Justin Reed, that guy with nothing but a handsome face, looked more disgusting the longer Aiden stared at him.
Not only was he a bootlicker, but also a complete loser.
It's one thing to be shameless, but to lose a fight too?
If that isn't pathetic, what is?
"Boss, everything that was broken in the store today, and any business losses, I'll pay for it!"
Zoe Quinn walked to the counter and smiled at the shop owner.
Originally, the owner had planned to call the police, but since someone was willing to cover the damages, there was nothing more to say.
The way Zoe looked at Aiden now…
It was different, full of admiration and intrigue.
A low-key, wealthy man, not only handsome but also skilled and righteous.
Even though Emily Rose had wronged him again and again, Aiden didn't hold a grudge.
Instead, he punished the scumbag who deserved it.
What a man.
How cool.
Zoe Quinn: Favorability +10.
Zoe Quinn: Favorability +10.
Zoe Quinn: Favorability +10.
Before she knew it, Zoe's favorability toward Aiden had reached 40 points, high enough to spark romance.
Aiden hadn't expected that beating up Justin Reed would also make Zoe's affection skyrocket.
It made sense that Emily's favorability had risen after he helped her, but Zoe was just a bystander.
Still, this pleasant surprise proved something, women naturally admired strong, capable men.
Every woman wants a man who's confident, graceful, and dependable.
"About today's meal…" Aiden scratched the back of his head apologetically.
"It's fine," Zoe said softly. "I feel like I've met a different you today. Every time we talk, you surprise me again."
She studied him closely, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
This guy really was a hidden gem.
"What do you mean by 'different'? Haven't I always been myself?" Aiden teased with a faint smile.
"Honestly, I didn't think much of you before," Zoe said. "Until that time you gave me your WeChat so casually, you seemed sincere, straightforward. No games. But when you became popular online and I saw you were not just charming but strong too, I realized there's more to you than meets the eye."
Aiden chuckled. "Is that so? I've actually noticed you for a long time. I used to think our campus beauty was untouchable, but who knew you'd have such a fiery side? You love spicy food, eat shrimp without gloves, and even lick your fingers clean."
Zoe gasped, stamping her foot. "You're such a jerk! Who says that to a girl? Gross!"
Her pout was cute, so much that Aiden couldn't help but laugh.
Watching them flirt, Emily Rose's chest tightened.
For some reason, she couldn't stand the sight of it.
Although Aiden James had just helped her out, he didn't try to comfort or please her as he once would. Instead, he chatted with Zoe Quinn more and more enthusiastically, as if he had completely forgotten about her.
At that moment, Emily Rose felt an unfamiliar panic rising in her chest.
Zoe was in no way inferior to her, in beauty, figure, or even personality. In fact, Zoe might even surpass her.
A goddess-like girl, openly showing interest in Aiden…
Aiden now had a better choice.
Would he still devote himself fully to her, hold her close, and chase after her like before?
Impossible.
> "Why is it that just when I finally realized how wonderful Aiden is, when I truly want to love him, he's already been taken by someone else?"
"No… I can't accept that! Aiden is mine. He'll always be mine. No one can take him from me!"
People often fail to cherish what they have, until the moment they lose it. That was exactly what Emily was feeling now.
"Aiden, can we talk?"
Emily stepped forward, interrupting Aiden and Zoe's conversation.
"I don't think there's anything left to say," Aiden replied coldly.
"But I really need to explain. You weren't this cold to me before. No matter how many mistakes I made, you always forgave me. This time… I truly know I was wrong. Can't we go back to how we were? You love me, don't you?"
Her voice trembled as tears filled her eyes, hoping desperately for Aiden's reassurance.
Aiden laughed bitterly. "Go back? Go back to what, me chasing you like a fool? You'd reply when you felt like it, ignore me when you didn't. We dated for a month, yet you wouldn't even let me hold your hand in public or post a picture of us together. You said it might 'affect your family's reputation' but I think it's because you didn't want your other guys to find out, isn't it?"
"Three years, Emily! Do you know what I went through? I tried everything to make you happy, but all of it was just entertainment to you. You loved the attention, not me. But I'm done. There's no going back. I don't love you anymore."
His final words were almost a roar.
Without another glance, Aiden turned and took Zoe's hand, walking out of the restaurant.
Zoe's heart raced. His grip was firm, almost possessive but she didn't resist. She wasn't sure if it was to save face for him, or something else entirely.
She simply let him hold her hand as they walked for a long while in silence.
Finally, she spoke softly, "I don't know what to say. You must be feeling awful right now… I've heard about your story with Emily, but I never understood one thing. If you liked her so much, why didn't you just tell her who you really are? If she knew your true identity, she would've agreed to be with you long ago, right?"
Aiden blinked in confusion. "My identity? What are you talking about?"
How could a guy from an ordinary background have any 'impressive' identity?
But then he realized, Zoe must have seen him spending millions of dollars in live-stream gifts.
To her, he probably wasn't an ordinary man at all.