Chapter 81 Josh Humiliated the Wheelers
Lucky Draw
Some of the more perceptive guests began to sense that something was off. One of them tested the waters with a light remark, “Strange… Why hasn’t Chandler’s wife shown up?”
Another quickly followed, as if echoing the sentiment, “Didn’t his girlfriend already arrive?”
Most of the guests who could get close to the Pierce family weren’t fools. The back–and–forth between the two was clearly a probe–trying to see whether the Pierce family was preparing to swap Ginny for Melody.
And when they saw the Wheeler family quietly accepting the implication, the tone of the room shifted. Compliments toward Melody started flowing without restraint.
“I always thought Chandler and Ginny weren’t well–matched.”
“Come on, the Pierce family is so powerful. And what kind of background does Ginny have?”
“Looks like I was right. Chandler finally found someone who’s truly his equal. Josh, you’re a lucky man.”
“In California, the only family that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pierce family is the Wheeler family.”
1/6
14:18
Chapter 81 Josh Humiliated the Wheel…
(***) Lucky Draw
“A marriage between the two–now that’s a powerhouse union.”
The praise seemed to make the Wheeler family beam with pride. But Josh’s expression visibly darkened.
“My grandson hasn’t even been divorced yet, and you’re already hoping for a new wife?” he said coldly.
Then he turned sharply to Chandler’s father.
“These are the kinds of friends you’ve made outside? Breaking up someone’s marriage in public–what kind of friend does that? Show them out. From this day on, our family has no room for that sort of friend.”
Anyone invited to the Pierce estate–even if not equal in status- was no nameless figure. For Josh to throw someone out in front of everyone was no small thing. He didn’t spare them even a shred of dignity.
Josh had lived a lifetime without ever publicly turning on someone. But now, to stand by Ginny, he didn’t hesitate at all.
Chandler’s father was visibly irritated, but Josh didn’t even glance at him. Instead, he turned and slowly made his way to a sofa across the room.
His action didn’t just humiliate the guests; it also thoroughly humiliated the Wheeler family.
2/6
14:18
Chapter 81 Josh Humiliated the Wheel… (*) Lucky Draw
No one looked worse than Melody.
Just moments ago, she had been full of pride. Now, all that confidence had curdled into resentment.
Ginny was an orphan. She had nothing. So why–why–did Josh favor her so much?
It was his birthday today, and Ginny hadn’t even bothered to
And yet he still defended her without hesitation.
show
- up.
What did she have that was so special?
Melody’s fingers curled tightly around her wine glass. Kevin noticed her sour expression and came over to whisper, “You like Chandler, don’t you? You want to marry him, right? Then what does it matter whether his grandpa likes you or not?
“He’s already so old. Who knows when he’ll be gone? Once he’s out of the picture, won’t you be the one calling the shots in this family?”
“Alright, calm down,” he added with a reassuring smile. “Don’t forget the performance you’ve been preparing. My little sister is about to steal the show.”
Fifteen minutes later, the ballroom was cleared for the dance.
Everyone had gathered in the grand foyer. Melody clutched Chandler’s arm and asked pitifully, “Chandler, why doesn’t
3/6
14:18
Chapter 81 Josh Humiliated the Wheel…
(*) Lucky Draw
Grandpa like me? Ever since I was little, everyone who’s met me has liked me. Do you think… maybe someone’s said something about me to him?”
Her meaning was clear–she was hinting that Ginny had spoken ill of her to Josh.
Chandler caught on, but didn’t follow her lead. Instead, he feigned ignorance.
“I haven’t been home much these past few years. I rarely talk to Grandpa. But he’s always been fair–minded. Maybe he just doesn’t know you well enough yet. Once he does, he’ll see the good in you.”
Melody hadn’t expected him to dodge the question, let alone defend Ginny by omission. Frustration simmered inside her, but given the occasion, she bit her tongue and forced herself to stay composed.
As the music swelled and the crowd began to stir with anticipation, Mrs. Wheeler leaned over to Chandler’s mother.
“My daughter has studied dance since she was little. It’s her strongest skill. I heard Chandler’s grandmother loves classical dance.
“What a coincidence. That’s exactly what Melody’s best at. Why don’t we have her perform for the Chandler’s grandma?”
4/6
14:18
Chapter 81 Josh Humiliated the Wheel… Lucky Draw
Chandler’s mother nodded politely, and Mrs. Wheeler quickly signaled her daughter.
Melody went to the guest room to change. When she returned, the lights dimmed, and the gentle, melancholic notes of ‘Longing for You‘ began to fill the space.
Basking in the warmth of admiring stares, she moved with grace and elegance, every motion drawing the guests deeper into the mood of the music.
Some were genuinely touched, sighing over the story the dance evoked. Others, who didn’t care much for the art form, simply thought she looked beautiful. Either way, the ballroom fell into reverent silence.
For as long as Melody could remember, these were the moments
she lived for.
She believed she deserved to be the center of attention. The one everyone adored. The one people couldn’t take their eyes off of.
And tonight, everything was going just as she imagined.
Until it wasn’t.
Just as her performance reached its emotional crescendo, a wave of murmuring rose near the entryway.
People began turning toward the door, and soon, someone
5/6
14:18
Chapter 81 Josh Humiliated the Wheel…
Lucky Draw
gasped aloud, “Isn’t that Chandler’s wife?”
“She’s gorgeous.”
“I actually thought Chandler and Melody made a great couple, but now that I’ve seen his wife, Chandler and his wife look so much better together.”
“Is that dress from this season? I heard it’s a global limited edition. When I saw the photos, I didn’t think much of it… but on her? I don’t even have words. She’s stunning.”
“With a wife like that, who needs anyone else?”
B
Write your comment
Gifts
6/6