Piper Gates forcefully shoved her away, causing Michelle Gates to wince in pain as her jaw was gripped tightly.
Michelle didn't dare to insult Piper any further, but she also didn't want to leave in such a humiliating manner. So, she held her head high and said, "Piper Gates, no matter how great you think you are, Cisco would never want a hideous monster like you!"
"Look in the mirror sometime! Who would ever want to be with someone with your scarred face? Just wait until the day I get engaged to Cisco—you'll be crying then!" Michelle shot back.
Piper let out a laugh, "You may like trash, but that doesn't mean everyone else does. Do you really think anyone is good enough for me?"
Years ago, when the duke spent lavishly just to catch a glimpse of Piper Downs, she had preferred to hide in K Jeju Island, playing cards with Jason Nap rather than stepping outside. So, what did a guy like Cisco Gustin even matter?
Michelle's face flushed with anger. After a moment of struggling to find words, she could only shout, "You ugly monster! You'll never get married in your life!"
With that, she bolted out of the room, as if afraid Piper would retaliate.
Once Piper closed the door, she sat in front of the mirror, and thinking of Jeju Island, she couldn't help but recall that nightmarish mission.
She was labeled a traitor by everyone, but the only one who could prove her innocence, the Raven, had also fallen in the battlefield.
Piper Gates had installed a simple tracker on her phone and entered the Raven's chip number. This mission had been perilous, but until she saw the Raven's body, she refused to believe he was dead!
Even if someone had leaked information, it certainly wasn't her. The only answers could be found with the Raven.
The next morning, Piper woke up early and jogged a couple of laps downstairs. When she walked into the dining room, the elders hadn't arrived yet, but Cisco Gustin was already there.
He was sitting next to Michelle Gates, looking at her swollen face with concern. "What happened? Did Grandpa hit you? Or was it Uncle?"
Michelle sniffled, lowering her head and cautiously glancing at Piper. "No... no one hit me..."
Cisco immediately understood and turned to Piper. "Piper Gates! Did you do this? When did you become so vicious?"
Piper didn't even look at him, taking a sip of her juice. Cisco grew impatient. "Piper Gates! I'm talking to you! Do you have any manners?"
In the past, if Cisco Gustin had been willing to say just a few words to Piper Gates, she would have been over the moon for a month. But now, she was completely ignoring him!
Piper lifted her gaze slightly and asked, "Did I hit her? Did you see it?"
"You... Piper, why are you taking your anger out on me just because I want to be with Myrtle? What did she ever do to you?"
Cisco was determined to believe that Piper was upset with Michelle because of the broken engagement, and deep down, it was still because Piper had feelings for him.
Piper let out a scoff, as if she had just heard a joke. She stood up and tossed over her shoulder, "I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and many children."
Cisco frowned. This wasn't the Piper he knew. What had happened to her? Why was she being so cold?
Was this a new tactic? Did Piper really think that playing hard to get would catch his attention? What a delusion!
Piper picked up a plate of breakfast she had chosen for herself and walked out of the dining room. She simply couldn't eat in front of these two.
Michelle Gates suddenly seemed to remember something and called out to her, "Sister! Today Cisco and I are going to the Hart Family to invite Mr. Hart to dinner. You should come with us!"
"Michelle! She hit you and didn't even apologize! Why are you being nice to her?" Cisco Gustin immediately intervened.
Piper Gates raised an eyebrow at her. "Mr. Hart? Jasper Hart?"
Michelle nodded obediently. "Yes! Grandpa wants us to socialize more! Plus, since Cisco's company has dealings with the Hart Family, it's a good opportunity for a casual meal. Come on, sister! Just cover up that scar on your face a bit..."
Piper couldn't help but smirk internally, though her face remained all smiles. "I'm not going. You two go ahead and have a great time!"
As Piper walked out of the restaurant, she could still hear Cisco giving Michelle a serious talk behind her. "Michelle, you can't be this kind to everyone. Some people won't appreciate your kindness no matter what you do!"
Piper rushed back to her bedroom. She had initially not thought much about the dinner with Jasper Hart, but with Michelle's provocation, she was determined to steal Jasper Hart away!
Piper Gates picked up her phone and unlocked it, only to freeze in realization. Damn! She forgot to get his number yesterday!
An idea struck her, and she quickly dialed Domino Hospital, specifically asking for Dr. Ray Dunlop. It wasn't long before Ray answered the call with a warm voice, "Hello, this is Ray Dunlop."
"I'm looking for Jasper Hart," Piper said straightforwardly.
Ray paused for a moment, surprised. "You..."
"I'm Piper Gates. We met at the party yesterday," she clarified.
Ray's expression changed as he suddenly understood. His curiosity piqued, he smiled and asked, "What does Ms. Gates need with Jasper?"
Piper bit her finger, thinking for a moment before replying, "I promised to take him out for dinner, but I forgot to get his number. Could you give it to me? Or maybe pass along a message?"
Ray glanced at his watch. "Are you sure? It's only... seven in the morning!"
Piper nodded vigorously. "Absolutely! I know a place that's already open! The earlier we go, the fresher the food!"
Ray Dunlop, without a hint of suspicion, said, "Alright, since you have an appointment, I'll give you his personal number."
Piper Gates received the number and immediately called Jasper Hart. At that moment, Jasper was on his way to the office. When he saw the unfamiliar number on his phone, he hung up right away. But when the caller dialed again, he finally answered, "Who is this?"
"It's me! Piper Gates!" Piper quickly introduced herself. "Mr. Hart! Didn't we agree to have dinner? Let's go!"
Jasper glanced at his watch. "Now?"
Piper nodded vigorously. "Yes! Right now!"
Not bothering to think twice, Jasper told his driver, Michael Stones, "Make a U-turn, head to the Gates Family."
Meanwhile, Piper hurriedly changed her clothes and quickly dabbed some foundation over the scar on her face. With the right makeup, the scar didn't look so intimidating after all.
She dashed out the door and spotted Jasper's Bentley approaching. Waving her hand, she jumped into the car, flashing a bright smile. "Good morning!"
Jasper Hart rarely smiled, but today he managed a slight one. "Good morning."
Ten minutes later, Jasper and Piper Gates sat across from each other in a McDonald, their eyes locked in silence.
After a long pause, Jasper finally showed a hint of disbelief and asked, "So, this is what you meant by going out early for something fresh?"
He felt like he had encountered an uncontrollable variable in his life. It seemed that there would never be another woman in Swansea City who wanted to share a McDonald meal with Jasper Hart!