Chapter 4

The banquet began.

Inside the private room, glasses clinked as Scott sat in the seat of honor, acting like the host, greeting everyone to eat and drink.

I sat at the far end, calmly picking at my food, just watching them perform.

After a few rounds of drinks, Scott finally steered the conversation to me.

"Gonzalez, I never got a chance to ask—where are you working these days?"

The room fell quiet. A dozen pairs of eyes turned toward me.

I set down my utensils and smiled sheepishly.

"Working is too generous a word. I just do odd jobs here and there. Don't make much money. Basically unemployed."

As soon as I finished speaking, whispers filled the room.

"No way? Rachel was the beauty queen of our department. How did she end up marrying an unemployed guy?"

"That's so tragic. How does Rachel even get by?"

"What do you know? She and Scott were the perfect couple back then—handsome guy, beautiful girl, such a perfect match. Who knows what Rachel was thinking back then. She must have been blind."

I heard these comments but kept a humble smile on my face.

Scott beamed with joy, raising his glass toward me.

"Gonzalez has such a good attitude. Come on, a toast to you."

Rachel, sitting beside him, never said a single word in my defense.

Not only that, but she picked up her knife and fork and attentively served food to Scott, doing it so naturally and skillfully.

Scott ate with his head down, occasionally looking up at me, his eyes practically overflowing with provocation.

I raised my teacup, took a sip, and continued watching them perform.

After a while, Rachel suddenly stood up with a smile.

"This meal's on me. Everyone eat your fill—after all, it's rare for all us classmates to gather like this."

Everyone cheered about how generous Rachel was.

She turned to look at me, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Gonzalez, go pay the bill in a bit."

I looked at her smiling face and suddenly laughed.

"Sure, I'll pay."

I stood up and headed out. As soon as I closed the door to the private room, I heard Scott's triumphant laughter inside.

"See that? I told you he's a pathetic loser! Does whatever you tell him to!"

Rachel's voice came through, with a hint of mock reproach.

"Keep your voice down. What if he hears?"

Scott laughed even louder.

"So what if he hears? Does he dare come in and hit me? With that pathetic look of his, even if you gave him ten times the courage!"

I didn't keep listening. I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

"You can start now."

The person on the other end acknowledged. I stood in the hallway and lit a cigarette.

I'd barely taken a puff when screams erupted from inside the room.

I pushed the door open to see the massive TV wall in the private room playing photos on a loop.

Intertwined figures in gym corners, kissing profiles in underground parking garages, backs embracing as they entered hotel doors.

Every single one in high definition, every single one clear enough to see both people's faces.

Rachel rushed to the TV like a madwoman, futilely trying to cover the screen with her hands.

"Turn it off!"

The door to the private room stood wide open. Guests from other rooms came over at the commotion. Some pulled out phones to take pictures, others excitedly shouted how exciting this was.

Scott's face had gone white. In his fury, he rushed over to grab my collar.

"You did this, you pathetic loser! I'm going to kill you today!"

His hand never touched me. Another hand grabbed his wrist.

Guillermo appeared at the door out of nowhere, gripping Scott's hand tightly.

"Scott, behave yourself! You're in serious trouble."

Scott was stunned.

"Boss, what are you doing here?"

Guillermo ignored him, turning to face me with an ingratiating expression.

"Mr. Gonzalez, what a coincidence running into you here for dinner. I really had no idea you were Rachel's husband. I apologize for any previous offenses—please don't take it to heart. About that investment we discussed..."

I didn't respond. Behind me came Rachel's trembling voice.

"What investment? You're that investor?"

I didn't answer Rachel's question. I simply walked to the seat of honor, the chair that had belonged to Scott, and sat down.

Guillermo immediately followed, bending over to pour me tea.

"Mr. Gonzalez, have some tea. Calm down."

The entire room fell silent.