was her nightmare, a nightmare from childhood.

Even now, this nightmare still entangled her, trapping her in this abyss.

Kimberly could never figure out if coming to the Knight Family was her salvation or her destruction.

In the afternoon, Maya walked into her room and directly delivered a shocking piece of news.

"I have a dinner appointment with Mr. Watson tonight. Dress up nicely and come with me."

In an instant, Kimberly's expression turned tense, her whole body stiffening like a statue.

"I understand."

"Don't just say you understand. It's 2 PM now, and the dinner is at 6 PM. Start getting ready now, take a bath, put on a face mask, and do your makeup nicely. I liked the makeup you had at the party the other day, so I've asked the same makeup artist to come and do it for you today." Maya scrutinized Kimberly, as if examining a fine piece of art.

Kimberly felt numb all over. She let out a short, spasmodic breath, "Maya, the makeup from the party was too heavy, not suitable for everyday wear."

Maya was displeased, "Are you going to listen to me or yourself? Do as I say."

Kimberly resigned herself, her expression slowly fading, her eyes growing more desolate.

"Alright, I understand."

"Don't bring that attitude to the dinner tonight. You must smile and show no displeasure. Do you understand? After all these years of grooming you, it's time for you to start repaying me. Don't mess it up." Maya's tone was full of warning.

Kimberly's face turned stiff, and she lowered her eyes and nodded.

Maya brought her along to ensure the negotiations went smoothly. She knew she couldn't ask Vincent for favors on her own, but with Kimberly, it would be much easier.

The dinner was set at a famous high-end restaurant in Emerald City, located in the bustling downtown area. A meal there cost at least $10,000.

It seemed Maya was prepared to spend a lot of money tonight.

But for Kimberly, this was not a good thing. She knew Maya well. Everything Maya did now would be remembered, and if Kimberly ever severed ties with Vincent, Maya would surely take it out on her.

Maya and Kimberly arrived at the restaurant early, and Maya brought along expensive wine, each bottle costing $15,000, and she brought two.

This was Maya's first time at such a high-end restaurant, so she acted like a wealthy lady, arrogantly instructing the waitstaff to decant the wine and warning them that if they broke the bottles, they couldn't afford to pay for them even if they sold themselves.

Seeing Maya like this, a strong sense of disgust rose in Kimberly's heart. Feeling uncomfortable, she excused herself to go to the restroom, but in reality, she just wanted to get some fresh air.

Kimberly was wearing a black dress again today, but unlike the fishtail dress from last time, this one had an off-the-shoulder design with a straight black skirt. Her hair was styled in an elegant bun, her waist was slender, and she wore black stiletto sandals. Her swan-like neck and sun-kissed skin made her look stunning.

But for Kimberly, this was too sexy. Even at such a high-end restaurant, there was no need to dress so exquisitely, which gave the impression of someone who had never seen the world.

At the end of the hallway, on the terrace, Kimberly leaned on the railing and took a deep breath, temporarily relieving her inner turmoil.

After five or six minutes, Kimberly left the terrace. She had told Maya she was going to the restroom, so she couldn't stay too long, or Maya would get angry.

Just as she stepped out of the terrace, she encountered Vincent and Ray walking slowly from the other end of the hallway.

Instinctively, she checked her watch. They were an hour late. Typical Vincent, always making a statement. Kimberly even thought he did it on purpose to teach Maya a lesson.

When Vincent saw her, his deep brown eyes scanned her from head to toe. He quickly walked towards her, and when he stood in front of her, his eyes fell on her barely visible cleavage, and his expression turned noticeably unpleasant.

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