Chapter 4 

Shawn pretended he didn’t see her plight, but Pearl stepped in a few times to help out and ever started chatting with her. Allison thought Pearl was different, but it turned out she looked dowr on her just like the rest. 

It was really ridiculous.- 

The night she agreed to the arranged engagement, her father restored her credit card access, and fifty grand felt as insignificant as fifty cents to her. 

“Give me the necklace. Pearl, I’ll make sure you get a new birthday gift later,” Shawn said. “Allison didn’t know any better, I’m sorry.” 

Pearl glanced between Allison and Shawn and was stuck in a bind. Not handing over the necklace would disrespect Shawn. But if she did, it would suggest the necklace was fake, embarrassing Allison–and, by extension, Shawn, since Allison was his girlfriend. 

“If he wants it, just give it to him,” Allison said, arms crossed, giving Shawn a cold stare. Pearl reluctantly handed the necklace over. 

Kate suddenly chimed in, “Shawn, don’t go blaming Allison. She meant well.” 

Shawn stayed silent, his face stormy with anger. Someone suggested playing a game to break the tension, so Kate laughed and joined them for drinks and games. 

Allison was not a fan of such gatherings. She moved to a quiet corner of the room and settled on a sofa. Shawn, still looking stern, followed and sat beside her. Allison ignored him, absorbed 

in her phone. 

After a while, Shawn spoke in a low voice, “If you were short on cash, you could’ve gone for something simpler. Better than gifting a fake necklace.” 

“If 

you think it’s fake, just give it back to me,” Allison replied, her eyes still glued to her phone, her tone indifferent. 

“Do you realize you’re embarrassing me here?” 

Allison closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them wide. She turned to Shawn. 

“How am I embarrassing you? The receipt’s in the box. Can’t you check it yourself? Or do I need to take you to the store to verify it?” 

Shawn was momentarily taken aback before he looked for the receipt. Upon finding it, he realized the necklace was genuine. His expression softened, and he spoke more gently, “Why didn’t you mention the receipt earlier?” 

Allison snorted, “Didn’t feel like it.” She went back to her phone, leaving Shawn to sit in silence. 

After a while, Shawn apologized quietly, “Sorry, I misunderstood you today.” 

Allison acted like she didn’t hear, focusing intently on her game. Shawn stayed by her side 

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Chapter 4 

without saying more, his gaze drifting to the group playing games, specifically towards Kate 

When Allison finished her game and looked up, she caught Shawn watching Kate. Kate had lost the game and was being egged on to drink. Initially, Shawn held back. But when he saw Karte down her third drink and go for a fourth, he stood up and quickly walked over to snatch the 

shot from her hand. 

“Your stomach can’t handle this, Kate. Are you trying to make yourself sick?” 

Everyone could see Shawn was upset. The lively room fell silent. All eyes turned to them. A defiant Kate met Shawn’s angry gaze. “Why do you care?” 

“You’re done drinking,” Shawn said, casting a cold glance around the group. He said with a firm voice, “Do not try and make her drink again.” 

They all avoided his gaze, not daring to challenge him. Allison watched the scene unfold from the sofa, a mocking smile on her lips. 

Kate stood, trying to grab the glass back, but Shawn held it high, out of her reach. 

Kate stretched on her tiptoes but lost her balance, falling into Shawn’s arms. He instinctively wrapped an arm around her. “Careful! You’re still as clumsy as ever.” 

Kate blushed, leaning into Shawn and looking up at him with a playful tone. “Shawn, you’re so annoying.” 

The crowd began to cheer again. Just as Shawn was about to speak, he glanced up and unexpectedly met Allison’s icy stare.