When Genevieve stabilized herself and stood up, she looked to the side. A man was seen standing silently, wearing a black suit with his hand in his pocket. His whole body exuded a cold aura. The man’s appearance was like a sedative that greatly eased Genevieve’s heart. She pursed her pink lips, about to speak, but she noticed a commotion breaking out around her.
A lot of people had gathered around and were gossiping with each other. “Oh my goodness! That’s Armand Faulkner!” “When did he come back? I can’t believe he’s here at the banquet!” What? Genevieve looked at the cold man beside her again. Although the Rachford family was also wealthy, they were not comparable with the Faulkner family, which had been around for a hundred years.
The Faulkner family’s businesses were out of these small businessmen’s league, not to mention getting to know a member of them. Regarding the news of the Faulkner family, Genevieve had heard them all from her circle of friends. Apparently, the core business of the Faulkner family was currently handled by their second wife’s son, Armand.
It was also rumored that Armand brought bad luck to his wives as his previous two fiancées had passed away. Both of them had passed away mysteriously each time their wedding dates were near. Genevieve was shocked to find out that he was Armand Faulkner! Somebody around them muttered, “Did Mr. Faulkner just say that Genevieve was his date?” “Cooper was being so harsh when he slapped Mr. Faulkner’s date in front of everybody.
Do you think Mr. Faulkner will seek justice for her?” Those within the industry who had interacted with Armand before all knew about the matters of the Faulkner family. They were all aware that Armand was ruthless. Now that somebody had slapped his date, it was equivalent to hitting Armand across the face as well. He would not let the person off the hook easily. Cooper and Erica were both in the business industry, so, naturally, they had heard of Armand.
At that moment, both their faces were not looking well. Eventually, Erica broke the silence by saying, “Mr. Faulkner, we didn’t know that Genevieve was your date. Mr. Sutton didn’t slap her intentionally. She was being disrespectful first, so—” “You don’t have to apologize to me,” Armand interrupted Erica’s continuous explanation. His gaze remained cold. “She is just a date.” Genevieve’s heart sank when she heard those words.
Erica understood Armand’s meaning in a second. Her anxiety vanished. Not just that, she even mocked, “Genevieve, if you lack money, let me know. I’ll consider our friendship and lend you some. Don’t assume that you can seduce anyone you like just because you’re the daughter of the Rachford family!”
The crowd started laughing too. “Genevieve is such a joke. Did she think she could show off just because she was Mr. Faulkner’s date?” “Mr. Faulkner, you should be more careful. Don’t fall into the trap of this kind of woman.” Countless mockery targeted Genevieve. Despite that, Armand stood there coldly, not intending to say anything, and continued to let her be humiliated. Bearing all that, Genevieve was about to break down.
She pushed through the crowd and ran to the restroom in embarrassment. She splashed some cold water onto her face, easing her emotions that were about to fall apart. However, her eyes were still filled with tears. She did not expect the man to lecture Cooper and Erica or help herself seek justice. However, it was the fact that Armand had said publicly that she was just a date, and he did not stop Erica from bullying her. Did he invite me to the banquet so that I could be ridiculed?
“Ms. Rachford.” All of a sudden, Steven’s voice could be heard as he knocked on the restroom door. Genevieve took some napkins and wiped the water on her face. She opened the door, saying hoarsely, “I’ll go back myself. There’s no need to trouble you. Also, I’ve dirtied the gown.
When I have the money, I’ll—” “Ms. Rachford, you said you wanted revenge. However, look at you. You’re too weak.” Steven shook his head. “You couldn’t even stand those few words spewed by others.” Genevieve lowered her gaze, pressing her lips together. “Mr. Faulkner didn’t help me…” “It’s your own revenge. Naturally, you have to be the one to seek it.”
Steven passed a phone to Genevieve. “Mr. Faulkner has already said that you can only count on yourself.” Genevieve vaguely recalled the exact phrase when she passed out at the mansion during those few days. Did Mr. Faulkner come back to the mansion during those days? There was no passcode on the phone.
Genevieve was able to access it easily. She wondered what Steven wanted her to see. Very soon, she found a video from the album. After she finished watching the video, she knew what she had to do. Her depressed feelings disappeared instantly.
Genevieve returned to the ballroom. She looked for a waiter, mumbled a few words, and shoved the phone into the waiter’s hands along with some cash. The stack of cash moved the waiter. He swiftly turned around and left.
