Chapter 14
Though Sean’s jacket was soaked, its dark color still provided decent coverage.
“Cough… cough…” Emily’s face was flushed as she choked on the pool water, coughing repeatedly. Sean patted her back gently, helping her clear the water from her airways.
“Il help you back,” Sean said once she’d caught her breath. “You should take a hot shower and change into some dry clothes.”
“Alright…” Emily rasped, her voice a bit hoarse from the coughing.
The server who had accidentally pulled Emily into the pool also swam to the edge and climbed out. He repeatedly bowing and apologizing. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see where I was going. I… I’ll cover the cost of your dress.”
He didn’t seem to realize she had hurt her wrist. “Please, just don’t file a complaint. I’ll get into big trouble with my manager.”
Holding Sean’s jacket close around her, Emily felt a sharp pain in her wrist from the earlier pull.
Now that she was out of the water, the panic had faded, but the stares from the onlookers made her uncomfortable. She also didn’t feel like getting into it with the server.
Right now, all she wanted was to take a hot shower, change into dry clothes, and put some ointment on her wrist. The throbbing pain in her wrist made her suspect it might be sprained. Injuring her drawing hand was no small issue as she relied on it to make a living.
At a resort like this, a mistake like that from the staff shouldn’t have happened. Slipping on a wet surface was one thing, but pulling a guest into the pool was another. Even if she didn’t file a complaint, the server would still likely face consequences.
“You don’t need to cover the dress. Just be more careful next time-” Emily started to say, not wanting to make a scene, but she was interrupted.
“You’re done here. Go to the manager, collect your pay, and leave,” Sean said coldly.
“W–what do you mean? The lady said she wouldn’t pursue it,” the server protested, thinking he was in the clear.
“Was I not clear enough?” Sean’s steps halted as he led Emily away, his face showing clear annoyance as his voice grew firmer. “You’re fired!”
“What? The Smith family fully owns this resort, and I, Sean, have every right to dismiss an incompetent employee,” he declared, fully exuding the confident, authoritative demeanor of a powerful heir from a prestigious family.
Just then, Manager Watson arrived, rushing over to assess the situation. He had heard about the incident and was worried about the repercussions.
“Manager Watson, handle this,” Sean said briefly before turning away, guiding Emily from the pool area without a second glance.
As they left, Emily spotted Justin and Emma standing close together not far off. She glanced in their direction but didn’t dwell on their apparent closeness. She was more concerned about getting away from this scene as she didn’t want Justin or Emma to witness her in this state.
It was embarrassing.
“How could you end up on Sean Smith’s bad side? Don’t you realize the Smith family owns this whole place?” Manager Watson scolded the clueless server, grabbing him and pulling him away to prevent further
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Chapter 14
embarrassment and disruption. He then directed the other staff to tidy up and reassure the guests.
+15 BONUS
The server started to panic. He had only agreed to do this for money, thinking it was just a favor for someone who said the woman was an ordinary tourist without any connections.
But this woman knew Sean, and the Smith family owned this whole resort. And Sean was standing up for her!
Now he was getting fired over it!
Although he had been paid well, it was nothing compared to the value of his job. This was a terrible deal.
A look of malice flashed in the server’s eyes as he instinctively scanned the area for the woman who had paid him off. She’d bribed him to pull this off, so she was probably nearby, watching to see if he succeeded. He couldn’t afford to get fired!
He couldn’t afford to lose this position, especially with how much it paid. In high–end places like this, the management networks were all connected, and getting fired here would make it hard to find another job at a similar level. He would be forced to settle for less.
The server’s eyes darted around the pool area until he spotted the woman who had paid him off. His gaze met Emma’s. She remained calm and composed, giving him a barely noticeable nod, signaling him to stay calm and not cause a scene. She would make up for his trouble with extra cash.
Seeing her reassurance, the server’s anxiety quickly faded. He knew wealthy heiresses like her valued their reputations and had plenty of money. As long as he received more than the value of his job, he had no reason to stir up trouble or expose her role. After all, who would turn down extra money?
The carefully orchestrated drama reached its end.
Justin’s eyes followed Emily, now wrapped in Sean’s jacket, with Sean’s arm around her waist as they left the scene. The sight was like a slap in the face, and he felt a pang of irritation. Was she really so eager to stick with Sean? 1
As he took a step forward, it looked as if he might be about to follow them. But Emma’s voice interrupted, “Justin, it seems like Sean is quite serious about pursuing Miss Yates. Maybe it’s best if we don’t interfere.”
Her words snapped Justin out of it, and he silently berated himself. What was he even doing? Emma was right there beside him. She was the one who mattered.
“Hmm? What are you talking about? Why would I follow after them?” Justin replied nonchalantly, brushing it off.
“Oh, nothing. I was just a little concerned seeing Miss Yates fall into the pool earlier,” Emma said, cursing herself inwardly for acting too hastily.
“Let’s go find Zac.”
“Alright!”
As Justin and Emma walked away, the remaining crowd broke into gossip.
“Who is she, anyway? Sean’s girlfriend? She looks older than him, doesn’t she?”
“A cougar thing?”
“No way! She’s not his girlfriend. She’s just here to hook up with rich guys.”
hear what happened in the parking lot? She ‘accidentally‘ hit Sean’s sportscar, obviously a ploy to exchange contact info.”
Didn’t you
“How cliché can you get?”
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+15 BONUS
Chapter 14
“Doesn’t matter if it’s cliché. She pulled it off! Word is Sean not only skipped the repair costs, but he also gave her his number. Now he’s even backing her up!”
Jealous whispers rippled through the crowd.
“Well, looks like she’s found her way into a wealthy family
