Chapter 4Love's Cruel Mistake

From the shore, Brandon’s triumphant laughter echoed. He held up his phone, recording the entire process.

“Victoria, look! Julian’s expression is priceless!”

Genevieve smirked playfully. “Your husband is quite entertaining, Victoria. All talk and bravado, but his body is so honest, performing acrobatics for us. I wonder if he’s as much fun in bed?”

The vulgar remarks drew a round of knowing laughter from the surrounding guests.

Victoria’s face showed no trace of anger. “Genny, don’t mind him.”

“He’s just an immature man. I apologize on his behalf.”

“As long as you’re happy today, the project…”

“The project is negotiable.”

Genevieve cut her off. “But this isn’t fun enough. To make me happy, it’s simple…”

“Just make him drink all the water in this pool, as an apology to me.”

Victoria froze for a moment.

Genevieve pointed at the pool, a malicious smile on her face.

“Drink one cup, and I’ll have my father invest ten thousand dollars in your company!”

At these words, the entire crowd gasped, then burst into even louder laughter.

Victoria’s eyes widened with wild joy.

“Genny, are you serious?”

“Of course. My word is my bond.”

“Great!” Victoria immediately agreed, as if afraid she might change her mind.

She turned to me, still struggling in the water, and yelled with an undeniable command:

“Julian Hayes! Do you hear me?! Quick! Drink all the water in this pool to apologize to Genny!”

Hearing her words, I felt as if I were suffocating, forgetting even to struggle.

“Victoria, he doesn’t seem to be cooperating,” Brandon instigated from the side.

“This won’t do; it’ll delay Genny’s show.”

Victoria instantly erupted in fury, jumping into the pool and pulling me out.

She gestured to two of her henchmen to hold me up, completely disregarding my weakened state.

“Julian Hayes! Are you deaf?! I told you to drink!”

She roared, grabbing a highball glass, scooping up some pool water, and forcing it toward my mouth.

“It’s just a few cups of water, it won’t hurt you. One cup is worth ten grand, such a good deal, why are you refusing?!”

“Today, you *will* drink all the water in this pool!”

I looked at her exasperated face and let out a cold laugh.

That only made her angrier. “What are you laughing at? You eat my food, live in my house; what’s wrong with you sacrificing a little?!”

“Still dreaming of your days as a young master? Let me tell you, I’m not supporting you for free. You *will* pay for this today!”

She scooped another cup, ready to force it down my throat. Just then, the amusement park manager, accompanied by several security guards, rushed over, drenched in sweat.

“Mr. Hayes! Ms. Stone! What are you doing?! Stop it! Someone’s going to get killed!”

The manager’s face was ashen.

Victoria impatiently waved her hand. “What’s the panic? I’m just playing a game with my husband! I’ll take responsibility if anything happens!”

The manager looked like he was about to cry. “Mr. Hayes, this is not a game!”

“We received a notification from above, saying… saying that a distinguished guest from the Hayes Group is here with you.”

“They told us to ensure his safety at all costs!”

“Hayes Group?” Victoria froze for a moment, then scoffed.

“You’re mistaken! There’s no distinguished guest from the Hayes Group here!”

Genevieve also looked disdainful. “Hayes Group? The number one venture capital firm in the world?”

“Their distinguished guest would come to a place like this? Don’t be ridiculous!”

The manager, sweating profusely, pointed at me, half-conscious and half-asleep, his voice trembling:

“No mistake! The person from above, he is… he is your husband!”

In an instant, everyone’s smiles froze.

“No, that’s impossible!” Victoria muttered to herself.

“His… his family didn’t go bankrupt, did they?!”