Chapter: 1370

Frank worked for Sean. He was worried that if Marlene was indeed Sean's girlfriend, keeping her away could cost him his job.

Sean's voice was icy as he said, "Get her out of here and pull her university funding. I never want to see her again."

Marlene's face drained of color as Sean's words struck her like a harsh slap. She hadn't expected such a cold response from him.

"Sean, I just wanted you to be my companion to the ball. I had no idea your girlfriend was coming to your place today. Please, Sean, can you help me out here? You're all I've got. Please don't abandon me."

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over and streaming down her cheeks, her voice breaking. "She would understand; she's kind and beautiful. Sean, won't you help me?"

With each blink, more tears fell, cascading down her face in a steady stream.

The sight of her was so fragile and pitiful that even Frank, who had remained silent until now, felt a pang of sympathy and was compelled to speak on her behalf.

“Mr. Scott, things have been really tough for Miss Harrison at school..."

He hoped to evoke some understanding, some small measure of mercy.

But Sean's response was as cold as the winter wind.

"She knew what she was getting into with her actions and words, didn't she? Marlene, you're a smart girl. Please, don't continue making a scene."

Marlene's sobs only grew, her trembling voice soft and innocent.

"Sean, all I know is that without you, I'll just get bullied again."

But Sean didn't even spare her a second glance. His initial kindness, the moment of compassion that had led him to help Marlene in the first place, had been completely erased by her behavior. What had started as a small act of kindness had turned into a burden, one that he no longer wished to carry.

“And remember to move out of my apartment as soon as you can, Marlene. Frank, show her the door."

Without a backward glance, Sean strode forward, intent on leaving this entire situation behind him. But Marlene, in a frantic burst of desperation, spun around and lunged at him. Sensing her sudden movement, he instinctively stepped forward, but it wasn't enough to stop her.

Unexpectedly, she clung to his legs, her grip like a vice as she burst into uncontrollable sobs. “Sean, please don't give up on me. I swear, I'll be good; I won't cause any more problems for you and your girlfriend. Just help me this one last time."

Marlene's heart pounded with fear. She had already told everyone she'd be attending the ball with Sean.

"Please, just do me this one last favor."

Her tears soaked into the fabric of his suit pants, and her hands clung tightly to his legs as if her very life depended on it.

Sean bent down, his eyes cold as he began to pry her hands off his legs, one finger at a time.

"I've warned you not to test my patience. Leave now."

His supposed sweet evening on a date with Norah, one he had looked forward to, had been utterly ruined by Marlene's intrusion. His patience, already worn thin, was now completely depleted and he was annoyed with everyone.

Finally, as Sean freed the last of her fingers from his leg, she collapsed to the floor, unsupported, her miserable sobs echoing through the room as she crumpled at his feet.

Sean's gaze drifted down to his suit pants, now dampened with her tears, his irritation growing with each passing second.

“Frank, are you deaf?"

Startled by his boss's harsh call, Frank moved quickly. He approached Marlene, who was still weeping on the floor, and grasped her arms firmly. With a mix of pity and resignation, he began to lead her outside.

"Sorry, Miss Harrison, I have no choice."

As Marlene watched helplessly at the widening distance between herself and Sean, she stood frozen in place as the heavy door slammed shut right before her eyes.

The sky had darkened ominously, and a sudden clap of thunder rolled through the air, followed by a downpour of heavy raindrops.

Both Marlene and Frank were quickly soaked through.

Frank dashed to the car, retrieving an umbrella. As he hurried back, he opened it and shielded Marlene from the relentless downpour. “Miss Harrison, please leave. Mr. Scott doesn't want to see you."

Sean had taken back everything he had given Marlene, leaving her once again with nothing.

Marlene collapsed at the manor's entrance, her uncontrollable sobs rising above the roar of the storm, but the man inside paid her no mind.

The cold rain pelted her relentlessly, amplifying her pain and heartache.

Seeing her distress, Frank's expression softened with a touch of pity.

He crouched down beside her, his voice gentle but firm, lifting her by the arm. "Miss Harrison, it's time to go."

It was clear Sean didn't want to see her; even if she fainted at his doorstep, it wouldn't get his attention.