My Dad's Bestfriend
Chapter 65 Whispers Of Discontent

Evelyn

As Jennie and I descended the stairs, my gaze locked with my dad's. He was seated next to Clara but appeared less enthusiastic than usual. The reason for his subdued demeanor eluded me at that moment, as a furrow formed between his brows, diverting my attention away from his other friends gathered around. While I couldn't recall everyone's name, their faces were familiar.

"Where the hell are you off to, Evelyn?" Well, I couldn't deny that I had expected this kind of reaction from him, because I truly had. How could I not? It was my dad, after all- he wanted me there, right before his very eyes, all the fucking time.

"I'm heading to the club with my friends," I replied, offering him a smile as I passed by. However, my smile faded when I noticed who was seated across from them-Jacob and Chloe. They sat side by side, Jacob's arm around Chloe's waist, and Chloe sitting perilously close to him, their intimate body language unmistakable. There was a beer bottle in his hand, and the other two other empties lying at his feet. Maybe he and Chloe were sharing the drinks? Couples did this kind of stuff, didn't they?

Well, I couldn't say for certain, as Jacob and I hadn't exactly been a couple, just an affair. A scandalous one that he had chosen to bury beneath the cover of night, despite its daytime origins. His gaze remained fixed on me, devoid of any discernible emotion, not even a hint of regret.

Wow! I still couldn't believe how swiftly things had taken a turn.

Why had I expected him to acknowledge the wrong he had done to me when deep down, I knew he was already aware of it?

"This looks new," I chuckled, crossing my arms over my chest as I observed them. "Did you two finally replace your way back together?"

Jacob didn't respond, and Chloe merely flashed me a smug smile that spoke volumes.

Fucking bitch!

"Yeah, they're back together," my dad remarked, his smile lacking sincerity now explaining why he looked so unimpressed in the first place. He wasn't thrilled by the news, but I could wager he would have been pleased if he knew that his daughter had narrowly avoided a disaster.

But why had I rushed headlong into that disaster in the first place? I should have restrained my desires, right? Then why?

Fuck me! They say it's true that most decisions at this age are nothing but colossal mistakes. Jacob had undoubtedly been my first and most significant blunder. I never thought I could have regrets, but he had proven me wrong, and now I had a multitude of them, with him being the most painful.

"Good thing, isn't it?" My mom, who was seated on the opposite side, wore an expression that combined hesitation with an unmistakable 'I told you so.'

Forget that. I couldn't care less about her opinions.

"Yeah, of course," I replied, relieved that my voice remained steady and my smile genuine. "It's wonderful that Jacob has found some excitement again," I chuckled, glancing in their direction. Jacob's eyes had been locked onto me from the start, and Chloe's smug smile showed no signs of fading, "Congratulations to both of you."

I didn't care about Chloe's reaction but what exactly was Jacob thinking? Playing the silent-card for what?

"Aww, thank you, Evelyn," Chloe responded sweetly, her tone dripping with sarcasm, the type only I could notice and the ones who knew the history. It was evident she was rubbing it on my face. "Evelyn, please make sure to return early, okay?" Clara intervened, perhaps sensing my discomfort.

But my dad instantly snapped, "Wait, what? No, she won't get to go there!"

I wished I could convey to him just how much I needed this escape, to be anywhere but here, far away from the man I loved, wrapped in someone else's arms, even if only briefly, to help me forget him. "Dad, I'll be back quickly. Besides, it's Mason's friend's club, not too far away," I replied softly, struggling to conceal the tremor in my voice. "Please, let it slide this time?"

My Dad seemed taken aback by my gentle response. Usually, I'd engage in a fierce argument with him, striking like a cobra. But today, I simply didn't have the energy for it, knowing I had stood on the precipice of jeopardizing everything, including my relationship with my dad, all for a man who couldn't care less about me. Jacob Adriano, God, he didn't care about me at all. All he wanted was sex. It was unbelievable how I had once regarded this glaring red flag as the luckiest gift of my life. Damn me.

"Alright, I guess since you're being so nice," Dad conceded, still eyeing me suspiciously. "But you can't use my credit card. I'll give you some cash-that way, I can at least limit your extravagant spending." I remained silent as Dad fetched his wallet and handed me a wad of hundred-dollar bills.

"That's nearly two thousand dollars, Samuel. Is this your idea of limiting her expenses?" Chloe remarked.

"Yeah, so what?" Dad retorted, seemingly oblivious to her point.

"You do spoil her quite a bit," Chloe commented casually, playing with Jacob's hair, her gaze locked on me.

"Beg your pardon, I fail to see how that's any of your business, Chloe," I finally snapped. It was just so hard to keep it all in anymore especially when I hadn't even planned on attacking her in the first place- I just wanted to avoid her but she was getting the best of my anger.

"Of course, it's not," she replied, sitting up straight, her eyes challenging. "But you know, girls who are accustomed to having everything handed to them on a silver platter sometimes end up desiring things that aren't rightfully theirs, and they often end up hurt," she trailed off.

I clenched my fists to my side- maybe she planned to get beaten by me today. One slap hadn't been enough.

"What are you getting at, Chloe?" Dad asked tersely, already looking irritated.

"Well, I'm saying this for her own good, Samuel," Chloe shrugged, smiling sweetly. "She should start learning about the real world now. We all know how young people like her can make poor choices and develop bad habits. It's quite common these days. She should start getting out of the bubble."

Dad's jaw tightened, and I could tell he was struggling to keep his temper in check. He had always been composed, except when someone disparaged me.

"She doesn't need to step out of this so-called bubble. I'm her father, and I'll provide everything for her, lay it beneath her feet whether it's material possessions, a house, a car, trivial items, or even a boy—she'll have everything she wants."

"That's what I said, Samuel-You are spoiling her. This is not healthy for her or you. Mark my words, she will soon end up disappointing you."

"Chloe, please, enough," Jacob interjected, trying to defuse the situation before Dad could respond, shooting her a warning glare. But Chloe seemed unfazed.

"What, babe? I'm just telling the truth, and it's not like I'm wrong."

"Well, Chloe, I'm not spending your boyfriend's money, am I?" I retorted, a mischievous smile playing on my lips, I just wanted to rip her tongue at this point, but I held back, "I'm using my father's money. Isn't that sufficient for you? If not, here's a suggestion: replace yourself another wealthy boyfriend. Polygamy seems to be in vogue nowadays. You can have both money and fun."

Her jaw dropped in disbelief, anger flashing in her eyes. "What...what did you just say?"

I heard a few muffled snickers that surely came from the few other people around, mostly Dad's friends- I couldn't blame them, who doesn't enjoy a show?

"You heard me right, Chloe," I continued with a smirk. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to head out and squander my father's fortune. I'm sorry you didn't have that privilege during your teenage years, not everyone comes from money, I understand," I kissed Dad on the cheek and then Clara. "I hope Jacob treats you well since he's loaded."

As I was about to turn and leave, a thought crossed my mind.

"By the way, Dad, I apologize for informing you so late, but I have your other credit card with me," I said with a sly grin, then shot a pointed look at Chloe. "So, if anyone has an issue with that while I'm away, kindly tell them to shove it where the sun don't shine, or else, I might have to trim the guest list for the final event. After all, it's no secret that some invitations were sent by mistake!"

"Evelyn!" My mom's whisper was sharp.

"What, Mom? You didn't seem to mind when she was badmouthing me, and now you're snapping at me?" I tilted my head, looking at her. I wasn't even angry with her because I knew she would never understand me, "Did you suddenly develop hearing problems?"

"You can't treat a guest like that, Evelyn," she stood up. "Apologize to her right now."

"Danica, I don't think it's Evelyn's fault," Clara chimed in, "She has the right to express herself. Chloe started it, so she should be able to handle the consequences."

Apparently, this was enough for my mom to shut her damn mouth.

"Clara? Are you serious?" Chloe feigned innocence. "I was just giving her some advice."

"It doesn't matter. The way you presented it in front of everyone was inappropriate. It came across more as an insult than advice."

Before anyone else could speak, Dad rose to his feet. "That's enough, everyone. I don't want any unnecessary drama here, especially since we're here for an event. So, from this point forward, I suggest all of you keep your opinions to yourselves, especially about Evelyn. She's not going to apologize to anyone." Dad turned to me, ruffling my hair, a smile playing on his lips as he kissed my temple. "Be home early, okay?"

"Okay," I nodded, smiling. All my anger dissipated, knowing that I had my dad by my side.

"Um, can we... Can we leave now?" Jennie finally spoke up, sounding unsure.

A chuckle escaped my lips, followed by one from Clara, who then said, "Of course you can. Have fun!"

"And don't drink too much, okay?" Dad said, extending his hand. "Promise me."

"Promise," I laughed and grabbed his hand, feeling Jacob's silent gaze on me the entire time.